Brooks-Range Backcountry Multi-Tool: First Impressions

[That was Pontus]

I love coming home to parcels at the door. :)

http://stk.tetongravity.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=87201&d=1292457816

First impression? Interesting bit of kit. It does come across as first run fit and finish. The bits rattling around in the handle was unsettling when I first unboxed it. After playing around with it, the three in the one handle (with the bit driver) don't seem as they'll go anywhere, we'll see about the 4th bit in the other handle. Though, I think as long as it's kept in the pouch vs being left to rattle around the bottom of a pack, things should stay in place.

http://stk.tetongravity.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=87213&d=1292458381

Big plus, the bits are standard hardware store fare. None of that brand proprietary bullshit here. Lose your pozi 3? Go out and buy a handful for what it would cost to pick up Leatherman's bit kit. That and the 10 & 11mm wrench I can see being handy to Spark Iggy owners.

Really so far, my biggest qualm is the blade lock. It involves opening the wrench in order to push the spring lock in. No way to close this thing one handed.

http://stk.tetongravity.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=87210&d=1292458381

Sorry for the mess, I'll see about cleaning these posts up.

[That was Pontus]

And a few more...

[neck beard]

ohh mama

[SpinalTap]

I'm about to get a leatherman Wave, you'd recommend this one over the leatherman?

[That was Pontus]

Can't make a call on that, not having handled a Wave in a long time. This is my first multi-tool, up from Swiss knives.

Some big differences though between the two it appears. The Wave rolls in at 241g according to Leatherman, whereas the Brooks-Range is 181.45g. All stainless vs. stainless/aluminum. Every tool in the book vs. the essentials. The Brooks-Range can haul 4 bits on the chassis, plus a handful more in a pouch on the case. Can't comment on the Wave, though it appears only to be able to carry one on the tool itself. The Brooks-Range also comes with the 6/8/10/11mm wrench which was one of the big selling points to me. Another is the industry standard 1/4" hex bits.

It comes down to the trade offs I guess. Personally I don't want or need all of the tools on the Wave (scissors, saw, can opener, nail file....), whereas the Brooks-Range had a few I wanted that the Wave and other Leathermans don't (the wrench being a big one).

A more accurate comparison would probably be between the Skeletool and the Brooks-Range. The Skeletool shaves nearly 40g off the Brooks-Range but no wrench.... Until I get a chance to handle a Skeletool though, can't really compare the two beyond that.

[DAFTC]

Any follow up/longer term impressions on this? Looking to pick one up...

[bad dancer]

Not sure if I should buy the leatherman for $100 at MEC or the Vinylman for $ 8. at wal-mart. I'm sure the Leatherman is a tad bit less in the gram dept but the Vinylman has that looseability that I like so much. Any feedback would greatly be appreciated.

[D(C)]

Looks like a sweet tool. Is it available only online?

[I've seen black diamonds!]

Pliers are a bit flimsy (to much flex). Otherwise I'm happy with it.

[That was Pontus]

I'll agree, the pliers aren't all that burly, but then again this is a multi-tool. The knife lock is annoying in that it requires you to fold out the wrench in order to close the knife. Maybe add a tab that sticks up for the next model. Big plus is still the the use of standard 1.4" bits. Cheap to pack a few extras of any you consider essential. Losing one out in the snow or the woods isn't that big of a deal. One thing to note, the bits you pick up from the hardware store are likely carbon steel and will rust in no time if you just chuck things wet back into the pack. Haven't actually had to pull it out and use it a whole lot (thankfully). It has a bottle opener, essential for any summit bid.

[DAFTC]

Word. Thanks.

[Johnny Sizzler]

Not sure if I should buy the leatherman for $100 at MEC or the Vinylman for $ 8. at wal-mart. I'm sure the Leatherman is a tad bit less in the gram dept but the Vinylman has that looseability that I like so much. Any feedback would greatly be appreciated.

The vinylmans made out of cheap pressed steel so every tool is softer than the bolt/nut it's being used on? Or quality control is so bad that it effectively rounds out and fucks up the fastener you have to use it on? And all this made so cost effective that I can really not have to engage in the laborious task of actually remembering it? Does it corrode like shit the moment the weatherman just predicts rain? This sounds too good to be true. Where do I get one?

[Toby]

My tool got loose on a trip (I was using it every day). The 3.5mm (?) hex bit that holds everything together became loose. I could sort of screw it back a bit with finger pressures but it sucked. The result (or maybe it was unrelated) was that the long thin side plate that you can see on the lower side of the upper arm in the picture with all the bits layed out became bowed out and I'd drop bits in the snow every single time I used it. They don't sit anywhere near as solid as they did when I first got the tool. I also occasionally dropped bits from the end of the top handle. I got used to it and would be very careful each time I used it but it sucked to drop them. Also the pouch velcro doesn't line up very well with where I want it to (on the accessory side from memory). Apart from those gripes I found it super useful and I customised my bits to my trip and that was awesome.

[altis]

CK Tools 6-in-1 tool set with custom bits - incl #3 pozi (86g):
http://www.csedistributors.com/acatalog/6-in-1-bit-screwdriver-s.jpg
Together with a Victorinox Mountaineers penknife that includes blade and scissors (82g).
http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/vi/victorinox-mountaineer-knife.jpg
No pliers though....

[homemadesalsa]

Any updates on this? Am looking for one for xmas, and the Brooks Range is hard to find.

[That was Pontus]

The magnet that holds the bits in the screwdriver portion fell out. About it so far.

[Summit]

CKRT Zilla Tool and just get a #3 pozi bit from the hardware store.

Zilla tool is the only multitool with both a GOOD EASY LOCKING blade of usable length 3" (required to actually make use of a knife and safely), a real usable pliers that you can crank on without hurting yourself or breaking the tool, and standard interchangeable driver bits.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DImnJgXYmGY/TLjJtMc3XeI/AAAAAAAAAVY/0gMoSZGNgnA/s320/CRKT+Zilla-Tool.jpg

It's insanely burly, but at 7oz it's lighter than a Wave. One handed operation for all actions (this is important for survival). Also, at $28-40 it is very affordable! It does 3-5 things very well instead of 10-20 things so-so. Do I wish it had a saw and scissors? Yes, but I never used those anyways. The Skeletool competes with the Zilla Tool: Skeletool is 30% lighter but uses proprietary bits. Zilla Tool uses universal bits, is burlier, less expensive, more ergonomic, and has a bigger blade with serrations.

I also have a Zilla Tool Jr for lightweight. This version is smaller, lighter (3.8oz), cheaper $12-$30, but otherwise identical except needs an adapter to use standard interchangeable bits. It still has a functional 2.25" locking blade and is far burlier than any small sized tool I've ever seen... here there is no comparison. If you need a tiny tool, Zilla Tool Jr has no competition.

http://www.outdoorgoods.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=GS49544&click=34848
http://www.amazon.com/Columbia-River-Knife-Tool-9065K/dp/B0017UVAOC

[point it]

Ive used my wave for 3 years all summer on forest fires and in the winter for touring activities....perfect for anything ive ever had to do and hasnt bent, snapped, or loosened in any way shape or form...id recommend it to anyone

[cat in january]

Just purchased a new multitool (went with a Leatherman Skeletool). Wanted to buy the Brooks multitool, but i could not find it anyplace after searching on the internet. Wonder if they have stopped making it.

[neck beard]

Recalled, I believe.

[Toby]

Hmm, I never got a notice. Got any more beta on that, Hohes?

[neck beard]

Hmm, I never got a notice. Got any more beta on that, Hohes?

Sorry, not recalled. My mistake there. I like Brooks Range gear, willingly own two of their rescue sleds, don't want to say the wrong thing.

Here is what I read:


(but has been temporarily discontinued due to problems with manufacturing quality control)
http://www.wildsnow.com/5308/multi-tools-backcountry-skiing/

I'm lined up for a purchase as soon as they release them again.

[Alpinord]

I think Altis' 'multi-multitool' approach offers the best flexibility to get decent tools you need that also operate more efficiently. My ole Leatherman has an excellent needlenose pliers, knife and misc tools. The knife is a PITA to get at, the tool is heavy (nice feel though) and I prefer a dedicated, nice knife. Generally, the add-on drivers always seem less than ideal than a dedicated driver tool.

I'm not advocating a tool box, but an 'efficient kit' or 'tool quiver' approach of a few tools that are prioritized by your convenience and use preferences. It'd add afew ounces, but when you need the right tool to work, you need the right tool to work. I tend to keep a hex driver and swap misc bits year round (skiing, biking, camping, etc) in a pouch. Smaller pliers and scissors can be found in a lot of places and don't weigh much or in a tool like this:

105405

The troll police can skip the following:

We have access to a sea of tool options and combinations, but there are simply too many options to offer everything without some direction. If anyone wants to help guide us to offer good options or priorities, please let me know. Brooks Range snow tools are already available to us and in our store, but not sure about the BC Tool. I'll be adding the Wave, Skeletool & the Zilla (I want one) to our store in the near future. We already have drivers, but I'll look for a smaller one like the the CK driver. We also have various bits and will keep adding them.

BTW, what bits do Dynafits need? I heard mention of a torx bit is needed.

Edit: There also seems to be a fair amount of crossover between ski and bike tools. This might be a place to look to build your own 'tool quiver'. Check this insane multi-tool (without a knife):

105406

[Hugh Conway]

This might be a place to look to build your own 'tool quiver'. Check this insane multi-tool (without a knife)

What's the point for skiing? There aren't that many necessary bits. Dynafit = T10 torx, straight blade, pozi/phillips/whatever the stupid ski mount they have is. problem for skiing is something that'll handle the torque of unmounting bindings; my experience with multi-tools is less than good, so I use one of the old "binding buddies". and have another multi-tool with the required corkscrew, bottle opener and cheese/sausage knife.

[Alpinord]

What's the point for skiing? There aren't that many necessary bits. Dynafit = T10 torx, straight blade, pozi/phillips/whatever the stupid ski mount they have is. problem for skiing is something that'll handle the torque of unmounting bindings; my experience with multi-tools is less than good, so I use one of the old "binding buddies". and have another multi-tool with the required corkscrew, bottle opener and cheese/sausage knife.

Regarding limited ski tool overlap and to illustrate the array of possible multi-tool pieces. There are tons of various combinations out there for bikes and other purposes. It's over the top IMO and having a binding buddy/driver or a simpler fold-able, sturdy type driver, ie:

105448

Other field gear repair/maintenance needs include ss inserts, boot fasteners, ski poles, tents, packs, whatever where a few more and better tools would be nice to have when the inopportune moment occurs.

[Hugh Conway]

Other field gear repair/maintenance needs include ss inserts, boot fasteners, ski poles, tents, packs, whatever where a few more and better tools would be nice to have when the inopportune moment occurs.

I'm well aware of the plethora of micro bike tools. Like the never ending array of useless flyfishing geegaws them seem more to appeal to the gadget consumers want of purchase than to fulfill some practical need.

My experience with the folding drivers is they aren't sturdy enough for binding replacement; hence the other. Boot fasteners = hex Ski poles (if you've flicklock) = straight blade, same as for dynafit. for repairing poles a hose clamp = straight blade

[Alpinord]

I'm well aware of the plethora of micro bike tools. Like the never ending array of useless flyfishing geegaws them seem more to appeal to the gadget consumers want of purchase than to fulfill some practical need.

My experience with the folding drivers is they aren't sturdy enough for binding replacement; hence the other. Boot fasteners = hex Ski poles (if you've flicklock) = straight blade, same as for dynafit. for repairing poles a hose clamp = straight blade

You're kind of making my main point. The bike tools were a tangential thought and thinking in terms of common tools that could be used year round as part of your always in your pack tools.

Don't get too hung up on gram counting so you don't round out whatever multi-tool direction you like with the missing pieces or weak points. When you have a problem and well away from other resources or short on time, will you have the right tool and parts at your disposal to deal with it efficiently and adequately?