Top 10 Best Travel Knives for Camping, Hiking, and Air Travel

Whether you're trekking through mountain trails, jet-setting across the country, or simply need a reliable tool for daily use, choosing the best travel knife can make all the difference. A good knife isn’t just about cutting — it’s about utility, safety, and adaptability across various travel scenarios. From slicing through rope on a camping trip to prepping food while backpacking, the right blade becomes an essential part of your gear.

But not all travel knives are created equal. For frequent flyers, a TSA approved pocket knife or one that's legal in checked luggage is crucial. For hikers and outdoor adventurers, durability and compact design are key. And for everyday needs, a sleek EDC knife (Everyday Carry) offers function and convenience in one.

In this guide, we’ve curated the top 10 travel knives for 2025 — covering everything from budget-friendly picks to rugged outdoor tools. Whether you need a knife for your backpack, belt, or carry-on, you’ll find one here that’s designed to travel as far as you do.

🔍 Quick Comparison Table: Top Travel Knives of 2025

🛒 Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Travel Knife

Choosing the best travel knife depends heavily on where you're going, how you're traveling, and what you’ll be doing. Whether you need a simple tool for cutting rope at a campsite or a compact blade for daily use, understanding your options helps ensure safety, legality, and practicality.

✈️ Can You Bring a Knife on a Plane?

This is one of the most common questions travelers ask. According to TSA regulations, any knife with a blade is not allowed in carry-on luggage, even small folding knives or multi-tools. However, knives are permitted in checked luggage as long as they are sheathed and securely wrapped to prevent injury during inspection.

For those who still want to carry a functional tool on board, a TSA approved pocket knife (typically bladeless or tool-based like the Gerber Shard) is your best bet.

📌 Tip: Always double-check TSA’s current guidelines or use their “What Can I Bring?” tool before flying.

🇨🇭 Swiss Army Knife for Travel – Still a Good Choice?

Absolutely — but with limitations. The Swiss Army knife remains one of the most versatile tools for travelers. Models like the Victorinox Classic SD offer scissors, files, and tweezers in a tiny package that fits on a keychain. These are ideal for grooming, small repairs, or travel hacks on the go.

However, if the model includes a blade, it must be packed in checked luggage, not carried on. Bladeless versions or TSA-approved variants offer limited but useful features for carry-on travelers.

🧳 Knife Selection by Travel Type

Air Travel: Stick to TSA-approved tools or pack knives in checked luggage. Choose compact designs and avoid anything that looks tactical or threatening.

Camping: Opt for a fixed-blade or full-tang knife with excellent grip and weather resistance. Functionality is key—think food prep, fire-starting, and tent setup.

Hiking: Lightweight folding knives or multi-tools are best here. Look for quick deployment and ergonomic design for on-the-go convenience.

EDC (Everyday Carry): Go for discreet, compact, and easy-to-access knives. Prioritize safety mechanisms like liner or frame locks, and ensure local laws permit your EDC choice.

✈️ For more air travel-ready picks, don’t miss our Best Travel Backpacks for 2025.

🏙️ Best Pocket Knife for Travel: Gerber Zilch Folding Knife

🧭 Ideal for: Everyday travelers, urban explorers, and minimalist packers who want a slim, lightweight knife for daily carry without bulk.

🛠️ Features + Pros/Cons

The Gerber Zilch is a sleek folding knife with an 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade and a slim profile that fits easily into any pocket or pouch. It features a reliable liner lock, thumb stud for smooth deployment, and a textured handle for grip.

Pros: Lightweight, compact, ambidextrous design

Cons: Not TSA-approved (must be checked), no clip for deep carry

🎯 Why It’s Great

This knife checks all the boxes for someone needing a practical and discreet blade for travel. It’s affordable, durable, and doesn't draw attention — perfect for urban environments or general everyday carry.

✅ Affiliate Product Box + Link

Gerber Zilch Folding Knife

✔️ Slim, lightweight EDC

✔️ Smooth blade action

✔️ Excellent for budget-conscious travelers

💵 Price: $23.99 – $27.99

🛒 Buy on GiftPals

🗨️ Expert Quote or Reddit Highlight:

“This is my go-to knife for airport layovers (in checked bags, of course). Slim, reliable, and doesn’t scream ‘tactical.’” — u/TravelerBlade

🏕️ Best Camping Knife: Morakniv Companion

🧭 Ideal for: Campers, hikers, and survivalists who need a rugged, reliable blade for outdoor tasks like food prep, wood carving, and campsite setup.

🛠️ Features + Pros/Cons

The Morakniv Companion features a 4.1-inch Sandvik stainless steel blade that’s razor-sharp, corrosion-resistant, and easy to maintain. The high-friction rubber handle offers excellent grip, even when wet.

Pros: Incredibly sharp out of the box, great control, weather-resistant

Cons: Fixed blade (not foldable), not TSA-approved

🎯 Why It’s Great

Often considered the gold standard for outdoor utility knives, the Companion delivers exceptional performance at a budget-friendly price. Whether you're batoning wood, slicing rope, or filleting a fish, it performs flawlessly. A must-have in every camper’s toolkit.

✅ Affiliate Product Box + Link

Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Knife

✔️ Perfect for camping and survival

✔️ Non-slip grip

✔️ Premium quality at an unbeatable price

💵 Price: $18.99 – $21.99

🛒 Buy on GiftPals

🗨️ Expert Quote or Reddit Highlight:

“If I could only bring one knife camping, this would be it. Stupid sharp, cheap, and built to last.” — u/TrailBoss420

🏕️ Planning a full outdoor setup? Check out our Best Camping Tools & Gear for 2025 to build your perfect kit.

🎒 Best Backpacking Knife: Benchmade Mini Bugout

🧭 Ideal for: Long-distance backpackers and ultralight travelers seeking durability without the weight.

🛠️ Features + Pros/Cons

The Benchmade Mini Bugout boasts a premium CPM-S30V stainless steel blade, ultralight Grivory handle, and smooth AXIS lock mechanism.

Pros: Feather-light (1.5 oz), extremely sharp, ambidextrous operation

Cons: Pricey, not TSA-compliant

🎯 Why It’s Great

Built for performance and portability, it’s one of the most trusted knives among serious hikers and backpackers. Fits into the tiniest gear pouch and stands up to rugged trail use.

✅ Affiliate Product Box + Link

Benchmade Mini Bugout EDC Knife

✔️ Premium steel and ultralight build

✔️ Compact enough for backpacking

✔️ Trusted by thru-hikers

💵 Price: $159.00 – $169.00

🛒 Buy on GiftPals

🗨️ Expert Quote or Reddit Highlight:

“When I’m cutting ounces from my pack, this is the one knife that still makes the cut.” — u/BackcountryJoe

🥾 Best Hiking Knife: Kershaw Leek

🧭 Ideal for: Day hikers, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts needing a slim yet fast-access knife.

 🛠️ Features + Pros/Cons

The Kershaw Leek has a 3-inch Sandvik blade, SpeedSafe assisted opening, and a secure liner lock.

Pros: Lightning-quick deployment, sleek design, great grip

Cons: Not TSA-friendly, slim handle may not suit larger hands

🎯 Why It’s Great

It’s sleek, sharp, and opens in a flash—perfect for handling trail-side tasks with one hand. Compact enough to carry without bulk, but tough enough for real use.

✅ Affiliate Product Box + Link

Kershaw Leek Folding Knife

✔️ Assisted opening

✔️ Precision blade for on-the-go needs

✔️ Pocket clip included

💵 Price: $59.99 – $64.99

🛒 Buy on Amazon

🗨️ Expert Quote or Reddit Highlight

“This knife is basically a scalpel for hikers. Light, fast, and reliable.” — @TrailTactician

👉 Also explore our Top Hiking Essentials of 2025 to gear up for your next outdoor adventure.

🔧 Best EDC Knife: CRKT Pilar III

🧭 Ideal for: Urban travelers and professionals needing a discreet everyday carry knife that’s travel-ready.

🛠️ Features + Pros/Cons

The CRKT Pilar III features a 2.9-inch D2 steel blade, ergonomic G10 handle, and a frame lock design.

Pros: Compact, ergonomic, great edge retention

Cons: Not TSA-approved, slightly thick for deep-pocket carry

🎯 Why It’s Great

It’s compact without compromise. A sleek EDC knife that fits in your palm, delivers utility, and doesn’t feel threatening in public.

✅ Affiliate Product Box + Link

CRKT Pilar III EDC Folding Knife

✔️ Compact & versatile

✔️ Strong locking mechanism

✔️ Excellent grip feel

💵 Price: $49.95 – $54.99

🛒 Buy on GiftPals

🗨️ Expert Quote or Reddit Highlight

“It disappears in your pocket but handles like a beast.” — u/UrbanGearhead

✈️ TSA Approved Pocket Knife: Gerber Shard Keychain Tool

🧭 Ideal for: Air travelers who want a tool they can actually carry onboard.

🛠️ Features + Pros/Cons:

The Gerber Shard is a TSA-compliant mini tool with a pry bar, screwdriver heads, wire stripper, and bottle opener.

Pros: TSA-safe, weighs under 1 oz, keychain-ready

Cons: No blade, strictly for light tasks

🎯 Why It’s Great

You won’t find many tools you can carry through airport security. This is one of them — legal, useful, and ultra-light.

✅ Affiliate Product Box + Link

Gerber Shard TSA-Compliant Tool

✔️ Approved for carry-on

✔️ Multiple functions

✔️ Perfect travel backup

💵 Price: $7.00 – $9.00

🛒 Buy on GiftPals

🗨️ Expert Quote or Reddit Highlight

“Honestly, for what it is, it’s brilliant. I’ve used this on three continents.” — u/FrequentFlyerDave

💸 On a budget? Don’t miss our guide to the Top Travel Essentials Under $25 for affordable yet useful finds.

💰Cheap Travel Knife: Opinel No. 8 Stainless Steel

🧭 Ideal for: Budget travelers, students, and casual adventurers looking for a traditional knife on a budget.

🛠️ Features + Pros/Cons

The Opinel No. 8 offers a stainless steel blade, rotating safety ring, and wooden handle.

Pros: Inexpensive, stylish, reliable for food prep

Cons: Requires two hands to open, not airline-safe

🎯 Why It’s Great

It’s a beautiful, timeless folding knife with real utility and vintage charm — for under $20. A reliable budget-friendly pick.

✅ Affiliate Product Box + Link

Opinel No. 8 Folding Knife

✔️ Classic wooden design

✔️ Ultra-sharp stainless blade

✔️ Great for light use and backpacking

💵 Price: $19.95 – $22.99

🛒 Buy on GiftPals

🗨️ Expert Quote or Reddit Highlight

“Still my favorite knife after 10 years. Simple. Sharp. Classy.” — u/FrenchEDCfan

🇨🇭 Victorinox Classic SD – TSA-Friendly Travel Essential

🧭 Ideal for: Travelers who want a trusted, TSA-safe tool for grooming, light repairs, or minor travel tasks.

🛠️ Features + Pros/Cons

Includes a small blade, nail file, scissors, screwdriver tip, and toothpick — all in a compact keychain design.

Pros: TSA-approved (without blade), iconic design, ultra-portable

Cons: Blade too small for serious cutting, better as a utility tool

🎯 Why It’s Great

A global favorite and travel staple. If you're packing light but want functionality, this Swiss Army knife delivers.

✅ Affiliate Product Box + Link

Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife

✔️ TSA-friendly (without blade)

✔️ 7-in-1 mini multitool

✔️ Iconic design for travelers

💵 Price: $21.99 – $26.50

🛒 Buy on GiftPals

🗨️ Expert Quote or Reddit Highlight

“I’ve carried this on planes, in hotels, and on hikes. A total lifesaver.” — @MinimalistMike

🧰 Leatherman FREE T4 – Multi-Tool for Hikers & Backpackers

🧭 Ideal for: Travelers who want an all-in-one tool with knife, screwdrivers, scissors, and more.

🛠️ Features + Pros/Cons

Equipped with 12 tools in a sleek body, including a 2.2-inch blade, spring-action scissors, and magnetic locking.

Pros: Compact for its utility, Leatherman-grade build, lifetime warranty

Cons: A bit heavy for ultralight packers, not TSA-compliant

🎯 Why It’s Great

Versatile, reliable, and rugged. A perfect blend of EDC and outdoor functionality, great for both trail and town.

✅ Affiliate Product Box + Link

Leatherman FREE T4 Multi-Tool

✔️ 12 tools in one

✔️ Compact for hiking and backpacking

✔️ Trusted Leatherman quality

💵 Price: $69.95 – $74.99

🛒 Buy on GiftPals

🗨️ Expert Quote or Reddit Highlight

“If MacGyver were a minimalist, he’d carry this.” — u/EDCenthusiast

🧲 SOG PowerAccess Deluxe – Best for Camp Utility

🧭 Ideal for: Outdoor adventurers needing pliers, drivers, a blade, and more — all in one tool.

🛠️ Features + Pros/Cons

Comes with 21 tools including full-size pliers, saw, knife blade, can openers, and hex bits.

Pros: High utility count, durable steel, comes with tool kit

Cons: Heavy, not suitable for air travel

🎯 Why It’s Great

If you're car camping, RVing, or want a true do-it-all knife/tool combo, this delivers unmatched versatility.

✅ Affiliate Product Box + Link

SOG PowerAccess Deluxe Multi-Tool

✔️ 21 integrated tools

✔️ Best for camp setup & repairs

✔️ Includes hex tool kit

💵 Price: $74.95 – $79.99

🛒 Buy on GiftPals

🗨️ Expert Quote or Reddit Highlight

“This is my entire toolbox when I’m off-grid. Absolute beast.” — @GearGuyGreg

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔐 What is the best TSA-approved knife for travel?

Technically, the TSA does not allow any knives with blades in carry-on luggage, but there are TSA-approved tools like the Gerber Shard or bladeless Swiss Army-style multi-tools that are compliant. For those checking bags, compact options like the Victorinox Classic SD are ideal. Always confirm with the TSA before you fly.

🧳 Can I pack a knife in my checked luggage?

Yes — knives are allowed in checked luggage as long as they are properly sheathed and securely wrapped to prevent injuries to baggage handlers and inspectors. This applies to folding knives, camping knives, and multi-tools with blades. Just remember: nothing sharp should ever go in your carry-on.

🧰 What’s the difference between an EDC and a camping knife?

An EDC (Everyday Carry) knife is designed for compact, daily use — lightweight, easy to access, and discreet. These are ideal for urban settings or general travel.

A camping knife, on the other hand, is built for durability and heavy use — often featuring a larger blade, fixed design, and grip suitable for outdoor tasks like wood prep, food cutting, or gear maintenance.

🧭 Or browse our curated Gift Ideas for Outdoor Adventurers if you’re shopping for someone who loves the wild.

Conclusion: Your Travel Knife, Your Adventure

From rugged trails to international terminals, the right knife can be a true companion. In this guide, we've highlighted the best travel knife options for every kind of journey — from TSA approved pocket knives for air travel to EDC knives perfect for everyday use, and durable tools built for camping and hiking.

Whether you're packing light for a flight or gearing up for the wild, the knives featured here offer the versatility, safety, and reliability today’s traveler demands.

🔪 Your next trip deserves the right blade. Don’t leave home without it.

🛒 Explore top-rated knives now on GiftPals.com and find the perfect match for your travel style.