Steve Johnson
Gear Analyst

Steve has authored more than 40 books from destination guides to children’s titles. He has also writes for Nat Geo, Outside, Backpacker, Forbes and partners with national and global influencers to write their riveting stories.

Steve hails from Wisconsin’s far north, where he cultivated a love of the outdoors that resonates in an active, exuberant lifestyle. He spends copious time hiking in the Midwest and Colorado’s high
mountains, camping at every opportunity, competitive cycling, and making priceless memories with his kids.

If you were perched on a barstool next to him at some high alpine tavern, he’d say it like this: “I’m a self-propelled recreation junkie, big fan of what’s Out There, editor, and all-around scribe. A curious
nomad, explorer, goofball prankster romantic. Part shoulder-to-the-wheel, part scholar. I rarely wear shoes. I live on wanderlust, adrenaline and joy, with an insatiable hunger to learn and laugh and live.”

Articles by Steve Johnson

Leatherman Raptor Multitool Review
The Leatherman Raptor with blue and yellow handles and its tools deployed.

Leatherman Raptor Multitool Review

Author
Built for first responders, this specialized multitool features medical shears and emergency tools designed for fast action and confident performance.
Leatherman Skeletool Multitool Review
The-Leatherman-Skeletool-with-a-fishing-fly

Leatherman Skeletool Multitool Review

Author
Light, compact, and efficient, this leatherman covers all the essentials with a knife, pliers, and bit driver—ideal for streamlined EDC.
Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman Multitool Review
The-Victorinox-Swiss-Army-Huntsman-knife-on-a-cutting-board-with-food

Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman Multitool Review

Author
This is the iconic Swiss Army multitool jammed with 15 tools. A perfect balance of tradition and function for home or outdoor use.
Gerber Suspension NXT Multitool Review
The silver Gerber Suspension NXT with its pliers open, on a board.

Gerber Suspension NXT Multitool Review

Author
A comprehensive, high-performing and reliable multitool that is a hit with trail crews, backpackers, anglers, and campers.
Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Multitool Review
The Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD keychain multitool with a wallet and sunglasses

Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Multitool Review

Author
Getting your first swiss army knife is like a rite of passage. All those entering self-sufficiency adventures in DIYers need one. This little legend is a great companion or gift.
Leatherman Micra Multitool Review
The Leatherman Micra on a board with its tools deployed.

Leatherman Micra Multitool Review

Author
We keep this allstar player close by because its not just fun to use, it works like a charm. For this reason and more we put this multitool on our list of favs.
Victorinox Rambler Multitool Review
The Victorinox Rambler, resting on a board, with its tools deployed.

Victorinox Rambler Multitool Review

Author
This legendary brand distilled their expertly designed versaility into a remarkebly sleek mutitool leaving you with no reason to leave it behind.
SOG PowerAccess Deluxe Multitool Review
The silver SOG PowerAccess in hand, held above a log, with its needle nose pliers extended.

SOG PowerAccess Deluxe Multitool Review

Author
This multitool is fearless in the face of a DIY project. With 21 tools, its basically a handheld toolbelt.
Gerber Armbar Drive Multitool Review
The Gerber Armbar Drive deployed.

Gerber Armbar Drive Multitool Review

Author
This multitool features a sleek, modern look with a slim, minimalist design, making it a great option for everyday carry and light-duty use.
Leatherman Surge Multitool Review
The Leatherman Surge held above a log, with its pliers extended.

Leatherman Surge Multitool Review

Author
With a reputation as a jack-of-all-trades, this multitool lives up to the hype. It’s one of Leatherman’s most durable and versatile multitools, equipped with 21 tools…
Gerber Dual-Force Multitool Review
The Gerber Dual force cutting hay bale netting with its knife blade.

Gerber Dual-Force Multitool Review

Author
Compact and powerful, this tool shines with its slip-joint pliers, offering impressive strength and smooth operation for heavy-duty tasks.
Leatherman Wave+ Multitool Review
close up of a person holding the leatherman wave+

Leatherman Wave+ Multitool Review

Author
The Leatherman Wave+ earned a top spot on our best multitool list for being a solid and reliable tool packed with quality, durability, and versatility.
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