Did Gerber Quietly Release the New King of Affordable Camp Multi-Tools?

Significant upgrades to the popular Stake Out boost backcountry utility without wildly jacking up the price.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published February 12, 2025

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Updated February 12, 2025

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By most accounts, Gerber’s compact Stake Out multi-tool is something of a camp champ.

Reviewing it as part of the brand’s camp kit last winter, former GP staffer Hayley Helms called it “pretty darn useful,” with some reservations — a sentiment echoed by the 50-plus user reviews on Gerber’s own site.

gerber stake out spark all tools — The Stake Out Spark boasts a number of additions, including pliers, wire cutters and a ferro rod.

In a bid for bigger raves — and let’s be honest, a brazen attempt to eat some of the Leatherman Signal’s lunch — the brand has introduced an upgraded version, the Stake Out Spark.

With the addition of some big-time tools, including pliers, wire cutters and a ferro rod, it makes a helluva case for space at the top of your backcountry pack — at half the price of the Signal, to boot.

Hot ticket

So how does the new Stake Out Spark (hitherto “the Spark”) compare to the original — and is it worth the reasonable price hike from $55 to $70? Let’s take a look.

Before discussing the upgrades, I do want to mention that in its new form factor, the Spark does jettison a few features its predecessor offers, most notably scissors, tweezers and file.

As you might guess from the name, the new capability Gerber is most stoked about involves Beavis’s favorite thing: fire.

While nothing to sneeze at, the tradeoff is for a number of tools with more backcountry appeal.

In the clearest poke at the bear that is Leatherman, the Spark adopts that brand’s trademark bifurcated handles opening up to a pliers that offer both standard and needlenose functionality.

The base of the jaws incorporates wire cutters, essentially adding three tools at once.

Anyone who has had a mechanical breakdown in the backcountry can attest to how clutch pliers can be.

gerber stake out spark pliers — The pliers majorly boost the Spark’s versatility, not only in the backcountry but in everyday use.

I carry a Leatherman Bond on gravel and MTB adventures because while most bike issues can be addressed with an Allen key, the squeeze-and-twist wrenching power of pliers is a godsend for bending wires, repairing chains, handling hex-headed bolts and screws and more.

Yet, as you might guess from the name, the new capability Gerber is most stoked about involves Beavis’s favorite thing: fire.

While the original offers a ferro rod strike, the Spark includes both a ferro rod and a strike (incorporated into the saw), creating an entirely self-contained flame-igniting unit.

Yes, you can start a fire with matches or a lighter, but there is no substitute for classic fire-making techniques, not only for the heritage but for the reliability in a pinch. Doing it the old-fashioned way provides a bit more satisfaction, too.

gerber stake out spark tent stake puller — True to its original name, this multi-tool retains its tent stake pulling attachment.

Rounding out the Spark’s features are other excellent tools, including a 2.4-inch blade (0.2 inches longer than the original’s), carabiner carry/bottle opener, ruler and, of course, a tent stake puller.

As I referenced the renowned and rugged Leatherman Signal ($140) earlier, I would be remiss not to mention its more robust feature set, which also includes a wire stripper, hammer, can opener, bit drivers, box wrench, safety whistle and a diamond-coated sharpener.

That said, the Signal lacks the stake puller. And for many campers and hikers, the Spark provides more than enough functionality and durability — while leaving 70 bucks in your pocket for several rounds of ice cold suds when you make it out of the woods safely.