What EDC Knife Should Backpackers Carry?

When picking a knife for backpacking, many people get caught up in the fixed blade vs. EDC knife debate. But here’s the truth: both have their place — they’re simply built for different purposes. Both cut, whether it’s cleaning fish, making feather sticks, or prepping meals. But how they fit into your backpacking kit is where the real difference lies. You can use a folding knife as your Edc Knife For Backpacking, and your EDC in your life.

EDC Knives vs. Fixed Blades

An EDC knife is compact, lightweight, and made for everyday tasks like cutting food, slicing cordage, foraging, opening packages, or general campsite chores. It’s designed for quick access and daily use without adding extra weight to your setup.

A fixed blade, on the other hand, is built for heavier jobs: batoning wood, chopping, or serious survival situations. It’s the tough, backup tool you hope you don’t need — and most backpackers keep it stashed in their pack rather than on their hip.

A great real-world example is NW Fishing secrets approach. He carries a sturdy fixed blade in his backpack just in case, but relies almost entirely on his EDC folder (the Benchmade North Fork) for everything, making tent stakes, foraging mushrooms, meal prep, cleaning fish, even opening cans. His setup proves you don’t need a fixed blade for 99% of backpacking knife tasks.

In short: both cut, but they do different jobs. For backpacking, your EDC knife should be the tool you can grab and use all day — and a fixed blade can stay tucked away for when (and if) you truly need it.

The 10 Best EDC Knives for Backpackers in no order

1. CRKT M16-03KS

• 12c27 steel
• 3.55 inch long blade
• 8.25 overall length
• Stainless stell handle
• Frame lock

• Why it’s special:
  This is my most used EDC backpacking knife. The CRKT M16-03KS stands out with its clean, tactical design and stainless steel handle that gives it a rugged, industrial look. Designed by legendary knifemaker Kit Carson, it’s built to be tough but not overkill. The 12C27 steel blade offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance, which is crucial when you’re out on the trail and don’t want to constantly worry about maintenance.
• Why I like it:
  This knife just feels right in the hand. The frame lock is solid and confidence-inspiring, and the flipper tab makes it super fast to open one-handed — even with gloves on. It’s lightweight for a full stainless steel handle and balances well, making it a joy to use for everything from slicing cheese to cutting rope.
• Why it’s a great EDC knife:
  At 3.55 inches, the blade is long enough for real work but not so big it becomes a hassle to carry. It’s slim, pocketable, and built to handle the day-to-day tasks that come up while backpacking without weighing you down.

2. CRKT M16-03XK

• D2 steel
• 3.57 inch long blade
• 8.25 overall
• Grivory handle with exposed steel liners
• Axis lock
  
• Why it’s special:
  The M16-03XK takes everything great about the original and kicks it up a notch. This model upgrades the blade steel to D2 — a tool steel known for its hardness and edge-holding capabilities. Plus, the Grivory handle with steel liners keeps it tough while shedding a few ounces compared to the full stainless version.
• Why I like it:
  This knife feels lighter and livelier in hand than the M16-03KS, but it’s every bit as capable. I also love the Axis-style lock — it’s strong, easy to operate one-handed, and adds a layer of safety when you’re working fast. As an EDC backpacking knife this thing is amazing! supper fast and snappy, comfortable in the hand and has a supper strong tip for prying and stabbing. Although you should not pry with your knife.
• Why it’s a great EDC knife:
  With a 3.57-inch blade and a slim profile, it fits perfectly into the EDC sweet spot. It’s lightweight, tough enough to take a beating, and offers fantastic performance without any bulk.

3. Spyderco Paramilitary 2

• S30V steel
• 3.45 inch long blade
• 8.26 overall length
• G10 handle with inset full steel liners
• Compression lock
  
• Why it’s special:
  The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is an icon for a reason. The S30V blade steel offers premium edge retention and corrosion resistance, and the Compression Lock is one of the strongest and easiest-to-use locking systems out there. G10 scales give you a secure grip, even in wet conditions.
• Why I like it:
  Few knives feel as refined and ready as the PM2. The full flat grind slices effortlessly through everything — food, cordage, packaging — and it just feels good in the hand. It’s one of those tools that makes you smile every time you use it. Honestly this is my most used EDC sense i got it. I love this thing. it is amazing for every day life and is a fantastic Edc Knife For Backpacking.
• Why it’s a great EDC knife:
  At 3.45 inches, the blade is right in the Goldilocks zone. It’s capable, durable, lightweight, and extremely reliable — all the things you want in your go-to trail knife.

4. Spyderco Para 3

• S45VN steel
• 2.93 inch blade
• 7.2 overall length
• G10 handle with inset full steel liners
• Compression lock
  
• Why it’s special:
  Think of the Para 3 as the little brother to the PM2, but don’t let the smaller size fool you — this knife is a beast. With upgraded S45VN steel, it offers incredible edge retention and corrosion resistance, making it perfect for extended trips.
• Why I like it:
  The compact size is a game-changer. It disappears in the pocket but still feels substantial enough for real work. Plus, the action is buttery smooth, and the Compression Lock remains one of my favorites. This one is allot more friendly for every day EDC but not as amazing for Backpacking EDC.
• Why it’s a great EDC knife:
  Sometimes you want something smaller and lighter — especially when every ounce counts. The Para 3 delivers big performance in a compact package, making it a perfect backpacking companion.

5. kershaw iridium

• D2 steel
• 3.4 inch blade
• 7.9 overall length
• Anodized aluminum handle
• Axis lock
  
• Why it’s special:
  The kershaw iridium offers fantastic value with its D2 steel blade and anodized aluminum handle. It’s rugged, sharp, and sleek without breaking the bank — a hard combination to find.
• Why I like it:
  It just feels clean and efficient. The Axis-style lock is intuitive, and the aluminum scales give it a durable, high-end feel without adding too much weight. It’s also easy to sharpen in the field if needed.
• Why it’s a great EDC knife:
  It’s budget-friendly but doesn’t skimp on performance. The 3.4-inch blade is right in that EDC comfort zone, and the lightweight handle means you’ll hardly notice it’s there until you need it.

6. Ruike P801

• 14c28n steel
• 3.4 inch blade
• 7.9 overall length
• Steel handle
• Frame lock
  
• Why it’s special:
  The Ruike P801 is a sleeper hit. With 14C28N steel (essentially an improved version of Sandvik’s 12C27), it offers fantastic corrosion resistance and edge retention at a budget price.
• Why I like it:
  It’s simple, clean, and incredibly well built for the price. The frame lock is rock solid, and the blade deploys on ball bearings so smoothly you’d think you were using a knife three times the price. This thing is around only $30. Its fantastic for the price. I would say this is the best budget Edc Knife For Backpacking
• Why it’s a great EDC knife:
  It’s slim, tough, and has a no-nonsense design that’s perfect for trail tasks. When weight, budget, and reliability all matter, the P801 hits that perfect middle ground.

7. Benchmade Bailout

• S30V
• 3.4 inch blade
• 8.1 overall length
• Anodized aluminum
• Axis lock
  
• Why it’s special:
  Designed for lightweight strength, the Benchmade Bailout features a slim profile, a 3.4-inch S30V blade, and an anodized aluminum handle. It’s built tough for people who need serious performance without extra weight.
• Why I like it:
  It’s ridiculously light for its size. The Bailout feels almost like it’s not even there in the pocket but can take on real work when needed. Plus, Benchmade’s Axis Lock is one of the best in the business.
• Why it’s a great EDC knife:
  At just 2.05 ounces, it’s the ultimate lightweight backpacker’s EDC. If you want to carry a bigger blade without feeling like you’re carrying a bigger blade, this is the one.

8. Benchmade North Fork

• S30V
• 2.97 inch blade
• 6.87 overall length
• Laminated wood handle
• Axis lock
  
• Why it’s special:
  The North Fork blends classic looks with high-end performance. Featuring S30V steel and gorgeous laminated wood handles, it’s a beautiful knife that’s also built to work.
• Why I like it:
  It’s compact, elegant, and highly functional. I love the wood handle — it just feels right when you’re out in nature. It’s also small enough to not scare off casual onlookers but tough enough to get the job done.
• Why it’s a great EDC knife:
  At under 7 inches overall, it’s compact without sacrificing ergonomics. The blade shape is versatile, and the Axis Lock makes it fast and safe to operate — perfect for quick trail tasks.

9. Hogue Deka

• CPM 20CV steel
• 3.25 inch blade
• 7.5 inch overall length
• G10 Handle
• Axis lock
  
• Why it’s special:
  The Deka is one of the most underrated knives out there. With CPM-20CV steel, it offers absolutely top-tier edge retention and corrosion resistance. The G10 handle is light but incredibly tough.
• Why I like it:
  It’s super thin, super light, and cuts like a laser. The blade geometry is awesome, the action is addictively smooth, and Hogue’s ABLE lock (their version of an Axis Lock) is rock solid.
• Why it’s a great EDC knife:
  It brings a premium steel and ultralight construction together perfectly. If you want the best materials without the weight penalty, the Deka is hard to beat.

10. Leatherman Free P4

• 420HC stainless steel
• 2 Blades one serrated and one plain, both 2.76 on each
• 7 inch overall length
• 420hc stainless steel
• Magnet lock
• Why it’s special:
  This isn’t just a knife — it’s a multitool with two high-quality blades (plain and serrated) plus a load of other useful tools packed into a compact, lightweight body.
• Why I like it:
  The magnetic locking system makes it so satisfying to use. No more fighting stiff multitool joints! Plus, having both a serrated and plain edge means you’re ready for anything — from cutting cord to food prep.
• Why it’s a great EDC knife:
  When you need more than just a blade on the trail — pliers, screwdrivers, scissors — the Free P4 is a lifesaver. And with a 7-ounce weight, it’s not even that heavy compared to carrying a separate knife and multitool.

So whats the best?

Every knife on this list is a solid pick for EDC and backpacking, I’ve carried and used them all extensively, and honestly, I still rotate through them because they each bring something unique to the table. But if I had to pick a favorite, the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 stands out. It just feels right in my hand, and the slicing performance is top-tier. It’s the one I reach for most often. That said, you really can’t go wrong with any of these, they’re all fantastic knives I trust and still carry regularly.