With handles crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, and a veritable cornucopia of easy to access tools, the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool is the jack of all trades and the master of a few more. Whether you find yourself stuck on deserted island, or spend your weekends blitzing down singletracks, this multi-tool puts the solution to all your adventure SNAFU’s right in the palm of your hand (or hanging from your belt).
On Performance and Design…
Everyone knows that you should always use the right tool for the job at hand. Of course, when it comes to a life full of outdoor pursuits, you don’t always know what obstacles you may face in the great outdoors. Simply put, there are times when your adventures require a rugged, versatile, go everywhere tool. With the Charge AL, Leatherman has taken the idea of a multi-tool and kicked it up a notch. Winner? You.
True, Mother Nature didn’t outfit the forest with a slew of screws that require adjustment, but she always has a few unexpected surprises up her sleeve. Whether you spend time touring the backcountry, local trails, or your project laiden garage, you should always be prepared.
Featuring 17 different tools and 8 bits, the Charge AL includes all the backcountry survival and repair necessities you’ll need. A 2.9” knife made from premium grade 154CM stainless steel, a serrated blade, a saw that makes short work of wooded obstacles and diamond coated file. Each of which are accessible without opening the pliers, and they lock into place once rotated out for use. By the way, that little locking feature helps ensure you’ll return from your trip with all your fingers intact.
The Charge AL also features a screw driver, wire strippers and newly designed wire cutters and hard-wire cutters that have 58% more cutting area. The pliers can withstand 133% higher squeezing load than Leatherman’s original tools, enabling a tighter hold for tough jobs, and you’ll never have to worry about it coming unhinged, either, thanks to a 50% increase in lock strength.
The scissors are strong enough to cut seat belts, fishing line, zip-ties and fabric, and of course, no multi-tool should be without a bottle opener, so Leatherman included one of these as well. All told, the Charge AL ensures you’ll never be caught without the appropriate tool for the job.
Notes from the Field….
Weighing in at 8.3 ounces, the Charge AL isn’t the lightest tool available to toss in your pack, as such the weight may dissuade the those in the ultralight crowd. The other minor critique centers on the scissors. While sharp enough to cut through most of life`s complications, they open sharp edge out which could put your fingers at risk if not careful while opening. That being said, in the Charge AL, Leatherman engineers have created a product loaded with tools that you will actually use, and will help get you out of far more jams than a standard pocket knife alone.
Bottom Line…
Offering modern design and premium materials combined with the quality and craftsmanship of American manufacturers, think of the Charge AL as the next evolution of multi-tools. Toss in a 25-year warranty, and you’ve got a powerful asset to your hiking gear, camping supplies or glovebox. Gumption tested, gumption approved.
Manufactured by Leatherman USA, the Charge AL is available from http://www.leatherman.com/ and other reputible online retailers. MSRP: Approximately $120.
*Gumption Gear Review received the Charge AL from Leatherman USA at no cost and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The item featured was provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.