Backpacking is one of the most popular hobbies these days. More and more people are heading out and seeking the solitude and beauty of nature. It's also a good time for this activity as advances in technology has made backpacking materials and equipment lighter and more compact. A decade or so ago, backpackers would probably need to bring gear like a water canteen, mess kit, matches, compass, bed roll, plumb hatchet and a sheathed knife. Now a large chunk of gear can be left behind and only the essential ones should be brought along. Whereas several kinds of knives might be necessary before, now all one needs is a good Swiss Army knife or two to ensure their safety and survival in the great outdoors. Here are some good knives to consider –

• Victorinox Swiss Army Camper: This classic pocket knife is one of the best knives to take along when trudging in nature. Crafted by Victorinox, this 3.5 "knife is equipped with tools for any situation that might come up while one is backpacking. The Camper has 2 blades, a bottle opener with screwdriver and wire stripper, a can opener with screwdriver, a corkscrew, a reamer With sewing eye, tweezers, toothpick and a wood saw. Each tool is made from stainless-steel materials, strong handles and an aluminum interior casing that helps the knife last for years.

• Victorinox Swiss Army Pioneer: This compact pocketknife is another good one to take along when backpacking, camping, hiking and even for puttering around the house. The Pioneer is a stylish, 3.5 "long Swiss knife that has handy mini-tools. Attachments included are one massive blade, a bottle opener with a big screwdriver, a can opener with a small screwdriver, a reamer and a wire stripper. The Pioneer boasts of high quality steel that has been made and hardened according to the tool's designated use.

• Victorinox Swiss Army Rambler: The compact and sturdy, 2 ¼ "Rambler should not be underestimated. It might be smaller than other backpacking knives, but it has 10 tools that are essential when you're on an outdoors adventure. The knife's stainless steel attachments include a blade, a bottle opener with a Philips screwdriver, a key ring, a nail file with a screwdriver, scissors, tweezers, wire stripper and toothpick.

• Victorinox Swiss Army Climber II: Another compact, backpacking knife from premier Swiss knife maker Victorinox. The Climber II is a light 3.55 ounces and a tidy 3.58 "when all tools are retracted. It comes with a good selection of more than 10 tools – a large blade and another, much smaller one, 2 screwdrivers, a bottle opener, can opener , a corkscrew, a hook for parcels, a key ring, scissors, reamer, and a wire stripper. The Climber II also has tweezers and a toothpick that are pulled out from the ends of the pocketknife. As with other Victorinox products, the Climber II is made from 100% stainless steel that can survive anything you throw at it.

Knives are one gear that should always be on your person when backpacking. The knives mentioned here are not only ideal for backpacking but also for ordinary, day to day activities.