Whether you’re deep in the backcountry or setting up basecamp in a familiar spot, every successful camping trip starts with the right outdoor gear and camping equipment—and for us, that starts with a reliable knife. While some value the best hiking boot to the best backpacking tent, we want to make sure that we have the necessary gear to keep us ready for anything. From building shelter to prepping meals, the right blade can make or break your outdoor experience.
Benchmade knives are built for the wild: tough, versatile, and ready for anything. With options for every type of camper, from EDC favorites to purpose-built outdoor and hunting knives, any camper can tackle any challenge head-on in the great outdoors. And with LifeSharp®, your Benchmade blade stays razor-ready for every backpacking trip and camping adventure.
Why a Knife Is Essential for Camping
A great camping knife isn’t just useful, it’s essential. Whether you’re processing wood for campfires, preparing food, or tackling trail repairs, the right blade adds safety, efficiency, and confidence to your outdoor setup.
All-Purpose & Compact EDC Knives
Lightweight and easy to carry, these knives are made for everyday campsite tasks—from prepping kindling to cutting rope, without weighing you down. Perfect for day hikes, overnights, and everything in between.
- Bugout® – Lightweight, reliable, and ideal for all-around use.
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Bailout® – Slim and rugged with tactical edge, built for tough conditions.
Heavy-Duty & Bushcraft Knives
When your trip takes you off the grid, reach for a knife that can handle the extremes. These are built for high-impact tasks like batoning wood, building shelter, or heavy field use.
- 163-1 Bushcrafter® – Built for backcountry durability with premium steel and a weather-ready handle.
Kitchen & Meal Prep Knives
Don’t sacrifice cooking precision in the wild. These campsite-ready kitchen tools bring professional-level performance to over-the-fire grilling and outdoor meal prep.
- Station Knife – A versatile blade for slicing, chopping, and chef-style prep.
- Meatcrafter® – Precision slicing tool ideal for meat processing and serving.
- Fishcrafter™ – Available in either 7” or 9” variants, this fillet knife makes easy work of your catch.
4010-02 Station Knife with Maple Valley Richlite handle displayed on charcoal.
Specialized Tools for Camp Safety & Support
Beyond your main campsite blade, it’s smart to bring along a few specialized tools for cooking, quick fixes, and emergencies. These knives and multi-tools offer added functionality and peace of mind, perfect for everything from preparing dinner to getting out of a jam.
In addition to your primary camping knife, it’s worth packing a few specialized tools to cover emergencies, backup utility, and task-specific needs. These blades offer added versatility, ideal for unpredictable conditions or gear-intensive trips.
- Triage® – A folding rescue knife with an integrated safety hook and glass breaker—ideal for unexpected situations.
- Intersect™ (Depth Blue) – A minimalist fixed-blade made for quick access and reliable performance—perfect for those who prefer a no-fuss backup tool on their hip or strapped to a pack.
Intersect™ Depth Blue Santoprene® shown alongside a fishing rod on river rocks.
Other Must-Have Camping Gear
A good knife lays the foundation, but here’s what else to pack to make your trip safe, comfortable, and dialed-in:
- Shelter & Sleeping: Choose a tent or hammock based on the terrain. Whether the best sleeping bag, a comfortable pad, a protective tarp, or a ground cover, you’ll stay cozy under the stars.
- Fire & Cooking Essentials: Optimize your camping trip with essentials like fire-starting kits, a compact camping stove, and secure food storage. Use a cooler for perishables and a reliable camp chair for comfort by the fire.
- Navigation & Safety: Headlamps, first aid kits, and paracord cover your bases from sunset to emergencies. Make sure that you always have these must-haves near your side.
- Hydration & Food Storage: Clean water is a must—bring a filter. Use bear-proof containers, keep food away from the tent, and pack high-energy snacks to fuel your days.
Leave No Trace & Responsible Camping
Nature gives us the space to reset, let’s keep it wild:
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance, store food properly, and avoid disrupting habitats.
Conclusion
A great knife is more than just a tool—it’s your campsite MVP. Explore our outdoor knives and our other knife collections to take your adventure to the next level! With Benchmade’s collection of outdoor-ready blades, you’re investing in durability, performance, and peace of mind.
Explore Benchmade’s full lineup to build your ultimate camping kit and discover inspiring stories from adventurers who go Beyond The Bench. Not sure which blade is right for your next trip? Try our Knife Finder to discover the perfect match for your outdoor style.