Multi-Tools

A multi-tool is bought for the pliers. If it were not, you would carry a better knife and a better screwdriver separately, because every individual tool on a multi-tool is a compromised version of a dedicated one. Pliers are the tool nobody carries otherwise, and that is what justifies the weight.

Judge one on the pliers' jaws, whether tools lock open, and whether you can access the blade without unfolding the handles. Locking matters for safety — an unlocked screwdriver folding under load closes on your fingers. Replaceable wire cutter inserts are worth having on anything you will actually use on wire.