Since launching the Stakeout as a base camp multitool in 2022, Gerber has been rising out the household with new instruments and tweaks. Final yr, it doubled down on the Stakeout’s tenting focus with the fire-starting Stakeout Spark. Now it is launched a variant that seamlessly shifts from weekday DIY duties to weekend adventures. The all-new Stakeout Drive brings a flexible direct-access bit driver to the folding multi-plier format.
Fact be instructed, whereas the Stakeout Drive nonetheless features a few implements that would show useful within the wild, Gerber has actually domesticated the brand new instrument from its campsite roots. In truth, the Drive would not even embody the tent stake puller on the middle of the mannequin household title. We suppose you possibly can nonetheless use the instrument to pry or tug that stake out, but it surely will not be with a devoted hook.
Sadly, with the lack of the stake puller, the one remaining characteristic that does tie all three Stakeout instruments collectively is the lineup’s most questionable characteristic of all: the awkward, outsized carabiner clip that stands out from the top of 1 deal with. As we opined after final yr’s Spark launch, the characteristic feels redundant when mixed with the pocket clip. It additionally makes the instrument unnecessarily lengthy and asymmetrical. Gerber actually ought to think about making it a daily carabiner – higher but, paracord lanyard – you’ll be able to take away.
Gerber Gear
On the brighter facet, the carabiner does double as a bottle opener, so it might serve some function for individuals who do not use it to clip-carry the instrument … however provided that they do not have one other bottle opener or three inside arm’s attain.
The Drive additional ties into the Stakeout household by borrowing the Stakeout Spark’s model of folding multi-plier chassis. It earns the “Drive” designation by bringing aboard a flip-out bit driver much like the one on the Armbar Drive. That driver turns into the centerpiece of the design, excellent for tightening screws and bolts of all sizes and shapes round residence, beneath the hood, and on important sports activities and tenting gear.
Gerber Gear
Along with storing a two-sided flip bit within the driver itself, the Stakeout Drive holds an additional in a storage slot on the deal with. So you’ll be able to carry 4 totally different driver features aboard the instrument itself.
Shifting past the motive force, the Stakeout Drive packs a pair of small scissors, a three-grit file and chisel, and a 2.4-in plain edge blade. The pliers embody each common and needle-nose jaws, together with an inside set of wire cutters. There’s additionally a ruler marked on the deal with’s edge.
The Stakeout Drive measures in at 4.6 inches (11.7 cm) lengthy when closed (to the tip of that goofy carabiner) and weighs 7.4 oz (30 g). It’s available now for $75 and comes backed by a restricted lifetime guarantee.
Supply: Gerber Gear
Word: New Atlas might earn fee from purchases made through hyperlinks.
