Checking bags can be a waste of time and money, two things that I simply don't have enough of when it comes to travel. I always prefer to carry on my luggage, which means leaving behind things like multitools, knives, and other TSA-banned items. That might not seem like a major inconvenience, but when I'm planning to do any camping, hiking, or other adventure activities while on the road, I like to have some basic tools with me. Thankfully, one of my favorite gear companies has a simple solution. Wherever I go, the Gerber Shard Keychain Tool comes with me. It's tiny, useful, and safe for air travel.

There is no blade on the Shard, which makes it TSA-friendly. However, it makes itself useful by including a prybar, a small flat-head screwdriver, a medium flat-head screwdriver, a Phillips head screwdriver, a bottle opener, a wire stripper puller, and a lanyard hole. I keep it clipped on my keychain at all times and never even notice it because it weighs less than an ounce. Made of stainless steel with a titanium coating, it's also incredibly durable.

By no means does the Shard replace the tools that I normally pack when I go camping or hiking. The lack of a blade means that it is no substitute for a proper multitool. It's small size can make using it as a screwdriver a bit awkward. But, if I'm flying and need to have a basic tool with me, the Shard is a perfect piece of gear that is useful, lightweight, and permitted by the TSA.

And it's only $7.