This post brought to you by Leatherman. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Going Awesome Places.

In a world where anything can happen, you want to be prepared to get out of a jam or play hero.  Leatherman is a company that has been leading the way for multi-purpose pocketable tools and when I found out about their latest invention, the TREAD, I was pretty intrigued.  In this thorough review, I take one out for a spin on my latest trip and give my honest feedback on whether this lives up to its promises and whether you should buy one.

What if you could have a tool that you can wear around your wrist and have at the ready at any time? What if you could have almost every tool at your disposal for any situation?

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Introducing the TREAD

The TREAD is pegged to be the ultimate survivor’s tool and it’s on point in so many ways.  It’s all about “anytime, anywhere”.  It’s built like a watch but is fully customizable.  Each link in the bracelet has tools built-in and what Leatherman allows you to do is pick the ones that matter to you and connect them the way you want it.

Anytime, Anywhere

Granted, this is probably a guy thing but it’s as stylish as it is functional.  It comes in a black chrome or satin silver finish.  Wear it as a statement piece. Since it’s on your wrist, it travels with you and everywhere you go so whether you’re at work, camping in the wilderness, or walking the city streets, you have all the tools at your disposal for whatever job.

The unboxing

The TREAD comes in a simple watch-like box where you lift the top cover to reveal the tool nestled in black foam. Tread Leatherman Unopened Box Tread by Leatherman In The Box

How does it work?

So how does this link business work?  Do you need to go to a watch guy to remove, add, and reorder the different tools? Using a dime to twist and remove a single tool link on the Tread The beauty of this tool is that you can use any coin to twist the screws that join each of the links together.  A metal bridge connects adjoining tools on each side.  All you have to do is unscrew the appropriate ones to remove the link, re-assemble and then you’re good to go. I needed to do this when I First opened the TREAD because my wrist is smaller.  I picked the tools I wanted to keep and removed two links. The Tread on a wooden table with removed tool links and their screws Somehow they’ve designed this so that you don’t need too much force to tighten the screws while still allowing the links to move freely.  At first I was a bit worried that there might be a chance of the screws of coming off but none of the screws that I touched were looser than the other ones after a week of use.

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The build quality

There’s no denying that this thing is incredibly well built.  Each link is made of 17-4 stainless steel that is both incredibly strong, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight.  When you have this in your hands and on your wrist, there’s a clear sense that this thing is built to last and durable to the rigors of daily abuse. On top of that, Leatherman has their 25 year guarantee so you’re pretty much covered if anything goes wrong.

Why you would want one

leatherman-tread-complete-list-of-tools

So this is the million-dollar question here.  Cool concept but would you actually use the tools?  It’s a valid question but this really applies to any multi-tool.  This is more of something where you never really know when you might need it. With a potential 29 number of tools at your disposal, you can use this so many different situations.  If you look at the diagram below, you can see all of the tools that the TREAD has. Over the course of the week that I had the TREAD on my wrist, I was able to make use of it for:

  • Opening beer bottles
  • Tightening bolts
  • Opening packaged boxes and opening up plastic packages
  • Swapping SIM cards from my iPhone
  • Screwing in Phillips head screws

Beyond the ways that I used it, I loved the fact that there was a glass breaker tool built into this so if you were ever in a jam and needed to break through glass in a car, bus, or train.

For travel

Making it through security with the TREAD One of the things I really wanted to know was whether the TREAD was airport security safe.  Well, I tried it and it sure is!  I went through airport security with the TREAD on my wrist with no problems.  The x-ray scan didn’t produce any issues and I wasn’t questioned what it was since it doesn’t have any sharp edges. From a travel perspective, it really depends on how you want to use it.  I can see this being a tool for the every day on the go where you don’t necessarily have access to a toolbox and need something quick.  As I mentioned earlier, the SIM card tool is certainly handy when you’re on the road.  As for the bottle opener, when don’t you need one?

Comfort and wearability

Wear the Leatherman Tread in the real world Wearing the TREAD, it actually felt very natural to have on my wrist day to day.  It was just like wearing a watch and was easy to clasp on and off when needed.  It never really got in the way except for the one or two odd times it would catch a little as I put on my jacket.  It didn’t feel too bulky or heavy either.

How it could be better

Wearing the TREAD on the subway in New York Lack of watch – I ended up using it more than I thought I would but what I kept thinking would be a big added feature is if there was a watch built into this.  As it is right now, you have to decide to wear this over your watch unless you’re okay with wearing something on both wrists.  I have seen some users incorporate an Apple Watch with the TREAD so the possibility is certainly there.

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Ergonomics – What you have to keep in mind is that this is a multi-tool after all and ergonomically, using the individual tools won’t feel the same as if you had a proper screwdriver let’s say.  You end up having to play around with the straightening up the links, finding the right grip in your hand and using the tool at potentially a different angle than you’re used to.  That’s not to say it isn’t usable but sometimes it does feel awkward and takes time getting used to.  That being said, the length of the TREAD when flattened is significant enough that you can get a good grasp and apply a good amount of torque to make it easy to tighten whatever it is you’re working with.

More survival tools – I think the big fundamental thing I had to wrestle with was whether I would be willing to wear this every day in the off chance I might need it for an unforeseen situation.  Thing is, how often do you need tools beyond a Phillips or flathead screwdriver?  To me, I would love to see more survival tools like the glass breaker.  What if there’d be a way to incorporate things like tweezers, flashlight, lock-picking kit, compass and magnifying glass?  The trick of course is how do you incorporate all of that without compromising the style.

Final Verdict

For anyone that is wants to be prepared at any time, this is the tool for you.  Be at the ready at moment’s notice while staying stylish at the same time.  This means that you don’t need to fumble through your bag or pockets for a traditional multi-tool. It’s a statement piece around your wrist but at the same time becomes part of your daily life like a watch that you don’t realize is on you until you need it and for that, I give the TREAD high praise.  It’s one of a kind on the market.

Where can I get one?

The Leatherman TREAD is available for $165 USD and can be purchased on Amazon.

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Rideshare: For new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 USD per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code psuqbjg4d7rn for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

  • AmigoSIM – Use GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off. Code is re-useable.
  • Gigsky – Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
  • KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
  • AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
  • Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
  • UbigiAWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).

Tours and Activities: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

  • HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 15% discount (from June 19-29)!
  • RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
  • SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
  • Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
  • InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

William Tang of Going Awesome Places
About The Author

Will Tang

Will Tang, founder of Going Awesome Places, has traveled to 51 countries. He shares his insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists. Will’s travels have been featured on Huffington Post, Men’s Journal, and Entrepreneur.

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The Discussion

  1. Not bad knige and for what it is I am better off to stay with my 20 plus year old leatherman. Be good for the city bloke too try hard to be kool but not us bushman.
    Regards
    Piers Avery

  2. Great Review. I love Tread especially after I connected it to my watch. It looks fantastic and practical.

  3. Really nice post. I love leatherman brand. Few month ago I had bought a TREAD bracelet that is amazing, cool and stunning design. Just love leatherman