Ade,

Muse mode on...thinking that as great as a Leatherman is (I generally have my Super L. close by) they are like other multipurpose tools, you give up certain specific uses, in this case it would be hard to flush cut wire / hooks etc. with the Leatherman, while the dykes would be the tool of choice in most instances for flush cutting. Reckon the trade off is figuring out how many times you need the flush cutter vs. the multi tool. Shooting from the hip, I'd venture that most of us would opt for the multitool in a kit.

This is not to say that one could not get a small (say 5 or 6" ) pair of quality flush cutters and include them... <grin> I'd have to place them next to the dehydrated kitchen sink in my Altoid kit though... <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Re: the inflatable splints vs. Sam Splints, which one, hmmm...the inflatables could possibly double as a last ditch PFD or even water carrier.

The Sam Splints can be formed in several different configurations, doubt that the inflatables could match the variety. On the flip side, I'd hate to have to carry water in either unit, but the inflatables would probably have a better capacity in that respect.

If one has room, take both. I generally have other water containers, so I opt for the Sam splints. They can be folded, cut, reused and would seem to have a great capacity for other uses (funnels, reinforcement on splicing broken tent poles, forming a releasable spear point holder for spear fishing, ???) as your needs and imagination can dream up.

Comanche7