The Leatherman Tread wearable multi-tool is not my favorite Leatherman product. I briefly reviewed the Leatherman Tread nearly a year and a half ago, and while I like it, I stopped liking to wear it.
If I’m going to wear something on my wrist that feels like a watch, I’d rather wear a watch. I’d get more daily use out of a watch than I would the Leatherman Tread.
The Tread is still a useful and welcome travel companion when a traditional multi-tool or small portable tool kit isn’t practical or permitted.
But as an everyday “wearable?” No thanks. That feeling has given me the mindset that the Leatherman Tread is somewhat of a special occasion accessory, rather than a tool.
I recently received an email from Best Tech Tool (BTT) that briefly introduced me to their Leatherman Tread watch adapters.
Leatherman does offer 2 styles of Tread watches, but there was great demand for the ability to adapt the Tread to the watches one already owns.
Correction: Leatherman was supposed to come out with 2 styles of watches. I don’t think they’ve hit the market yet. Maybe they changed their mind.
In reply to one such request, I wrote in a comment that:
I really expect (and also hope) that some kind of adapter might pop up on forums or by small independent makers.
It looks like I was right!
BTT offers watch adapters in 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26mm lug sizes. If your watch’s lug width has an odd measurement, buy the next size down. Say your watch lug width is 25mm – you’d buy the 24mm adapter.
There’s also a Casio G-Shock adapter. You’ll have to look at their website to see the full compatibility listing. My 9300 Mudman isn’t on the list, but I plan on asking about that.
Oh, and there’s also an Apple Watch adapter.
I sometimes wear a watch, sometimes I don’t. And I never wear my Leatherman Tread review sample. Well, almost never. I can tell you that I’d never wear a watch AND the Tread, on the same or different wrists.
But if I could combine the two? Yes, my Tread would likely see more of the world. Even if not as an everyday watch, maybe I’d wear it as a sort of travel watch.
Each BTT adapter kit comes with the tools you need to swap watch bands.
There are 2 colors – plain stainless steel and black, to match your Tread.
Pricing ranges from $37, for a watch or G-Shock adapter, to $41 for an Apple Watch adapter. There are quantity discounts for those who want to buy more than one adapter.
Buy Now(via BTT)
Buy Also(Leatherman Tread via Amazon)
If you try one of these adapters, please let us know what you think of it!
The adapters seem a little pricey to me, but not unreasonable if you consider the price of a Leatherman Tread ($165+).
The intro email I received included the offer for a free test sample, but I don’t know if I’m going to say yes. I have a couple of nice metal-banded watches, but I tend to wear my G-Shock most of all, and am not prepared to swap a light plastic band for a metal one.