The canvas needle in particular is a fairly heavy duty strong needle which could be used for all sorts of applications.The tip of a canvas needle is pointed, but with triangular flat sides at the tip. It is slightly more than 2-inches long and about twice the thickness of a typical sewing needle.
This little tool can be magnetised into a makeshift compass , be employed to repair clothing or shelters, dislodge nasty splinters, and for other delicate, high-precision operations.
As mentioned previously a needle can be incorporated within some tape so that it doesn't get lost or poke through anything in your pack. I keep a small sewing kit in my bag, you wouldn't believe how easy it is to split your trousers jumping on and off motorcycles!
Does anyone else carry a need or sewing kit with them?