Best Camping Shovel: The Shovel Showdown
Find the best camping shovel for your upcoming adventure! We review our top picks and share expert advice on what makes a great camping shovel.
Looking for the perfect shovel to help on your next camping trip?
We understand the importance of being prepared, which is why we decided to compare some of the best camping shovels available. Our comprehensive guide will make sure you're ready for any situation that may arise while you're out in nature.
Having a good quality, sturdy shovel with you can give you extra peace of mind when out exploring and ensure that no excursion gets cut short by lack of preparation. With our list, finding the right model won't be an issue at all!
How We Picked
It can be hard to know which camping shovel is the right one for you. With all of the different brands and models on the market, how can you be sure that you're getting a quality product?
Not all camping shovels are created equal. In fact, many of them are pretty terrible. If you don't do your research, you could end up with a shovel that's difficult to use or breaks after just a few uses.
We've done the research for you! After reading through customer reviews and considering key factors like price and special features, we've narrowed it down to the five best camping shovels on the market.
Disclosure: We only recommend things we’ve personally used or come highly recommended by trusted peers. Using one of our referral links might give us a small commission which helps support this website at no additional cost to you. If you’d like to learn more check out our disclaimer page.
Why We Chose
Be ready for anything with the Sahara Sailor Survival Shovel! This innovative tool is perfect when you want to be prepared for any emergency. It’s small enough to take up minimal space in your car, but still powerful enough to handle snowstorms and heavy-duty tasks.
And it makes a great companion on camping trips too! The built-in axe and saw make it ideal for cutting or splitting wood to keep your family warm or make smores by the campfire. Make sure you have all the tools you need with this multi-function shovel, so get yours today!
The Rundown
- Crafted from solid carbon steel and aerospace-grade anodized aluminum tubes, this trusty shovel is ready for whatever emergency situation may arise.
- Access to 12 functions, sharp saws for cutting branches, strong bottle opener for nights around the campfire, whistles when in trouble - even fish scalers, and 4 sized wrenches so you can really show off your camping skills.
- Easily folds and expands with a simple twist of its lock for secure storage – perfect for on-the-go adventurers.
- Comes complete with a stylish carry bag.
Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel | Weight: 3.45lbs | Folded Size: 18.50" x 6"
✔ Made from solid carbon steel and aerospace-grade anodized aluminum
✔ 12 different functions
✔ Easily folds and expands
✔ Comes with a carry bag
✔ Affordable
✖️ Can be heavy for some people at 3.45lbs
Why We Chose
Are you ready to be the life of the campfire? Get ready to impress your friends and embark on your next adventure with ease – get yourself a GLOCK Entrenching Tool!
Weighing in at only 1.3 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to carry for any thrill-seeker. It’s made from hardened and well-tempered carbon steel, so you know it won’t let you down no matter where your journey takes you.
Plus, the handle is made from an advanced composite polymer so you can trust that this tough tool won’t give out on you either! The added bonus is a saw blade, giving it even greater versatility. So don't wait - let Glock take care of all your exploration needs today!
The Rundown
- Versatile design is packed with multiple functions and weighs in at half the weight you'd expect from an E-tool.
- This entrenching tool is made to last - no welding or rivets, just a foldable blade that can securely lock in four different positions.
- Maximize your reach with a tough and reliable telescopic handle, crafted from high-impact resistant polymer materials for enhanced durability.
Material: Steel/Polymer | Weight: 1.45lbs | Folded Size: 10" x 6.2"
✔ Lightweight
✔ Advanced composite polymer handle for added durability
✔ Foldable blade with four different positions
✔ Telescopic handle for maximum reach
✔ Comes with a saw blade for added versatility
✖️ Carry pouch could be a lot better
Why We Chose
This heavy-duty shovel is highly versatile, with a pick at one end, a saw-type blade at the other, and compact folding capabilities to easily fit in any backpack. With its top-notch design, you can trust this is one resilient tool that will not fail you in an adventure.
Whether you're driving off-road trails or enjoying a camping trip with friends, this shovel's ultra-sturdy material makes it perfect for digging around on any terrain while its light weight won't weigh down your bag too much. From clearing paths to hammering tent stakes and more, our shovel will prove to be an invaluable asset no matter the conditions.
Pack smartly with RHINO USA and rest assured that whatever comes your way you'll be prepared. Get ready to tackle every expedition confidently—when it comes to adventure, leave nothing behind!
The Rundown
Whether you're in the wilderness or tending your garden, get ready for any digging task with this heavy-duty military-style e-tool!
- Made from 2 lbs of powder-coated carbon steel and complete with a tough pickaxe and sharp saw teeth, it's perfect for off-road adventures and camping trips.
- 23" portable telescope collapses into a compact 9"x6", allowing you to adventure anywhere with ease.
- Sawtooth edge makes it ideal for cutting and when rotated 90 degrees you can use the same tool as both an efficient hoe/pick.
Material: Carbon Steel | Weight: 2lbs | Folded Size: 10" x 6.5"
✔ Heavy-duty carbon steel construction
✔ Telescopic handle for convenience and portability
✔ Pickaxe and saw teeth make it great for off-roading adventures
✖️ Carrying pouch feels cheap
✖️ On the heavier side
Why We Chose
Introducing REDCAMP's Military Folding Camping Shovel, the tool you have been missing out on all this time! Get ready to put this versatile shovel to work in a variety of situations.
Not only is it great for digging holes and moving hot coals around, but it can also be essential in getting your tires out of any pesky mud puddles. Don't let its compact size fool you; this shovel packs a powerful punch when needed.
This shovel has withstood the test of time and will remain with you through thick and thin. After over a year of hard use, REDCAMP's Military Folding Camping Shovel is still standing strong and ready to get back to work again. So don't think twice and add one to your camping gear today. You won't regret it!
The Rundown
- Get the job done with this multi-functional tool that allows you to dig, saw, cut, and hammer at will.
- It can conveniently be used straight or even rotated a full 90° for when your project requires shoveling, hoeing, picking, or saw work.
- Measuring only 8.2" head size but with a strong 1.5mm blade thickness - this foldable buddy packs big power in a small package.
- Its 50# high-carbon steel body and ergonomic triangular handle make it tough enough for any task - all wrapped in a comfortable package.
Material: Carbon Steel | Weight: 2lbs | Folded Size: 9.4" x 6"
✔ High-carbon steel construction is durable and reliable
✔ Compact, lightweight design
✔ 90° rotating head allows for versatile use as a shovel, hoe, pick, or saw
✔ Ergonomically designed handle is comfortable to use
✖️ Flimsy
✖️ Cheap pouch
Why We Chose
TheTentLab Deuce Ultralight Backpacking Potty Trowel is the ideal choice for when you want to pack light, but still need to make sure your natural bathroom visits are taken care of.
Unlike other trowels on the market that may be more expensive, this one is just as light or even LIGHTER than them. Plus its thinness means it easily penetrates dirt for more efficient use.
And the shape gives it plenty of durability that'll last (as long as you use it in accordance with the provided instructions). Besides, digging with the handle facing down definitely helps it get through even the hardest dirt.
The Rundown
Digging holes in the dirt can be tough -- but with The Deuce, it's a cinch!
- First, flip this tool upside-down to quickly check for stubborn rocks, then use the shovel and scoop away large chunks of dirt.
- Made with the highest grade of aluminum, sourced and produced in America.
- 7075-T6 aluminum is trusted by aerospace manufacturers for its renowned strength.
- For serious backcountry adventurers, they offer three models of lightweight trowels that provide options that suit any need.
Material: Aluminum | Weight: .45-.97oz | Size: 2.5" x 6.8"
✔ High-grade, lightweight aluminum construction is strong and durable
✔ Three models available to suit any need
✔ Compact size makes it easy to store and transport
✖️ Not very ergonomic
✖️ Color wears off fast
What Is A Camping Shovel For?
Camping shovels are an incredibly useful and versatile piece of equipment for your next outdoor adventure.
Whether you're going on a camping, hiking, backpacking, or mountaineering trip, these handy tools can help make your experience more enjoyable and successful.
The purpose of a camping shovel is multi-functional; from clearing paths to digging latrines or fire pits - It is truly indispensable when it comes to performing certain tasks during vacation trips outdoors.
With its wide blade design and strong handle construction, a good quality camping shovel can provide various uses like shoveling snow, building shelters, digging holes and trenches, moving heavy objects, and putting out campfires.
What To Look For When Choosing The Best Camping Shovel
Folding Shovel
A folding shovel is a great option if you need something compact, lightweight, and easy to carry. This is the most common shovel campers choose to bring.
- This type of shovel folds up into a small size so it can fit into your bag or even in the palm of your hand.
- Look for models with adjustable handles and telescoping shafts so they can extend or collapse depending on the job at hand.
Shovel Head
The head of the shovel is what will do most of the work.
- Most camping shovels have a wide scoop shape which makes them ideal for digging in sand, gravel, and other soft surfaces.
- If you plan to use your camping shovel in snow, rocky ground or clay soils then look for one with a pointed blade instead.
Compact Shovel
If you're looking for a smaller, more lightweight option then consider a compact shovel like the ones used by soldiers during World War II.
- These are perfect for emergency flames, clearing away debris, or carrying extra supplies since they can easily fit into small packs or pouches.
Most Camping Shovels
Most camping shovels are designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind, meaning they have features such as long handles and ergonomic grips to help reduce stress on arms & hands when digging or chopping wood.
- Many also come with additional blades such as knife-like edges or serrated teeth which can come in handy when cutting through roots & logs.
Snow Shovel
If you’re expecting winter weather while out camping then look for a snow shovel instead of a traditional digging tool.
- Snow shovels tend to be wider than regular digging tools which makes them better suited to sweeping away deep snow drifts or carving out ice fishing holes in frozen lakes.
Survival Shovels
Survival shovels are designed specifically to handle tough tasks such as cutting through roots & logs or clearing away debris quickly & efficiently
- They usually have metal parts (like serrated teeth) which make them much stronger than normal camp shovels and more suitable for expedition-style adventures where every tool counts.
- Many survival shovels also come with multiple blades & attachments (such as fire starters) making them great all-in-one tools in an emergency situation.
Multi-Tool Shovel
Multi-tool shovels combine many useful functions into one device
- Popular models often include bottle openers, saws & hatchets along with traditional spades/shovel heads making them perfect companions on extended trips where space may be limited but versatility is key.
- In addition, these multi-tool units typically fold away neatly after use so there’ll always be room inside your bag/backpack no matter how much other gear you need to take along too.
Fire Pit
Many campsites have fire pits available already, however, if this isn’t the case then having a small fire pit of your own could prove invaluable.
- For creating a fire pit, nothing beats the practicality and versatility of a shovel.
- Even if there's an existing fire pit, you may need to excavate some of the ash left behind by previous campers.
- A shovel is a great tool for ensuring that your campfire stays extinguished; simply use it to cover the fire with dirt.
Shovel Blade
When looking at potential digging tools also keep an eye out for different types of material used on their blades.
- While steel may be tougher than aluminum when dealing with rockier terrain softer metals such as copper could certainly come into play when tackling harder surfaces like clay/soil etc!
- Different blade shapes will also affect performance; thinner blades slice easier while thicker ones can often "chop" better.
Fire Starter
- Not only are survival shovels essential for outdoor camping, but they often come with a flint to ensure you can start a fire when needed.
- A fire starter is an incredibly useful tool to keep with you when camping, as it can be used to start fires quickly and easily.
- The flint attached to the shovel will work in any weather condition, making it a great backup plan in case your matches won’t light or you don't have a lighter.
Bottom Line
With the wide variety of camping shovels out there, picking one for your next campout can be a bit of an adventure. Take this review as a helpful guide to what some of the best shovels are available.
Whether you’re looking for something lightweight and portable or robust and functional, there’s something here to fit into any budget.
Hopefully, you’re now feeling better prepared to make the right purchase! After all, you have enough headaches with camping - don't let your equipment add to it! So go ahead and check out one of our choices and get yourself the best camping shovel on the market today.
Who knows? You may even develop an unexpected passion for digging holes while in the wilderness. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for products we didn't feature, as well – a surplus of innovation is always improving the market!
Before You Go...
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