A folding shovel is something that has been around for a long time. It’s a tactical shovel that was used during the First World War, and the army shovel continued to be a popular option during World War II as well. This type of shovel can have a lot of uses, but what is the best folding shovel option that you can buy?
In this guide, we’re going to take a look at five different options, but before we begin, let’s take a more in-depth look at folding shovels.
Best Folding Shovel Reviews
1. Rhino Survival Military Style Shovel
Rhino is a small family-owned business that creates our first product. It’s a very convenient option that you should consider, especially if you need a shovel with a convenient design that’s quick and efficient to use. The shovel is made out of very durable material that will not require much from the owner. The head of the shovel can adjust to 90 degrees, which means that the unit can be used as either a pick or a hoe. On the side of the shovel, there is a rugged sawtooth that can be used to cut wood if need be.
This shovel is designed to fold up quickly and easily in a tri-fold design. In fact, when it is folded, the unit can easily fit in the tactical messenger bag that comes with the purchase of this shovel.
2. Tyger Military Shovel and Multifunction Tool
The Tyger shovel is another great option that’s going to be worth considering. It is made from a lightweight aluminum material that’s designed to be durable for a lifetime, which means that this may be the last shovel that you’re going to need to purchase. It is actually a 16-in-1 multitool that makes it a great survival or army shovel. The compact design makes it easy to use and comes with a few extra tools that you can use, which includes a knife, an ice pick, a screwdriver, and a firestarter. All of these things can be of great use in a survival situation or to keep with your emergency freeze dried food.
The shovel is designed to be packed away with ease. The unit can easily fit into a bag or your vehicle without any issues, and this shovel also comes with a carry bag that will travel with the tool very easy to do.
3. GRM Camping Shovel
When it comes to this GRM shovel, there are a lot of tools on the device that could be useful in a survival situation. There are seven different tools on the shovel, which includes a knife, a saw, a hex wrench, a ruler, a nail puller, and more. There is even a paracord on the unit that will make it convenient to use while you’re hunting and fishing. The design of this product is very compact; in fact, the length of the shovel is only about 10 inches before its folded up.
The handle is designed to be anti-slip, which means that it will be easier to manage. It even comes with a nylon rope on the handle that makes it easy to hold. This model is made with premium steel that’s designed to be very strong. This means that the unit is going to be wear-resistant and it will not rust easily either.
4. SOG Foldable Tactical Shovel
The SOG shovel, which is a tactical model, has a design that is not actually much larger than your hand. It comes with an entrenching tool that will work in any type of soil, and it can easilybe folded into a more compact size that is still extremely versatile. The shovel is only about 18 inches in size, and the one side of the shovel is serrated so that it can be used in more situations. The spade of the unit can also shift so that it can be used as a hoe or a pick.
This shovel actually has a three-way folding design that is convenient to use. It can easily be folded up into a compact size that will not be bulky in your bag. The shovel is made out of high-carbon steel that is extremely durable. It also comes with a bag that can be used to store and keep the shovel safe from the elements.
5. Zune Lotoo Annihilate Shovel
The final shovel that we are going to look at, which is the Zune Lotoo shovel, is another strong crafted model that’s designed to last for a lifetime. This shovel is crafted with heat-treated carbon steel that’s designed to be unbreakable. In fact, this design and the shape of the shovel will make the joints in the shovel head about three times stronger. It’s also a very lightweight model that will be easy to pack and carry in your edc backpack while you’re hiking.
There are actually six different shovel heads that can be used, which will provide you with six different angles for a more versatile tool. The shovel head can easily lock in place, and it can easily be adjusted in about one second. This is a shovel that combines more than 23 different multi-tools.
Features to Consider when Purchasing a Collapsible Shovel
When you’re making a purchase, there are a few things that you’ll want to consider before you decide which collapsible shovel is the right option for you. Some of the things that you will need to consider include:
Durable Material
One of the most important things to consider when you purchase a folding shovel is the material that was used in its construction. There’s a lot of shovels available to you, but the material that you choose will help to determine whether the one you get can be a survival shovel or more of a tactical shovel, with an entrenching tool that can be quite useful for digging. Common materials for the blade include stainless steel or high carbon steel. To help keep the blade in good condition, the metal can also be coated with a black layer of paint to help prevent corrosion from occurring.
A solid piece of metal is going to be more durable than a thin sheet, and it will not bend when pressure is placed on the shovel. The paint can chip off and cause the metal to rust, but this is less likely to occur. The handle will need to be made either from metal or hard plastic. Metal is the sturdier option, but if you are looking for a lighter weight, then plastic may be a better choice.
Type of Design
There are different folding shovel designs that can be found on the market. Before you make a purchase, it’s important to take a look at them all to determine which option will work best for your needs. There are tri-fold options as well as bi-fold shovels that you can consider. There are also shovels with a telescoping design that’s made to extend and collapse as needed. Some survival shovels are amongst the list of most coveted survival essentials.
Portability
Having a portable option is a great idea for a camping shovel or a shovel that you’re going to need to take with you on your travels. Collapsible shovels are always a great option that can easily be folded down to a more compact size that may easily fit into your backpack. The size and the weight of the shovel will also make it easier to carry around, so find the best survival shovel that fits your needs, especially if you are going to be carrying it around in the wilderness. Look for a model that has a compact size so that it can be easier to transport in your vehicle as well.
Ease of Use
When you’re looking for a shovel, the general rule of thumb is that the better the grip is on the unit, the easier it is going to be to use. Most collapsible shovel handles are designed with either a “T” grip or a “D” grip, which will be able to provide you with the ergonomic support that you need to dig without bending down. Most shovels with a short handle are going to make it so that you have to bend down while using it, so having an option with an adjustable handle can make it more manageable to use.
Additional Features
Do you need a shovel with serrated edges that will allow you to cut things when you need to in the wild? If so, there are a lot of other features that may be worth considering as well. A camping shovel can have things such as a compass, an entrenching tool, or another multi-tool that could be useful in a survival situation.
Reasons to Use Folding Shovels in a Survival Situation
There are a lot of possible situations where a person may need a shovel when they are in the wilderness trying to survive. Some of the top uses for a shovel include:
- A shovel can be used to drive in stakes or dig a hole in the ground. This can help make sure that you are not exposed to the elements when you need to sleep outdoors. You can even use the shovel to make the ground where you are camping even, which will make sleeping at night much more comfortable.
- When there is not a toilet with running water that you can use, a shovel can be used to dig a hole in the ground where you can use the bathroom. You will also be able to cover the waste up with a shovel.
- When it’s windy outside, keeping a fire going can be difficult. A shovel can make it easy to start a fire because you can dig a fire pit and even use a sharp shovel to chop the wood if you need.
- If a wild animal comes into your camping area, then a shovel can be used as a defensive tool that can keep you safe from predators.
Final Thoughts
When searching for the best folding shovel, all the options that we’ve reviewed in this guide are great to consider. If there is one that stands out above the rest, it would be the SOG foldable shovel. It has a tempered steel head, a sawtooth edge, and a convenient 3-way folding design. It’s a durable option that will work in the snow, the sand, or the dirt.
I’m Nebojša, a seasoned digital marketing professional with over 15 years of experience. My writing covers a diverse range of topics, from technology and gaming to app development and automobiles, all while delving into the intricacies of SEO optimization. Beyond the digital realm, I find solace in nature, inherited from my father’s love for the outdoors. His passion for hunting has influenced me, adding another layer to my appreciation for the natural world.