In this guide we’ll look at the best camping shovels.
We’ve compared size, durability, multi-tool features and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What Is The Best Camping Shovel?
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More Detailed Camping Shovel Reviews
FiveJoy Military Folding Shovel Multitool
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FiveJoy Military Folding Shovel Multitool Review
The FiveJoy Military Folding Shovel is the best folding camping shovel on the market. With a compact design made from ultra durable, water and rust resistant carbon steel, this shovel is built to last. It’s ideal for digging up sand, snow, mud and dirt, or even chopping branches and ice.
This shovel is amazingly lightweight and portable. It’s convenient to store in your car for unexpected emergencies, or it can be attached to your belt for easy access while hiking. The handle is comfortable, grippy and sweat proof for added safety and control, while the spade itself can be used at 90 or 180 degrees.
Specifications:
- Material: Carbon steel
- Length: 20.6”
- Weight: 2.16lbs
- Foldable?: Yes
- Multifunctional?: Yes
Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick
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Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick Review
The Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel is a strong contender for the best lightweight camping shovel. It weighs just 2lbs so it can be taken on the go, but despite the lightweight design it’s seriously durable. Made from carbon steel with sharp rugged saw teeth, this shovel is easy to use and tough.
At 23” in length, this shovel is the perfect length. For storing or carrying, fold it into a 9” x 6” tool and pack it up in the included carry case. Plus, this tool is multifunctional; choose from a rugged sawtooth shovel or adjust the shovel head to use as a hoe and pickaxe.
Specifications:
- Material: Carbon steel
- Length: 23”
- Weight: 2lbs
- Foldable?: Yes
- Multifunctional?: Yes
REDCAMP Military Folding Camping Shovel
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REDCAMP Military Folding Camping Shovel Review
The REDCAMP Military Folding Camping Shovel is a multifunctional camping tool that can be used for sawing, digging, cutting, hammering and shovelling – a serious all rounder! This can be used straight or at a 90 degree angle as a shovel, hoe, pick or saw.
With a portable and foldable design, this shovel can be taken with you on any camping trip. The total length is 22.5” when fully extended, but it packs up to just 10.22”. Plus, it weighs just 2.5lbs so there’s no excuse for not taking it with you!
Made from high carbon steel and with a tough, ergonomic handle, this camping shovel is guaranteed to stand the test of time.
Specifications:
- Material: Carbon steel
- Length: 22.5”
- Weight: 2.5bs
- Foldable?: Yes
- Multifunctional?: Yes
ANTARCTICA Military Folding Camping Shovel
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ANTARCTICA Military Folding Camping Shovel Review
Introducing the ANTARCTICA Military Folding Shovel, the best winter camping shovel on the market today. This awesome shovel is packed with all sorts of features for emergencies and heavy duty use. It has all the tools incorporated for survival in cold weather- including a hidden rescue knife and saw, emergency whistle, fire starter and bottle opener!
This shovel can be easily folded and packed into your backpack or the trunk of your car. It’s great for digging car tires out of snow or mud, while the bottle opener ensures you can always have an open beer on hand!
With a slip and sweat proof ergonomic handle, this shovel is easy to use and comfortable. It’s made from durable high carbon steel and weighs just 2.8lbs.
Specifications:
- Material: Carbon steel
- Length: 36”
- Weight: 2.8lbs
- Foldable?: Yes
- Multifunctional?: Yes
CO-Z Portable Mini Folding Shovel High Carbon Steel
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CO-Z Portable Mini Folding Shovel High Carbon Steel Review
The CO-Z Mini Folding Shovel is an extremely durable camping shovel, made from high carbon steel. It’s made to last, both rust resistant and anti deformation. It’s multifunctional and can be used for digging, shovelling, sawing, chopping and more.
This shovel is both compact and versatile. The handle is 11.8” so you can dig in comfort, while the thickened cutting blade ensures you can dig into gravel with ease. It’s both easy to store and lightweight, coming with a nylon carry case and weighing under 2lbs.
Specifications:
- Material: Carbon steel
- Length: 18.1”
- Weight: 1.8lbs
- Foldable?: Yes
- Multifunctional?: Yes
Camping Shovel Buyer’s Guide
The view that camping shovels are only designed for hardcore hikers looking to set up camp on Mt. Everest is slowly changing, and many campers are now discovering the value of having their own, user friendly camping shovel.
Camping shovels have a multitude of uses. Whether you’re digging a fire trench, a latrine or burying organic waste, a camping shovel can make those little camping tasks a lot easier – and are a great addition to any camping kit.
But finding the best camping shovel is tricky when there’s such a range on the market. This buyer’s guide will tell you all you need to know.
Size
Standard backpacking shovels are usually between 15 and 20” long, and even longer camping shovels should be portable. If you need a longer shovel for additional leverage, look for folding shovels like the Rhino USA Survival Shovel that can be packed up neatly in your backpack.
Handle
A comfortable, ergonomic and non-slip handle like the handle of the REDCAMP Military Folding Camping Shovel is essential for the safety of those around you. A good handle will also make the shovel far easier to use! A folding handle will come in handy when you are packing.
Durability
Great folding shovels are made from strong materials like the ANTARCTICA Military Folding Shovel. These shovels are specifically constructed to last and are rust and water resistant. Most shovels will need to be sharpened every now and again.
Strength
It is often not the materials that gives the shovel its strength, but the design. Shovels with a longer handle will give you more leverage in tricky terrains, but unless they fold up compactly, these will be harder to carry.
Multi-Tool Features
Many camping shovels come with extra tools included, although these can add to the weight. Multi-function shovels like the CO-Z Mini Folding Shovel can be used for digging, shoveling, sawing and chopping, and many will also come with features like a fire starter or even a bottle opener. Most camping shovels will have a head that can be adjusted to different angles.
Weight
A heavy shovel is a real no no when it comes to camping and hiking. Look for one specifically designed to be lightweight and compact. Remember that the more additional features your camping shovel has, the more it is likely to weigh. Look for a shovel that weighs under 3lbs.
Conclusion
A great folding shovel will make your camping trip easier and you’ll be well able to cope with emergency situations. If you’re struggling to decide, the FiveJoy Military Folding Shovel is our top pick, thanks to the compact and durable design, comfortable handle and excellent power.