Survival enthusiasts, campers, and outdoor adventurers often overlook the importance of a good survival shovel. However, this versatile tool is a must-have in any survival kit. In this guide, we will explore the seven best survival shovels on the market, each with its unique features, advantages, and value. Get ready to dig into the world of survival shovels and find the perfect match for your outdoor adventures.
Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade
The Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade is a versatile and robust survival shovel designed for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and emergency preparedness. Priced at approximately $60, this tool offers excellent value for its quality and functionality.
Key Features
The Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade boasts several notable features:
- Powder-coated Carbon Steel Blade: The blade of the Gerber E-Tool is constructed from high-quality carbon steel and finished with a durable powder coating. This ensures exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and longevity, even in harsh outdoor conditions;
- Anodized Aluminum Shaft: The shaft of the spade is made from lightweight yet sturdy anodized aluminum. This material provides the perfect balance of durability and weight, making the shovel easy to handle and maneuver during use;
- Folding Design for Compact Storage: One of the standout features of the Gerber E-Tool is its folding design. The spade can be easily collapsed into a compact size, allowing for convenient storage and transportation. This makes it an ideal choice for backpackers, campers, and emergency kits where space is limited.
Benefits and Advantages
The Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade offers numerous benefits to users:
- Durability: With its powder-coated carbon steel blade and anodized aluminum shaft, the Gerber E-Tool is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Whether digging through tough soil, chopping wood, or clearing debris, this shovel is up to the task;
- Versatility: This survival shovel is not just for digging. Its sturdy construction and ergonomic design make it suitable for a variety of tasks, including chopping, sawing, and prying. Whether you’re setting up camp, building a shelter, or clearing a trail, the Gerber E-Tool has you covered;
- Portability: The folding design of the Gerber E-Tool makes it incredibly portable. When collapsed, it takes up minimal space, making it easy to pack in a backpack, vehicle, or emergency kit. This ensures that you always have a reliable tool on hand when you need it most.
SOG Entrenching Tool F08-N
The SOG Entrenching Tool F08-N is a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists seeking a reliable and affordable survival shovel. Priced at around $25, this tool offers excellent value for its quality construction and versatile functionality.
Key Features
The SOG Entrenching Tool F08-N boasts several key features:
- High Carbon Steel Construction: The blade of the SOG Entrenching Tool is crafted from high-quality carbon steel, known for its durability and strength. This ensures that the shovel can withstand heavy use and perform effectively in various outdoor conditions;
- Collapsible Handle: One of the standout features of the SOG Entrenching Tool is its collapsible handle. This allows the shovel to be easily folded for compact storage and transportation, making it convenient to carry in a backpack or vehicle;
- Lightweight and Versatile: Despite its sturdy construction, the SOG Entrenching Tool is remarkably lightweight, making it easy to handle and maneuver. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of tasks, including digging, chopping, and clearing debris.
Benefits and Advantages
The SOG Entrenching Tool F08-N offers several benefits to users:
- Affordability: Priced at approximately $25, the SOG Entrenching Tool is an affordable option for those on a budget. Despite its low price point, it delivers reliable performance and durability, making it a cost-effective choice for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists;
- Durability: Constructed from high carbon steel, the blade of the SOG Entrenching Tool is built to last. It can withstand heavy use and abuse, making it suitable for demanding outdoor tasks such as digging trenches, clearing brush, and chopping wood;
- Portability: The collapsible handle design of the SOG Entrenching Tool makes it highly portable. When folded, it takes up minimal space, allowing users to easily pack it in a backpack, vehicle, or emergency kit. This ensures that the shovel is always accessible when needed during outdoor adventures or survival situations.
Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel
The Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel is a unique and versatile survival tool that combines historical design with modern functionality. Priced at approximately $35, this shovel offers excellent value for its quality construction and multi-purpose capabilities.
Key Features
The Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel boasts several notable features:
- Hardwood Handle: Unlike many modern survival shovels, the Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel features a hardwood handle. This traditional design element provides a comfortable grip and adds to the aesthetic appeal of the tool;
- Medium Carbon Steel Blade: The blade of the Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel is crafted from medium carbon steel, known for its strength and durability. This robust construction allows the shovel to withstand heavy use and abuse in various outdoor conditions;
- Modeled after the Soviet Spetznaz Shovel: The design of the Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel is inspired by the Soviet Spetznaz shovel, a legendary tool used by Russian special forces. This heritage adds to the authenticity and appeal of the shovel, making it a favorite among history enthusiasts and survivalists alike.
Benefits and Advantages
The Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel offers several benefits to users:
- Multi-Purpose Design: While primarily designed for digging, the Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel is capable of much more. Its sturdy construction and sharp blade make it suitable for chopping wood, clearing brush, and even self-defense. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists;
- Durability: With its hardwood handle and medium carbon steel blade, the Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel is built to last. It can withstand the rigors of heavy use and perform reliably in challenging outdoor environments, making it a dependable companion for camping, hiking, and emergency preparedness;
- Historical Significance: The Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel pays homage to the iconic Soviet Spetznaz shovel, adding a touch of history and authenticity to outdoor adventures. This historical significance enhances the appeal of the shovel for collectors and history enthusiasts, making it a prized addition to any survival kit.
Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-Handle Square Garden Spade
The Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-Handle Square Garden Spade offers durability, comfort, and ease of use, making it a versatile tool for various outdoor tasks. Priced at around $30, this garden spade provides excellent value for its quality construction and ergonomic design.
Key Features
The Fiskars Garden Spade boasts several key features:
- D-Handle Design: The spade is equipped with a D-handle design, which provides comfort and control during use. This ergonomic design reduces strain on the hands and wrists, allowing users to work more efficiently for extended periods;
- Welded Steel Construction: The blade of the Fiskars Garden Spade is made from welded steel, ensuring exceptional strength and durability. This construction allows the spade to withstand heavy-duty use and perform reliably in various outdoor conditions;
- Sharp Blade: The blade of the Fiskars Garden Spade is sharp and efficient, making it easy to dig through soil, roots, and other debris. This sharpness reduces the effort required for digging, allowing users to complete tasks more quickly and with less fatigue.
Benefits and Advantages
The Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-Handle Square Garden Spade offers several benefits to users:
- Comfort and Control: The D-handle design of the spade provides superior comfort and control compared to traditional straight-handled shovels. This ergonomic design reduces strain on the hands and wrists, allowing users to work comfortably for longer periods without fatigue;
- Durability: With its welded steel construction, the Fiskars Garden Spade is built to last. It can withstand heavy-duty use and abuse, making it suitable for a wide range of outdoor tasks, including digging trenches, clearing brush, and setting up camp;
- Versatility: Although designed for gardening, the Fiskars Garden Spade is a versatile tool that can be used for various outdoor applications. Its sharp blade and sturdy construction make it ideal for tasks beyond gardening, such as landscaping, construction, and survival scenarios.
AMES US GI Military Original Issue E-Tool Entrenching Shovel
The AMES US GI Military Original Issue E-Tool Entrenching Shovel is a legendary survival shovel that has stood the test of time. Priced at around $50, this genuine military issue tool offers unparalleled reliability and durability, making it a top choice among survivalists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Key Features
The AMES E-Tool boasts several key features:
- Genuine Military Issue: This shovel is an authentic military issue tool, built to meet the rigorous standards of the United States Armed Forces. Its design and construction have been proven in combat situations, ensuring reliability and performance in the most demanding environments;
- Tri-fold Design: The AMES E-Tool features a tri-fold design, allowing it to be collapsed into a compact size for easy storage and transportation. This design makes it ideal for backpacking, camping, and emergency preparedness, where space is limited and portability is essential;
- Steel Blade and Aluminum Handle: The blade of the AMES E-Tool is made from durable steel, while the handle is constructed from lightweight aluminum. This combination of materials provides the perfect balance of strength and weight, allowing the shovel to withstand heavy use while remaining easy to handle.
Benefits and Advantages
The AMES US GI Military Original Issue E-Tool Entrenching Shovel offers several benefits to users:
- Reliability: As a genuine military issue tool, the AMES E-Tool is steeped in reliability and history. It has been tested and proven in the harshest of conditions, making it a trusted companion for survivalists, hikers, and campers alike;
- Durability: With its steel blade and aluminum handle, the AMES E-Tool is built to last. It can withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including digging, chopping, and prying, without bending or breaking. This durability ensures that the shovel remains a dependable tool for years to come;
- Versatility: Despite its compact size, the AMES E-Tool is a versatile tool that can handle a wide range of tasks. From digging trenches to clearing brush to chopping wood, this shovel is up to the challenge. Its tri-fold design makes it easy to carry and deploy, making it an essential tool for any outdoor adventure or survival situation.
Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel
The Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel is a compact and rugged tool designed for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists. Priced at approximately $50, this folding shovel offers a perfect balance of portability and durability, making it a top choice for various outdoor activities and emergency preparedness.
Key Features
The Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel boasts several key features:
- Heavy-Duty Steel Construction: The shovel is constructed from heavy-duty steel, ensuring exceptional strength and durability. This robust construction allows the shovel to withstand heavy use and perform effectively in challenging outdoor conditions;
- Collapsible Design: One of the standout features of the Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel is its collapsible design. The shovel can be folded down to a compact size of 9 inches, making it easy to carry and store. This portability makes it an ideal companion for backpacking, camping, and emergency situations;
- Includes Carry Bag: The shovel comes with a convenient carry bag, allowing users to transport it easily and keep it protected when not in use. This added accessory enhances the shovel’s portability and makes it even more convenient to take on outdoor adventures.
Benefits and Advantages
The Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel offers several benefits to users:
- Portability: The compact and collapsible design of the Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel makes it highly portable. Whether hiking through the wilderness or storing in a vehicle for emergencies, this shovel takes up minimal space and can be easily carried in a backpack or glove compartment;
- Durability: Despite its compact size, the Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel is built to last. The heavy-duty steel construction ensures that the shovel can handle a variety of outdoor tasks, including digging, chopping, and prying, without bending or breaking;
- Versatility: Despite its primary function as a shovel, the Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel is a versatile tool that can be used for a range of tasks. Its sturdy construction and ergonomic design make it suitable for digging trenches, clearing debris, chopping wood, and even self-defense if needed.
Schrade SCHSH1 16.6in Stainless Steel Telescoping Shovel
The Schrade SCHSH1 16.6in Stainless Steel Telescoping Shovel is a premium survival shovel designed to offer efficiency and ease of use in challenging outdoor conditions. Priced at about $60, this telescoping shovel provides excellent value for its unique features and high-quality construction.
Key Features
The Schrade Telescoping Shovel boasts several key features:
- Telescoping Handle: One of the standout features of this shovel is its telescoping handle. This innovative design allows the handle to extend, providing users with additional reach and leverage when digging or performing other tasks. The telescoping handle also makes the shovel more compact for storage and transportation when collapsed;
- 3CR13 Stainless Steel Blade: The blade of the Schrade Telescoping Shovel is constructed from 3CR13 stainless steel, known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. This high-quality blade ensures that the shovel can handle heavy use and perform effectively in various outdoor conditions;
- T-Shaped Handle for Easy Use: The shovel features a T-shaped handle design, providing users with a comfortable and ergonomic grip. This design allows for easy handling and maneuverability, reducing strain on the hands and wrists during prolonged use.
Benefits and Advantages
The Schrade SCHSH1 Stainless Steel Telescoping Shovel offers several benefits to users:
- Efficiency: The telescoping handle of the Schrade shovel allows for increased efficiency when digging or performing other tasks. The extended reach provided by the telescoping handle makes it easier to access hard-to-reach areas, while the sturdy stainless steel blade ensures efficient digging and cutting;
- Durability: With its 3CR13 stainless steel blade and high-quality construction, the Schrade Telescoping Shovel is built to last. It can withstand heavy use and abuse in various outdoor environments, making it a reliable tool for camping, hiking, and survival situations;
- Versatility: Despite its compact size when collapsed, the Schrade Telescoping Shovel is a versatile tool that can handle a wide range of tasks. From digging trenches to clearing debris to chopping wood, this shovel is up to the challenge. Its telescoping handle and ergonomic design make it easy to use in any situation.
Conclusion
The best survival shovels are those that combine durability, versatility, and portability. Whether you are a seasoned survivalist or a casual camper, having a reliable survival shovel can significantly enhance your outdoor experience. From the compact Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade to the robust Schrade Telescoping Shovel, each of these seven shovels offers unique features that cater to different needs and preferences. Choose wisely, and your survival shovel will become an indispensable part of your outdoor adventures.
FAQ
A survival shovel is designed to be durable, versatile, and portable, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor situations, including camping, hiking, and emergency scenarios.
Absolutely! The best survival shovels are multi-functional, often used for chopping, sawing, and even as a self-defense tool in some cases.
Weight is a crucial factor, especially for those who plan to carry their shovel in a backpack. The best survival shovels strike a balance between strength and lightweight design.
Yes, most of the best survival shovels are built to withstand extreme conditions, including cold, heat, and moisture, making them reliable tools in various environments.
While budget is a personal choice, investing in one of the best survival shovels often means getting a more durable and versatile tool that can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.