When you find yourself in the great outdoors or facing unexpected emergencies, having the right gear can make all the difference. One essential tool that every survivalist, camper, or hiker should have in their arsenal is a reliable survival shovel. This versatile and compact tool can prove to be a lifesaver in various situations.
A survival shovel is not your average gardening tool, or workhorse shovel. It is a purpose-built, multi-functional instrument designed to handle a range of tasks in demanding situations. These shovels are typically constructed from durable materials like high-grade steel or aluminum, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
Survival shovels usually come with collapsible or foldable designs, allowing for easy storage and portability. Some models even incorporate additional features such as saw edges, fire starters, bottle openers, and more, making them even handier in emergencies.
Table of Contents
- Importance of Having a Reliable Survival Shovel in Emergency Situations
- Criteria for Selection
- SOG Entrenching Tool- 18.25 Inch Folding Survival Shovel
- Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade
- FiveJoy Military Folding Shovel Multitool
- M48 Kommando Survival Shovel
- US GI Military E-Tool Entrenching Shovel
- Final Thoughts
Importance of Having a Reliable Survival Shovel in Emergency Situations
When you’re exploring the wilderness or facing unexpected survival scenarios, having a dependable tool at your disposal can be crucial. A survival shovel can serve a myriad of purposes:
- Digging: Whether you need to dig a fire pit, create a shelter, or bury waste, a sturdy survival shovel is up to the task.
- Chopping: Some survival shovels feature serrated edges or axe-like attachments, enabling you to chop small branches and clear obstacles.
- Self-defense: In extreme situations, a survival shovel can be used for self-defense against wild animals or other threats.
- Signal creation: Many survival shovels have reflective surfaces or built-in whistles that can be used to signal for help in emergency situations.
- Versatility: Survival shovels can be adapted to various functions, making them an indispensable all-in-one tool for survivalists.
Criteria for Selection
Selecting the perfect survival shovel requires careful consideration of several key factors. With a plethora of options available, it’s essential to know what sets a reliable survival shovel apart from the rest.
Key Factors Considered When Choosing the Best Survival Shovels
Durability
When you’re in survival mode, the last thing you need is a flimsy tool that can’t withstand the challenges of the great outdoors. Durability is of utmost importance in a survival shovel. The best ones are made from high-quality materials like reinforced steel or aircraft-grade aluminum. These materials ensure that the shovel can handle tough digging, chopping, and prying tasks without bending or breaking.
Survival shovels that pass the durability test are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, rocky terrain, and heavy use without compromising their integrity. In our review of the top 5 survival shovels, we’ve paid close attention to the materials used and the overall construction to ensure that the selected shovels are reliable and built to last.
Portability
Survival situations demand compact and lightweight gear that won’t weigh you down during long hikes or emergency evacuations. Portability is a crucial aspect of a survival shovel, as it needs to be easily packable in your backpack or attached to your gear without becoming a burden.
The best survival shovels are designed with portability in mind, featuring collapsible or foldable designs that minimize their size when not in use. Many models come with dedicated carrying cases or sheaths to protect the shovel during transport and prevent any accidental damage to other items in your pack.
Versatility
A reliable survival shovel should be more than just a digging tool. Versatility is key, as the shovel should be able to adapt to a variety of tasks that may arise during survival situations. Some survival shovels include interchangeable heads or additional attachments that extend their functionality beyond simple digging.
Whether you need to cut branches, open cans, or hammer in tent stakes, a versatile survival shovel can be your go-to tool for multiple needs. We’ve considered the versatility of the top 5 survival shovels to ensure that they can handle a wide range of tasks effectively.
Ergonomics
In emergency situations, every move counts. An ergonomic design ensures that using the survival shovel is comfortable and efficient. The shovel should have a well-balanced design with a comfortable grip that minimizes hand fatigue during prolonged use.
Survival shovels that offer adjustable handles or multiple grip positions allow for a more customized and ergonomic experience. We’ve taken the ergonomics into account in our evaluation, ensuring that the selected shovels are easy to handle and use, even in stressful situations.
Additional Features
While the primary function of a survival shovel is to dig, the best ones often come with additional features that can prove invaluable in emergencies. Common additional features include saw edges, fire starters, compasses, bottle openers, and even hidden storage compartments.
We’ve explored the extra features offered by the top 5 survival shovels, highlighting their usefulness and practicality in various survival scenarios.
SOG Entrenching Tool- 18.25 Inch Folding Survival Shovel
The SOG shovel includes a pick on one side and a shovel with a serrated edge on the other, and it folds out straight, easily, and quickly. This shovel is perfect for overlanding where room is at a premium because it is tiny and lightweight.
This is not a heavy duty overlander shovel, but it will serve its purpose for digging a hole for you know what and for helping if you get stuck in sand for example because the shovel head can be angled sideways – useful for getting around the inside of wheels etc. Anything used and abused will eventually fail.
Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade
The Gerber E-Tool is a folding spade that folds up incredibly small. It is the perfect instrument for a variety of tasks. The spade has a serrated edge on one side and is made of powder-coated carbon steel.
The handle is made of sturdy, nylon that has been strengthened with fibreglass. The shovel blade is sturdy and sharp enough to easily cut through soil, and the D-grip handle makes it simple to exert force in these confined spaces. The blade’s serrated edge is also very fantastic; it effortlessly slices through fibrous debris and roots.
The E-Tool is a very small tool that can be folded up and stowed with ease.
FiveJoy Military Folding Shovel Multitool
FiveJoy’s military folding shovel can be an excellent choice if adaptability is your primary consideration when selecting a survival shovel. It has many functions that will save you a tonne of room in your survival backpack and is much more than simply a shovel. Among them are a bottle opener, a hammer, a fire starter, and an emergency whistle. The shovel also includes a sharp axe blade with a serrated saw edge constructed from heat-treated, high-carbon steel for increased durability in addition to these modest survival tools.
The shovel’s capabilities go beyond digging. It can saw, hook, entrench, chop, and peel in a range of difficult terrains. Despite this, the shovel only weighs 1.2 pounds and is simple to fold up so you can carry it in your bag or in your car.
M48 Kommando Survival Shovel
It is clear from its design that the M48 Kommando Tactical Shovel was created with maximum survival in mind. Although it lacks any foldable components, this shovel initially reminds one of traditional military entrenchment tools. The 16.25-inch-long shovel has a contemporary design. The handle is virtually unbreakable because it is composed of injection-molded nylon reinforced with 30% fibreglass.
This survival tool’s endurance is increased by the use of tempered 2cr13 steel, which is typically used to make a variety of tools. The shovel’s blade has a tough black oxide coating that gives it a non-reflective appearance. Unfortunately, the blade’s tang only extends halfway through the handle rather than the complete length. But the shovel’s blade will remain securely fastened to the handle thanks to three powerful rivets.
US GI Military E-Tool Entrenching Shovel
The Military Issue Entrenching Tool is a tough, high-quality piece of survival equipment with no frills. The US Government issues it and sells it as USGI Surplus. This is the real deal, not one of the many “knock off” entrenching tools that are now available on the market. Various government contractors in the USA.
This shovel weighs little over 2 pounds and folds down to a small 6″ x 9″ x 2″ size. It also opens to a length of 23″. It can be used as a pickaxe when utilised in a half open posture. Suitable for a winter emergency kit, or just use when camping or hunting, this item is a good size to carry in your car’s trunk.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a reliable survival shovel is an essential step towards being prepared for any outdoor adventure or emergency situation. Each of the top 5 shovels we’ve explored in this article brings something unique to the table, catering to different preferences and scenarios.
Before making your final decision, take some time to evaluate your specific needs, the environment you’ll be venturing into, and the tasks you’re likely to encounter. Armed with this information and the insights provided in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the best survival shovel that will serve as your trusty companion on your outdoor journeys.
Remember, a survival shovel is more than just a tool; it’s a symbol of readiness, resourcefulness, and the determination to conquer any challenge that comes your way. Happy exploring, and may your chosen survival shovel be your steadfast companion in all your future adventures!
Ben