When venturing into the great outdoors, having the right tools can make all the difference. One essential tool for any survival kit is a reliable shovel. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 best survival shovels designed to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or preparing for emergencies, these shovels are built to handle various tasks. Let’s examine each shovel’s salient characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages so you may decide wisely.

Key Features to Look for in a Survival Shovel

A survival shovel’s functionality and endurance can be improved by considering several critical qualities. Here’s a detailed look at what to keep in mind:

• Material and Build Quality: The materials used (e.g., stainless steel, carbon steel) and construction methods.
• Multi-Functionality: Additional tools and features integrated into the shovel, such as saws, fire starters, or compasses.
• Portability and Weight: It is easy to carry and use the shovel during outdoor activities.
• Blade Design: The shape and sharpness of the blade for digging, cutting, and other tasks.
• Handle Comfort and Grip: Ergonomic design and materials used for the handle to ensure a secure and comfortable grip.

Key Features Table

Feature	Description	Importance
Material and Build Quality	High-quality materials that are resistant to deterioration include stainless steel and carbon steel.	High
Multi-Functionality	Shovels with integrated tools (e.g., saws, fire starters, compasses) provide added utility in survival situations.	High
Portability and Weight	Lightweight and foldable designs enhance portability, making it easier to carry with other gear.	Medium
Blade Design	Sharp, well-designed blades improve efficiency in digging, cutting, and other tasks.	High
Handle Comfort and Grip	Ergonomically designed handles with non-slip grips ensure comfort and safety during prolonged use.	High

Top 10 Survival Shovels: Detailed Reviews and Comparisons

This section provides in-depth reviews and comparisons of the top 10 survival shovels available on the market. Each review includes a product overview, performance analysis, pros and cons, user feedback, and an assessment of price and value. This will help you decide based on your specific needs and preferences.

1. Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade

Product Overview: The Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade is a compact, lightweight shovel designed for durability and versatility. Made from high-carbon steel, it features a serrated edge for cutting through roots and tough terrain.

Performance Analysis:

• Digging: Excellent for digging trenches and clearing debris.
• Cutting: The serrated edge performs well when cutting through roots and vegetation.
• Portability: Lightweight and foldable, making it easy to carry in a backpack.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Durable, multi-functional, compact.
• Cons: The handle might need to be longer for taller users.

User Feedback: Users appreciate its sturdy build and portability, though some mention the handle length could be improved.

Price and Value: Priced moderately, it offers great value for its durability and functionality.

2. SOG Entrenching Tool F08-N

Product Overview: The SOG Entrenching Tool F08-N is a versatile shovel made from high-carbon steel with a folding design. It includes a pick tool for breaking up hard ground.

Performance Analysis:

• Digging: Effective in both soft and hard ground.
• Cutting: The pick tool enhances its ability to break through tough soil.
• Portability: Compact and lightweight, ideal for backpacking.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Sturdy, versatile, lightweight.
• Cons: Handle can be uncomfortable during extended use.

User Feedback: Many users praise its durability and versatility, though some find the handle grip lacking.

Price and Value: Affordable and offers excellent value for its functions.

3. Tactica M.250

Product Overview: The Tactica M.250 is a multi-functional survival shovel with a modular design. It features a detachable handle with various tools, including a knife, saw, and fire starter.

Performance Analysis:

• Digging: Adequate for basic digging tasks.
• Cutting: Integrated tools are highly functional for various tasks.
• Portability: Modular design makes it easy to pack and carry.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Multi-functional, modular, compact.
• Cons: Not as sturdy for heavy-duty digging.

User Feedback: Users like the versatility and compactness but note it’s unsuitable for heavy-duty use.

Price and Value: Higher priced but justifiable given its multi-functional capabilities.

4. FiveJoy Military Folding Shovel Multi-Tool

Product Overview: The FiveJoy Military Folding Shovel Multi-Tool is built for extreme conditions, featuring multiple tools like a pick, saw, and hammer.

Performance Analysis:

• Digging: Performs well in varied terrains.
• Cutting: Saw and other tools are effective for survival tasks.
• Portability: Foldable and comes with a carrying case.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Durable, multi-functional, includes carrying case.
• Cons: Heavier than some other models.

User Feedback: Praised for its durability and comprehensive toolset, though some users find it bulky.

Price and Value: Reasonably priced with good value considering the range of tools included.

5. Schrade SCHSH1 Telescoping Shovel

Product Overview: The Schrade SCHSH1 Telescoping Shovel features a telescoping handle for adjustable length and ease of use. Made from 1055 carbon steel, it’s built for durability.

Performance Analysis:

• Digging: Effective for both shallow and deep digging tasks.
• Cutting: Not specifically designed for cutting, but performs adequately.
• Portability: A telescoping handle enhances portability.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Adjustable handle, durable, good for various digging tasks.
• Cons: Limited cutting functionality.

User Feedback: Users appreciate the adjustable handle, though some wish it had more integrated tools.

Price and Value: Moderately priced, offering good value for its durability and adjustable design.

6. Yeacool Folding Shovel Multi-tool

Product Overview: The Yeacool Folding Shovel Multi-tool is a compact, versatile tool with multiple integrated functions, including a saw, hoe, and bottle opener.

Performance Analysis:

• Digging: Suitable for general digging tasks.
• Cutting: Saw and other tools add extra functionality.
• Portability: Compact and foldable, easy to carry.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Multi-functional, compact, lightweight.
• Cons: It may need to be more durable for heavy-duty tasks.

User Feedback: Users like its versatility and compactness, but some find it less durable than expected.

Price and Value: Affordable and good value for light to moderate use.

7. Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel

Product Overview: The Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel is modeled after the Soviet Spetsnaz shovel, designed for durability and utility. It features a sharp edge for chopping and digging.

Performance Analysis:

• Digging: Excellent for all types of digging tasks.
• Cutting: Sharp edges make it effective for chopping.
• Portability: Slightly heavier but manageable.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Durable, sharp edges, multi-functional.
• Cons: Heavier than some other models.

User Feedback: Highly praised for its durability and sharpness, though some users find it too heavy for long treks.

Price and Value: Priced reasonably, offering excellent value for its robustness and functionality.

8. Survival Frog Tact Mini Folding Shovel

Product Overview: The Survival Frog Tact Mini Folding Shovel is a compact, foldable shovel with various integrated tools, including a pick and saw.

Performance Analysis:

• Digging: Effective for small to medium digging tasks.
• Cutting: The integrated saw performs well in terms of size.
• Portability: Extremely compact and lightweight.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Compact, lightweight, multi-functional.
• Cons: Not suitable for heavy-duty digging.

User Feedback: Users appreciate its portability and range of tools, though it’s not for heavy-duty use.

Price and Value: Very affordable, offering great value for light use and emergencies.

9. United Cutlery Kommando Survival Shovel

Product Overview: The United Cutlery Kommando Survival Shovel is designed for extreme conditions. It has an honed edge and a sturdy stainless steel blade.

Performance Analysis:

• Digging: Handles tough terrain with ease.
• Cutting: Sharp edge useful for chopping.
• Portability: Compact but slightly heavier.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Durable, sharp edge, effective for tough tasks.
• Cons: Slightly heavier than other compact shovels.

User Feedback: Praised for its toughness and sharp edge, though weight can be an issue for some.

Price and Value: Reasonably priced with excellent value for durability and effectiveness.

10. Iunio Military Portable Folding Shovel

Product Overview: The Iunio Military Portable Folding Shovel is a multi-functional tool with various integrated features, including a saw, pickaxe, and fire starter.

Performance Analysis:

• Digging: Versatile for different digging needs.
• Cutting: Saw and other tools enhance functionality.
• Portability: Foldable and includes a carrying case.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Multi-functional, durable, includes carrying case.
• Cons: Can be bulky when folded.

User Feedback: Users like the range of tools and durability, though some find it bulky for transport.

Price and Value: Moderately priced, offering good value for its range of functions and durability.

How to Use a Survival Shovel Effectively

A survival shovel is an adaptable instrument with various outdoor uses. However, knowing how to use it correctly is crucial to optimize its usefulness and guarantee safety. This section will cover basic techniques, emergency applications, maintenance tips, and safety precautions to help you maximize your survival shovel.

Basic Techniques

Digging:

• Proper Stance: For stability, place your feet shoulder-width apart. Use your legs and core to provide power rather than relying solely on your arms.
• Efficient Shoveling: Push the shovel into the ground with your foot, leveraging your body weight. Scoop out the soil and deposit it to the side. Repeat the process, keeping a steady rhythm.
• Trenching: When digging a trench, use the serrated edge (if available) to cut through roots and tough soil. Dig at an angle to create sloped walls, which helps prevent collapse.

Cutting:

• Sharp Edges: Use the shovel’s sharp edges to cut through vegetation, small branches, or roots. Hold the shovel with both hands, using a chopping motion similar to an axe.
• Sawing: Your shovel’s serrated edge allows you to see through thicker branches. Hold the shovel firmly and use steady back-and-forth motions.

Hoeing:

• Garden Tasks: Adjusting the blade angle of some shovels can convert them into hoes. Use them for garden tasks like turning soil, weeding, or creating furrows for planting.

Emergency Situations

Shelter Building:

• Digging Trenches: Use the shovel to dig trenches around your tent to divert rainwater and prevent flooding.
• Constructing Shelters: Create a pit shelter by digging a hole and using natural materials (branches, leaves) to cover it. This can provide insulation and protection from the elements.

Fire Starting:

• Fire Pits: Dig a shallow pit for your campfire to contain the fire and reduce the risk of spreading.
• Gathering Fuel: Use the shovel to gather dry leaves, small branches, and other combustible materials for starting a fire.

Self-Defense:

• Defensive Tool: In an emergency, the shovel can be used as a defensive tool. Hold it firmly and use it to block or strike as needed.
• Signal for Help: Reflect sunlight off the shovel blade to signal for help in an emergency.

Maintenance Tips

Cleaning:

• After Use: Always clean your shovel after each use to remove dirt, moisture, and debris. This helps prevent rust and corrosion.
• Thorough Cleaning: Scrub the shovel with water and a brush. Dry it thoroughly before storage to avoid moisture damage.

Sharpening:

• Regular Sharpening: Keep the blade sharp for effective digging and cutting. Use a file or sharpening stone to achieve a sharp edge.
• Saw Teeth: If your shovel has a serrated edge, ensure the saw teeth remain sharp. Use a small file to sharpen each tooth individually.

Lubrication:

• Prevent Rust: To prevent rust, apply a light coat of oil to the shovel’s metal parts and wipe off excess oil before use.
• Moving Parts: Lubricate any folding or telescoping parts to ensure smooth operation.

Storage:

• Dry Environment: Store the shovel dry to prevent rust and deterioration. Avoid leaving it exposed to the elements.
• Protective Case: When unused, cover the shovel with a protective case or sheath.

Safety Precautions

Proper Handling:

• Grip: Always hold the shovel firmly to maintain control. Use both hands when performing heavy-duty tasks.
• Posture: Maintain good posture to prevent strain and injury. Bend your knees and use your legs for power when digging.

Awareness:

• Surroundings: Keep an eye on your surroundings to prevent unintentionally hitting people or breaking adjacent items.
• Terrain: Pay attention to the terrain. To prevent accidents, avoid using the shovel on unstable or slippery ground.

Tool Condition:

• Check Before Use: Inspect the shovel before each use to ensure there are no cracks, loose parts, or other damage that could compromise its performance.
• Repair or Replace: Address any issues immediately. Repair or replace damaged parts to maintain safety and functionality. 

Survival Shovels vs. Regular Shovels: What Sets Them Apart?

Although survival and regular shovels may initially seem similar, they are designed with different purposes and features. This section will emphasize the main distinctions and explain why a survival shovel is frequently preferable for outdoor activities and emergencies.

Design and Construction

Materials:

• Survival Shovels are typically made from high-quality materials such as high-carbon or stainless steel, providing superior durability and resistance to wear and tear.
• Regular Shovels are often constructed from standard steel or aluminum, which may withstand harsh outdoor conditions less effectively.

Build Quality:

• Survival Shovels are designed to endure extreme conditions, including high-impact use and exposure to the elements. They often have reinforced joints and additional features to enhance durability.
• Regular Shovels: Built for everyday tasks like gardening and landscaping, they may need to be more robust and versatile.

Functionality

Multi-Functionality:

• Survival Shovels: These shovels incorporate various tools and features, such as saws, fire starters, compasses, knives, and even bottle openers. Their multi-functionality makes them versatile tools in survival situations.
• Regular Shovels: Primarily designed for digging and moving soil. They need additional tools and features.

Portability:

• Survival Shovels: Compact and often foldable or telescoping, making them easy to carry in a backpack or survival kit. Lightweight materials are used to enhance portability.
• Regular Shovels: Generally larger and bulkier, designed for stationary use rather than portability.

Blade Design

Shape and Edge:

• Survival Shovels: They feature specialized blade designs with sharp edges, serrations, and points for cutting, chopping, and sawing, making them suitable for various tasks beyond digging.
• Regular Shovels are standard flat or slightly curved blades for digging and moving soil. They lack the sharp edges and points found in survival shovels.

Handle Design

Comfort and Grip:

• Survival Shovels: Ergonomically designed handles with non-slip grips ensure comfort and safety during prolonged use. Handles are often made from durable materials like reinforced plastic or rubber.
• Regular Shovels: Handles may be made from wood or basic plastic, offering adequate grip but not necessarily optimized for prolonged or rugged use.

Versatility

Usage Scenarios:

• Survival Shovels are suitable for various activities, including camping, hiking, emergency preparedness, and military use. They can handle tasks such as digging trenches, cutting firewood, and self-defense.
• Regular Shovels: Primarily used for gardening, landscaping, and light construction work. Their functionality is limited to basic digging and soil movement.

Comparison Table

Feature	Survival Shovels	Regular Shovels
Materials	High-carbon steel, stainless steel	Standard steel, aluminum
Build Quality	Reinforced for extreme conditions	Suitable for everyday gardening and landscaping
Multi-Functionality	Includes tools like saws, fire starters, compasses, knives	Primarily for digging and moving soil
Portability	Compact, foldable, lightweight	Larger, bulkier, not designed for portability
Blade Design	Specialized with sharp edges, serrations, points	Standard flat or curved blades
Handle Comfort and Grip	Ergonomic, non-slip materials like reinforced plastic or rubber	Basic wood or plastic handles
Versatility	Suitable for camping, hiking, emergency preparedness, military use	Mainly for gardening, landscaping, light construction

Tips for Choosing the Right Survival Shovel for Your Needs

Given the many options available, selecting the right survival shovel can be daunting. The secret is to identify and match your unique requirements with the qualities other shovels offer. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

Assess Your Activities

Type of Outdoor Activities:

• Camping: If you’re an avid camper, look for a shovel with a fire starter and a saw for cutting wood.
• Hiking: A lightweight and compact shovel is essential for easy portability for hikers.
• Emergency Preparedness: In emergencies, a multi-functional shovel with tools for self-defense, shelter building, and fire starting is ideal.
• Military Use: Military personnel might need a durable, versatile shovel focusing on robust construction and tactical features.

Frequency of Use:

• Frequent Use: If you plan to use the shovel regularly, prioritize durability and comfort to withstand repeated use.
• Occasional Use: A basic model with essential features might be sufficient for infrequent use.

Evaluate Your Skill Level

Beginner:

• Look for a shovel with straightforward functionality and easy-to-use features. Avoid overly complex models that might be overwhelming.

Intermediate:

• Choose a shovel that balances multi-functionality and durability well. Intermediate users can handle more features and slightly more complex designs.

Expert:

• Advanced users should opt for high-end models with extensive features, robust construction, and the ability to perform multiple tasks efficiently.

Budget Considerations

Budget-Friendly Options:

• Many affordable survival shovels offer good functionality. Look for models that provide essential features without breaking the bank.

Mid-Range Options:

• Mid-range shovels often strike a balance between cost and features. They are generally more durable and offer additional functionalities.

Premium Options:

• Premium shovels have a higher price tag but offer superior materials, build quality, and extensive features. They are ideal for serious outdoor enthusiasts and professionals.

Reading Reviews and Ratings

Customer Reviews:

• Read reviews left by verified customers to learn more about the shovel’s durability and performance in the real world.
• Consider common review themes, such as frequent complaints or highly praised features.

Expert Reviews:

• Look for reviews from outdoor gear experts who have tested the shovel in various conditions.
• Expert reviews often provide detailed performance assessments and comparisons with other models.

Ratings:

• Check the overall rating of the shovel on e-commerce websites. Higher ratings generally indicate customer satisfaction.
• Compare ratings across multiple platforms to comprehensively understand the shovel’s performance.

Testing Before Buying

Handle and Grip:

• If you can, try the handle and grip to ensure the shovel is safe and comfortable.
• Check for ergonomic designs that reduce strain during prolonged use.

Weight and Balance:

• Assess the shovel’s weight and balance. It should be lightweight enough for easy carrying but sturdy enough for tough tasks.
• A well-balanced shovel will feel natural to use and provide better control.

Blade and Edge:

• Examine the blade’s design and edge sharpness. A good survival shovel should have a versatile blade that can handle digging, cutting, and chopping.
• Test the edge to ensure it’s sharp and capable of performing various tasks efficiently.

Additional Tools:

• If the shovel includes additional tools, test them to ensure they are functional and easy to use.
• Check for secure attachments and mechanisms that keep the tools in place during use.

Summary Table of Considerations

Factor	Beginner	Intermediate	Expert
Activity Type	Basic camping, occasional use	Regular camping/hiking	Military, frequent expeditions
Frequency of Use	Occasional	Regular	Frequent
Budget	Budget-friendly	Mid-range	Premium
Complexity	Simple	Moderate	Advanced
Testing Focus	Comfort and ease of use	Balance and additional features	Robustness and extensive tools

Conclusion

A good survival shovel is an indispensable tool for any outdoor adventurer. Understanding the key features, reviewing the top options, and knowing how to use and maintain your shovel can ensure you’re well-prepared for any situation. Choose wisely and enjoy your outdoor adventures with confidence.

FAQs

What makes a survival shovel different from a regular shovel?

A survival shovel is designed for versatility and durability. It often features multi-functional tools like saws, fire starters, and compasses. These shovels are typically made from high-quality materials to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and are more portable than regular shovels.

Can I use a survival shovel for self-defense?

Yes, many survival shovels are designed for self-defense. They often have sharp edges or pointed tips that can be used in emergencies. However, they should primarily be viewed as tools for survival rather than weapons.

How do I maintain my survival shovel?

To maintain your survival shovel, clean it thoroughly after each use to prevent rust and damage. Sharpen the blade frequently to keep it cutting and digging efficiently. Also, regularly check it for broken or loose pieces and keep it dry.

Are survival shovels heavy to carry?

Survival shovels are designed to be lightweight and portable. Many types are easily transportable by folding or disassembling. When choosing a survival shovel, consider its weight and how easily it can be carried with your other gear.

What should I consider when choosing a survival shovel?

When choosing a survival shovel, consider the material and build quality, multi-functionality, portability, blade design, and handle comfort. Read user evaluations and consider your needs concerning the outdoor activities you plan to engage in before making a decision.

Additional Resources

1. Ultimate Survival Gear Guide

For a comprehensive guide on essential survival gear, including shovels, visit the Ultimate Survival Gear Guide.

2. Outdoor Gear Lab

Check out in-depth reviews and comparisons of various survival tools at Outdoor Gear Lab.

3. REI Co-op Expert Advice

Find expert tips and buying guides for outdoor equipment, including survival shovels, at REI Co-op Expert Advice.

4. Survival Life

Explore articles, tutorials, and product reviews on survival equipment at Survival Life.

5. Backpacker Magazine

Read gear reviews and survival tips from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts at Backpacker Magazine.