This article will go over the five different survival shovel variations, rank the top five, and learn how useful it is for survival.
When people say shovel, the first thing that comes into my mind is that hand tool with a broad pointed arrow-like plate at the end used by construction workers to mix concrete. I thought it was like a big pointy spoon.
When I was a kid, local hardware shops made the idea of shovels even more intriguing. If you are a non-expert like me, you’d also be surprised that it has a few variants with different purposes other than for construction: gardening, mining, snow removal, to name a few.
But when you attach survival to the word shovel, it’s a whole different story.
Let’s dive in and learn the top five best shovels useful for survival and what makes them so.
Smittybilt Tri-Fold Shovel is also called the Recovery Utility Tool (R.U.T.), a compact tri-fold survival shovel that comes with a case with a velcro to lock it in when not in use.
You’ll see a little hook for when you want to hang it up at the back of the case and a two-way belt loop that allows you to wear it vertically or horizontally.
This tool measures 9 inches when folded and stretches to 23 inches when opened. Either way, it doesn’t take up much space, which makes it handy.
One of these Military Style survival shovel features is its heavy-duty black powder-coated body. This material enables the tool to endure the most brutal ground to push through.
It also comes with a fiber-reinforced nylon handle that provides an easy, light but secure grip. The best part is that it has a heat-treated carbon steel double serrated edged blade for a shovelhead that gives ease when cutting and digging, making it perfect for camping and offroad. All these features put this tool on top of the best survival shovel.
Don’t be deceived by its 2.6-pound weight; this survival shovel is tough, durable, and affordable. It is truly a great choice!
2. Iunio Folding Shovel
The Iunio Folding Shovel is manufactured to military standards and is one of the best survival shovels that will stand with you no matter what. It’s also more of a multi-tool than simply a survival shovel, featuring plenty of other capabilities.
Because the shovel head is composed of high-carbon steel, this material makes it solid and long-lasting. Setting up camp, digging a toilet, or digging the automobile out of a sticky situation will be quick and straightforward.
The handle allows you to choose the most comfortable digging size with its adjustable handle with various available lengths.
It also folds neatly into a backpack-friendly carrying bag that can be clipped to your belt or slipped into your backpack. It folds down that helps you save so much space, making it ideal for taking on any outdoor activity.
3. SOG Folding Survival Shovel
S.O.G. makes some of the most cost-efficient and effective knives on the market. With this survival shovel, they maintain that tradition.
A tempered carbon steel shovelhead with a powder-coated finish for corrosion resistance and friction-free cutting is included in this design, instantly putting it on the top 5 best survival shovel list.
The S.O.G. has a tri-folding design with a threaded locking mechanism for added security, so it is both easy to open up and pop back in, making it a reliable survival shovel.
Its compact, lightweight, and durable. Each side of the shovelhead also has a saw edge and a chopping blade, and the shovelhead comes with a lifetime guarantee.
4. US GI Military Shovel
This American G.I. Military Shovel design is for military activities such as entrenchment. It is the best survival shovel for heavy-duty tasks for the same reason. Steel with a black powder coating is what composes the shovelhead.
The shovelhead can be locked into different angles between 45 and 180 degrees, making it an extremely flexible tool. It’s a tremendous grappling hook at 45 degrees, a seat or picks at 90 degrees, and a heavy-duty survival shovel at 180 degrees.
The head also has a sharpened ax and saw edge to assist you in getting through roots and cutting wood if necessary.
The angle-changing bolt is quite tight when it arrives and will need considerable lubrication. It’s also a great choice to sharpen the blade right away after receiving it since it’s a touch dull out of the box.
The shovel splits into three halves, saving much space and ideal for carrying in a backpack. Overall, it’s a great choice for a survival shovel that outperforms the competition when it comes to heavy-duty labor.
5. Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade
Compared to the best survival shovels, the Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade is a bit pricey but widely regarded as one of the finest.
What sets this survival shovel apart from the others is that it excels at all essential functions. If you are thinking of getting a Gerber survival shovel in the market, I must say that you are making a great choice.
It’s composed of very high-quality carbon steel. It’s very dependable, strong, and long-lasting, ideal for digging through rugged terrain.
The shovelhead’s serrated edge is also one of the finest on the market, making it simple to cut through any roots that come in your way. Because the serrated edge is so effective, it can also keep up when chopping branches or clearing a passage through the bush.
The shovel’s handle has numerous locking mechanisms to guarantee you don’t get hurt when using it for any work. It splits into three halves and is about 9.5 inches long, making it very portable.
Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade is an excellent survival shovel for any situation, but it’s handy if you’re going into a hostile area.
Final Words
There are a variety of survival shovels for different purposes. The best one among all the best will depend on your preference, budget, and usage, so make sure to list the things you are looking for and what works best for you. Also, try using one of the above-mentioned compact survival shovels and observe the pros and cons based on your experience.
Here are some more beneficial resources to help you with your preparedness:
- 19 Different Types of Axes – The Ultimate Guide
- 9 Best Gardening Layout Ideas For Perfection
- 30 Best Bugout Bag Foods that are Highly Nutritious
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My personal choice is the Iunio survival shovel. I love its material and portability. I’m also looking at the SOG survival shovel because it gets so much attention and positive reviews on Amazon.