Dig Dig Dig! The Best Camp Shovels for Your next Camping trip

OUTDOORS

   10.20.21

Dig Dig Dig! The Best Camp Shovels for Your next Camping trip

The ubiquitous camp shovel (or E-Tool/Entrenchment Tool) is something that every camper should have as part of their standard camping tool kit. For those that don’t know, a camp shovel or e-tool is a miniaturized and usually foldable shovel that can be packed away and carried along with you for a variety of digging tasks. Usually, these are tasks like clearing away loose rock or debris, cleaning out or creating fire pits, clearing snow, and of course, digging cat holes for when you need to take care of business in the wild. Generally, good camp shovels all need to share three main characteristics, portability, good handles, and of course, and serrated blade for cutting through a variety of substrate and debris. Today we’ll focus on 5 of the best e-tools I’ve come across including one suggestion from OutdoorHub Editor Rusty.

Dig Dig Dig! The Best Camp Shovels for Your next Camping trip

3. Gerber Gorge Folding Shovel

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Gerber Gorge Folding Shovel

Featuring both a telescopic and folding handle/spade, the Gerber Gorge folding shovel is lightweight and features a strong fiberglass handle that isn’t too skinny meaning you can get a better grip on it while going through tough rock and soil. What is unique about the Gerber Gorge is that it features a fast push-button slide mechanism for extending the fiberglass-filled nylon handle for quick deployment. Gerber is one of those companies that specializes in not only making high-quality outdoorsman gear but manages to bring their gear in at very competitive pricing as well.

Pros/Affordable and features a unique handle design

Cons/Twist-Lock Mechanism/No serrations on spade

Bottom Line/Another great budget option from a reliable company with a proven track record for quality gear.

4. The United Cutlery Kommando Shovel (M48)

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The United Cutlery Kommando Shovel (M48)

If you want simplicity then this is it. The United Cutlery Kommando Shovel (also known as the M48 shovel) is a dead-nuts simple, stainless steel entrenchment tool that is also durable to boot. The stainless steel blade is paired with an injection-molded glass-reinforced nylon handle and this winning combo comes in at less than a pound (actually less than half a pound). So for those who are extremely weight conscious, this would be a top consideration. Lastly, the M48 features a serrated blade on one edge and a smooth blade on the opposing side making this as much of a defensive tool as a camping tool.

Pros/Lightest in its class, Durable, and simple

Cons/Cannot be folded into a more compact shape

Bottom Line/A simple option that still has tons of features

5. Zune LoToo Tactical Shovel

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Zune LoToo Tactical Shovel

This one is for the tactical gear junkies out there. This opinion is more of a multitool rather than just a dedicated camp shovel or entrenchment tool. The Zune LoToo Tactical shovel features not only a durable aluminum body, but also features several additional tube extensions, a bottle opener, fire starter, survival whistle, wire saw, and rope. The shovel also features a 7-position adjustable head (from 0° to 150°). The shovel comes with its own dedicated backpack which can house not only the shovel in an assembled configuration but also can stow all the extensions and tools.

Pros/Ultra feature rich with durable construction

Cons/Heavy and Expensive

Bottom Line/Great if you have the cash and want the “ultimate survivable shovel”

About the Author

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Luke is currently a full-time writer for TheFirearmBlog.com, OvertDefense.com, AllOutdoor.com, and of course, OutdoorHub.com. Luke is a competitive shooter, firearms enthusiast, reloader, outdoorsman, and generally takes an interest in anything that has to do with the great outdoors.
Luke is also a private certified pilot and is currently pursuing his commercial pilot’s license in the hopes of becoming a professional pilot. Some of Luke’s other interests include anything to do with aviation, aerospace and military technology, and American Conservancy efforts.
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