Embarking on a camping trip requires more than just a tent and sleeping bag. One essential piece of equipment you shouldn’t overlook is a reliable camping shovel. Whether you’re digging a fire pit, clearing rocks, or even building a makeshift shelter, a good camping shovel can be your best companion in the great outdoors. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best camping shovels available, ensuring you’re well-equipped for your next adventure.
Why a Camping Shovel is Essential
Camping shovels are not just for digging holes. They serve multiple purposes such as trenching around your tent to keep water at bay, clearing debris from your campsite, or even as a makeshift hammer for tent pegs. A sturdy and versatile shovel can make your outdoor experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Multi-Purpose Tool
A camping shovel is a multi-purpose tool that extends beyond mere digging. Imagine arriving at your campsite, only to find that it’s littered with debris. A quick sweep with your shovel can clear the area, setting the stage for a comfortable stay. Additionally, shovels can help create proper drainage by trenching around your tent, ensuring a dry and cozy night regardless of unexpected downpours.
Emergency Situations
In emergency situations, a camping shovel can be a lifesaver. From digging out a stuck vehicle in muddy terrains to creating a snow trench in winter conditions, the utility of a shovel is unparalleled. It’s also a crucial tool for signaling for help, as it can be used to create visible ground markers or reflect sunlight to attract attention.
Enhancing Camping Experience
Beyond emergencies and basic tasks, a shovel can significantly enhance your camping experience. Use it to build a fire pit that not only contains the fire safely but also maximizes heat efficiency. Shovels can also aid in setting up camp by helping to secure tent pegs in hard ground or even crafting makeshift furniture from the natural surroundings.
Top Picks for Camping Shovels
1. Pact Outdoors Backpacking Shovel: Lightweight Aluminum Trowel
The Pact Outdoors Backpacking Shovel is renowned for its lightweight construction and practicality. Crafted from high-quality aluminum, this trowel is perfect for backpackers who need to keep their gear minimal. Its slim design allows for easy packing without adding unnecessary weight to your load.
Lightweight and Durable
The Pact Outdoors Backpacking Shovel is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring both strength and lightness. This makes it an excellent choice for backpackers who are conscious of every ounce they carry. Despite its featherlight design, it boasts impressive durability, able to withstand the rigors of outdoor use without bending or breaking.
Compact Design
One of the standout features of this trowel is its compact design. Measuring just a few inches in length, it fits seamlessly into any backpack pocket. This compactness doesn’t compromise its utility, as it can efficiently dig through various soil types, making it a versatile tool for any camping scenario.
Ideal for Minimalists
For those who embrace minimalist camping, the Pact Outdoors Shovel is a perfect match. Its simplistic design and functionality cater to campers who prefer to carry only the essentials, ensuring they have everything they need without the burden of extra weight. This trowel exemplifies the “less is more” philosophy, ideal for ultralight trekking.
2. Redcamp 23″ Military Folding Camping Shovel w/Cover
The Redcamp 23″ Military Folding Camping Shovel is a robust tool that comes with a convenient cover for safe storage. Its foldable design makes it an excellent choice for those who value space and portability. Made from durable materials, this shovel can handle tough tasks like digging and chopping with ease.
Military-Grade Construction
Built to withstand demanding tasks, the Redcamp Shovel features military-grade construction. The robust materials ensure it can handle tough tasks like digging through rocky terrain or chopping small branches. This durability makes it a reliable companion for extended outdoor expeditions.
Convenient Folding Mechanism
The folding mechanism of the Redcamp Shovel is a game-changer for campers concerned with space conservation. Folding down to a fraction of its size, it fits neatly into its cover, which can be easily attached to a backpack or belt loop. This convenience ensures that the shovel is readily available when needed without taking up much space.
Versatility in Use
The Redcamp Shovel’s design is not limited to digging alone. It doubles as a saw and even a pick, adding to its versatility. Whether you need to clear a path through dense underbrush or break through compacted soil, this multifunctional tool is up to the task, making it a staple for any serious camper.
3. Suprock Survival Shovel High Carbon Steel Tactical Shovel Axe Folding Entre
For those who need a multi-functional tool, the Suprock Survival Shovel is a top contender. This high carbon steel shovel doubles as a tactical axe, making it ideal for survivalists and campers alike. Its foldable design ensures it fits snugly in your backpack, ready for any challenge nature throws your way.
High Carbon Steel Durability
The Suprock Survival Shovel is crafted from high carbon steel, offering unparalleled durability and strength. This material choice ensures the shovel can handle extreme conditions and rigorous use without succumbing to wear and tear. It’s an investment in longevity and reliability for those serious about their outdoor gear.
Tactical Features
What sets the Suprock Shovel apart is its array of tactical features. It functions not only as a shovel but also as an axe, enabling users to chop wood or clear obstacles with ease. This dual functionality is particularly beneficial for survivalists who require a compact yet versatile tool for various outdoor challenges.
Easy Portability
Despite its robust construction and multifunctionality, the Suprock Shovel remains easy to carry. Its foldable design allows it to collapse into a compact form, easily storable in a backpack. This ensures that campers can benefit from its extensive capabilities without sacrificing valuable pack space.
More Great Options
4. TheTentLab Deuce of Spades™ Ultralight Backpack Trowel
The TheTentLab Deuce of Spades™ is a favorite among ultralight backpackers. Available in three sizes, this trowel is incredibly light and efficient for digging small holes, making it ideal for “leave no trace” camping practices.
Ultralight Design
The Deuce of Spades™ is known for its ultralight design, crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum. This makes it a top choice for backpackers who prioritize weight savings. Despite its lightness, it’s remarkably strong, capable of handling the demands of backcountry digging.
Versatility in Size
Available in three different sizes, the Deuce of Spades™ offers versatility to match any camper’s needs. Whether you require a small trowel for minimal tasks or a larger one for more extensive digging, there’s an option that fits perfectly. This variety ensures that each camper can select a tool tailored to their specific requirements.
Leave No Trace Camping
A key feature of the Deuce of Spades™ is its suitability for “leave no trace” camping. Its precise design allows campers to dig small, discreet holes for waste disposal, promoting environmental responsibility. This makes it a favorite among eco-conscious adventurers who prioritize minimal impact on natural landscapes.
5. SOG Entrenching Tool- 18.25 Inch Folding Survival Shovel
The SOG Entrenching Tool stands out with its wood saw edge, adding to its versatility. Whether you need to dig or saw, this folding survival shovel is built to handle a variety of tasks in the wilderness.
Dual-Purpose Edge
The SOG Entrenching Tool features a dual-purpose edge, combining a traditional shovel blade with a wood saw. This design enhances its versatility, allowing campers to switch effortlessly between digging and cutting tasks. It’s an ideal tool for those who appreciate multifunctionality in compact gear.
Durable and Reliable
Crafted from high-quality materials, the SOG Shovel is built to last. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand the harsh conditions of wilderness environments, making it a dependable choice for survivalists and campers alike. Whether facing rocky soil or dense vegetation, this shovel is up to the challenge.
Compact Folding Design
Despite its sturdy build, the SOG Entrenching Tool folds down to a compact size, making it easy to carry and store. This folding design is particularly advantageous for hikers and campers who need to conserve space and weight in their packs. The convenience of its portability does not compromise its functionality.
6. Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick
The Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel is crafted from heavy-duty carbon steel, promising durability and strength. This military-grade tool includes a pick, making it perfect for breaking hard ground or ice.
Heavy-Duty Construction
The Rhino USA Shovel is built with heavy-duty carbon steel, ensuring exceptional durability. This construction makes it capable of tackling challenging tasks, from digging in rocky terrain to breaking through ice. It’s a tool designed for reliability in the toughest conditions.
Integrated Pick Feature
An integrated pick feature sets the Rhino USA Shovel apart from standard models. This addition is invaluable for breaking through hard surfaces, such as compacted earth or frozen ground. The dual-functionality enhances its utility, making it a versatile asset for any outdoor expedition.
Military-Grade Performance
Engineered for military-grade performance, the Rhino USA Shovel delivers strength and resilience. It’s a favorite among campers who require a tool that can handle the demands of rugged wilderness environments. The combination of durability and functionality ensures it remains a go-to choice for serious adventurers.
7. Kuvik Titanium Trowel
The Kuvik Titanium Trowel is a compact and ultralight solution for backpackers. Made from durable titanium, this shovel is designed for those who need to minimize weight without sacrificing reliability.
Titanium Strength
The Kuvik Trowel’s titanium construction offers a unique blend of strength and lightness. This material is renowned for its durability, ensuring the trowel withstands the rigors of outdoor use while remaining incredibly lightweight. It’s a premium choice for backpackers who demand performance without excess weight.
Compact and Efficient
Designed for efficiency, the Kuvik Trowel’s compact form makes it easy to pack and carry. Despite its small size, it excels at tasks like digging small holes or clearing debris. This efficiency in a compact package makes it an ideal tool for minimalist campers seeking reliable functionality.
Perfect for Backpackers
Backpackers will appreciate the Kuvik Trowel’s emphasis on lightweight performance. It caters to those who need to carry only the essentials, ensuring their pack remains manageable without compromising on necessary tools. This balance of weight and utility is what makes it a standout option in the ultralight category.
8. Dartmoor Mini Folding Shovel
The Dartmoor Mini Folding Shovel is made from high carbon steel, offering a balance of strength and portability. Its compact size makes it an excellent addition to any camping kit.
High Carbon Steel Durability
The Dartmoor Mini Shovel is crafted from high carbon steel, providing exceptional durability and strength. This material choice ensures it can tackle a variety of tasks, from digging to chopping, without succumbing to wear. It’s a reliable tool for those who demand longevity from their gear.
Easy Portability
Its compact design and foldable nature make the Dartmoor Mini Shovel highly portable. This portability ensures it fits easily into a backpack, making it accessible whenever needed. Despite its small size, it offers robust functionality, making it a versatile addition to any camping kit.
Versatile Use
The Dartmoor Mini Shovel’s versatility is a key feature, capable of handling multiple tasks in the wilderness. Whether digging a fire pit or clearing a campsite, it provides the necessary functionality in a compact form. This adaptability makes it a favorite among campers who value efficiency and practicality.
9. Sahara Sailor Unbreakable Tactical Shovel
The Sahara Sailor Tactical Shovel is known for its unbreakable design and 180-degree folding capability. This shovel is built for those who demand a tool that can withstand rigorous use.
Unbreakable Construction
The Sahara Sailor Shovel’s unbreakable construction ensures it stands up to the harshest conditions. Made from high-quality materials, it’s engineered to resist bending or breaking, offering reliability and peace of mind for outdoor enthusiasts. This durability is crucial for those who venture into challenging environments.
180-Degree Folding Capability
A notable feature of the Sahara Sailor Shovel is its 180-degree folding capability. This design allows for easy storage and adaptability, making it simple to switch between tasks without hassle. The folding mechanism also enhances portability, ensuring the shovel is both functional and easy to carry.
Ideal for Rigorous Use
Designed for rigorous use, the Sahara Sailor Shovel is perfect for campers who require a tool that can handle demanding tasks. From breaking hard ground to chopping wood, it’s equipped to manage a wide range of outdoor challenges. This makes it an essential piece of equipment for serious adventurers who expect the best from their gear.
10. Camping Shovel Axe Outdoor Survival Shovel Set
This comprehensive camping shovel set includes a high carbon steel camping shovel and axe, perfect for those who want an all-in-one solution for various outdoor tasks.
Comprehensive Tool Set
The Camping Shovel Axe Set provides a comprehensive solution for outdoor enthusiasts, combining a shovel and an axe in one package. This all-in-one approach ensures users have the necessary tools for a wide range of tasks, from chopping wood to digging trenches, enhancing the versatility of their gear.
High Carbon Steel Construction
Both the shovel and the axe in this set are crafted from high carbon steel, ensuring durability and strength. This construction provides the resilience needed to withstand tough conditions, making the set a reliable choice for those who require robust tools for their outdoor activities.
Versatile Outdoor Utility
The dual-functionality of the Camping Shovel Axe Set makes it a versatile asset for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether building a shelter, clearing a campsite, or preparing firewood, this set equips campers with the essential tools for a successful adventure. Its comprehensive utility makes it a favorite among those who appreciate multi-functional gear.
11. Naceture Ultralight Backpacking Trowel
The Naceture Ultralight Backpacking Trowel is crafted from aluminum, providing a lightweight yet sturdy option for campers who need a reliable tool for small digging tasks.
Aluminum Construction
The Naceture Trowel’s aluminum construction offers a balance of lightness and strength. This material choice ensures the trowel is easy to carry without compromising on durability, making it a reliable tool for small digging tasks in various terrains.
Lightweight and Portable
Weighing next to nothing, the Naceture Trowel is designed for easy portability. Its lightweight nature is ideal for backpackers who seek to minimize their pack weight while still having access to essential gear. This portability doesn’t detract from its functionality, making it a practical choice for on-the-go adventurers.
Reliable for Small Tasks
While compact, the Naceture Trowel excels at small tasks, such as digging catholes or clearing debris. Its design focuses on efficiency and reliability, ensuring campers can perform necessary tasks without the burden of heavy equipment. This makes it a go-to option for those who prioritize practicality in their outdoor gear.
12. Cold Steel CS-92SFS: Special Forces Spetsnaz Shovel
The Cold Steel CS-92SFS is a shovel designed for tactical use, featuring a 19.68″ length and 2mm thick blade. This tool is perfect for those who need a robust and versatile camping shovel.
Tactical Design
The Cold Steel CS-92SFS Shovel is designed with tactical use in mind, offering features that cater to survival situations. Its robust construction and sharp edges make it suitable for a variety of tasks, from self-defense to digging trenches, providing versatility in challenging environments.
Durable Blade
The 2mm thick blade of the Cold Steel Shovel ensures durability and cutting power. This thickness allows it to handle demanding tasks, such as chopping wood or breaking through tough soil, without compromising on performance. It’s a reliable tool for those who require strength and resilience in their gear.
Versatile Applications
Beyond its tactical uses, the Cold Steel Shovel is versatile enough for everyday camping tasks. Whether digging a fire pit or clearing a trail, it provides the necessary functionality for outdoor enthusiasts. This adaptability makes it a valuable addition to any camper’s toolkit, ensuring readiness for any challenge.
13. Cold Steel Spetsnaz Tactical Camp Shovel
Similar to the CS-92SFS, the Cold Steel Spetsnaz Tactical Camp Shovel offers durability and multi-functionality, making it a reliable choice for serious campers.
Multi-Functional Design
The Cold Steel Spetsnaz Shovel is designed to serve multiple purposes, from traditional digging to more advanced tasks like chopping and cutting. Its multi-functional nature makes it an essential tool for campers who appreciate versatility and efficiency in their gear.
Robust Construction
Crafted from high-quality materials, the Spetsnaz Shovel is built to last. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand the toughest conditions, providing reliability for campers who demand durability from their equipment. This robustness makes it a trusted choice for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
Ideal for Serious Campers
For campers who require more than just a basic shovel, the Cold Steel Spetsnaz offers the advanced features needed for a successful outdoor experience. Its combination of durability, functionality, and tactical design caters to those who prioritize preparedness and resilience in their adventures.
Choosing the Right Camping Shovel
When selecting a camping shovel, consider the following factors:
Material
Look for shovels made from durable materials like high carbon steel or titanium, which offer strength and longevity. High carbon steel provides robust performance, ideal for heavy-duty tasks, while titanium offers a lightweight yet strong alternative for backpackers looking to minimize weight.
Weight
If you’re backpacking, choose a lightweight option to avoid carrying unnecessary weight. Consider the balance between weight and durability, ensuring the shovel is light enough for easy transport while sturdy enough to handle the demands of your camping activities.
Size
Consider the shovel’s size when folded and unfolded to ensure it fits your pack and meets your needs. A compact shovel is ideal for limited space, while a larger tool may offer additional functionality. Evaluate your specific requirements to select the appropriate size.
Functionality
Multi-functional shovels can serve as axes, picks, or saws, providing more utility in a single tool. This versatility can be invaluable in the wilderness, allowing you to tackle a range of tasks without needing multiple tools. Assess the additional features that will best suit your camping style and needs.
Conclusion
Investing in a high-quality camping shovel can enhance your outdoor experience, providing the tools you need to tackle various challenges in the wilderness. Whether you prefer a lightweight trowel or a robust tactical shovel, there’s a perfect option out there for every camper. Equip yourself with one of these top picks and make your next camping trip a success. Consider your specific needs and preferences, and choose a shovel that complements your camping style, ensuring you’re prepared for whatever nature has in store.