Having a good shovel as a part of your outdoor gear or your survival kit is vital. However, you can’t get just any shovel that’s on the market. You need to have one of the best survival shovels that are out there that can be used as a multitool, and that can make your life easier. Whether you are using it for camping, taking it along while hiking, or you keep it in a bugout bag, getting the best shovel can make a huge difference. They can be used for more than just digging holes.
Of course, because there are so many different survival shovels on the market today, it can get rather frustrating trying to determine which are the best options and which ones you should forget. To help make things easier for you when you are making your decision, we’ve collected the seven best survival shovels that are available today. Below, you will see each of these shovels and learn more about their features and how they can be used. Also, you will find some tips on how to choose the right shovel, tips for caring for the survival shovel, and more.
Our Top Survival Shovel List: Reviews & Buyers Guide
1. Zune Lotoo Annihilate F-A1 Survival Shovel
A survival shovel needs to be sturdy and durable. The Annihilate F-A1 provides this ruggedness that is needed from quality camping shovels. The folding shovel is solid and is resistant to wear and tear. Whether you are hiking or camping, this folding shovel can serve you well. It assembles quickly and easily, and it can provide you with a wide range of different functions. The concave triangle design will work well for more than just loose soil. It can break through ice easily.
The folding shovel can cut thanks to the serrated edge, which can make getting through kindling and branches easy. The shovel also contains a bottle opener, a knife, pedal, plier, chopper, and chisel. It also has a saw, an emergency whistle, and even camera support. Those who are out in the woods or on a hike who might want to set up a camera to film themselves or to take photos can appreciate that benefit.
One of the other benefits of the design is the reverse thread screw-in design, which makes sure that is doesn’t come apart when you are using it. This is a lightweight shovel that can easily slip into your pack when it is folded up. It’s one of the best survival shovel options on the market right now and could make an excellent addition to your gear.
Pros
- Provides a wide range of functionality
- Fast and easy to put together
- The shovel is small and lightweight
- Very durable and reliable
Cons
- The camping shovel does not come with a pack or a case for the shovel
2. Rhino USA Survival Shovel
Rhino is a small family company that provides a range of quality outdoor gear, including one of the best survival shovels available today. The tool is lightweight at around two pounds, which means it won’t weight down your bugout bag. While it can extend to 23” long, you will find that it can fold down to be just 9” x 6”, which makes it much easier to carry. It even comes with a free carry case.
The shovel features a sharp reinforced side with a serrated edge for cutting wood. It is possible to adjust the shovel head to 90 degrees so that it can be used as a hoe, entrenching tool, or as a pickaxe. You could use it for a host of different purposes around the house, while out in the woods, or even when you are on the road.
While this shovel might not have as many features as some of the other options on the list, it is an affordable tool that still provides you with a lot of functionality as a camping tool or around the garden. It’s a high-quality, durable shovel built to last.
Pros
- Affordable shovel option
- Quality shovelhead
- Easy to use and to fold away when needed
- Comes with a case
Cons
- Some might want a shovel that is longer when fully extended
3. HARVET Portable Survival Shovel
What size portable shovel will you need? Depending on how you are using it and where you are digging, you will find that different sizes of shovels can prove beneficial. Since you probably don’t want to carry several shovels, you might want to consider this option. The durable stainless steel HARVET shovel is adjustable so that you can change the size to three different lengths. This means that whether you are digging a vehicle out from where it’s stuck or you are digging a latrine, you can find a length that will work well for your needs.
This is a multifunction tool that will provide you with a 16-in-1 survival kit. The shovel can do more than provide you with a digging tool. It also can work as an ax with a 4” cutting surface, so you will be able to cut down small trees or chop wood. The saw has a double serrated edge, which is capable of cutting a 2×4 in half.
The tool can work as a spade shovel, hoe, entrenching tool, wire cutter, fire starter, bottle opener, glass breaker, emergency whistle, hammer, fish descaler, screwdriver, and a can opener. It could even be used as self-defense if needed. The shovel provides you with many of the survival tools that you might need whether you are camping or you are setting up a survival shelter in an emergency. It is durable and compact, and it comes with a storage bag.
Pros
- Comes with a storage bag
- Adjustable sizes
- Durable stainless steel
- Features a range of tools
Cons
- Some feel that it’s a bit heavier than they would like to carry around with them
4. FiveJoy Military Folding Survival Shovel C1
The C1 is a portable and foldable survival tool from FiveJoy that can work well for hiking, camping, and to have in the vehicle in case of emergencies. The material is high-quality, so you can be sure that the shovel will last even when you put it through its paces. It is a relatively lightweight shovel that comes with a cover for the shovelhead, as well as a carrying case.
The all-in-one survival tool features a wide range of quality tools that will be able to help you in many different situations. This shovel has a shovel that can be adjusted to different angles and used as a hook, hoe, or a shovel. There is a saw that can cut into any wood. The knife has a carbon steel blade and can be used for cutting and for self-defense. There is a wire cutter, a bottle opener, an emergency whistle, ice breaker, rope cutter, hammer, can opener, fire starter, and even paracord. Having more paracord around is always a good option in a survival situation. Essentially, this one tool can help to take care of many of the jobs that you might otherwise need other tools to handle. It can help to cut down on the load of tools that you would otherwise have to carry with you. You will notice that there is even a measuring tool etched into the shovelhead near the serrated saw.
The folding shovel has a great design, and you will find that it goes together easily. It’s a reliable and durable shovel that can provide you with years of use, as long as you take care of it properly. Whether you need it for digging, cutting, or even in the garden, this is a fantastic shovel to have.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Features plenty of extra tools including a fire starter
- Easy to use
- Comes with a quality carrying case and cover for the shovel blade
Cons
- Some might prefer a longer shovel, but there are not any cons to it
5. Kopwin Folding Survival Shovel and Camping Multitool
The camping multitool and folding survival shovel provide you with a portable and lightweight tool that you can take with you whenever you are venturing into the outdoors, or you could keep one in the vehicle. This shovel is available in two different colors. You can choose from either black of gold for your shovel, both of which have the same features and extra tools. This is a long shovel measuring 33” when it is put together, but it still manages to be around three pounds. It is also foldable, so you can quickly put it into a survival backpack, car trunk, etc.
You will be able to use the shovel in several different ways, including as a spade shovel, trencher, and a hoe. There is also an ax that can work well for light chopping needs, and a reliable serrated saw. The shovel comes with a wire cutter that can cut up to 8-gauge wire. It has a fire starter, a glass breaker, an emergency whistle, a fish scaler, a 9pc. screwdriver set, hexagon wrench in two sizes, a measuring device, compass, hammer, bottle opener, and more.
Those who are looking for a high-quality folding shovel that is filled to the brim with additional features and functionality will find that this is one of the best shovel options out there. Check out the features the shovel offers to see if it will meet all of your needs.
Pros
- Plenty of additional tools and functions
- Easy to put together
- Comes with a case for the shovel head and the folded shovel
- Very durable and long-lasting
Cons
- The shovel might be longer than some people would like when fully assembled
6. Yeacool Folding Survival Shovel
Yeacool provides a survival shovel that is high-grade and very durable. The carbon steel tool can provide you with years of use when you take good care of the shovel. It can fold, and when it is assembled and unfolded, this option is 28” long. There are other sizes from the same company. You could also opt for a 16”, 24”, or a 38” shovel if you would prefer.
The tool provides a flint, so you can start fires if needed, as well as a whistle in case there is an emergency. You will be able to use the tool as an ice ax. There is a fish scaler that can be screwed into one of the bars to act as a spearfishing tool. The tool also has a hex wrench, knife, and a saw that can be used as a means to cut up some firewood if needed. There are a quality handle and even a compass that comes with the shovel.
You will also be happy to know that there is also a quality case that comes with the shovel. The carry bag has a belt loop, so you can easily carry it along with you. The carry bag will also feature all of the parts of the shovel stored neatly, so you can quickly assemble them when needed.
The survival shovel is lightweight and high-quality. It could be an ideal addition for anyone searching for the best survival shovels available today.
Pros
- Very durable
- Features an array of additional tools
- There are options for other shovel sizes of the same style
- Features a carry bag for the shovel with a belt loop
Cons
- It is a little heavier than some of the other shovels on the list, but it is still light enough for most people to add to their gear without worry
7. Tyger Survival Shovel TG-SV8U3217
The Tyger Survival Shovel TG-SV8U3217 features a high-quality design and material that will be able to last for many years, even with regular use if you care for the shovel. It has an instant switch mechanism that will make it fast and easy to switch between the various modes. Going from the hammer to the hook, hoe, and shovel is fast and easy. As with many of the other shovel options on the list above, you will find that this one is filled to the brim with different tools and features. Whether you need the shovel for digging, or you need an ax for light chopping, it has you covered.
The survival shovel features a saw and a ruler, as well as an ice pick, screwdriver, hacksaw, knife, bottle opener, whistle, and a fire starter. It has the potential to be a good choice to take along with you when you are headed out and need a camping shovel when you are simply hiking, to have in the car, around the garden, and much more. The tool is easy to use, it folds down easily, and it even comes with a storage bag. This is one of the best survival options to put into your survival bag.
Pros
- The survival shovel provides a wide range of functions and tools
- Durable survival shovel that can provide years of use
- Lightweight and easy to take along with you
- Switch between the modes quickly and easily
Cons
- It would be nice if it incorporated MOLLE
Who Could Benefit from Having a Survival Shovel?
The shovels that we’ve included on the list above are far more than just your standard shovel. These are actual survival tools that you can use to keep yourself and your family safe. They should be a part of everyone’s bugout bag. Of course, they certainly aren’t only for preppers. Consider the number of different ways that they can be used, and you will quickly see that they are not only for preppers or survivalists. They are for anyone who wants to make things a little bit easier in their life, especially if something were to go wrong.
If you like to go camping, having one of these shovels along with you can provide some nice benefits. You will find that it can ensure that you can pound in your tent stakes, even when the ground is hard. You will be able to cut up your wood for the fire. Some have a compass to help keep you from getting lost. They can help to dig a fire pit and cover that fire pit. You can use them to dig a latrine. Those who are preppers will find that they are useful for those same reasons.
Of course, even if you are going to be heading out on a day hike, it’s nice to have a little bit of insurance in case something goes wrong. Thanks to all of the tools available with these shovels, they can work well to help ensure that you are safe and able to take care of yourself until you are found. You will find that the shovels are a great addition to the gear of those who like to go off-roading, as well. If you were to get your vehicle, whether an ATV or your car or truck, stuck somewhere, it would be nice to have a quality shovel that you can use for digging yourself out of that bad situation. Even if you aren’t off-roading, these shovels can be handy for the same purpose.
Here’s another use that many people never even consider – metal detectors. If you like to get out with your metal detector, you will need to have a shovel that will allow you to dig up your treasures. Thanks to these folding shovels, they are now easy to carry along with you. They will fit right in your bag. Of course, gardeners will find that the shovels can be handy, as well. They are easy to carry throughout the garden, so you can always have a shovel, how, trench tool, etc. without needing to carry multiple tools.
As you can see, there are quite a few different reasons to consider getting one of these survival shovels.
Tips for Choosing the Right Survival Shovel
Of course, you still need to be sure that you are getting the right folding shovel for your needs. The list above will help you to narrow your selection, but it is important to consider a few things to ensure that you are truly getting the best option for your needs. One of the first things that you will need to consider is how you will use the shovel. If you are getting it as a part of your emergency survival gear, you will want to make sure that it’s not only high-quality, but that it has all of the bells, whistles, and features that you need.
You will need to think about the overall length of the handle, as well as how small the shovel is when it is folded or broken down. Naturally, you will want to find a lightweight option and a size that will work for your intended use. Consider whether it has blade edges, the shape, the weight, and the quality of the material. You should also consider the overall durability of the shovel.
Naturally, you will also want to consider the price. You will find that the options on the list above are all very affordable. However, you should never let price be the main determining factor when buying one of these shovels or any survival gear for that matter. Instead, you should always strive to get the best possible tool that you can afford. This will help to ensure that you are buying the right camp shovel and that it will be able to do the jobs that you need.
Taking Care of Your Survival Shovel
You rely on your survival shovel to take care of you when an emergency strikes. Whether you are lost in the woods on a hiking trip or hunting trip gone wrong, whether you are trying to survive, or you are simply trying to dig your vehicle out of a bank of snow, you need a reliable tool. All of the options above are high quality, and they are built to last when you use them properly, but you also need to make sure that you are caring for them the right way.
This means knowing the capabilities of the tools and not trying to get the tools to do things that they are not meant to do. The ax blades on the shovelheads are not a true ax, for example. Yes, they can chop through smaller limbs and branches with relative ease. They might even be able to get through some trees. However, they are for light chopping duty, not taking down a huge tree. You need to be sure you are using your shovel properly and with care regardless of whether you are digging or doing anything else with it.
However, you also need to make sure that you are caring for your shovel even when you aren’t using it. This means that it needs to be in a safe location where it won’t get damaged and where it won’t always be exposed to the elements. Even though your shovel might be made from stainless steel, that does not mean it is impervious to harm or even rust. When you put in the effort to keep your shovel in good shape, it will be able to help you when you need to use it down the road. A little bit of care now can go a long way in keeping it in good shape.
Find the Best Survival Shovel Today
Now that you have seen a list of the best survival shovels on the market today, it should be easier for you to start to narrow your choices. Remember to think about how and where you would need to use the shovel, along with all of the features and tools that it has along with it.
All of the options above are reviewed favorably by customers and could be a good option for you to consider. Instead of worrying about what might happen the next time you are out in the woods or worrying about not having the tools needed for your survival gear, pick one up today. The folding shovel will be a very welcome addition to your set of tools.
