Things to Know and How to Choose a Compact Camping Shovel?
When choosing a compact camping shovel, it would be wise to be aware of the market and what’s available before you jump into purchasing what you see. A compact camping shovel is portable and may come with a carrier to attach to your pack.
Or it can fold into itself for storage. There are many, many different manufacturers out there who make this type of tool. Having a compact camping shovel can be very advantageous when you are outdoors.
Criteria to Consider when Choosing a Compact Camping Shovel
Size and Weight
This is important to consider because if it is heavy, you will not want to carry it with you. A lighter weight shovel may be easier for you to handle when digging a latrine or even a camp pit. Some of the light models have cutouts in them that help decrease the weight considerably and they come with a carrier that attaches to your pack.
Material
The materials that are used in the manufacture of the shovel will be a factor to consider. How durable does it need to be? More than likely, you do not want one that will rust or corrode. You may consider stainless steel as some manufacturers have opted for this type of metal because it is so durable and easy to clean.
Rating
This is where you will read the reviews of others who have used the product and will help you to determine if this is something that is right for you. It may also give you some pointers on what to look for when choosing a compact camping shovel.
Behavior and Price
What and how do you intend to use the shovel? If it is not something that will carry a lot of weight, then you may consider one that has an aluminum handle. These are less expensive than the stainless steel models. The choice is up to you when choosing a compact camping shovel. There are many out there to choose from so you can do your research, read the reviews, and find the perfect one for you.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Some of the shovels can be adapted for use in moving large amounts of loose material. Whether it is snow, sand, or dirt, you will need a different shovel that will have more flexibility when choosing a compact camping shovel. The type that folds into itself is usually made of plastic and they may come with a carrier.
Branding About Compact Camping Shovel
Some of the best brands offering compact shovels are,
- SOG
- REDCAMP
- Coglan’s
- Suprock
- Sahara Sailor
Top 7 Compact Camping Shovels in 2022
Yeacool Camping Shovel Foldable
This mini folding shovel is one of the top compact camping shovels and the reviews speak for themselves. Everything that you need to get started doing your digging is included in this set. Everything folds into itself and comes with a mesh bag that attaches to your pack or belt loop.
This will be one of the light products that you can carry with you wherever you go!
PROS
- Multifunctional: Shovel, Saw, Bottle Opener, Pickaxe, and more
- High-quality tool
- Small and portable
- Intelligent and solid design
- Rubber grip handle
CONS
- Not durable
- Nothing more than a garden spade
Specifications
- Material: High Carbon Steel
- Brand: YeaCool
- Item Dimensions: 16.14 x 3.94 x 0.98 inches
- Weight: 1.19 Pounds
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Foldability: Yes
Price – $ 21.99
Where to Buy – Amazon
iunio Camping Shovel
This is a sturdy and durable product and one of the best camping shovels. The shovel folds into itself easily and the whole unit has a good weight to it, but not a super heavy one. The handle is made of aluminum so this will help decrease the overall weight while making it last for many years.
PROS
- Portable and Foldable
- Extension Bar
- Multi-Tool: Saw, Nail Extractor, Hammer, Fire Bar, and more
- Water-resistant
- High Strength
- High Quality
- Waist pack and belt
CONS
- Less durable
Specifications
- Material: High Carbon Steel
- Brand: iunio
- Item Dimensions: 18.11 x 2.17 x 4.33 inches
- Weight: 1.39 Pounds
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
- Foldability: Yes
Price – $ 23.99
Where to Buy – Amazon
Dartmoor Mini Folding Shovel High Carbon Steel
This mini folding shovel with premium materials is ideal for camping, backpacking, hiking, and any other outdoor activity. This sturdy tool is durable and will last for many years. It can be carried with you wherever you go because it folds into itself to take up very little room in your pack.
PROS
- Heat Treated
- Rust Resistance
- Anti-deformation
- Lightweight
- Easy to Store
CONS
- Cheap Plastic
- Good for light duty only
- Weak performance
- Too small
Specifications
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Brand: Dartmoor
- Item Dimensions: 18.1 x 2 x 5.1 inches
- Weight: 1.8 Pounds
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Foldability: Yes
Price – $ 15.99
Where to Buy – Amazon
Coleman Folding Shovel and Pick
Constructed with the highest quality materials, this compact folding shovel is perfect for camping, hiking, backpacking, and all your outdoor activities. You can fold up the shovel to carry with you easily or it can be stored in a pack. The handle is made of aluminum so this will help decrease the overall weight while making it last many years.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Multipurpose Tool
- Best quality
CONS
- Delivered non-folding
- Too small
- Poor quality
- Bad condition at delivery
Specifications
- Material: Metal
- Brand: Coleman
- Item Dimensions: 4.25 x 2.28 x 7.24 inches
- Weight: 10 Grams
- Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
- Foldability: Yes
Price – $ 21.54
Where to Buy – Amazon
REDCAMP Military Folding Camping Shovel
This impressive product is made with military-grade materials. It is rust-resistant and the blade can be sharpened easily. The compact folding shovel has a very comfortable handle that is made of aluminum so it will not only last for many years but will also help reduce the overall weight of the product.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Well Made
- Multifunctional
- Portable
CONS
- Cannot use for digging
- One-time use
- Screw hardly works
Specifications
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Brand: REDCAMP
- Item Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.5 x 10.2 inches
- Weight: 2.46 Pounds
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
- Foldability : Yes
Price – $ 23.99
Where to Buy – Amazon
SOG Entrenching Tool
This extremely lightweight shovel is very compact and perfect for any camper, hiker, or backpacker. The shovel folds up into itself to take up as little room as possible in your pack. It has a high carbon steel blade that is extremely sharp so you can use it to cut through branches, dig a deep hole or even do some light chopping of wood if needed.
PROS
- Foldable
- Versatile
- Compact
- Portable
- Fits extreme conditions
CONS
- Cannot use for digging
- Bends off easily
- Not up to expectation
Specifications
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Brand: SOG
- Item Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 3 inches
- Weight: 24.5 Ounces
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Foldability: Yes
Price – $ 15.99
Where to Buy – Amazon
Pathway North Survival
The brand’s multitool is worth buying for its functionality and overall quality. It has a lot of different tools: saw, nail extractor, hammer, fire bar, and many other functions that you will find extremely useful in your outdoor activities.
PROS
- Survivalist Tool
- Ultimate chopper
- Reliable
- Tough tool
CONS
- Poor quality
- Not long-lasting
- Most likely to break
- Poor blade
Specifications
- Material: Stainless steel
- Brand: Pathway
- Item Dimensions: 11.69 x 9.96 x 2.64 inches
- Weight: 4.4 Pounds
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
- Foldability: Yes
Price – $ 57.99
Where to Buy – Amazon
FAQs Related to Compact Camping Shovel
What is a Compact Folding Camp Shovel?
A small and lightweight camping shovel that you can fold up and carry on your backpacking, hiking, backcountry skiing, or winter snowboarding trip. It is a tool that most people use to dig a hole so they can go to the bathroom, build a shelter from branches and logs, cut through roots of trees or dig through the snow for water.
What is a Compact Camping Shovel Good For?
There are many different uses for this kind of tool, including using it as a sled to make your way down a steep hill safely. You can also use it at home in case you need to dig out your car because it got stuck or fell into a ditch on the road. The shovel is great for shoveling snow, digging a garden, or removing weeds from your lawn.
Can You Use a Folding Camping Shovel to Dig Through the Snow?
Yes, of course, because it has a sharp blade that can be used not just for cutting but also for digging. It will help in case you need to dig out your car so you can get it back on the road. The shovel is lightweight and compact so you will not have a problem carrying it along on your winter snowboarding or skiing trip.
Is There a Portable Folding Camping Shovel that Has a Hole in its Blade?
Not, no, but some people add one to their shovel so they can use it to hang it up when they are not using the tool. However, most of these come with a hole in the handle and not in the blade itself.
How Many Types of Folding Shovels are There?
There are a few different kinds of folding camping shovels, including the military-grade one that is made out of aircraft-grade materials and can be used for digging. There are also other types such as the tri-fold product that you can find from brands like Gerber or Esee.
When Looking for a Good Folding Camping Shovel, What Should I Pay Attention to?
The blade of the shovel is extremely important as this will have a great influence on its efficiency. Make sure you choose one that has a sharp blade so it can be used not only as a tool for digging but also as an ax or as a saw. You should also look at the size of the blade and how long it is because you want to make sure that you will be able to fit it on your backpack.
What are Some Types of Folding Shovels?
There are different kinds, including the tri-fold shovel where you can store three blades inside its handle. There are also military-grade ones that are made out of aircraft-grade materials and usually do not have a hole in the blade. You can also find shovels with different types of plates, including titanium plates.
Where Can I Find a Compact Folding Shovel?
You can get one for your hiking, backpacking, or winter snowboarding trip on Amazon. Just make sure you look at the specifications of the product so you can choose one that suits your needs.
Conclusion
Compact Camping Shovel is a great investment you can make when you are planning to go hiking, skiing, or camping in the forest. Having one of these tools will allow you to dig a hole or even build structures for shelter. It is an excellent investment that is worth every penny if you think about what this tool can be used for and how long it will last with proper maintenance.
