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10 Best Folding Camping Shovels 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick - Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Style Entrenching Tool for Off Road, Camping, Gardening, Beach, Digging Dirt, Sand, Mud & Snow.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,383
Material
Weight
Size

Most important from
12774 reviews

Material
The compact design makes it easy to store, and the blade is tough enough to handle digging through dirt, mud, and even snow.
Weight
Despite some saying it's too heavy for a backpack, it remains highly portable and practical.
Size
Perfect for emergencies and small projects, folds down easily and comes with a handy carrying case.
Blade Shape
The pick feature is a nice touch when needing to break through tougher ground.
Handle Design
The handle is segmented with various tools like a flint and whistle, and the quality is top-notch.

The RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel is a versatile and durable tool designed for various tasks, such as camping, off-road adventures, and gardening. Made from heavy-duty carbon steel, the shovel is strong and resistant to corrosion thanks to its black powder-coated finish. This makes it suitable for handling tough digging jobs in dirt, sand, mud, and snow.

Its 3-in-1 design, featuring a shovel, pickaxe, and pick hoe, is particularly useful for those who need a multi-functional tool in compact form. When extended, the shovel measures 22 inches, but it folds down to a compact size of 9 x 6 inches, making it highly portable and easy to store in the included carry case. Weighing only 2 pounds, it is lightweight and won't add much burden to your gear.

The blade length of 8.2 inches offers decent digging depth and leverage. This shovel is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable, multi-purpose tool that supports a family-owned American business with excellent customer service and lifetime replacement guarantee.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,383
Material
Weight
Size

Most important from
12774 reviews

Material
The compact design makes it easy to store, and the blade is tough enough to handle digging through dirt, mud, and even snow.
Weight
Despite some saying it's too heavy for a backpack, it remains highly portable and practical.
Size
Perfect for emergencies and small projects, folds down easily and comes with a handy carrying case.
Blade Shape
The pick feature is a nice touch when needing to break through tougher ground.
Handle Design
The handle is segmented with various tools like a flint and whistle, and the quality is top-notch.
#2

DARTMOOR Mini Folding Shovel High Carbon Steel, Portable Lightweight Outdoor Tactical Survival Foldable Mini Shovel, Entrenching Tool, Camping, Hiking, Digging, Backpacking, Car Emergency

Rating
9.4
Material
Size
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
2686 reviews

Material
Exceeded expectations with its sturdy and reliable build.
Size
Compact and perfect for emergencies, especially in snowy conditions.
Locking Mechanism
Handy and effective, though it requires a bit of a learning curve to fold and unfold.

The DARTMOOR Mini Folding Shovel is constructed from high-carbon steel, making it durable and resistant to rust and deformation, which is excellent for outdoor use. This material ensures that the shovel can handle heavy-duty tasks such as digging, shoveling, sawing, chopping, and even entrenching.

It is lightweight at 1.47 pounds (28 oz) and compact, with an ergonomic handle design that measures 11.8 inches, making it easy to carry and store. The blade is 6.3 inches long and reinforced, allowing it to dig into gravel effortlessly, which is beneficial for various outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and backpacking. The product dimensions are 18.1 x 5.1 x 2 inches, which is relatively small, adding to its portability. The shovel also comes with a nylon carry case for convenience.

The design includes a locking mechanism to ensure stability during use. Despite its compact size, the shovel's high-carbon steel construction means it can perform multiple tasks effectively, making it a versatile tool for both adventure and emergency situations. One drawback might be the handle length of 7.7 inches, which might be a bit short for users needing more leverage and comfort during extended use.

Rating
9.4
Material
Size
Locking Mechanism

Most important from
2686 reviews

Material
Exceeded expectations with its sturdy and reliable build.
Size
Compact and perfect for emergencies, especially in snowy conditions.
Locking Mechanism
Handy and effective, though it requires a bit of a learning curve to fold and unfold.
#3

Gerber Gear Folding Spade E-Tool, Heavy-Duty Camping Shovel with Serrated Edge, Compact Survival Gear, Black

Rating
9.1
Material
Weight
Size

Most important from
2337 reviews

Material
Despite its small size, the shovel feels heavy and well-made, with a durable plastic handle and a stout blade that can handle tough tasks without deforming.
Weight
Its compact size and light weight make it a great addition for camping, offering a reliable and sturdy tool for various outdoor needs.
Size
This pack shovel is extremely compact, fitting under a car seat, and comes with a sturdy bag, making it ideal for car camping and emergencies.
Blade Shape
The shovel's blade isn't sharpened by default, but it's easy to add an edge if preferred, and it remains effective even without sharpening.
Handle Design
Perfect for digging foxholes and latrines, this E-tool's polymer handle with a crisscross design offers better grip and handling than older models.
Locking Mechanism
The shovel locks securely in place during use, requiring no constant readjustments, and remains sharp throughout demanding tasks.

The Gerber Gear Folding Spade E-Tool is crafted with durable materials, including an anodized aluminum shaft, boron carbon steel blade, and a glass-filled nylon handle. This combination offers high strength and durability, suitable for various outdoor environments. Its serrated blade edge adds versatility, allowing it to chop and saw roots effectively, making it useful not just for digging but also for other survival tasks.

The handle's open design provides a firm grip, enhancing leverage during use. The locking mechanism ensures stability, preventing accidental folding while in use, which is a crucial feature for safety and efficiency. Weighing around 2 pounds and having a compact size when folded (9.37 inches), it is portable and convenient to carry during camping or hiking. However, some users might find it slightly heavy compared to other similar products on the market.

The powder-coated steel head enhances durability but may require maintenance to prevent rust over time. The product is backed by Gerber's limited lifetime warranty, which shows the company's confidence in its quality. This folding spade is ideal for campers, hikers, hunters, and even gardeners, offering a reliable tool for various outdoor and gardening activities. Its compact design makes it easy to store and transport, yet some might find the folded dimensions still slightly bulky. In conclusion, the Gerber Gear Folding Spade E-Tool is a solid choice for anyone needing a durable, versatile, and portable camping shovel.

Rating
9.1
Material
Weight
Size

Most important from
2337 reviews

Material
Despite its small size, the shovel feels heavy and well-made, with a durable plastic handle and a stout blade that can handle tough tasks without deforming.
Weight
Its compact size and light weight make it a great addition for camping, offering a reliable and sturdy tool for various outdoor needs.
Size
This pack shovel is extremely compact, fitting under a car seat, and comes with a sturdy bag, making it ideal for car camping and emergencies.
Blade Shape
The shovel's blade isn't sharpened by default, but it's easy to add an edge if preferred, and it remains effective even without sharpening.
Handle Design
Perfect for digging foxholes and latrines, this E-tool's polymer handle with a crisscross design offers better grip and handling than older models.
Locking Mechanism
The shovel locks securely in place during use, requiring no constant readjustments, and remains sharp throughout demanding tasks.

Buying Guide for the Best Folding Camping Shovels

Choosing the right folding camping shovel can make a big difference in your outdoor experience. A good shovel can help you with tasks like digging a fire pit, clearing a campsite, or even as a makeshift tool for emergencies. When selecting a folding camping shovel, consider the following key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs.
MaterialThe material of the shovel is crucial for durability and performance. Common materials include steel, aluminum, and plastic. Steel is the most durable and can handle tough digging tasks, but it is heavier. Aluminum is lighter and still quite strong, making it a good balance between weight and durability. Plastic is the lightest but is less durable and best suited for light-duty tasks. Choose a material based on the type of terrain and the intensity of the tasks you expect to encounter.
WeightWeight is an important factor, especially if you plan to carry the shovel over long distances. Heavier shovels are generally more durable and can handle tougher tasks, but they can be cumbersome to carry. Lighter shovels are easier to transport but may not be as robust. Consider how much weight you are comfortable carrying and the type of activities you will be doing. If you are backpacking, a lighter shovel might be more suitable, whereas for car camping, a heavier, more durable shovel could be a better choice.
SizeThe size of the shovel when folded and unfolded is important for portability and usability. A compact shovel is easier to pack and carry, but it may have a smaller blade and handle, which can make digging more difficult. Larger shovels provide better leverage and a bigger blade for more efficient digging but can be bulkier to transport. Think about the space you have available in your gear and how much digging you expect to do. If space is limited, opt for a more compact shovel; if you need to dig larger holes, a bigger shovel might be more appropriate.
Blade ShapeThe shape of the blade affects how well the shovel performs in different tasks. Flat blades are good for scooping and moving loose materials, while pointed blades are better for cutting through tough soil and roots. Some shovels have serrated edges for cutting and sawing. Consider the type of terrain you will be dealing with and choose a blade shape that matches your needs. For general use, a versatile blade with a combination of features might be the best option.
Handle DesignThe design of the handle can impact comfort and efficiency. Ergonomic handles are designed to reduce strain and improve grip, making them more comfortable to use for extended periods. Some handles have additional features like non-slip grips or adjustable lengths. Think about how long you will be using the shovel and choose a handle design that offers comfort and ease of use. If you have specific needs, such as a longer reach, look for handles that can be adjusted.
Locking MechanismThe locking mechanism ensures that the shovel stays securely in place when in use. A reliable locking mechanism is important for safety and efficiency. Common types include twist locks, push-button locks, and lever locks. Twist locks are simple and effective, push-button locks are quick and easy to use, and lever locks provide a very secure hold. Consider how easy the mechanism is to operate and how secure it feels. If you need a shovel that can handle heavy-duty tasks, a strong and reliable locking mechanism is essential.

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