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10 Best Survival Shovels 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,333
Material
Size and Weight
Foldability and Portability

Most important from
12744 reviews

Material
Heavy-duty construction makes it indispensable for tricky digging tasks, such as repairing sewer pipes under tight spaces.
Size and Weight
Despite some concerns about weight, it remains manageable for most users.
Foldability and Portability
Compact design makes it easy to store under a car seat and ideal for camping or off-road trips.
Multi-functionality
The pick feature is excellent for breaking through tougher ground.

The Rhino USA Survival Shovel w/Pick is a multifunctional tool designed for various outdoor activities such as camping, off-roading, gardening, and more. Made from durable carbon steel, it boasts a strong, corrosion-resistant construction. The shovel is highly portable, extending to 31 inches for use but collapsing down to just 7 inches for easy storage in the included carry case. At 2.3 pounds, it is relatively lightweight, making it convenient to carry on your adventures.

Its 7-in-1 functionality includes tools such as a fire starter, whistle, bottle opener, saw, hoe, and fish scaler, making it a versatile choice for survival situations. The handle is also made from carbon steel, ensuring durability and a firm grip during use. However, while its compact size and multi-functionality are major strengths, the blade length of 4 inches might be somewhat limiting for more extensive digging tasks. Additionally, despite its rugged build, some users may find the weight slightly heavy for extended backpacking trips.

With a high customer satisfaction rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars and a lifetime replacement guarantee, the Rhino USA Survival Shovel is a reliable option for those in need of a durable and versatile survival tool.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,333
Material
Size and Weight
Foldability and Portability

Most important from
12744 reviews

Material
Heavy-duty construction makes it indispensable for tricky digging tasks, such as repairing sewer pipes under tight spaces.
Size and Weight
Despite some concerns about weight, it remains manageable for most users.
Foldability and Portability
Compact design makes it easy to store under a car seat and ideal for camping or off-road trips.
Multi-functionality
The pick feature is excellent for breaking through tougher ground.
#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
Foldability and Portability
Multi-functionality

Most important from
2680 reviews

Material
Held up to tons of unintended and intended abuse, worth the price.
Foldability and Portability
This handy shovel is compact and sturdy, perfect for keeping in the car for emergencies.
Multi-functionality
Performed just fine on a dispersed camping trip, handling super rocky soil and even being used as a makeshift hammer and baseball bat.
Handle Design
Very well built, though a larger handle would be appreciated.

The DARTMOOR Mini Folding Shovel stands out in the survival-shovels category due to its high-carbon steel construction, which ensures durability and resistance to rust and deformation. Weighing just 28 ounces, this lightweight shovel is easy to carry, making it ideal for camping, hiking, and emergency situations. Its compact design allows you to fold it and store it in a small nylon carry case, enhancing its portability.

The handle length of 11.8 inches and ergonomic grip provide comfort during use, while the 6.3” x 4.7” blade is big enough for effective digging yet small enough to handle with ease. Multi-functionality is a key highlight, as it can be used for shoveling, sawing, chopping, and entrenching, making it versatile for various outdoor activities. The compact size might limit its effectiveness for larger tasks.

This survival shovel is best suited for those who need a portable, multi-functional tool for outdoor adventures and emergencies.

Rating
9.4
Material
Foldability and Portability
Multi-functionality

Most important from
2680 reviews

Material
Held up to tons of unintended and intended abuse, worth the price.
Foldability and Portability
This handy shovel is compact and sturdy, perfect for keeping in the car for emergencies.
Multi-functionality
Performed just fine on a dispersed camping trip, handling super rocky soil and even being used as a makeshift hammer and baseball bat.
Handle Design
Very well built, though a larger handle would be appreciated.
#3

18'' Military Folding Camping Shovel, Offroad Survival High Carbon Steel Shovel (Olive) AugTouf by toolant

Rating
9.1
Material
Size and Weight
Foldability and Portability

Most important from
424 reviews

Material
Lightweight and built like a military E-tool, but not suitable for heavy-duty tasks like digging foxholes or banging on trees.
Size and Weight
The smaller shovel head is appreciated for tasks like digging snow from under a car, making it lighter and more compact for backpacking.
Foldability and Portability
Comes with a nice canvas pouch for storage, adding to its portability and convenience.
Multi-functionality
Absolutely perfect for bathroom work while camping or overlanding, as well as for hiking or exploring.

The AugTouf 18'' Military Folding Camping Shovel is a versatile and handy tool designed for various outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, gardening, and car emergencies. Made from high-carbon steel, this shovel is durable and rust-resistant, ensuring long-lasting use. The lightweight design, weighing only 25 ounces, makes it easy to carry, and the compact size when folded (7.87 x 5.11 x 2.75 inches) enhances its portability.

The 3-fold design allows for easy storage and adjustment to different angles (straight or 90°), making it suitable for tasks like digging, sawing, chopping, and hammering. The blade, which is 4.7 inches wide, features sawtooth edges for added functionality, while the triangular large handle design reduces hand fatigue and wrist strain with its anti-slip grip. The shovel comes with a heavy-duty nylon case that can be attached to a belt or backpack and doubles as a knee pad when needed.

Despite its strengths, some users may find the shovel's size too small for heavy-duty tasks, and the 90-day warranty period may seem short to those seeking long-term assurance. This shovel is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable and portable multi-functional tool.

Rating
9.1
Material
Size and Weight
Foldability and Portability

Most important from
424 reviews

Material
Lightweight and built like a military E-tool, but not suitable for heavy-duty tasks like digging foxholes or banging on trees.
Size and Weight
The smaller shovel head is appreciated for tasks like digging snow from under a car, making it lighter and more compact for backpacking.
Foldability and Portability
Comes with a nice canvas pouch for storage, adding to its portability and convenience.
Multi-functionality
Absolutely perfect for bathroom work while camping or overlanding, as well as for hiking or exploring.

Buying Guide for the Best Survival Shovels

When it comes to picking the right survival shovel, it's important to consider the various features and specifications that will best suit your needs. A survival shovel is a versatile tool that can be used for digging, cutting, and even self-defense in emergency situations. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you have a reliable tool for your outdoor adventures or emergency preparedness kit.
MaterialThe material of the shovel is crucial as it determines the durability and weight of the tool. Common materials include stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum. Stainless steel is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for wet environments. Carbon steel is very strong and durable but may require more maintenance to prevent rust. Aluminum is lightweight and easy to carry but may not be as strong as steel options. Choose a material based on the environment you expect to use the shovel in and your preference for weight versus durability.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of the shovel affect its portability and ease of use. Compact, lightweight shovels are easier to carry and store, making them ideal for backpacking and emergency kits. However, they may not be as effective for heavy-duty tasks. Larger, heavier shovels are more suitable for extensive digging and tougher jobs but can be cumbersome to carry over long distances. Consider how you plan to use the shovel and balance the need for portability with the tasks you expect to perform.
Foldability and PortabilityFoldable shovels are designed to be compact and easy to transport. They often come with a carrying case and can be stored in small spaces. This feature is particularly important for those who need to save space in their backpack or vehicle. However, foldable shovels may have more moving parts that can wear out over time. If portability is a priority, look for a shovel that folds down to a manageable size without compromising on strength and functionality.
Multi-functionalityMany survival shovels come with additional tools and features, such as saw blades, fire starters, and bottle openers. These multi-functional tools can be incredibly useful in survival situations, providing you with a range of capabilities in one compact tool. However, more features can also mean more complexity and potential points of failure. Assess which additional tools are essential for your needs and choose a shovel that offers the right balance of functionality and reliability.
Handle DesignThe design of the handle affects the comfort and efficiency of using the shovel. Ergonomic handles with non-slip grips provide better control and reduce hand fatigue during extended use. Some handles are extendable, allowing you to adjust the length for different tasks. Consider the handle design based on how you plan to use the shovel and the level of comfort you require. A well-designed handle can make a significant difference in the overall usability of the tool.
Blade Shape and SizeThe shape and size of the shovel blade determine its effectiveness for different tasks. A pointed blade is better for digging into hard or rocky soil, while a flat blade is more suitable for scooping and moving loose materials. The size of the blade also affects the amount of material you can move at once. Choose a blade shape and size that matches the primary tasks you expect to perform with the shovel. A versatile blade design can handle a wider range of activities.

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