Best Tactical Shovels

Review & Comparison, Last Update November 23, 2023
Anyone who spends time outdoors needs a great tool that can help you accomplish many different tasks. One of the best tools for this ...Read more
PROS

Almost all structural elements are made of heat-treated solid carbon steel - this material is famous for its increased strength and resistance to corrosion. Even with intensive use, it is extremely difficult to deform the handle or blade.

CONS

There is no storage bag (some accessories may be lost).

OUR VERDICT

The Zunelotoo Tactical Shovel is considered one of the most functional models today, because it combines as many as 23 tools: in addition to the standard shovel, axe, and saw, here you get a very rare hoe, harpoon, window breaker, as well as a mount for cameras.

detailed parameters
Main Features

Shovel, hammer, chisel, saw, axe, camera bracket, magnesium rod, whistle, knife, bottle opener, wire cutter, hoe, harpoon, window breaker

Material

Steel

Dimensions

Full length: up to 35.4" (adjustable)

Face width: 6"

Weight

4 lbs

Extras

Angle-adjustable head, foldable design, non-slip grips

Warranty

Limited lifetime

PROS

The shovel is easy to assemble and disassemble. The military-grade aluminum handle will not start forming rust patches and will not fall victim to corrosion even when stored and used in humid environments. The generous padding and anti-slip notches will allow using the shovel even with wet hands.

CONS

Surprisingly sharp (requires additional caution).

OUR VERDICT

The EST Gear Military Folding Shovel has been described as the ultimate survival shovel. Fitting 18 essential tools inside one shovel, the model deserves that description. Even camping veterans that have used and replaced countless survival equipment pieces will find this military shovel an excellent addition to their arsenal.

detailed parameters
Main Features

Shovel, magnesium rod, saw, axe, knife, hunting spear, bottle opener, fhoe, wire-cutter, trowel, hexagon wrenches, nail puller, ice pick, ruler, hook

Material

Steel, aluminum

Dimensions

Full length: up to 36" (adjustable)

Face width: 6"

Weight

3 lbs

Extras

Angle-adjustable head, foldable design, non-slip grips, storage pouch included

Warranty

Limited lifetime

PROS

The kit comes with a practical storage pouch where you can neatly fold the shovel blade, with all the grip elements and the included tools. By the way, the bag is made of high-quality polyester and has belt loops for attaching it on a belt.

CONS

The saw isn't very effective.

OUR VERDICT

If you are an avid fisherman, this universal shovel should definitely be in your arsenal: the fish scaler tool will make it easy to cut freshly caught fish, and the ice pick will come in handy during periods of winter fishing. This model is also indispensable for hunting.

detailed parameters
Main Features

Shovel, saw, magnesium rod, whistle, bottle opener, nail extractor, window breaker, ice pick, fish scaler tool, hex wrench

Material

Steel

Dimensions

Full length: up to 35" (adjustable)

Face width: 5.5"

Weight

3.6 lbs

Extras

Angle-adjustable head, foldable design, non-slip grips, storage pouch included

Warranty

Limited lifetime

PROS

The flat screwdriver that comes with the main unit enables using the shovel as a decent tool for loosening and tightening screws of various sizes. Moreover, the model is equipped with a 4-size wrench set that deals with rusty bolts with relative ease.

CONS

The initial assembly might seem a bit complicated at first.

OUR VERDICT

This Sahara Sailor survival model is not just a simple shovel but a full set of survival gear conveniently packed into a carry pouch and a handle. Its durable build and well-thought-out design make using it a breeze regardless of the task at hand.

detailed parameters
Main Features

Shovel, magnesium rod, hoe, saw, bottle opener, cleaver, whistle, knife, fish scaler, emergency hammer, flat-blade screwdriver, 4-size wrench

Material

Steel, aluminum

Dimensions

Full length: up to 31.5" (adjustable)

Face width: 6"

Weight

3.5 lbs

Extras

Angle-adjustable head, foldable design, non-slip grips, storage pouch included

Warranty

Limited lifetime

PROS

Using the sharpened edge, you'll be able to dig into the dryest soil. Meanwhile, the serrated saw edge will enable cutting through roots, compost, and, needless to say, snow, mud, and sand. The revolving mechanism, made from aluminum, lets you easily switch between straight and 90-degree angle use.

CONS

The pouch color fades over time.

OUR VERDICT

From aiding camping (backpacking, hiking, you name the variety), hunting, and fishing to gardening to even self-defense, the REDCAMP Military Folding Camping Shovel can do it all. The shovel will let you saw, cut, and hammer. It can also be used straight and at a 90-degree angle to accommodate comfortable picking and sawing.

detailed parameters
Main Features

Shovel, hoe, pick, saw

Material

Steel

Dimensions

Full length: 22.8"

Face width: 6"

Weight

2.5 lbs

Extras

Angle-adjustable head, foldable design, storage pouch included

Warranty

1 year

Everything You Need

Survival shovels have long been a staple of the military, and many of those who learned the various uses for them while serving have helped bring them into civilian life. Of course, the e-tools that are given to military members are often pretty basic items, but the number of uses they have has been extended by many of the survival shovels seen on the market today. One great example of this is the zunelotoo 23 Tools in One Annihilate Tactical Shovel, a shovel that includes almost two dozen different tools in one item.

A shovel's primary use is for digging holes, and this tool helps do an admirable job of this, but its real strength lies in the several dozen tools added to it. For instance, this tool includes an axe head, a saw, and even a hoe, something that is not often seen on such tools. Almost all of the structural elements are made of heat-treated solid carbon steel, which provides the tool with increased strength and durability, as well as making it highly resistant to corrosion. This is especially important for any tool that will be used in wet conditions, helping to guarantee a long service life for the item. Along with its fully adjustable handle that allows for people of all sizes to comfortably use the tool for digging, the sheer number of tools included on this unit make it one of the best survival shovels on the market today.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $239.09
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07GQPZ8DN

The Ultimate Survival Shovel

The people behind the EST Gear Military Folding Shovel are calling this product the ultimate survival shovel. Is that an accurate assessment? Long story short - it is. Before anything else, what we have here is the most versatile package.

The instrument can be used as an ice pick, a saw, knife, hexagon wrench, bottle opener, spear, axe, hoe, whistle compass, wire cutter, rope cutter, fire starter, trowel, nail puller, ruler, hook, screwdriver, and, of course, a shovel. It is hard to imagine a scenario where this variable tool/weapon will not prove useful. As you would imagine, the folding/modular design allows you to assemble, disassemble, and remove certain parts basically hassle-free.

Made from hardened, heat-treated, solid carbon steel, the reinforced shovel head is tough enough to survive any situation, whereas the military-grade aluminum handle makes the model lightweight and comfortable to work with. What you have to keep in mind is that the shovel is shipped very sharp, so we highly recommend exercising caution.

Bottom line, the EST Gear Military Folding Shovel is indestructible. Packing 18 essential tools into one, lightweight, long-lasting shovel, this product is something that even the most seasoned campers will appreciate.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $119.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B083H4SL1V

Perfect for Fishing

One may not think that those who enjoy fishing would need a survival shovel, but you may be surprised to find that there is a model that offers the perfect balance of tools to aid anyone who plans on catching and cooking fish. The IUNIO Camping Multitool Folding Shovel is that model, making it an essential tool for anyone who likes to spend time not just fishing, but also hunting and camping. What makes this model so great for fishing, though, are the number of tools included that are geared specifically for it. For instance, this e-tool includes a fish scaler that lets you scale fish right after catching them, and the ice pick is perfect for those who enjoy winter fishing.

Of course, this tool includes plenty of other features that make it quite useful for activities other than just fishing, including a saw, a magnesium rod for starting fires, a whistle, and even a can opener. The survival tool comes with a very practical storage pouch that lets you easily store the tools and all of its accessories. The pouch even includes belt loops that let you attach it on your belt, making it extremely easy to carry with you wherever you go. With these features along with its durable build quality, anyone who enjoys fishing or hunting will find this survival tool to be well-suited for them.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $39.99
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01HM80NOA

Makes Every Task Simple

This multifunctional tactical shovel is filled to the brim with tools that you may need in the wilderness. Although the shovel itself may look a bit thin due to its uncharacteristic aluminum-like color, it is fairly durable, which enables using it for a variety of different tasks.

The only drawback of the design is that it may look overly complicated at first glance, however, given a few tries, you will be able to disassemble the shovel and put all the required parts back on in no time.

Initial difficulties out of the way, let’s see what’s included in the kit. Obviously, you have the shovel attachment that can be connected to the main handle. In addition to that, the other attachments can be used to open bottles, saw wood, and dig using the spade at a 90-degree angle. Likewise, the kit also has a magnesium rod that is very useful at starting campfires especially if you don’t have other means of making a fire. As a bonus, the handle can be extended from its standard length using other tools that come together with the main unit all the way to 31.5 inches.

To wrap things up, this tactical shovel model from Sahara Sailor will be a good option for people that love to camp, hunt, and fish since it provides them with the majority of the tools needed for these activities.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B083SBVTGL

Dig Dig Digging Away

Compared to everything we have reviewed above, the REDCAMP Military Folding Camping Shovel is basic. Still, relative to the price, this is an attractive product. From digging and sawing to cutting, hammering, and shoveling, this tool enables it all. The sharpened edge will facilitate comfortable digging even into dry soil, while the serrated saw edge will have no issues cutting through roots and compost, not to mention mud, sand, and snow. Using this shovel, you'll be able to easily dig the tires out. Switching between digging, sawing, and shoveling will prove quite easy too, thanks to the tri-fold design and the aluminum revolving part that offers smooth movement without becoming loose eventually.

From the construction perspective, despite the inexpensive price, the product is not made from the same shoddy materials that cheap tools are made from. On the contrary, this shovel is constructed from 50# high-carbon steel, both its body and the handle. Even the carry pouch is quite nice, even though it fades eventually.

Anyway, if you want something that will aid self-defense, camping, backpacking, hiking, fishing, hunting, and even gardening, the REDCAMP Military Folding Camping Shovel will not leave you disappointed.

Last updated price $19.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07GVGN3C4

What Is a Tactical Shovel?

Anyone who spends a significant amount of time in the great outdoors can tell you how helpful it is to have tools that can assist with performing various tasks. Whether it is digging a hole, cutting wood, skinning game, or any other number of things, the right tools will quickly prove themselves to be indispensable. However, having a large assortment of tools that you carry with you may not always be practical, as the number of tools that one needs can quickly add up, eventually becoming too much to conveniently carry with you.

There is a good solution for this though, and this is having a single tool that can perform multiple functions, helping to greatly lighten the load that one needs when going camping or on a long hike. One such tool is a tactical shovel, one that has often seen use in military, camping, hunting, hiking, and many other uses. Tactical shovels, also often called entrenching tools or e-tools, are primarily what they sound like - a shovel, but with many more functions built into them. Such shovels usually consist of a shovel blade that may have various alterations, turning it into several tools combined into one, and most models will have foldable handles that allow for easy transport. Many of the multifunction tactical shovels you will find will have at least a dozen or so different uses for them, making them tools that you simply don't want to leave home without.

Another tool that you don't want to leave home without, especially when driving, is a jump starter for times when your vehicle's battery may run out or encounter problems.

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