Folding shovels are remarkably useful. If you are camping, you can use one to dig a fire pit, bury your garbage, or make a “cat hole” for toilet purposes. If you are in your car and get stuck in sand or snow, you can use one to dig yourself out of trouble and get on your way.
But which is the best folding shovel to buy? After all, there are lots of different designs available.
Some are ultra-compact, weigh no more than 1-2 pounds, and are perfect for occasional or emergency use. Others are bigger, heavier, more robust, and better suited for more substantial digging jobs. Some models are more than just simple shovels and have additional features, such as saws, pickaxes, and even whistles and fire starters. They are designed to be survival tools.
Best Folding Shovel
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1. FiveJoy Multitool
FiveJoy MultiTool
Free shipping
Features
- 【Compact Size, Oversized Power】- You won't find a tougher shovel than the FiveJoy RS shovel. Made from ultra-durable, water and rust-resistant heavy-duty carbon steel, this multitool was built to last as long as you do. 20.6" long, with a 5.7" wide and 7" high shovel head offers an extra surface area for entrenching, digging sand/snow/mud/dirt/chopping ice/branches. At only 2.16lbs in weight, it's perfect to fold up and include in your emergency bag and bug-out bag.
- 【All-In-One Survival Tool Set】- This is the one tool true survivalists and must have in their arsenal for taking on the outdoors. Use the multifunctional tools for basic functions such as a shovel, hoe, ax, saw, hammer. Unscrew the connecting tubes to reveal the hidden rescue knife and saw, emergency whistle, bottle opener, and fire starter. The hollow handle and extension tubes also make great places to store emergency items.
- 【Versatile】- Amazingly lightweight and portable, this sturdy folding trench shovel is convenient to store in a car/ vehicle for snow days and unexpected emergencies. Attach the carrying case to your belt for easy access while on the trail. Add extension tubes for increased length and leverage.
- 【Incomparable Quality & Design】- Thoughtfully engineered slip and sweatproof handle optimizes comfort, control, and leverages all glove types to minimize hand fatigue. Comfortable and ergonomic to use as a recreational garden shovel, camping shovel, or on your backcountry and cross the country trips. A unique lock structure makes it simple to alternate functions. Spade can be used at 30°, 85°, or 180° angle as hook, hoe, or shovel.
- 【Virtually Indestructible】- Made with heat-treated, high quality, solid carbon steel and aerospace-grade aluminum for maximum strength and lifetime durability. Be prepared and ready for any situation. Go ahead- put it to the test!
When is a foldable shovel not a foldable shovel? When it’s a FiveJoy folding shovel and multitool! As well as being suitable for digging, this product offers a host of additional features, making it ideal for campers, hikers, RV-ers, survivalists, and preppers.
Key Features
- Made from 420HC high-carbon steel
- 16-in-1 functions including shovel, knife, axe, fire starter, rope cutter, hammer, bottle opener, and wire cutter
- Length when extended 21.6”
- Weight 2.16 lbs.
- The handle can be fitted with extension tubes (not supplied)
This is the Swiss Army Knife of collapsible shovels! Whatever outdoor task you need to do, this product can help. From cutting down a tree to digging a firepit to starting a campfire, it does it all. At a little over two pounds, it’s quite heavy, but it’s well-made and built to last.
Pros
- Multi-functional
- Very strong
- Easy to use
- Good price
- High quality
Cons
- May be too heavy/long for some users
This multi-functional folding shovel maybe a little too big and heavy for backpacking, but it’s all but perfect for static camps, RV-ing, and car camping. Suitable for regular or emergency use, this the only tool you’ll need to take with you into the great outdoors.
2. SOG
SOG
3 used from $20.78
Free shipping
Features
- 18.25 INCH FULL LENGTH, 24.5 OUNCES: Lightweight foldable outdoor, hunting, military shovel is versatile to get the job done. E-Tool features a wood saw edge to cut or chop small branches and trees for kindling or fire building
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The multi-use shovel folds down to be barely bigger than your hand. 10 inches in length when folded, it takes up about the same space as a stack of paper plates. A needed tool that is easy to pack and takes up no space in your backpack, or camp kit
- HIGH-CARBON STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Super durable to handle the long list of jobs the shovel was designed to handle in extreme conditions. Dig through dirt, sand, gravel mud, and snow with the tempered steel blade. The triangular handle is strong and fits the hand well for optimal use when digging, trenching, cutting, or slashing
- 3-WAY FOLDING DESIGN: Hand shovel collapses into a portable outdoor shovel, emergency shovel, and hiking shovel. The rotating spade blade can be adjusted to act as a pick or hoe. Ultimate camp tool to dig fire pits, bury waste, or trench drainage lines
- SOG TACTICAL SHOVEL FOR LIFE: Take care of your folding shovel and we’ll take care of you; SOG shovels for digging are built to last, and we consider all repair and replacement requests
SOG has a good reputation for making knives, saws, and other outdoor equipment. This compact but tough-as-nails folding survival shovel won’t take up much space in your pack but could save your life!
Key Features
- Made from high carbon stainless steel
- 3-way folding design
- Partially serrated shovel blade for sawing
- 25 inches long when unfolded
- Supplied with a ballistic nylon pouch for safe storage
- Weighs 24 ounces
- Powder-coated
Folded, this shovel is small enough to hang from your belt. But, once you open it up, it’s long and robust enough for almost any digging or sawing job. Take it camping or keep it in your car or RV for emergencies. You’ll be glad you’ve got it!
Pros
- Light and compact
- Well-made
- Good price
- A useful outdoor tool
Cons
- Quite small/short
When folded, this shovel is about the size of an adult’s hand. It’s that compact! But, once unfolded, it’s long enough for most light digging jobs, providing you don’t mind kneeling down. It’s not suitable for digging a deep hole, but it’s pretty much ideal for making a fire pit or cat hole.
3. Gerber Gorge
Gerber Gorge
Features
- Easy-to-use push button slide mechanism
- Pick made for hard packed ground
- Hammer feature at base, great for hammering tent stakes
- Small, compact size great for camping and backpacking
- Sheath: Nylon bag
Gerber makes some of the best knives and multitools around. This folding shovel is light and compact, but also strong enough for digging into hard ground. Easy to deploy, this is a great little shovel for hiking and camping.
Key Features
- Made from high-quality steel
- Weighs 1.67 lbs.
- 25 inches when extended/unfolded
- Easy to use push-button mechanism
- The blade can be locked straight or at 90-degrees
- Telescopic handle
- Hammer built into the end of the handle
- Supplied with a nylon carry case
While this product is “just” a shovel, Gerber state that the high-carbon steel blade can also be sharpened to make an axe if required. Easy to deploy, light, and compact, this shovel is a very useful piece of outdoor equipment.
Pros
- Compact
- Well-made
- Easy to use
- Well-priced
Cons
- Nylon carry case doesn’t have a belt loop
This lightweight, collapsible shovel won’t take up much space in your rucksack, but it’s sturdy enough for most digging jobs. The storage bag case is a nice touch, but it would be much better if it had molle attachments or a belt loop to make it easier to carry.
4. Redcamp Military
RedCamp
Free shipping
Features
- OCCASIONS:Ideal for camping,hiking,backpacking,fishing,hunting,gardening outdoor activities.
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL:Digging,sawing,cutting,hammering,shoveling.Can be used either straight or at a 90°angle as a shovel, hoe, pick or saw
- PORTABLE:Folds,small size,foldable with a carrying pouch.Head size is 8.2"/21cm.Total length 22.8"/58cm.Package size is 7.5"x10.2"/19cmx26cm.It weights 2.5lbs/1.15kg.Blade thickness 1.5mm,strong enough to endure the toughest conditions.You can keep it in your car,backpack or toolbox.
- PREMIUM MATERIAL:50# High-Carbon steel body and comfortable triangular handle are toughness.
- GANURANTEEDG: REDCAMP offers a 365-day limited manufacturer warranty. If you're not satisfied for any reason, please contact us immediately and we will give you a reply within 24 hours
Folding camp shovels can be expensive, but they don’t have to be! This model from Redcamp is well-made and functional, and very well priced. If you want a sturdy, multi-functional folding shovel but don’t want to break the bank to buy it, this could be the one for you.
Key Features
- Made from heavy-duty carbon steel
- Triple folding design
- Partially serrated edge
- 8” long when extended
- Weighs 2.5 lbs.
- The blade can be locked to a 90-degree angle
- Supplied with a canvas carrying pouch
Whether you need to dig a latrine pit, shovel soil over a fire to put it out or dig your car out of the snow, this small shovel is up to the task. It’s light but strong, and the three-fold design means it won’t take up much space. It’s perfect for regular use or kept for emergencies.
Pros
- Very well-priced
- Well-made
- Versatile and useful
- Easy to use
Cons
- Too short for digging deep holes
With no way to extend the handle beyond 22 inches, this is a very short digging tool. Because of this, you’ll probably need to crouch or kneel to use it. As a result, it’s best suited to small digging jobs. That said, it’s still a very well-made and well-priced folding shovel.
5. Coghlan’s Folding
Coghlan's
Free shipping
Features
- Rugged, space-saving folding shovel fits easily in a backpack
- Tempered forged steel blade with metal handle and shaft; positive locking collar
- Measure 23 inches long when open; 10 inches when folded
- Affordable, essential gear for camping, backpacking, backcountry treks, and more
- The Folding Shovel is ony 10" folded up so it fits into any pack
Folding camp shovels are often very small and compact. That’s good if you need to save space in your rucksack, but not so good when it comes to digging a decent-sized hole! This shovel from Coghlan is a little larger than the others on review, so it’s easier to use, if not quite as compact.
Key Features
- Made from tempered forged steel
- Weighs 2.1 lbs.
- 23” long when unfolded
- 10” when folded
- Three-fold design
- Serrated saw blade edge on one side
This simple but well-priced folding shovel is very easy to use. It doesn’t have a lot of features and doesn’t even come with a carry case, but for light digging jobs, it’s more than up to the task.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Very low price
- Light and compact
- Well-made
Cons
- Basic design
- Blade only locks straight – no hoeing or hooking function
If you only want a shovel for digging and don’t want to spend a lot of money, this folding camp shovel from Coghlan could be just what you are looking for. But, if you want something a little more multi-functional, a different product may be a better choice.outdo
6. Smittybilt Tri-Fold
Smittybilt Tri-Fold
Features
- Compact tri-fold design for easy storage
- 2-way multi adjustments
- Fiber reinforced nylon handle
- Carbon steel blade has double serrated edge that is heat treated for high strength
- Storage bag included
Emergency tools are the sort of thing that you buy, hoping that you’ll never need to use, but are glad to have when things go wrong. This compact folding shovel takes up next to no room in your car or backpack but could be a real lifesaver out in the wilderness.
Key Features
- Tri-fold design to save space
- Fiber-reinforced nylon lightweight handle
- Double-serrated edges
- Carbon steel blade
- Storage bag included
- 9” long when folded
- 26” long when extended
- Weighs 2.6 lbs.
This is a recovery utility tool – or RUT for short. It’s designed for digging your car or truck out of sand or snow, and it’s perfectly made for this purpose. Not as multi-functional as some of the other folding shovels on review, this is a simple digging implement and not a survival tool.
Pros
- Simple, robust design
- Easy to use
- Made to last
- Well-priced
Cons
- Only really suitable for digging
This folding shovel is good for one purpose – digging. It’s not a camping tool, and nor is it a survival tool. But, if you need to dig a hole or dig your truck out of deep sand or snow, this shovel is the right tool for the job.
7. Rhino
Rhino USA
Free shipping
Features
- Folding survival shovel w/ pick - heavy duty carbon steel military style entrenching tool for off road, camping, gardening, beach, digging dirt, sand, mud & snow.
- Military style e-tool - 2lbs of powder coated carbon steel, tough pickaxe & sharp rugged saw teeth.
- Compact & portable - full 23" long extended but only 9" x 6" when folded into included carry case.
- Multi-functional - shovels = great garden tools, backpacking gear and metal detector accessories.
- The Last Shovel You Will Ever Need: At Rhino USA, We Stand Behind Our Products. If You Ever Experience Any Defects or Damage, Contact Our Customer Service Team and Receive A Replacement On Us.
This compact, lightweight folding shovel and pickaxe is ideal for camping, off-roading, gardening, and beach use. Best of all, it’s guaranteed for life, so you can buy with 100% confidence.
Key Features
- Made from powder-coated carbon steel
- Shovel and pickaxe functions
- 23” long when extended
- Tri-fold design to save space
- 9” long when collapsed
- Serrated edge on one side of the blade
- The blade can be locked straight or at 90-degrees
- Weighs 2 lbs.
- Supplied with a carry case
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Sold by Rhino USA, an American family business, this well-made shovel and pickaxe is perfect for emergencies. Small enough to fit in your car or truck’s glove box, or in your backpack, it’s the sort of survival tool you hope you won’t ever need but will be very glad to have if you get into difficulties.
Pros
- Very small and light
- Sturdy construction
- Good price
- The pickaxe is handy for breaking through ice or hard ground
Cons
- Not made in the USA – actually made in China
Despite the company’s name, this shovel is not made in the USA but, instead, comes from China. That doesn’t matter too much because it’s still backed by a lifetime guarantee. However, if you are looking for an American-made folding shovel, like the type the US military use, this is not the product for you.
8. iunio
iunio
$19.99 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- Portable Folding Shovel (17-inch Length) - It is designed and produced according to self-driving experiences of many experienced outdoor sports lovers and any kind of outdoor enthusiasts: RV Camping, Cadets, Scouts, Hikers, Hunters, Fisherman, Gardeners, Gold Digger, Off-roading, SUVing, Backpacking, Expeditionists, Tent Camping, Pop-up Camping. This camping folding shovel is assembled practicability, functionality and security in it.
- Extension Bars - Features a regular survival shovel doesn't even have, all in this convenient folding shovel: Shovel Board, Saw, Bottle Opener, Emergency Whistle, Fire Bar, Hammer, Nail Extractor, Hoe, Fish Scaler Tool. Extension Bar included: Except for being an ordinary folding shovel, you can extend this shovel to a comfortable size for standing up digging. You can choose the length of the shovel by adding fewer or more extensions according to your height.
- Sturdy & Durable - The camping folding shovel blade and handle are made of high-carbon steel which is high-strength and wear-resistant. The grip on the handle is made of rubber and this shovel has passed the durability tests and our destruction tests.
- Perfect Gift for Outdoor Enthusiasts - Ideal multitool gift for camping, hiking, snow, backpacking, fishing, hunting, gardening, travel outdoor activities. Also great for anyone to use, gardeners, survivalists, hunters, hikers, campers. This folding shovel is also a great entrenchment tool for Field Survivalists, Disaster Recovery Staff, Truck drivers.
- Portable & Compact - This tactical shovel folds up and fits in a high-quality tactical waist pack with a belt loop to carry at your side. It's easy for you to hang it on your belt to carry after the shovel folds up to small parts. iunio folding shovel lasts for life: Our shovels are built to last! You take care of our shovel and we'll take care of you! All replacement requests are supported by our awesome customer service team anytime!!!
The iunio Folding Shovel is one of the smallest models on review. And yet, despite its diminutive size, it’s still packed with a host of useful features. You probably won’t want to dig deep holes with this shovel, but it’s got everything else you need to survive in an emergency situation.
Key Features
- Made from high-carbon stainless steel
- Rubber, non-slip handle
- 5 inches long when collapsed
- 17 inches long when extended
- Functions include a shovel, pickaxe, compass, saw, hammer, nail extractor, whistle, and can/bottle opener
- Weighs 1.3 lbs.
- Supplied with a carrying pouch
Folding shovels don’t come much smaller than this model from iuono. It’s compact enough that you can put it in your rucksack and then forget all about it until you need it. It’s probably not big or robust enough for regular use, but you’ll be glad you’ve got it in an emergency.
Pros
- Very small, light, and compact
- Well-made
- Reasonable price
- Versatile
- Easy to use
- Can be carried on a belt or attached to the outside of a rucksack
Cons
- Probably too small for anything other than emergency use
This shovel is well-designed and is a useful emergency tool. With it, you’ve got everything you need to carry out most survival tasks, including making a shelter, digging a firepit, and chopping wood for a fire. But, for anything other than small digging jobs, it simply isn’t big enough. Think of this as a big Swiss Army knife, and not a “real” folding entrenching tool.
9. Coleman Shovel with Pick
Coleman Folding Shovel with Pick
Free shipping
Features
- SHOVEL FOLDING W/PICK C004
- SHOVEL FOLDING W/PICK C004
- SHOVEL FOLDING W/PICK C004
- SHOVEL FOLDING W/PICK C004
- SHOVEL FOLDING W/PICK C004
Coleman is a well-known manufacturer of outdoor equipment. This folding shovel is very small and is really no more than a trowel. It’s perfect for digging small firepits, burying your garbage, or making a toilet hole, but not big enough for any serious excavations. This compact model may be a good option if you want a small tool for use while camping or hiking.
Key Features
- Made from tempered forged steel
- Pick, shovel, and saw functions
- Comes apart for easy storage
- Carry pouch included
- 16” when extended
- 7” when collapsed
- Weighs 1.5 lbs.
If you are looking for the smallest functional folding shovel, this could be the one. It’s perfect for light digging jobs and won’t take up any space in your rucksack. In fact, it’s virtually pocket-sized. But, if you need something for digging anything other than very shallow holes, this is not the product for you.
Pros
- Very small and light
- Good quality materials
- Solid locking mechanism
- Can be worn on your belt
Cons
- Too small for anything but very light digging
If you know you’ll be digging in soft dirt or sand and won’t have to excavate a deep hole, this compact folding shovel is not a bad choice. But, for anything other than very light digging duties, this product is just too small.
10. Sahara Sailor
Sahara Sailor Survival Shovel
Free shipping
Features
- Unbreakable Survival Shovel - This survival tool set constructed with military-grade solid carbon steel with aerospace-grade anodized aluminum tubes that make it sturdy enough deal with survival activities or car/truck emergency
- Multi-functional - This ultimate survival shovel incorporates 12 other functions and tools, including a shovel, hoe, saws, bottle opener, cleaver, whistle, knife, fish scaler, emergency hammer, flat-blade screwdriver, and 4 size wrench. These functions will ensure you survive camping with your kids
- Collapsible and Portable - This camping shovel can be folded and expanded by twisting lock for secure storage and carrying. A durable carry storage bag is coming with the package as camping gifts
- Not just camping - This tactical shovel is perfect for camping, hiking, gardening, backpacking, hunting, traveling, expedition, car emergency, and outdoor survival
- Satisfaction Guarantee - Lifetime warranty with 100% satisfaction and zero hassle returns guaranteed. With this military-level survival shovel, you have the last piece of camping and survival tool you will ever need
The Sahara Sailor Survival Shovel really lives up to its name. With 23 functions, it’s ready for anything life throws at you. Described as unbreakable, this emergency tool is designed for urban and wilderness survival and is small enough that you can pack it away and forget about it until it’s needed.
Key Features
- Made from carbon steel and aerospace-grade aluminum
- 31” long when extended
- 5” long when collapsed
- Weighs 3.5 lbs.
- Functions include a shovel, saw, axe, wire cutter, screwdriver, knife, fire starter, bottle opener, whistle, glass breaker, hoe, and hammer
- Supplied with a nylon carry pouch with belt loops
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
At 3.5 lbs., this multi-function folding shovel is a little too heavy for hiking and backpacking, where every ounce counts. But, for RV-ing, camping, hunting, fishing, and off-roading, it could be the perfect emergency tool. Made to last, this folding shovel would also be useful for digging your car out of snow or sand. It looks good too!
Pros
- Highly multi-functional
- Very well-made
- Big enough for more demanding digging jobs
- Well-priced
- Easy to use and carry
Cons
- Quite heavy
This is more than a folding shovel – it’s a fully-fledged survival tool. It’s probably overkill if all you want to do is dig a shallow firepit. But, if you want something that could help you survive in the wilderness, this product is highly recommended.
11. Overmont Collapsible Aluminium Snow Shovel
Overmont Aluminum Snow Shovel
1 used from $29.60
Free shipping
Features
- Adjustable from 26” to 32”, (or 26 inch to 42 inch); Useful 11 inch by 8 inch blade; Strong 1.8 millimeter 5 series aluminum; lightweight at only 1.3 pounds
- Ideal snow shovel for your car, SUV, RV, or snowmobile; collapsible into 3 pieces (4 for 42 inch model) into the supplied pouch; Ideal car safety accessory or backpack gear to complement your emergency kit.
- Multi purpose with its collapsible size and lightweight yet strong 5 series aluminum; ergonomically designed to easily maneuver the shovel in snow, dirt, mud, sand, etc.; an essential backpacking or camping accessory.
- Anodised 5 series aluminum ensures the colors won’t fade in use.
- Handy easy to stow ice scraper included.
While you could use a regular folding shovel to clear snow, it’ll probably take a long time. After all, most are very compact and are made more for digging dirt than clearing snow and ice. This collapsible shovel is designed specifically for clearing snow and will make short work of even a big snowdrift.
Key Features
- Made from light, strong aluminum
- Anodized for a long-lasting finish
- Collapsible for easier storage
- Adjustable from 26-32 inches long
- Weighs just 1.3 lbs.
- Comes with a windscreen ice scraper
- Lightweight, anti-slip handle
- Supplied with a nylon carry case
Ideal for winter use, this is the shovel you need if you have to dig your car out of the snow. It’s also strong enough to deal with sand and loosely packed dirt too. It’s a must-have for off-roaders, RV-ers, car campers, snowmobile riders, truckers, and anyone else who drives anywhere the weather or terrain can take a turn for the worst.
Pros
- Lightweight but very strong
- Won’t chip, tarnish, or fade
- Useful for all types of driver
- A winter must-have
Cons
- Not compact enough for backpacking – best suited to vehicular use
This shovel is probably a bit too big for skiers and snowboarders, who often carry shovels in case of an avalanche. That said, if you strap it to the outside of your backpack, it’s light enough that it could still be used for that purpose. Instead, this shovel is designed more for vehicular use, and for that, it’s highly recommended.
Bottom Line
Whether you are a camper, a hiker, a hunter, like to drive off-road, or are a survivalist, a folding shovel should be part of your kit. You’ll still need a decent knife, and an ax is always handy, but a folding shovel can be every bit as useful.
With so many different models to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Work backward from what you want to use the shovel for to make your choice. That will determine whether you need a plain folding shovel or something with more features.
Next, decide on your budget. Also, consider the size and weight of your shovel; small is best for backpacking, while the size isn’t all that important if you’ll be carrying your shovel in a car or truck.
With that done, you should have no problem choosing the best folding or collapsible shovel for your needs. Check out the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert reviews including other survival gear such as lighters.
The Review
Folding Shovel
Choosing the best folding shovel for your needs is easy with our detailed reviews and ratings.
Review Breakdown
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FiveJoy MultiTool
-
SOG
-
Gerber Gorge
-
RedCamp
-
Coghlan's
-
Smittybilt Tri-Fold
-
Rhino USA
-
iunio
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Coleman Folding Shovel with Pick
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Sahara Sailor Survival Shovel
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Overmont Aluminum Snow Shovel
Folding Shovel DEALS
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