Folding Shovel

A very good camping tool to have as a part of your camping and outdoor equipment is that of the folding shovel. Now when you go out looking to buy a folding shovel you very quickly become aware as to how versatile the folding shovel can be. Not only can they be used to dig with, but the user can also cut, chop and even use the tool as a pick. This is because they are designed especially for camping where the more versatile a piece of equipment is, the better it is. The folding shovel is a smaller and compact version of a basic shovel, that can be folded up to reduce it’s size hence making it easier to transport in a backpack or such. Depending on the type of folding shovel you are looking for will determine it’s versatility. There are makes of the folding shovel that can fold in to a usable hammer, fold in to a pick, have a blade edge that can be used for cutting and chopping and some that can be double or even triple folded for compactness.

The thing about a folding shovel is the more features it has, the better a piece of

Camping and Outdoor Equipment

Folding Shovel

Draper 89768 Folding Shovel

One of the many products that Draper has in it’s repertoire is the folding shovel that can be used with camping amongst other activities. This model comes with a carbon steel serrated blade and a tubular steel handle. To ensure the durability of the tool it has been powder coated which helps with preventing corrosion. The handle is tightened by an integral collet so there is no need for any additional tools. When you buy one of these brand new the folding shovel is supplied with a vinyl pouch in which to store and transport it in.

This folding shovel is well built and should last you for a good many years out in the field. Operating it is very simple and it is fairly quick to be able to fold it up. When folded the shovel is very compact but it does feel a little heavy due to the steel construction. Another little quirk we feel with this model is that maybe it could be just a little longer for perfect use. But overall it is a nice folding shovel with a nice price.

Features

1- Carbon steel serrated blade

2- Tubular steel handle

3- Corrosion proof due to powder coating

4- Collet to tighten handle

5- Supplied with vinyl bag for storage

The folding shovel or entrenching tool as it is also known as is a collapsible spade used by the military, survivalists, campers, hikers and many other outdoor groups. They are pretty indispensable in the wilderness and are usually made from light metal. The modern day versions are usually collapsible hence the name folding shovel.

Entrenching tools have a long history and can at least be traced back to Roman Times where they were valued as important tools of war. And all through history armies of the world have used them to dig trenches and make shift holes for cover. The modern day folding shovel has evolved from the early folding spades of the 2 great wars and these in turn are believed to have evolved from the shovels used in the American Civil War.

The folding shovel can be made with straight handles, T-handles, D-handles and have many different folding designs.

Gerber 22-41578 Folding Shovel

Features

1- Operates in hammer mode to bang in tent pegs

2- Easy push button design

3- Durable blade made from carbon steel

4- Ergonomic handle made out of glass filled nylon with rubber overgrip

5- Nylon drawstring bag included

When it comes to a folding shovel for camping, this Gerber model is the real deal. It is very powerful and easy to use and the big plus is it’s versatility. There is also a telescopic joint on the handle to fold it down to make it perfectly portable and compact.

Such things this folding shovel can be used for are moving light snow from around bike tyres if you are mountain biking. If you need to dig a hole or trench of any sort then this tool is more than capable, It can also be used as a hammer when you put it in hammer mode. All in all it makes a great addition to your camping and outdoor equipment.

The fold down design feature on this folding shovel allows the shovel to be folded down from 16.25 inches to 9.25 inches. This means the tool is very small and will not take up much space in your pack. And as it weighs just 28 ounces it is so light that you will hardly know that you are carrying it.

A feature we really like is the push button slide mechanism on this folding shovel to allow quick and simple operation. For comfort and security the handle has an ergonomic design with a rubber grip for excellent holding capabilities in all weathers. The blade is very durable, constructed from carbon steel, it works well every time in any conditions. The blade can also be sharpened when it gets blunt.

Gelert Folding Shovel

Here we have a folding shovel from Gelert that is a round nose shovel. When you fold up this tool it becomes a third of the size of full length and can fit into a box the size of a paperback book. Now that is an extremely handy size to compact down to, making this shovel an excellent tool to have with you when you go camping. The blade of this shovel has two saw serrations and the handle and blade lock together when you turn the collar which in turn tensions the shaft inside the tube. It is a sturdy little folding shovel that can even meet the demands of having to move snow. Unfortunately there is no protective sheath supplied with this folding shovel, but to be honest that is not surprising considering how cheaply Gelert price this tool up at. If you are looking for a good quality basic folding shovel for your camping gear then this model from Gelert fits that criteria well and does offer good value for money.

Features

1- Forged steel construction

2- Handle that is easy grip

3- Collar lock that gives the user stability

4- Serrated edge so the folding shovel can be used in saw mode.

Overview of the folding shovel

The folding shovel is a very valuable tool to have in camping and outdoor equipment when you go camping. They tend to be more than just a shovel with many models of the folding shovel having additional features added to them to make the folding shovel more of a multi tool. This increase the usage levels of your folding shovel and many more tasks can be performed with the tool when camping than just digging. What is exceptional about the folding shovel is the folding mechanism they possess which allows them to be folded up and stored in the smallest space possible. The folding shovel is also constructed from lightweight yet very tough and durable materials making it an ideal tool to have in your backpack whenever backpacking or camping.

The folding mechanism on the folding shovel will determine how compact that particular folding shovel is. A double fold type shovel will have just a single hinge which will allow the folding shovel to be doubled in length when fully extended. A tri fold folding shovel will have 2 hinge points which means that it can be folded even more compactly and extend to a greater length as well. The camping equipment manufacturers have seen the potential in the folding shovel and have developed it greatly to make it a fantastic tool to have with you when you go camping. Some features have been added and depending upon the make of folding shovel you opt for, the tool can be used as a hammer for tent pegs and in some cases, used to saw wood because a serrated blade has been fixed on the tool.

One particular folding shovel that has caught our eye is the Coleman folding shovel with pick. This particular folding shovel has a shovel blade as well as having a pick head. But that is not where the features end. In the handle Coleman have included a compass and believe it or not, there is even a waterproof compartment in which you can keep matches for starting a fire. And there is even more with this folding shovel! There also happens to be a serrated blade that you can use to saw branches with and if you wish to take a beer by the fire this folding shovel even has a bottle opener attachment. Does a folding shovel get any better than that?

So if you are an outdoor enthusiast and enjoy your camping then a folding shovel should make up a part of your outdoor equipment. Inexpensive to buy, they are full of features depending on the model you choose, and provide you with an excellent service. They are light to carry with you yet so durable and tough. When it comes to choosing camping equipment, one just has to find the space somewhere for a folding shovel.

Examples Of The Folding Shovel

outdoor equipment it is. And versatility is the essence with any camping tool. A good quality folding shovel can dig holes, be folded into hammer mode and be used to hammer in tent stakes and even be used to chop wood for the camp fire if required. The folding shovel should be constructed out of a touch material such as steel and be rust resistant. The folding mechanics should be easy and smooth allowing you to quickly fold it up and put it in it’s pouch ready for travel or the next use.

Some even incorporate a pick in their design. It is also possible to modify your own folding shovel if you so wish. If you have a basic style shovel you can always sharpen the edges of it to give you an axe or cutting type of tool as well.

Weight is always an issue with camping equipment, especially if you wish to go hiking. And in the military weight is again an issue. Usually the folding shovel is constructed out of a metal such as steel giving the shovel an approximate overall weight of 2.25 pounds or so. But light weight plastic versions of the folding shovel have now been designed that weigh about 1.5 pounds. Over a long walking period that is quite a weight saving. But whether the performance of the folding shovel has to compensate for the saving in weight we do not know. As of yet we have not been out and about to test out these plastic folding shovels. When we do we will update this page and tell you all about it.