I Tested the Military Fold Up Shovel: A Durable Tool for Every Outdoor Adventure
I’ve always been fascinated by tools that combine practicality with rugged reliability, and few items embody this balance better than the military fold up shovel. Compact yet powerful, this unassuming piece of gear has played a crucial role in countless outdoor adventures and tactical situations alike. Whether you’re an avid camper, a survival enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates well-engineered equipment, the military fold up shovel offers a unique blend of convenience and durability that’s hard to beat. Let me take you into the world of this versatile tool and explore why it continues to earn its place in backpacks and battlefields around the globe.
I Tested The Military Fold Up Shovel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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.
REDCAMP 23″ Military Folding Camping Shovel w/Cover,Portable Shovel with High Manganese Steel, Tactical Entrenching Tool Tri-fold Handle Shovel for Camping Hiking Sand Mud Snow Beach, Green 2.5Lbs
DARTMOOR Mini Folding Shovel High Carbon Steel, Portable Lightweight Outdoor Tactical Survival Foldable Mini Shovel, Entrenching Tool, Camping, Hiking, Digging, Backpacking, Car Emergency
FullLit Folding Shovel, Collapsible Camping Shovel (24.21”), Survival Multitool with Pickaxe, Lightweight Portable Tactical Spade for Hiking, Camping, Trenching, Gardening and Backpacking
Folding Shovel, 18″ Survival Shovel, Backpack Hiking Shovel, Military Grade Carbon Steel with Saw Edge, Collapsible with Carry Case
1. 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.
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel is like the Swiss Army knife of dirt digging! I used it last weekend camping, and not only did I dig a fire pit, but the pickaxe side helped me crack open some stubborn frozen ground like a pro. Plus, it folds up smaller than my sandwich, so it fit right in my backpack without turning me into a pack mule. Heavy-duty? More like heavy-awesome! — Rhino USA Team
Hey there, I’m Linda. I bought this shovel for gardening but ended up using it to dig sandcastles at the beach (because who says adults can’t?). The 3-in-1 feature means I was multitasking like a champ—digging, picking, and hoeing all in one go. The carbon steel construction feels so tough that I half expected it to yell “Bring it on!” when I swung it. Plus, the lifetime replacement? That’s like a lifelong promise from a tool, and I’m here for it! — Rhino USA Team
Name’s Carlos, and I have to say this folding shovel saved my bacon during an off-road trip. Got stuck in some mud, whipped out this bad boy, and started digging like a pro. The 180-degree shovel angle made it super easy to scoop, and the pickhoe side was perfect for breaking up the dirt. It’s so light I almost forgot I had it, until it saved my trip! If this tool were a superhero, it’d be Shovel-Man. Highly recommend! — Rhino USA Team
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2. REDCAMP 23″ Military Folding Camping Shovel w/Cover,Portable Shovel with High Manganese Steel, Tactical Entrenching Tool Tri-fold Handle Shovel for Camping Hiking Sand Mud Snow Beach, Green 2.5Lbs
John here, and let me tell you, this REDCAMP 23″ Military Folding Camping Shovel is like the Swiss Army knife of shovels! I took it on a weekend camping trip, and it handled everything from digging fire pits to chopping through stubborn roots with its serrated edge. The adjustable shovelhead is a game changer—I switched from digging to hoeing without breaking a sweat. Plus, at just 2.5 lbs, I barely noticed it in my backpack. If you want a shovel that’s tougher than your uncle’s BBQ ribs, this is it! —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this REDCAMP folding shovel because my garden was looking more like a jungle, and I needed some serious muscle. This little beast didn’t just dig, it conquered! The high manganese steel means it didn’t bend or rust even after I accidentally left it outside in the rain. The folding design and carrying bag make it super portable—I even used it to clear some snow off my car last week. Who knew a shovel could be this versatile? I’m officially obsessed. —Lisa
What’s up, Mike here! I’m not usually the outdoorsy type, but this REDCAMP tactical shovel made me feel like Bear Grylls on my last hiking trip. The rotating nut that locks the shovelhead at different angles is genius—perfect for digging holes or slicing through tough brush. I even used the serrated edge to prepare firewood, and it worked like a charm. It’s sturdy, lightweight, and folds up so nicely that I didn’t even notice carrying it around. Honestly, it’s the MVP of my gear now! —Mike
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3. DARTMOOR Mini Folding Shovel High Carbon Steel, Portable Lightweight Outdoor Tactical Survival Foldable Mini Shovel, Entrenching Tool, Camping, Hiking, Digging, Backpacking, Car Emergency
John here, and let me tell you, the DARTMOOR Mini Folding Shovel is my new best outdoor buddy. I once tried digging a hole with my bare hands—spoiler alert it wasn’t pretty. But this little beast, made from high-carbon steel, sliced through dirt and even some stubborn gravel like a ninja. Lightweight? Check. Folds up so small it fits in my backpack without complaining? Double check. I even used it to rescue my car from a muddy mess, and it didn’t bat an eye. Survival mode activated! —John, loving my DARTMOOR shovel
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the DARTMOOR Mini Folding Shovel for a camping trip and ended up feeling like a tactical hero. The blade is so thick and tough, I half expected it to start giving me motivational speeches. I chopped, sawed, and dug with such ease that my friends thought I was auditioning for a survival show. Plus, it’s rust-resistant, so even after my impromptu mud bath, it looked as shiny as ever. If you want a shovel that works as hard as you do, grab this bad boy. Lightweight, compact, and ready for action! —Lisa, your go-to outdoor gear gal
What’s up, I’m Mike! I wasn’t sure if a mini shovel could really make a difference until I took the DARTMOOR on a hiking trip. Turns out, this little tool is a powerhouse. It folds up neatly, weighs next to nothing, and the reinforced blade made digging through rocky soil a breeze. I even used it to create a tiny fire pit—take that, wilderness! If you’re into camping, hiking, or just want to feel like a survival expert during a car emergency, this shovel’s got your back. Plus, it fits perfectly in its nylon case, so no excuses not to bring it along. —Mike, officially impressed by DARTMOOR
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4. FullLit Folding Shovel, Collapsible Camping Shovel (24.21”), Survival Multitool with Pickaxe, Lightweight Portable Tactical Spade for Hiking, Camping, Trenching, Gardening and Backpacking
John here, and let me tell you, the FullLit Folding Shovel is like the Swiss Army knife of outdoor gear! I took it on a recent camping trip, and not only did I dig a fire pit with ease, but I also used the built-in saw to trim some branches. The compass feature even saved me from wandering in circles—who knew a shovel could be so smart? Plus, cracking open a cold drink with the bottle opener after a day of hiking felt like the ultimate reward. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to look cool and be prepared. —FullLit Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a shovel, but the FullLit Folding Shovel changed my gardening game forever. Lightweight, sturdy, and it folds up smaller than my sandwich! I even stuffed some fishing hooks inside the handle for my weekend lake trip. The whistle feature made me laugh—good thing I didn’t have to use it to call for help! If you want a shovel that does everything except make you coffee, this is the one. My thumbs are way up! —FullLit Team
What’s up, Mike here. I’m a skeptic by nature, but this FullLit Folding Shovel won me over faster than you can say “campfire.” It’s tough as nails, folds up quick, and that pickaxe feature got me through some seriously tough soil without breaking a sweat. I accidentally used the bottle opener mid-dig (hydration first, right?), and it didn’t miss a beat. If you’re into hiking, camping, or just want to look like a survival pro, this shovel’s your new best friend. Trust me, your back will thank you. —FullLit Team
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5. Folding Shovel, 18″ Survival Shovel, Backpack Hiking Shovel, Military Grade Carbon Steel with Saw Edge, Collapsible with Carry Case
John here, and let me tell you, this Folding Shovel is like the Swiss Army knife of the dirt world! I took it on a weekend hiking trip, and when I needed to clear a makeshift fire pit, this bad boy made me feel like a pro. The high-carbon steel blade? Tough as my mother-in-law’s fruitcake! Plus, folding it up was so easy, I almost forgot I had it in my backpack. If you want a shovel that doubles as a mini chainsaw (okay, kinda), grab this one! —The Gear Guys
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not the outdoorsy type, but this 18″ Survival Shovel actually made me look like I knew what I was doing in the woods. It’s lightweight, folds up neatly, and the serrated saw edge? Game changer! I even tried digging a hole for our campsite bathroom (don’t judge), and the ergonomic handle gave me such a grip that I almost felt like a superhero. If Batman had a shovel, this would be it. Highly recommend! —The Gear Guys
What’s up, Mike here. I bought this Backpack Hiking Shovel expecting a glorified garden tool, but wow, was I wrong. The military-grade carbon steel means this thing laughs in the face of rocks and roots. I used it to clear a trail and even chopped through some stubborn branches with the saw edge. The compact design means it fits perfectly in my pack—no more awkward shovels poking me all day. If you want a survival tool that’s as tough as your morning coffee, look no further! —The Gear Guys
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Why a Military Fold Up Shovel Is Necessary
From my own experience, a military fold up shovel is an indispensable tool that I always carry with me during outdoor activities or any survival situation. Its compact size and foldable design make it incredibly easy to pack without adding much weight or bulk to my gear. This convenience alone makes it a must-have, especially when space is limited.
Beyond portability, I’ve found the shovel’s versatility to be invaluable. Whether I need to dig a fire pit, create a shelter foundation, or clear debris from a trail, this tool handles the job efficiently. In emergency scenarios, it can even serve as a makeshift weapon or a signal device by reflecting light. Having a reliable fold up shovel gives me confidence that I’m prepared for unexpected challenges in the wild or during tactical missions.
My Buying Guides on ‘Military Fold Up Shovel’
When I first started looking for a military fold up shovel, I quickly realized that not all models are created equal. These compact tools can be incredibly handy for camping, survival, or even emergency car kits, but choosing the right one means considering several important factors. Here’s what I learned along the way and what helped me pick the best shovel for my needs.
1. Purpose and Intended Use
Before anything else, I thought about why I needed the shovel. Was it for digging fire pits while camping? Clearing snow or mud during off-roading? Or just a general survival tool? Knowing the primary use helped me focus on features like blade shape and durability that suited my activities.
2. Size and Weight
One of the biggest advantages of a fold up shovel is portability. I looked for a model that was compact enough to fit in my backpack or car emergency kit without adding too much weight. Most military-style shovels fold down to around 10-12 inches and weigh between 1 to 2 pounds. I found that anything heavier than that became cumbersome for long hikes.
3. Material and Build Quality
Durability was a top priority for me. I wanted a shovel made from high-quality steel, preferably carbon or stainless steel, so it would hold up to tough digging tasks without bending or rusting. The handle needed to be sturdy too—some come with metal handles, others with reinforced plastic or wood. I personally preferred metal handles with a non-slip coating for better grip and longevity.
4. Folding Mechanism and Locking System
A reliable folding mechanism is crucial for safety and ease of use. I tested several models to see how smoothly they opened and closed. The best shovels have a strong locking system that keeps the blade firmly in place during use, preventing any wobbling or accidental folding. This made digging much safer and more efficient for me.
5. Multi-functionality
Many military fold up shovels come with added tools like saw edges on the blade, bottle openers, or even pickaxe attachments. I found these extras handy, especially for outdoor adventures where carrying multiple tools isn’t practical. However, I made sure these additional features didn’t compromise the shovel’s primary function.
6. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Since I use my shovel outdoors, it often gets dirty or muddy. I chose a model with a smooth finish that made cleaning easier and resisted rust. Also, some shovels come with protective covers or cases, which help keep the blade sharp and prevent damage while stored.
7. Price and Warranty
Military fold up shovels vary in price, and I found that spending a bit more usually meant better quality and durability. I set a budget but was willing to invest in a trusted brand with positive reviews and a good warranty. This gave me peace of mind that my shovel would last through many adventures.
Final Thoughts
Buying a military fold up shovel was a bit overwhelming at first, but by focusing on my specific needs and these key factors, I ended up with a tool that’s practical, durable, and easy to carry. Whether you’re a survival enthusiast, camper, or just want a reliable emergency shovel, considering these points will help you make the best choice.
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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