Here’s an overview of the Best Camping Shovel that we’ll explore today:
Camping shovels, or entrenching tools, are compact, multi-use tools that can dramatically reduce weight and bulk on multi-day trips while expanding your ability to perform tasks like digging, fire pit preparation, snow clearing, and brush cutting. The category often pits budget micro-folders against rugged, military-style entrenchers. This review tests five popular models across a price range of roughly $9.99 to $28.90 to evaluate build quality, folding mechanism, edge geometry, packability, and overall value. Our methodology combined hands-on handling, basic field testing (digging, light chopping, and brush clearing where appropriate), weight and dimension checks, and an assessment of materials, corrosion resistance, and ergonomic comfort. We also weighed real-world factors like included carrying cases, foldability reliability, and warranty/support. The lineup represented here includes REDCAMP, iunio, PLACHIDAY, and Rhino USA, capturing a mix of budget-friendly and premium options.
1. RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick – Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Style Entrenching Tool for Off Road
- Brand: Rhino USA
- Manufacturer: Rhino USA
Overview: The Rhino USA folding entrenching tool is a true 3-in-1 design with a shovel, a 90-degree pickaxe, and a 90-degree hoe option. It extends to 22 inches and folds compactly to 9×6 inches, weighing about 2 pounds. Carbon steel with a black powder-coated finish promises durability and corrosion resistance, plus a lifetime replacement warranty. The tool ships with a heavy-duty carry case and is American-owned with a family-operated support model. This model’s standout is its robust, military-style construction and proven multi-function versatility, which makes it appealing for off-road, garden prep, and survival scenarios where bone-dry reliability matters.
Performance-wise, the 8.2-inch blade length and 2-lb weight balance portability with enough heft for more demanding digging tasks. The 180-degree shovel and 90-degree tools provide orientation flexibility for different tasks (shoveling, prying, digging trench lines, or cutting through light brush). The 2-pound mass helps in rough soil but can feel lagging in very hard ground or rocky terrain. User experience benefits from the included carry case, straightforward folding mechanism, and a solid grip; however, the edge geometry is not specialized for heavy chopping, and the coating, while corrosion-resistant, can show wear with heavy use. Best use cases include vehicle-recoveries, campsite trenching, beach digging, and general emergency prep where a rugged, long-lasting tool is preferred.
Pros
- This model’s standout is its robust, military-style construction and proven multi-function versatility, which makes it appealing for off-road, garden prep, and survival scenarios where bone-dry reliability matters..
Cons
- Carbon steel with a black powder-coated finish promises durability and corrosion resistance, plus a lifetime replacement warranty.
2. RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick – Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Style Entrenching Tool for Off Road
- Brand: Rhino USA
- Manufacturer: Rhino USA
Overview: This is the tan variant of the same Rhino USA 3-in-1 entrenching tool, sharing the same three-use design, carbon steel construction, and lifetime replacement promise. It extends to 22 inches and folds to a compact 9×6 inches, with a 2.3-pound weight profile. The tan finish is marketed for better heat absorption and camouflage appeal in outdoor environments. The included carry solution remains a core convenience feature, and the tool continues to emphasize American ownership and customer support.
Performance-wise, the tan model maintains identical dimensional and material specs to the black version, including the 8.2-inch blade and 180/90-degree configurations. The lighter 2.3-pound variant can be marginally more balanced for long packing trips, but the difference is minor in practical terms. Use cases mirror the black version: off-road use, camping prep, gardening tasks, and snow or sand digging. Users should expect similar durability and reliability, with the main differentiator being color for visibility or aesthetics rather than performance. Durability, grip, and edge retention align with the black variant, aided by the same lifetime replacement warranty.
Pros
- AMERICAN OWNED, FAMILY OPERATED – Join the Rhino USA Family and Support a Father/Son Business With the Best USA-Based Customer Support.
- 3-IN-1 MULTIPURPOSE – Features a Versatile Design With a 180-Degree Shovel, 90-Degree Pickaxe, and 90-Degree Pick hoe, Allowing you to Tackle Various Tasks With a Single Tool.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE – Measures a Full 22″ Long When Extended, but Folds Down to Just 9″ x 6″ for Easy Storage in the Included Heavy-Duty Carry Case; Weighs Only 2 lbs for Effortless Portability.
Cons
- May not be suitable for all product users.
- Some users might prefer different features.
3. Digging Shovel
- Brand: PLACHIDAY
- Manufacturer: PLACHIDAY
Overview: PLACHIDAY offers a compact 18.5-inch folding shovel made from high-carbon steel with a 7.5-ounce weight when folded. It folds in three directions via an aluminum alloy screw articulation and ships with a nylon carry bag. The design emphasizes a lightweight footprint for emergency kits, backpacking, and garden tasks, with a serrated edge for cutting small branches and a triangular handle for improved leverage.
Performance-wise, the PLACHIDAY shovel prioritizes portability over brute digging power. The high-carbon steel blade provides reasonable wear resistance, but the lighter build means it isn’t ideal for very hard or rocky soil compared with heavier entrenchers. The serrated edge adds versatility for kindling or brush clearing, though it may wear faster with heavy use. Use cases include ultralight backpacking, roadside emergencies, and light garden tasks where compact storage and ease of carry trump maximum digging force. Comfort is aided by the ergonomic grip, but the smaller blade and shorter overall length can limit leverage in deep trenching or heavy clay soils.
Pros
- 【Compact Structure & High Performance】The size of the camping shovel is 18.5inch long, 4.72inch wide, only 7.5inch after folding; used for emergency as well as camping tools or gardening, digging, shoveling, sawing, chopping and digging pits; in addition, the shovel is equipped with a nylon bag, light weight and easy to store
- 【High Quality Materials】This heat-treated mini shovel is made of high-carbon steel, which is sturdy, durable, and rust-resistant, ensuring a long service life. It is also suitable for roading, camping, gardening, beach use, digging, sand, mud, and winter snow shoveling. Makes a perfect Christmas gift.
- 【Collapsible and Portable Design】The folding shovel uses aluminum alloy screw articulation, which can be folded in 3 directions by rotating the nut, making the shovel more compact and small, not taking up space and easy to carry; triangular handle design, with a large force area, provides a good grip
Cons
- May not be suitable for all product users.
- Some users might prefer different features.
4. iunio Camping Shovel
- Brand: iunio
- Manufacturer: iunio
Overview: iunio presents a versatile folding shovel at $19.99, offering a built-in multitool suite (shovel, saw, bottle opener, whistle, pickaxe, nail extractor, hoe, compass) and a rubber-grip handle. The extended length is 18.3 inches, with a fully folded size compact enough for belt carry. The tool uses high-carbon steel for the blade and handle, with a robust build and a focus on feature-dense practicality for hikers, campers, and emergency responders.
Performance-wise, the iunio shovel emphasizes multi-function utility and user-centric features (emergency whistle, compass, saw). This makes it highly capable in light to moderate tasks like digging trenches, cutting small brush, or prying. The rubber grip and overall weight around 1.4 pounds add comfort for longer use. However, the abundance of tools can lead to slightly less rigidity in pure digging tasks, and some users may prefer simpler, more durable single-tools for heavy-duty jobs. Ideal use cases include backpacking with limited kit space, disaster-prep kits, and vehicle emergencies where multiple quick-access tools are valuable.
Pros
- Overview: iunio presents a versatile folding shovel at $19.99, offering a built-in multitool suite (shovel, saw, bottle opener, whistle, pickaxe, nail extractor, hoe, compass) and a rubber-grip handle.
Cons
- May not be suitable for all product users.
- Some users might prefer different features.
5. REDCAMP 23″ Military Folding Camping Shovel w/Cover
- Brand: REDCAMP
- Manufacturer: REDCAMP
Overview: REDCAMP’s 23-inch manganese steel folding shovel is a mid-to-upper range option at $19.99, offering a three-fold design, contoured grip, and a heat-treated blade. It ships with a cover and a heavy-duty feel for camping, beach, snow, and mud tasks. The rotating nut allows 180-degree shoveling or 90-degree hoeing, while the serrated edge helps with cutting brush. The tool weighs about 2.46 pounds and is positioned as a versatile, durable option for multi-season use.
In practice, the REDCAMP shovel delivers solid digging performance for moderate tasks, with decent edge bite and a robust build suitable for casual to intermediate use. The manganese steel offers good wear resistance and corrosion protection, while the 3-fold design enhances packability. Some trade-offs include heavier weight relative to ultra-light models and a slightly longer extended length that may require more space in tight packs. This makes it a strong all-rounder for campers who want durability without paying premium price.
Pros
- The tool weighs about 2.46 pounds and is positioned as a versatile, durable option for multi-season use..
Cons
- May not be suitable for all product users.
- Some users might prefer different features.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about camping shovels to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
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Final thoughts: The five shovels cover a broad spectrum of needs—from ultralight backpacking and feature-rich multitools to rugged, mission-ready entrenchers.
Choose Rhino USA for durability and the peace of mind of a lifetime replacement; select iunio if you want an all-in-one kit; go REDCAMP for solid durability at a great price; pick PLACHIDAY if weight is your priority and you can trade some digging prowess for portability..