Imagine this: you’re out exploring a beautiful trail, and you stumble upon a hidden gem – a perfect spot for a campfire or a quick lunch. But then you realize you forgot a crucial tool. Or maybe you’re caught in an unexpected situation, and you need to dig yourself out of a tricky spot. In these moments, a trusty backpack shovel isn’t just a convenience; it’s a lifesaver.
Choosing the right backpack shovel can feel like a treasure hunt with too many choices. You want something that’s strong enough for tough jobs but light enough to carry all day. It needs to fold up small, be easy to use, and last through your adventures. It’s a lot to consider, and the wrong shovel can leave you frustrated and unprepared.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pick the best backpack shovel for your needs. You’ll learn about different types, what features to look for, and how to make sure your new tool is ready for any outdoor challenge. Get ready to equip yourself with the knowledge to make your next outdoor trip even better.
Our Top 5 Backpack Shovel Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Backpack Shovel Detailed Reviews
1. RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick – Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Style Entrenching Tool for Off Road
Rating: 8.8/10
The RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick is a tough, multi-purpose tool designed for all sorts of adventures. Whether you’re hitting the trails, camping out, tending your garden, or just enjoying a day at the beach, this shovel can handle it. It’s built to dig through dirt, sand, mud, and even snow, making it a truly versatile companion for any outdoor enthusiast.
What We Like:
- It’s a father-son business that offers great customer support.
- It’s a 3-in-1 tool: a shovel, a pickaxe, and a pick hoe.
- It folds up small, making it easy to carry in its case.
- It’s made from strong carbon steel with a protective coating.
- It comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.
What Could Be Improved:
- The folding mechanism could be a bit smoother.
- While durable, the handle might feel a bit basic for some users.
This shovel is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable tool for outdoor tasks. Its durability and versatility make it a great value, and the lifetime guarantee gives you peace of mind.
2. Ultralight Backpacking Trowel Aluminum Shovel Small Potty Multitool with Longer Handle Design Essential for Hiking
Rating: 8.9/10
This Ultralight Backpacking Trowel Aluminum Shovel is a must-have for any outdoor adventure. It’s designed to be lightweight and durable, making it perfect for hiking, camping, and even survival situations. The longer handle makes digging easier, and the aluminum construction ensures it won’t rust or break.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly lightweight, so it won’t weigh down your backpack.
- The aluminum material is strong and resistant to rust and corrosion, meaning it will last a long time.
- You can dig holes quickly and effectively, even in tough soil with roots.
- The sharp edges make it a great survival tool for cutting through ground and roots.
- The longer, easy-grip handle makes it comfortable to use.
- It’s the perfect size to scoop dirt for burying waste or cleaning up your campsite.
- Buy two or more and save 5%!
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, it’s still a lightweight tool, so very heavy-duty digging might be a challenge.
- The “small potty” description might not appeal to everyone, though its functionality is undeniable.
This trowel is a reliable and practical tool for all your outdoor needs. It’s an essential piece of gear that offers great value for its performance and durability.
3. NACETURE Ultralight Backpacking Trowel Aluminum Shovel Small Potty Multitool with Longer Handle Design Essential for Hiking
Rating: 9.0/10
The NACETURE Ultralight Backpacking Trowel is a must-have tool for any outdoor adventurer. This ultralight, aluminum shovel is designed for durability and functionality, making it perfect for hiking, camping, and survival situations. Its bright orange color ensures you won’t lose it in the wilderness.
What We Like:
- This trowel is made from high-quality aluminum, so it resists rust and won’t break easily.
- It’s designed to dig holes quickly and effectively, even in tough or rocky ground.
- The sharp edges help you cut through roots and get the job done fast.
- It has a comfortable, longer handle that makes it easy to grip and use.
- The scoop is a good size for digging catholes or cleaning up messes.
- It’s very lightweight and won’t take up much space in your backpack.
- You can save 5% if you buy two or more of these trowels.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, it’s still a lightweight tool, so heavy-duty digging might be challenging.
- The “potty multitool” aspect is primarily its function as a trowel; it doesn’t have other integrated tools.
This NACETURE trowel is a reliable and essential piece of gear for anyone who spends time outdoors. It’s a great investment for your next adventure.
4. Coghlan’s Trowel – Lightweight ABS Plastic Camping Shovel
Rating: 9.0/10
When you’re out exploring the great outdoors, having the right gear makes all the difference. The Coghlan’s Trowel is a super handy tool for any camper, hiker, or gardener. It’s really light, so it won’t weigh you down on your adventures. You can use it for all sorts of tasks, from setting up camp to tending your garden.
What We Like:
- Super light at only 2 ounces, it’s easy to pack in your backpack.
- It’s made from strong ABS plastic, so it can handle tough outdoor jobs.
- You can use it to dig cat holes for waste or small trenches for water, making campsite cleanup simple.
- The handle is shaped for a comfy grip, giving you good control when digging, even in tough spots.
- It’s a dependable tool for digging and clearing, perfect for anyone who loves being outside.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable for its size, it might not be the best choice for digging through very hard, rocky ground for extended periods.
- For larger gardening projects, a bigger or sturdier shovel might be needed.
This Coghlan’s Trowel is a fantastic, lightweight addition to your outdoor kit. It’s a reliable helper for all your digging needs.
5. iunio Folding Survival Shovel
Rating: 8.9/10
The iunio Folding Survival Shovel is a tough, versatile tool built for any adventure or emergency. Designed by outdoor lovers, it’s ready for camping, hiking, gardening, and even serious disaster recovery. This shovel packs a lot of power into a small package.
What We Like:
- It’s super portable, folding down to just 8.7″ x 5.1″ and coming with a handy carry bag.
- This shovel is a true multi-tool, featuring a shovel board, saw, bottle opener, whistle, pickaxe, nail extractor, hoe, and even a compass!
- It’s built tough with high-carbon steel for the blade and handle, plus a comfy rubber grip.
- The iunio shovel is designed to last, and the company even offers a lifetime guarantee against defects.
- It makes a fantastic gift for anyone who loves the outdoors or might need a reliable emergency tool.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many tools, some might find the included compass less accurate than a dedicated one.
- The pickaxe, while useful, might not be as heavy-duty as a separate pickaxe for tough digging.
This iunio Folding Survival Shovel truly lives up to its name, offering incredible versatility and durability. It’s an essential tool for any outdoor enthusiast or preparedness kit.
Your Go-To Guide for Choosing the Best Backpack Shovel
Having the right gear makes all the difference when you’re out exploring. A backpack shovel might not be the first thing you think of, but it’s a super useful tool for hikers, campers, and even gardeners. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
What to Look For: Key Features of a Great Backpack Shovel
When you’re shopping for a backpack shovel, keep these important features in mind:
1. Size and Portability
- Collapsible Design: Most good backpack shovels can be taken apart or folded. This makes them easy to store in your backpack.
- Compactness: Look for one that doesn’t take up too much space. It should fit easily alongside your other gear.
- Lightweight: You don’t want to add a lot of extra weight to your pack. Lighter shovels are easier to carry on long hikes.
2. Durability and Strength
- Sturdy Construction: The shovel should feel solid and not flimsy. It needs to handle tough jobs.
- Secure Locking Mechanism: If the shovel has parts that connect, make sure they lock together tightly. This prevents it from falling apart when you’re using it.
3. Ergonomics and Comfort
- Comfortable Grip: A good handle makes the shovel easier to hold and use. Some have rubber grips for better comfort.
- Adjustable Handle Length: For some shovels, you can change how long the handle is. This can make digging easier for different people.
4. Blade Shape and Size
- Blade Type: Shovels come with different blade shapes. Some are pointed for breaking up hard ground, while others are flatter for scooping.
- Blade Size: A medium-sized blade is usually best for most backpack uses. It’s big enough to move dirt but not too bulky.
Materials Matter: What Your Shovel is Made Of
The materials used in a backpack shovel greatly affect its quality and how long it lasts.
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Handle:
- Aluminum Alloy: This is a popular choice because it’s strong and lightweight. It resists rust, too.
- Steel: Steel is very strong but can be heavier. It’s a good option if you need a really tough shovel.
- Plastic: Some handles are made of strong plastic. These are usually lighter and cheaper, but might not be as durable as metal.
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Blade:
- Steel (Stainless or Carbon): This is the most common material for the blade. Stainless steel doesn’t rust easily. Carbon steel is very strong but can rust if not cared for.
- Hardened Aluminum: Some blades are made of a strong type of aluminum. They are light and resist rust.
What Makes a Shovel Great (or Not So Great)?**
Certain things can make a backpack shovel better or worse for your needs.
* **Things That Make it Better:**
* **Multi-functionality:** Some shovels can do more than just dig. They might have a saw edge for cutting small branches or a pickaxe for breaking rocks.
* **Easy Assembly:** If it’s simple to put together and take apart, you’ll be more likely to use it.
* **Good Carrying Case:** A case protects the shovel and keeps your backpack clean.
* **Things That Make it Worse:**
* **Flimsy Connections:** If the parts feel loose, the shovel might break.
* **Heavy Weight:** A shovel that’s too heavy will be a burden on your back.
* **Rusting:** If the shovel rusts quickly, it won’t last long.
User Experience and How You Can Use It**
Backpack shovels are incredibly handy for many activities.
* **Camping and Hiking:** You can use them to dig a fire pit, level out a tent spot, or even dig a cathole for waste.
* **Gardening:** For small gardening tasks at home or in a community garden, a backpack shovel is easier to manage than a full-sized one.
* **Snow Removal:** In a pinch, some smaller shovels can help clear snow from a car or a small path.
* **Emergency Situations:** Knowing how to use a shovel can be helpful in unexpected situations, like digging yourself out of a snowy drift or creating a shelter.
A good backpack shovel is a small tool that can be a big help. Think about where you’ll use it most and choose one that fits your needs for durability, weight, and ease of use.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Backpack Shovels
Q: What is the main purpose of a backpack shovel?
A: The main purpose is to have a portable digging tool for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, or gardening.
Q: Are backpack shovels heavy?
A: Most are designed to be lightweight, often made from aluminum or strong plastics, so they don’t add much weight to your pack.
Q: How do I know if a backpack shovel is durable?
A: Look for sturdy materials like steel or aluminum alloy and a secure way for the parts to connect. Read reviews to see what others say about its strength.
Q: Can I use a backpack shovel for heavy-duty digging?
A: Backpack shovels are best for light to moderate digging. They aren’t usually meant for breaking up hard, rocky ground or moving large amounts of dirt like a full-sized shovel.
Q: What kind of handle is best?
A: Handles made of aluminum alloy are generally good because they are strong and light. A comfortable grip, like rubber, also helps.
Q: Does the shape of the shovel blade matter?
A: Yes, a pointed blade is good for digging into tougher soil, while a flatter, wider blade is better for scooping and moving loose dirt.
Q: How do I store a backpack shovel?
A: Most backpack shovels are designed to collapse or fold into a smaller size. They often come with a carrying case or bag.
Q: Can I use a backpack shovel for snow?
A: Some smaller backpack shovels can be used to clear light snow, but they are not as effective as dedicated snow shovels.
Q: What are some common uses for a backpack shovel besides digging?
A: Some shovels have extra features like a saw edge for cutting small branches or a pickaxe for breaking up tough soil or small rocks.
Q: Where can I buy a good backpack shovel?
A: You can find them at outdoor gear stores, sporting goods stores, and online retailers that sell camping and hiking equipment.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!