Have you ever been stuck in mud, sand, or snow miles from help? That sinking feeling is something all overlanders know. A reliable shovel is a must-have tool for getting unstuck and staying safe on the trail. But finding the right one can be tricky. There are so many kinds of shovels, and they all look different!
Choosing an overlanding shovel is more than just picking any old spade. You need one that’s strong, folds up small, and is easy to use. Otherwise, you might end up with a broken shovel or a sore back. That’s the last thing you want when you’re far from civilization. This blog post will help you avoid those problems.
In this post, you’ll learn how to choose the perfect overlanding shovel. We’ll cover the important features, like size, materials, and handle types. We will also give you some great shovel recommendations. Get ready to make your next overlanding adventure safer and more fun! Let’s dig in!
Our Top 5 Overlanding Shovel Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Overlanding Shovel Detailed Reviews
1. Krazy Beaver Shovel (Black Textured Head/Black Handle 45634)
Rating: 8.6/10
The Krazy Beaver Shovel (Black Textured Head/Black Handle 45634) is built for tough jobs. It has a textured black head and a black handle. This shovel is made to dig, move dirt, and get things done. The design looks strong and ready for action. It’s a tool that aims to be reliable and get the job done right.
What We Like:
- The textured black head should grip soil well.
- The black handle might hide dirt and look good.
- It’s made for heavy-duty tasks.
- The shovel looks strong and sturdy.
What Could Be Improved:
- We need more information about the shovel’s weight.
- The handle material is not specified.
- The price is not listed.
This Krazy Beaver Shovel seems like a good choice for serious work. Its design promises durability. We need more details to fully rate its performance, but the shovel looks promising.
2. HANTOP Small Shovel Garden Shovel for Digging Short Handled Round Shovel Survival Shovel for Car
Rating: 9.4/10
Need a tough, compact shovel? The HANTOP Small Shovel is your answer! It’s designed for digging in tight spaces and is easy to carry. This 28-inch shovel is perfect for your car, camping trips, or garden. It’s built to handle tough jobs with its sturdy build. You can use it for many tasks from gardening to cleaning up ashes.
What We Like:
- Small size makes it easy to store and transport.
- The shovel is made of strong 1050MN steel and fiberglass, so it is durable.
- The sharp, sawtooth blade helps dig through tough soil and roots.
- Great for gardening, camping, metal detecting, and more.
- It can be used as a snow shovel for kids.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 28-inch handle a bit short for certain tasks.
- The handle is made of fiberglass and PP, which could fail over time.
Overall, the HANTOP Small Shovel is a handy tool. It is a great choice for anyone needing a small, reliable shovel for various outdoor activities.
3. Bully Tools 92712 14-Gauge Round Point Trunk Shovel with Poly D-Grip Handle
Rating: 8.8/10
Need a tough shovel that can handle any job? The Bully Tools 92712 Trunk Shovel is a great choice. It is built for hard work. This shovel is made in the USA and is strong. It’s perfect for your trunk or garage. The compact design makes it easy to take with you. It has a round point blade. This makes it great for digging. The comfortable poly D-grip handle helps with control. This shovel is made to last.
What We Like:
- This shovel is made in America.
- It is built to last because it is commercial grade.
- The shovel has a strong 14-gauge steel blade.
- It is easy to carry because of its compact design.
- The blade is the perfect size for many jobs.
- You can use it for a long time because it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The handle length might be too short for some users.
The Bully Tools Trunk Shovel is a reliable tool. It is perfect for anyone who needs a strong and portable shovel. You can trust it to get the job done.
4. HANTOP Digging Shovel Round Garden Shovel Heavy Duty Trenching Shovel for Gardening
Rating: 9.1/10
The HANTOP Digging Shovel is a tough tool for tough jobs. This round garden shovel is built for gardening, landscaping, and even construction work. It’s designed to dig into dirt, gravel, and other materials. This shovel is strong and ready for action. It’s 43 inches long and weighs about 4.7 pounds. It has a sharp blade and a comfy grip.
What We Like:
- The shovel’s head is made of strong 1050MN steel.
- The fiberglass handle is built to last.
- The sharp, sawtooth blade makes digging easier, even in tough soil.
- The D-shaped hand grip is easy to hold, even with gloves on.
- Wide steps on the blade help you push down with your feet.
- It’s great for many different jobs, like gardening, landscaping, and building.
What Could Be Improved:
- The blade may need sharpening over time with heavy use.
This HANTOP Digging Shovel is a great tool for anyone who needs to dig. It is a solid choice for your outdoor projects.
5. 2 Pcs Shovel Holder for Truck
Rating: 9.4/10
Keep your tools secure with the 2 Pcs Shovel Holder! This heavy-duty mounting kit helps you store shovels, axes, and more on your truck or in your garage. The metal and rubber construction ensures your gear stays put, even on bumpy rides. This is a great solution for anyone who needs to organize their tools and keep them within reach.
What We Like:
- Strong metal brackets and rubber clamps hold tools tightly.
- Easy to install with included screws and nuts.
- Versatile mounting options: roof rack, bed rack, or walls.
- Holds tools between 0.67-1.57 inches in diameter.
- Can hold up to 62 lbs total.
What Could Be Improved:
- Tools smaller than 0.67 inches might not fit securely.
- Make sure the mounting area is right before you buy.
This shovel holder is a smart way to keep your tools organized and safe. It’s a reliable and simple solution for anyone who needs to secure their equipment.
Digging Deep: Your Overlanding Shovel Guide
Overlanding is about exploring. You need to be ready for anything. A good overlanding shovel is a must-have tool. This guide will help you choose the right one. Let’s get started!
Key Features to Look For
You want a shovel that works well. Here are the things to consider:
- Size and Weight: You need a shovel that fits in your vehicle. It shouldn’t be too heavy. Look for a folding or compact shovel. These are easier to store.
- Handle Length: A longer handle gives you more leverage. This helps you dig easier. It also keeps you further away from the work.
- Blade Design: The blade is the part that digs. A pointed blade is good for breaking up hard ground. A flat blade is better for moving dirt. Some shovels have serrated edges for cutting roots.
- Folding Mechanism: If you choose a folding shovel, make sure it’s strong. It needs to lock securely. You don’t want it to collapse while you are using it.
- Versatility: Some shovels have extra features. They might have a pick or a saw on the handle. These are useful for different tasks.
Important Materials
The material of the shovel matters. It affects how strong and durable it is.
- Blade Material: Steel is a common choice. It’s strong and can handle tough digging. Look for high-carbon steel. It’s stronger than regular steel. Stainless steel resists rust.
- Handle Material: Wood handles are comfortable. They can absorb shock. Metal handles are very durable. Aluminum is lightweight. Fiberglass is also strong.
- Joints and Hardware: These parts connect the blade and handle. They should be made of strong materials. Look for quality bolts and rivets.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a shovel better. Others make it worse.
- Welds and Joints: Check the welds. They should be clean and strong. Poor welds can break under pressure.
- Blade Thickness: A thicker blade is usually stronger. It can handle more abuse.
- Handle Construction: A solid handle is better than one that flexes too much.
- Coating: A good coating protects the blade from rust. It helps it last longer.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands make better tools than others. Read reviews from other overlanders.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good overlanding shovel is easy to use. It should work well in many situations.
- Digging Out a Vehicle: This is a common use. If your vehicle gets stuck, you need a shovel to clear the way.
- Fire Management: You can use a shovel to build a fire ring. You also use it to bury ashes.
- Trail Clearing: Sometimes, you need to clear branches or rocks from a trail.
- Snow Removal: If you go overlanding in winter, a shovel is great to clear snow.
- Camp Site Prep: You can use a shovel to level a tent site. You can also dig a small latrine.
Overlanding Shovel FAQs
Here are some common questions about overlanding shovels:
Q: What is the best type of shovel for overlanding?
A: A folding shovel is often a good choice. It’s compact and easy to store.
Q: What material is best for a shovel blade?
A: High-carbon steel is strong and durable.
Q: How long should the handle be?
A: A longer handle gives you more leverage. Choose one that’s comfortable for you.
Q: What is the best way to store an overlanding shovel?
A: Store it in a carrying case or secure it in your vehicle. This keeps it safe and easy to reach.
Q: Can I use a shovel for self-recovery?
A: Yes! You can dig out your tires or create a path for your vehicle.
Q: Are folding shovels durable?
A: Some are. Make sure the folding mechanism is strong and reliable.
Q: What if my shovel gets rusty?
A: Clean the rust off with a wire brush. Then, apply a rust inhibitor.
Q: Can I use a shovel for digging in sand?
A: Yes, a shovel works well in sand. Just make sure the blade is sturdy.
Q: How do I choose the right size shovel?
A: Consider your vehicle’s storage space and your own physical strength.
Q: Is a shovel the only tool I need for overlanding recovery?
A: No, you may also need other tools like a recovery strap and traction boards.
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!