10 Best Folding Shovels In 2021

How To Choose A Folding Shovel – Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best folding shovel, there are many different designs and features for you to choose from. The best folding shovel will provide a durable body and compact design that can be used for multiple camping trips. Even if you are camping with a car, a shovel can be a useful tool and will be a useful addition to your camping gear.

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Build

It is important to invest in a folding shovel that has a high-quality build and construction. The blade of your shovel should be made of one solid piece, rather than sheets, and be anti-corrosive. The handle should be made of a durable material and connected to the blade with a hinge, which makes the design a folding shovel. When purchasing a folding shovel you want the shovel to be durable so that it won’t dent. If you accidentally hit a rock while digging, your shovel shouldn’t dent, chip, or break.

Material

The best camping shovel will be made of a sturdy, durable material. Common materials that are long-lasting and used for shovel blades are stainless steel or high carbon steel. Most of the metal will be coated with black oxide paint to help prevent corrosion. The handle should be made of metal or hard plastic, to ensure it is also durable.

Design

There are three designs that are popular for a folding shovel. The first is a tri-fold shovel, where the blade and grip can be folded down. The second is a two-piece folding shovel, which is the standard design. A two-piece folding shovel will have one hinge to fold the shovel into a compact design. The third is a telescoping design that extends and collapses the handle to save space and make it portable.

Portability

It is important for your folding shovel to be portable. The most portable folding shovels will be durable, lightweight, and compact. An all-metal handle might be heavier, but if it comes with a good compact design, it can be worth the extra pounds because it will be durable and long-lasting. Shovels that are made of lighter and less expensive materials tend to have a shorter life span.

Ease of Use

A folding shovel should be easy to use, but certain features can make it easier to handle and operate. Shovels that have a D or T grip handle tend to provide extra support, over a straight handle design. Adjustable shovel handles may help prevent you from having to bend down too much. You should consider different features and determine whether they would make your folding shovel easier to use and benefit your needs.

Extra Features

Most shovels are used for digging, but some manufacturers include extras features like a sawing capability in their design. Other shovels have multiple tools, or a compass included in the design. You shouldn’t spend money on extra features if you know you won’t put them to use but consider them if you want a few added extras in your folding shovel.

Size

There are many different sizes, but the best folding shovel will be small and compact. You should find a design that combines a decent sized blade, so you can get the job done, with a compact design so it can be easily transported.

Weight

The best folding shovel will be lightweight. You shouldn’t have to carry around an unnecessarily heavy shovel. You should find a design that is durable, but lightweight. However, be prepared to sacrifice saving some weight for a truly durable and long-lasting folding shovel.

Multi-Purpose

If you want more out of a shovel, you should consider a folding shovel design that can be used as a saw and ax too. Some folding shovels feature the ability to saw or cut through various materials, so you can carry fewer tools. Additionally, a shovel can be used to start a fire and dig a small hole so you can use fire starters to get a flame ignited. A shovel can also be useful to help pound in your tent stakes, eliminating the need for a hammer or trying to use a rock. Essential wild camping guides will tell you shovels are key for personal hygiene while camping and backpacking. If you are camping with beginners, you can teach them the important leave no trace principle to ensure the trails stay garbage free.

Handle

The handle should be made of durable metal or hardened plastic because it will bear a lot of force. It would be frustrating to have a handle snap on your trip, so ensure you have a strong one to get the job done.

Durability

Folding shovels do a lot of hard work. For that reason, finding a durable design is extremely important. Your shovel shouldn’t be a one-time use tool. The best folding shovel will last you throughout multiple trips, while still delivering high-performance.

Carrying Case

If your shovel does not automatically come with a carrying case, you should invest in a one. A carrying case can help you pack your shovel easier and help protect it. Most importantly, a good carrying case can prevent water damage, which stops the possibility of rust developing.

FAQs

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The best folding shovel will make life at your campsite easier and can be essential for setting up a campsite. No matter the type of folding shovel, you should feel confident that you have such a versatile tool at your fingertips. If you know exactly what you want or need, you can save time and money by investing in a top-rated folding shovel.

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Do you own one of the folding shovels that made it onto our list? Let us know how it has worked for your outdoor needs in the comments section below.