Hey there! Are you someone who loves spending time in the great outdoors? Whether you’re an avid camper, hiker, or survival enthusiast, having the right gear is crucial. And when it comes to multi-purpose tools, a tactical shovel is an absolute must-have. In this post, we’ve put together the ultimate gear guide to help you choose the top 5 tactical shovels available. So if you’re ready to dig deep into the world of tactical shovels, let’s get started!





Tyger Auto Shovel – Military Heavyduty Folding Tool
The Tyger Auto Shovel TG-SV8U3217 is a military-grade, heavy-duty folding tool designed for off-roading, camping, outdoor adventures, survivalists, and emergencies. Made from solid carbon steel and aerospace-grade anodized aluminum tubes, this shovel is built to last. It features a unique instant switch mechanism that allows you to switch between modes in seconds. With its 16-in-1 functionality and thoughtful engineering, this shovel is not only sturdy and reliable but also incredibly convenient to pack and assemble. Customers love its durability, versatility, and the attention to detail put into its design. Whether you’re camping, backpacking, or preparing for emergencies, the Tyger Auto Shovel is a must-have addition to your gear collection.
COVACURE Multi-Purpose Survival Shovel
The COVACURE Survival Shovel Multi-Purpose Camping Shovel is a versatile tool that is perfect for all your outdoor adventures. It can be used for traditional purposes such as digging holes, setting up tent stakes, and breaking through various materials with ease. This shovel is loved by backpackers who find it incredibly handy for clearing tent sites, hammering tent stakes, and moving fire logs. It even doubles as a poop shovel! The sharp blade, included knife, and serrated blade on the side of the shovel provide additional functionality for cutting branches, rope, and other items. Whether you’re camping, gardening, hiking, or off-roading, this heavy-duty survival camping gear is a must-have. Its compact design and included cover make it easy to carry and store, and the high-quality construction ensures its sturdiness and durability. With the COVACURE Survival Shovel, you’ll have all the tools you need for a successful outdoor adventure.
RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel
The RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel with Pick is a heavy-duty carbon steel military-style entrenching tool that is perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. Weighing just 2lbs, this shovel is made from powder-coated carbon steel and features a tough pickaxe and sharp rugged saw teeth. It is compact and easy to assemble, making it a great tool to take camping or on off-road adventures. The shovel comes with a quality carry bag for convenient storage. Whether you’re digging dirt, sand, mud, or snow, this shovel is built to handle it all.
SOG Folding Survival Shovel
The SOG Entrenching Tool- 18.25 Inch Folding Survival Shovel is an essential tool for outdoor adventures and emergency preparedness. Its outstanding build quality, made from high-quality materials, ensures durability and reliability. The folding design allows for easy storage and portability, making it convenient to carry on hikes, camping trips, or in your car. The shovel’s versatility, with a serrated edge and adjustable angles, makes it suitable for a wide range of outdoor tasks. The included carrying case provides protection and multiple options for comfortable transportation. Overall, this top-notch tool is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast or emergency preparedness kit.
Extremus Folding Camping Shovel: Portable, Military-Grade Trench Tool
The Extremus Trench Folding Camping Shovel is a heavy and sturdy tool that is perfect for all your outdoor adventures. Its solid steel construction ensures durability and reliability, while its 3-way folding design allows for easy storage in a compact case. Whether you need to dig or trench, this shovel has got you covered. It locks securely in place when unfolded and can handle hard dirt with ease. The only downside is that the carrying case could be improved to prevent dirt from spilling out. Overall, it is a nice, sturdy, and multipurpose spade that is great for camping and other outdoor activities.


Top Picks for Tactical Shovels
Choosing the Perfect Tactical Shovel: A Buyer’s Guide
- Durability: Look for a tactical shovel that is made from high-quality, durable materials. It should be able to withstand tough conditions and not easily break or bend when used for digging, prying, or chopping. Check for features like reinforced handles, solid construction, and corrosion-resistant coatings to ensure it will last long
- Versatility: A good tactical shovel should be versatile enough to handle various tasks. It should come with multiple functions such as a shovel blade, saw edge, serrated edge, and even a built-in compass or fire starter. This way, you’ll have a tool that can be handy for camping, survival situations, or outdoor activities
- Portability: Since tactical shovels are often used during outdoor adventures, it’s important to choose one that is portable and lightweight. Look for a shovel that can be easily collapsed or folded into a compact size, so it can be conveniently carried in a backpack or attached to your gear. Additionally, consider the weight of the shovel to ensure it won’t add unnecessary bulk to your load
Getting the most out of your tactical shovel
- Familiarize yourself with the parts: Start by understanding the different components of your tactical shovel, such as the handle, blade, and any additional features like a saw or bottle opener. This will help you to maximize its functionality
- Learn basic digging techniques: Practice different digging techniques, such as the traditional shovel motion or using the shovel as a pickaxe. Experiment with different angles and grips to find what works best for you. Remember to use your leg muscles to avoid straining your back
- Explore additional features: Many tactical shovels come with additional tools and features. Take the time to explore and test these extras, such as using the saw for cutting branches or the bottle opener for emergencies. You may find that these features come in handy in various situations
- Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you use your tactical shovel, the more skilled and comfortable you will become with its various uses. Stay safe and enjoy your outdoor adventures!
Affordable Versatility: Unbeatable Value for Your Tactical Needs
- Low price range ($10 – $20): These typically include basic tactical shovels made from sturdy materials such as stainless steel or aluminum. They usually come with a few essential features such as a shovel head, serrated edge, and sometimes a compass or fire starter. These shovels are suitable for occasional or light use
- Mid price range ($20 – $50): In this range, you can find tactical shovels with additional features and improved durability. They may offer more advanced designs, such as collapsible handles or multiple tool functions like a saw, bottle opener, or wrench. These shovels are suitable for regular use and offer better versatility
- High price range ($50 and above): Tactical shovels in this range are often made from high-quality materials like carbon steel, titanium, or reinforced polymers. They usually have a wide range of features, including interchangeable heads, extended handles, and multiple tool functions like screwdrivers, wire cutters, or even self-defense capabilities. These shovels are built for heavy-duty use in extreme conditions
- It’s important to note that prices may vary depending on the brand, specific product design, and additional features offered. Always check customer reviews and product specifications to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money
Frequently Asked Questions about Tactical Shovels
Can a tactical shovel be adjusted to different lengths to suit different needs?
Yes, a tactical shovel can indeed be adjusted to different lengths to suit different needs. Most tactical shovels come with multiple sections that can be adjusted and locked into place at various lengths. This allows you to customize the length of the shovel based on your specific requirements or the task at hand. Whether you need a shorter length for digging in tight spaces or a longer length for better leverage, the adjustable feature provides you with the flexibility to adapt the shovel to your needs.
Can a tactical shovel be used for self-defense purposes?
Yes, a tactical shovel can indeed be used for self-defense purposes. Tactical shovels are designed to be versatile tools that can be used for various tasks, including digging, cutting, prying, and even as a weapon in emergency situations. With their sturdy construction, sharp edges, and sometimes serrated blades, tactical shovels can be effective in defending yourself against potential threats. However, it is important to note that using a tactical shovel for self-defense requires proper training and understanding of self-defense techniques. It is always advisable to consult with professionals or experts in self-defense to learn how to use a tactical shovel safely and effectively in such situations.
What materials are commonly used to make tactical shovels?
Tactical shovels are typically made from sturdy and durable materials to withstand heavy-duty tasks. Common materials used include high-quality steel, such as carbon steel or stainless steel, which provides strength and resistance to rust and corrosion. Some tactical shovels may also have a reinforced handle made from materials like fiberglass or aluminum, which offer enhanced durability and stability. Additionally, some manufacturers use polymers or composite materials for certain parts of the shovel to reduce weight while maintaining strength.
Can a tactical shovel serve multiple purposes or functions?
Absolutely! A tactical shovel is designed to be a versatile tool that can serve multiple purposes or functions. It is specifically engineered to be a compact and portable tool that can be used in various situations. Some common purposes or functions of a tactical shovel include:
- Digging: The sturdy construction and sharp edge of a tactical shovel make it excellent for digging holes, trenches, or even clearing debris.
- Cutting: Many tactical shovels come with a serrated edge or a saw blade, allowing you to cut through branches, roots, or other materials.
- Pry bar: The strong and durable handle of a tactical shovel can be used as a pry bar to open crates, doors, or even for self-defense if needed.
- Hammer: The flat surface on the backside of the shovel head can be used as a hammer for pounding stakes, nails, or even breaking things.
- Survival tool: Tactical shovels often come with additional features like a fire starter, compass, whistle, or even a bottle opener, making them useful in survival or outdoor situations.