You will no doubt find one stashed in the back of MacGyver’s brown Wrangler. A survival shovel brings along with you some of the most important tactical tools needed for any given adventure. In 1891, the Karl Elsener company produced the first model of the famous Swiss Army Knife to supply the Swiss army with a multipurpose tool that would fit in every soldier’s pocket. The modern survival shovel has similar origins, beginning as an entrenching tool developed for the Danish army in 1870. The first foldable shovel, however, was used by the German army in World War II.
Survival shovels are constructed in a way to be easily broken down and stored in small spaces like backpacks, toolboxes, under seats, etc. To achieve this, folding blades are implemented, and handles are broken down into compact tubes with threaded ends. These tubes house other tools, including knives, ferro rods, compasses and the like.
Similar to using a Swiss Army Knife, it’s difficult to predict the next time or set of circumstances when you will find yourself taking out your survival shovel. This is the main reason for owning and carrying tactical tools, to be as prepared as possible for unpredictable circumstances. A wise person once said, that “the price of being prepared is nothing compared to the cost of being unprepared.”
Multifunctional tools like survival shovels offer users with an always growing number of different uses. Ranging from basic models for digging and ditching, to extensive models for survival enthusiasts, the most common uses for tactical shovels include:
The best survival shovels aren’t necessarily the ones with the most features and attachments. In survival situations, dependability is a tools most important attribute. Outdoor Dimes looks closely at verified reviews to determine which companies carry the reputation for producing high-quality, dependable products.
Most survival shovels share common features, while every brand presents a unique set of tools. Establishing those tools that you see yourself needing will assist you in the buying process by narrowing down a list of models offering the attributes that you are looking for. Consider this list of the Top 5 customer reviewed Survival Shovels on Amazon.
According to the company website. If you like adventuring in the great outdoors, a reliable camping shovel with an axe is about the best survival tool you can have on hand. This reinforced shovel set is made from hardened, heat-treated military solid carbon steel. 24 tools are featured in this convenient survival gear set, including a spear and hatchet, making it one of the more versatile models available on the market. Four extension bars allow for an adjustable length from 9 to 39 inches. Fitted sheaths and a carrying bag are included for safe storage. This set is backed by a lifetime warranty.
According to the company website. Pathway North products are designed and tested in the USA, made with modern designs and the ultimate tech specs for all outdoor lovers. Their survival shovel is made from 3CR13 stainless steel, a mix of chromium and carbon, making it ultra-strong and rust resistant. Three folding options quickly transform from shovel to hoe to hook and the survival axe attachment doubles as a hammer with an ergonomic non-slip handle. Protective sheaths are designed to fit snugly around both the axe head and shovel. Included for storage is a MOLLE System tactical canvas bag designed with the option to be worn on a belt.
According to the company website. At EST Gear we believe a great adventure starts with great tools. With a strong community of other outdoor enthusiasts behind us, we’ve set out to make fun, innovative, and useful tools that are built to last. Like the original EST Shovel, the axe is made with the same Heat-Treated, High Quality, Carbon Steel, now with thicker aluminum handles for added strength and lifetime durability. The included storage bag allows you to carry the axe for any outdoor adventures. This 20-in-1 multitool set was made to last forever, but if something does happen to it, EST gear will replace it at no cost to you.
According to the company website. Tyger Auto Inc is a proud car culture innovator based in California with a mission of bringing to the market top quality innovative products that emphasize durability, functionality, and style. Tyger auto developed this tactical shovel to bolster their line of auto products made for adventurers. With a fast and sturdy instant switch mechanism, quickly and easily change the spade angle to any position. This US patent pending 16-in-1 design is forged to last from military grade solid carbon steel and aerospace grade anodized aluminum and comes with a 1-Year No-Hassle Warranty against manufacturer defect.
According to the company website. Rhino USA is a small family business founded by a father and two sons from Temecula, California, with a mission of designing and distributing superior Powersports Accessories backed by a lifetime guarantee and personalized customer service. Rhino USA’S ultimate survival shovel is a military style entrenching tool built out of heavy duty carbon steel. The folding spade doubles as a pickax and the 31 inch adjustable length handle is collapsible to 7 inches. This shovel was designed and lab tested in the USA and boasts a real and honest lifetime warranty backed by an American owned, family operated business.
Since the age of 25, Joshua has been an Alaskan bush pilot, flying and exploring Alaska's Southeast wilderness. He is passionate about survival and takes pride in having the skills and tools to be prepared for any and every situation
An acronym for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment, the keyword being Modular, a MOLLE system describes the latest generation of load-carrying equipment being used by a growing number of armed forces, particularly NATO
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