[Wheel Wander]

Hey everyone! Ever found yourself knee-deep in a survival situation, and the only thing between you and a cozy campfire is… well, a heap of dirt? That’s where the trusty survival shovel comes in! Whether you’re digging a latrine, building a shelter, or uncovering buried treasure (fingers crossed!), having the right shovel can make all the difference. So today, I’m excited to share my personal top three survival shovels that have saved my behind more times than I’d like to admit.

I’ll be giving you a mini review of each shovel, along with a handy buying guide for those of you looking to add a new tool to your survival kit. So, grab your favorite snack and let’s dig into it! Here are my top picks:

• 🪣 SOG Folding Entrenching Tool
• 🔧 Gerber E-Tool with Pick
• 🪓 FiveJoy RS Military Shovel

[Wheel Wander]

SOG Folding Entrenching Tool

So, let me tell you about my recent adventure with the SOG Folding Entrenching Tool. Spoiler: It involved a mountain, a mysteriously disappearing trail, and yes, more dirt than I’m proud of admitting.

Picture this: Out in the wild, things rarely go as planned (like that time I tried to toast marshmallows over a campfire only for them to flambé into an unrecognizable gooey mess). But this time, armed with the SOG Folding Entrenching Tool, I was ready to tackle whatever shenanigans Mother Nature threw at me.

First impressions? This thing is as sturdy as that trusty sidekick in every action movie who refuses to die. The blade is sharp enough, doubling up as a makeshift machete for those unexpected jungle-like trails. Not exactly what it’s meant for, but hey, sometimes you gotta improvise!

Here’s a quick rundown of why I think this tool is a must-have in any bug-out bag:

• Compactness: Folds down to fit into its canvas case. Throw it into your backpack and forget about it until you need to MacGyver your way out of a sticky situation.
• Easy to Deploy: Sets up and folds back down faster than you can say “Where did my tent go?” Perfect for when you’re trying to outpace a rapidly approaching raincloud.
• Multi-functional: It’s not just for digging! Use it as a rudimentary pickaxe or, in my case, a breaker of overly stubborn dirt clumps. Who knew clearing a campsite could feel like an upper-body workout?
• Durability: I put serious effort into testing this, maybe a little too enthusiastically, by attacking an ice patch. The shovel didn’t even flinch, unlike my poor, frozen fingers.

A memorable moment? On day two of my escapade, hunger won over dignity. I decided to try my hand at creating a makeshift grill using river stones. The SOG shovel came in clutch for digging a small fire pit. Not to brag, but my burgers achieved a char that would make even Gordon Ramsay envious.

While the SOG is a beast for most jobs, I wouldn’t recommend it for intense snow-shoveling duties. On a winter hike, I found myself hilariously trying to shift snow—it was like using a teaspoon to empty a bathtub!

Overall, it’s a solid tool that earns its keep—and its place in your gear lineup. (Pro tip: Maybe practice your folding technique before showing it off to friends. Mine popped open mid-swing once. Cue laughter and an impressive twirl. Lesson learned!)

Want to check it out? Here’s a link to the official site where you can inspect the specs. Trust me, all you need now is some dirt to conquer!

[Wheel Wander]

Gerber E-Tool with Pick

Hey fellow survival enthusiasts!

So, I’ve spent some quality time with the Gerber E-Tool with Pick, and let me just say – this little gadget has impressed me more than my first pocket knife back when I thought I was a young MacGyver. If you’ve ever tried to dig a trench or just a simple latrine with your hands… full respect, but I’m happy to report those days are behind us with this guy in our kits.

• Portability: Weighing in at just over 2 pounds, this tool folds down to a size that fits snugger in my backpack than a bag of trail mix (and believe me, that’s a staple).
• Functionality: The shovel itself is robust, handling tasks from digging fire pits to doubling as an impromptu seat more than once. The addition of the pick is where it earns its merit badge. I used it to pry out some stubborn roots during a camping trip, feeling like a triumphant botanist.
• Durability: Crafted from military-grade aluminum and a bit of steel magic, it didn’t waver or bend even when I went all “Hulk smash” on some rocks.
• Handle Grip: The textured grip means fewer blisters—unless, like me, you forget your gloves and decide you’re too tough for that nonsense (spoiler: I’m not).

One might say it’s a multitasker’s dream. However, fair warning, if you’re looking to use it as a kitchen utensil, you may end up with a crunchy stew, thanks to that extra earth seasoning… wasn’t my finest hour.

All in all, for those into breaking solid ground quite literally, or just looking for a dual-purpose tool that could double as a post-apocalyptic barter item, the Gerber E-Tool with Pick might just be your new best friend. Well, at least until your dog figures out they can’t bury their bone deeper than you can.

[Wheel Wander]

FiveJoy RS Military Shovel

Who knew I’d be raving about a shovel on a forum? But here I am, thoroughly impressed by the FiveJoy RS Military Shovel. You know how it goes—you never realize how much you need a good shovel until you’re knee-deep in a survival situation, but let me tell you, this shovel is a little beast.

I was skeptical at first. I thought, “Really, can a shovel be that exciting?” But then I got my hands on it, and it’s like they say—once you dig with a FiveJoy, you’ll never go back. It’s like the Swiss Army Knife of shovels. Here’s a rundown of why I think every prepper—or even just a weekend warrior—should have this gem in their gear:

• Multi-Functionality: This isn’t just a shovel; it’s a construction site you can fit in your backpack. Need a saw? Got it. How about an axe? Yep, it’s in there. It even has a bottle opener for those apocalyptic parties we inevitably find ourselves planning.
• Portability: Fully assembled, it’s under two feet long, but it collapses to under a foot. It fits snugly in its case, which is basically a tactical briefcase. You feel pretty James Bond when you pull it out to save the day (or at least to dig a fire pit).
• Durability: This thing is as tough as they come. Made from high-carbon steel, it feels like it could survive a nuclear blast. Trust me, I’ve used it to chop down a small tree—don’t ask why—and it took it like a champ.
• Ease of Use: I’m not a mechanical genius by any stretch, but the shovel’s adjustability and ease of breaking down had me feeling like I could build my own cabin with just this tool. Pro tip: make sure it clicks into place before going full swing, or you may find yourself unintentionally inventing new forms of workout regimes.

I did have a moment while using the shovel where I felt like Indiana Jones. Not because I was being chased by boulders, but let’s just say trying to erect a makeshift tent in the backyard got unexpectedly adventurous. The shovel saved the day and doubled up as a tent stake hammer. True story!

All in all, if you’re serious about your survival gear, give this piece of kit a look. It’s a bit heavy compared to cheaper alternatives, but quality weighs, right? It has become a trusted partner in my camping misadventures, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything less awesome. Or less shiny.

[Wheel Wander]

Best Survival Shovels Buyer’s Guide

So, you’ve decided to embark on the epic quest for the perfect survival shovel. First off, congrats—you’re about to unleash your inner action hero! But beware, it’s a jungle out there in the world of survival gear, and not all shovels are created equal. Some might be your best ally, while others are more likely to collapse at the worst possible moment—like during a zombie apocalypse or just a really bad camping trip.

What Makes a Survival Shovel “The One”?

When it comes to selecting the best shovel for doomsday—uh, I mean, your next outdoorsy adventure—you’ve got to consider a few things:

• Durability: You wouldn’t trust a candy cane to dig a trench, would you? Look for shovels made from materials like high-carbon steel or reinforced aluminum. My friend Greg once relied on a cheap plastic shovel, and let’s just say his well-dug foxhole turned into a three-foot pit of despair.
• Size and Weight: Ask yourself if you want a featherlight spade to impress the backpacking crowd or a hefty beast for turning over boulders (or burying treasure, no judgment). Folding shovels often weigh less and are perfect for sneaky, on-the-go digging.
• Multi-functionality: The Swiss Army Knife of shovels will save space and up your MacGyver game. Some have saw blades, fire starters, or bottle openers built-in. I own one with a built-in compass, which occasionally points me in the right direction—or straight into a prickly bush.
• Ease of use: Unless you’re vying for the next big reality survival show, go for a shovel that’s simple to assemble and disassemble. Trust me, failing to reattach the handle securely can lead to slapstick-level comedy, as I painfully discovered during a snowstorm.

Top Contenders in the Survival Shovel Showdown:

– SOG Folding Shovel: This little number is compact, rugged, and can also chop kindling, which beats my sad attempts with a hatchet. Pro-tip: Practice setting it up before you hit the trail; otherwise, you might just end up digging in circles, metaphorically speaking.

– Gerber E-Tool: Known for military-grade toughness, this shovel is ready for the apocalypse or a really intense gardening session. Though slightly heavier, the extra weight feels like a subtle nudge reminding you that you’re prepared for anything.

– FiveJoy Military Folding Shovel: An all-in-one wonder with multiple survival tools, it’s the dream-team shovel I wish I had during my wild “bear-sighting” misadventure that turned out to be a shadow (hoping none of my campmates read this).

In conclusion, choosing the right shovel for survival isn’t just about being prepared; it’s an investment in peace of mind—and maybe your sanity on that unexpected wilderness detour. Happy digging! Whether you’re unearthing treasure, digging a latrine, or preparing for Armageddon, make sure your shovel is up to snuff. Got any fun survival shovel anecdotes? I’d love to hear them, especially if they’re as embarrassing as my shadow-bear encounter!

[Boondock Buddy]

Alright, fellow adventurers, let’s dig a little deeper into this survival shovel saga—hopefully without hitting any underground water pipes! 🚰💦

Have you ever considered what makes a survival shovel truly essential, beyond just having one? Let me throw a few wild thoughts into the mix:

• Multi-Tool Madness: Why settle for just a shovel when you can have an apocalypse-ready Swiss Army knife? Look for shovels that double as saws, bottle openers (essential), or even fire starters! 🔥 Who knew digging a hole could be so versatile?
• Size Matters: Is it packable enough to carry into the wilderness without getting strange looks from fellow hikers? Or does it fold out to a size that makes even the Hulk say, “Too much flex, bro!”? Balance is key—let’s hit that sweet spot! 🌳
• Craftsmanship Cred: Let’s be honest, nobody wants a shovel that barely survives the first encounter with a root (trust me, I’ve had a shovel existential crisis in the middle of the woods). Look for durability—steel and reinforced materials are your best friends here. 🛠️
• Gadget Geek: Some shovels come with hidden GPS locators, tactical lamps, or maybe even a coffee maker (okay, I might be dreaming). But hey, if Batman can have a utility belt, why can’t we? 🦇☕

P.S. Ever use your shovel for something unexpected? Maybe as an impromptu musical instrument or a shield against rogue raccoons? Let’s hear those unconventional survival stories! 😄🎵

[Author]

Posts