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8 Best Military Shovels

There are few personal belongings more basic yet timeless than a shovel.

Military personnel, blue-collar workers, and outdoorsmen all understand the value and necessity of having a personal shovel, in any situation.

Military shovels not only provide the traditional functions of the multi-dimensional tool with added flexibility.

For example, some of the best military shovels for 2021, are lightweight and fold so you can take them anywhere.

Consequently, investing in a military-grade shovel can get you out of a tight spot whether your vehicle is stuck in snow or you need to bury human waste in the woods.

Learn about some of the best military shovels available based on price, compactness, and other functions/accessories included:

#1. Red Rock Outdoor Gear Military Type Tri-Fold Shovel

Red Rock Outdoor Gear Military Type Tri-Fold Shovel

  • Size: One Size
  • Color: Black/Green
  • Accessories: Rubberized Case

Optics Planet offers some really fantastic accessories for hunters, outdoors, and military tactical.

It is why the Red Rock Outdoor Gear Military Type Tri-Fold Shovel is deserving of your attention.

What makes the military shovel among the best is the tri-fold design.

Most pack shovels on outdoor adventures not because they always need them but in the event of a crisis or emergency.

Furthermore, a military shovel can provide a multi-dimensional tool that also saws or axes through thinner material.

Consequently, it’s not uncommon for backpackers and other thrill-seekers to want to include a compact military shovel.

Thus, the tri-fold design allows the shovel to still serve its purpose while not taking up a tremendous amount of space or weight.

The Red Rock Outdoor Gear Military Type Tri-Fold Shovel meets military expectations for purpose.

It folds into a rubberized case which you have the option of fastening to items like a belt or backpack.

The Red Rock Outdoor Gear Military Type Tri-Fold Shovel has no need to get fancy, it simply gets the job done.

More importantly, the military shovel is modestly priced and fits within most budgets.

Where to Buy: OpticsPlanet.com

#2. 5IVE STAR GEAR Gi Spec Tri-Fold Pick Shovel

5IVE STAR GEAR Gi Spec Tri-Fold Pick Shovel

  • Size: Tri-Fold
  • Color: Black
  • Accessories: N/A

Optics Planet has another quality design for a military-level shovel with the 5ive Star Gear Gi Spec Tri-Fold Pick Shovel.

The military shovel may have a fancy title yet it serves the same basic practice and purpose as their other selections.

The pick shovel is useful for digging into the hard ground for a variety of intentions out in the wild.

Shovels can complete many tasks without taking up precious cargo room.

The 5ive Star Gear Gi Spec Tri-Fold Pick Shovel lacks the rubberized case of the Red Rock Outdoor Gear Military Type Tri-Fold Shovel, yet is still considered compact.

The tri-fold design assists in keeping the unit compact when you need an all-purpose tool.

These military shovels also can act as a lifesaver when you store one in the back of a personal vehicle.

Those that live or drive in hazardous environments can attest to how resourceful a shovel is getting stuck and in other emergency situations.

The black presentation is rugged and tough like you, so why not consider it among your necessary essentials for less than $30?

Where to Buy: OpticsPlanet.com

#3. Overland Vehicle Systems Multifunction Utility Shovel

Overland Vehicle Systems Multifunction Utility Shovel

  • Size: Tri-Fold (22.75″ Extended / 9.25″ Folded)
  • Color: Black Steel/Aluminum
  • Accessories: Nylon Carry Case

Bass Pro Shops had everything you would ever need and that was before its high-profile merger with Cabelas.

Therefore, it’s not surprising that you can find several great military shovels in their catalog.

The Overland Vehicle Systems Multifunction Utility Shovel is an excellent example of a military-grade, multi-functional tool.

Whether you are a veteran or avid outdoorsman, the Overland Vehicle Systems Multifunction Utility Shovel makes several tasks away from your home far easier.

It not only makes short work out of digging with a sturdy, entrenching design but can also saw branches or brush with a serrated edge.

Moreover, the blade locks at a 90-degree angle to the handle in the event you need to dig trench with a makeshift hoe.

Lastly, the notch near the tip of the blade conveniently pulls up hard-to-grab accessories like tent stakes or nails that you would otherwise have to do with fingers.

The Overland Vehicle Systems Multifunction Utility Shovel is really nifty with strong #50 Boron Steel construction that is still not super heavy.

The lightweight 7075 aluminum shaft and glass-filled nylon D-type handle allow for easy handling and portability.

Additionally, the compact tri-fold design enables the military shovel to collapse to only 9 1/4 inches.

The shovel measures a little over 22″ when fully extended for use.

A carry case is included with the purchase of the Overland Vehicle Systems Multifunction Utility Shovel.

Where to Buy: BassPro.com

#4. Coleman Rugged Folding Camp Shovel

Coleman Rugged Folding Camp Shovel

  • Size: Tri-Folding (23″ Extended / 10″ Folded)
  • Color: Black/Red
  • Accessories: Carry Case

Coleman is another highly recognizable name when it comes to dependable outdoor gear.

Thus, the Coleman Rugged Folding Camp Shovel is deserving among the best military shovels for 2021.

Like the Overland Vehicle Systems Multifunction Utility Shovel, the Coleman Rugged Folding Camp Shovel serves many functions.

As a result, it’s ideal whether you are spending a weekend camping with family and friends, or involved in some rugged back-country solo.

The Coleman Rugged Folding Camp Shovel enables you to dig a fire pit, cut through obstacles, or chop kindling.

The folding military shovel features a serrated edge which makes sawing possible.

Meanwhile, the sharpened edge also included on the military shovel works best for chopping material.

Lastly, the notch near the tip of the blade is ideal for pulling up annoying tent stakes wedged in the ground.

Shovels do prevent some hazards which makes the locking collar a convenient safety feature.

Furthermore, the comfort-grip handle maintains a steady grasp for any suitable age.

The Coleman Rugged Folding Camp Shovel measures nearly identical to the Overland military shovel when fully extended (23″).

It folds to a slightly longer length of 10″ yet is still compact to include with back-country gear or with survival kits.

The Coleman Rugged Folding Camp Shovel also includes a carry case with purchase.

Where to Buy: BassPro.com

#5. Overland Vehicle Systems Multi-Functional Military Style Utility Shovel

Overland Vehicle Systems Multi-Functional Military Style Utility Shovel

  • Size: Tri-Fold (22.75″ Extended / 9.25″ Folded)
  • Color: Black
  • Accessories: Nylon Carry Case

The Overland Vehicle Systems Multi-Functional Military Style Utility Shovel folds and takes up less than 10″ in the process.

For this reason, it’s one of the best military shovels and most compact among the selections.

The tri-fold design of this military shovel extends to just under 23″ when needed for operation.

It’s produced with a glass-filled nylon reinforced handle which looks and feels outstanding.

Moreover, the Overland Vehicle Systems Multi-Functional Military Style Utility Shovel features a locking collar for safety.

Overland Vehicle Systems prides itself on its material and production techniques.

Their military shovels are produced with #50 Boron Steel which is not only stronger but lighter compared to regular carbon steel shovels.

In addition, the 7075 aluminum shaft contributes to the lightweight design and is also resistant to corrosion.

Veterans will appreciate that the military shovel includes a serrated edge for sawing or whacking thick brush.

Optics Planet recommends it best for entrenching, trail recovery, or hunting purposes.

The adjustable spade (8.25″ x 6″) provides two positions depending on use.

The nylon carrying case is a stylish addition to this durable and lightweight military shovel.

Where to Buy: OpticsPlanet.com

#6. Rothco Deluxe Tri-Fold Shovel

Rothco Deluxe Tri-Fold Shovel

  • Size: Tri-Fold (13.5″ Extended)
  • Color: Olive Drab Steel
  • Accessories: N/A

The Rothco Deluxe Tri-Fold Shovel attempts to improve upon the standard construction of U.S. military-issued shovels.

Consequently, the heavy-duty steel construction provides nearly twice the weight of standard-issue tri-fold shovels.

Thus, you can have bragging rights or simply upgrade on what you were accustomed to using during service.

The olive drab finish of the Rothco Deluxe Tri-Fold Shovel arguably makes it the most stylish of any to make the list.

There are no apologies with this military shovel as it’s produced with pure steel.

Of course, the Rothco Deluxe Tri-Fold Shovel is far from the most compact for this same reason.

The Rothco Deluxe Tri-Fold Shovel measures 13.5″ x 11″ x 10″ when fully extended.

Unfortunately, the purchase of the Rothco Deluxe Tri-Fold Shovel does not include any accessories like a carrying case.

Where to Buy: OpticsPlanet.com

#7. Tri-Fold E-Tool Shovel with Cover

Tri-Fold E-Tool Shovel with Cover

  • Size: Tri-Fold (24″ Extended / 9″ Folded)
  • Color: Olive Drab Green
  • Accessories: Canvas Cover

The Tri-Fold E-Tool Shovel is of tremendous value when you consider the retail price of under $20.

The tri-fold design produces a surprisingly long (24″ extended) digging tool while folding down to a mere 9″.

As a result, people of all sizes can appreciate the versatility while not compromising too much cargo space.

The Tri-Fold E-Tool Shovel ships with a canvas cover that fits the shovel and its olive drab color scheme.

The military shovel folds at 3 separate locations to reach such a compact folding size.

Nonetheless, the Tri-Fold E-Tool Shovel feels sturdy with steel production that is heavier than most tri-fold shovels.

Where to Buy: USAmm.com

#8. Voodoo Tactical Mil-spec

Voodoo Tactical Mil-spec

  • Size: N/A
  • Color: WWII German Pick Shovel Replica
  • Accessories: N/A

Shovels have served an extremely under deserved role in every major U.S. conflict.

It’s not shocking that people appreciate collecting accessories like WWII military shovels.

It’s what makes the Voodoo Tactical Mil-spec Shovel incredibly unique.

The military shovel is designed to imitate a replica of the World War II German Pick Shovel.

Voodoo advertises the item as “the last shovel you will ever need”.

The Voodoo Tactical WWII German Pick Shovel features the same 3-point locking system as the Tri-Fold e-tool from USAmm.com.

The added pick allows the unit to shift from a pic to shovel to folded in seconds.

Interestingly enough, Voodoo deliberately ships the military shovel with a spring lock that is badly in need of grease.

According to the manufacturer, it takes a little bit of grease to get going, but once you prime the spring lock, it’s actually still very serviceable.

Otherwise, the German WWII replica military shovel is a worthy gift for collectors or others interested in this time period.

Where to Buy: OpticsPlanet.com

See Also

12 Best Reflex Sights

Best Self Defense Knives

5 Best Military Laptops

Air Force Graduation Gift Ideas

Best Non-Lethal Self Defense Weapons

Best Concealed Carry Revolvers

References / Resources

WeAreTheMighty.com

Entrenching tool – Wikipedia.org

 
Kevin R.
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The best military shovels serve as multi-function tools while folding to a compact size and weight for those hauling gear.
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