The best overland shovel is going to be the one that is of the highest dependability and can avoid taking up space on your travels.
As I have learned living in a van for months, everyone’s needs are different. We tried to offer a variety of shovel reviews to be able to match the various overlanders out there. If you have a small overland vehicle like a Subaru perhaps the compactable shovels are going to be your best bet. Otherwise, the larger the shovel the easier it is to dig your vehicle out of the sand, create an outdoor toilet, or ensure the fire is completely out.
For people with a short attention span (like me!) here is our top rated shovel from the list! It is the Bully Tools 14 Gauge Shovel. It was chosen due to its short length at 33 inches but very sturdy construction so no one will be left stranded on a trail because of sand or mud. The shovel is welded together and doesn’t have a weak point like a hinge or other connections. Check out the price and the video of the company trying to break the handle off (what???) at the link below!
What We Like:
- Lifetime Warranty
- Welded connection to shovel head
- Great reviews
Cons:
- Does not fold up like others
Keep on reading to review some of the other options that might fit your overland needs.
Best Overland Shovel Reviews
Tyger Auto Shovel
This Tyger shovel wins the best-looking shovel award for the list.
This shovel has 16 in 1 functions that we cover below and it can be extended via extra handles that screw together to reach an estimated 36.6 inches. Unfortunately, Tyger did not provide the length information for confirmation.
What we like:
- Multifunctional use
What it comes with:
- Carbon Steel and Aluminum Tube handles
- Storage bag for the shovel head
- Storage bag for the extra handles
- 16 in 1 utility: Shovel, Hoe, Hook, Hammer, Axe, Wire Cutter, Ruler, Saw, Ice pick, Screwdriver, Disgorger (remove hook from fish), Knife, Hacksaw, Bottle Opener, Whistle, Fire Starter,
Cons
- Most expensive item on this list, but it does look pretty!
Redcamp Military Folding Camping Shovel
Redcamp is a camping equipment supplies store that operates online. They provide a lot of gear at lower prices for people that want to experience the outdoors.
This shovel by Redcamp is a folding shovel that can reduce its length from 22.8 inches down to 9.4 inches. This is great if your overland vehicle is compact and is already carrying a lot of gear.
It does say it has a saw edge but while I am sure it can perform some sawing functions, I would not expect it to be a saw substitute.
What We Like:
- 1-year warranty
- Packs up small
- Budget option of the list!
Cons:
- Small length
What we like:
- 100% money back guarantee with a 1 year warranty
- Small and great for packing it away in your overland vehicle
- Many utilities: Shovel, pick, hoe
- Budget model of the list!
- Has a great review by a top 500 reviewer on Amazon
- Check out some Redditors that talk about how they like their other products here: Reddit.com
What it comes with:
- Carbon Steel Foldable Shovel
- Full extension is 22.8 inches x 6 inches
- Folded it is 9.4 inches x 6 inches
- Can be converted into a hoe, pick or shovel
- Carrying Pouch
Cons
Very small so expect to be in a squat position or on your knees when digging.
Rhino USA Shovel
Rhino is a company that produces a lot of equipment for off roaders and this compact shovel is great for when you need something to dig or trench and even for the quick visit to the outdoor restroom.
This shovel gets compact in a different way than the foldable shovels. This uses extensions that can be screwed on to achieve different lengths to the shovel and ultimately reaches 31 inches in total length.
You can also order a survival shovel that can come in handy in extreme emergency conditions for just a little more coin. Check out the link below to see the two options available.
What We Like:
- Compact when folded
- Adjustable length
Cons:
- Does not come with camo case like photos at link
What we like:
- Compact for storing until you need it
- Two handles so if you need a shorter or longer shovel you can make adjustments in the field
What it comes with:
- Carbon Steel shovel that can be extended with attachable handles to a full 31 inches long.
- It collapses to 7 inches
- It can be converted into a hoe and a pick
- Comes with a camo pouch that buckles for easy portability
- Can also get a survival shovel that comes with a whistle, knife, flint starter, and bottle opener from them at the same link: Rhino USA
Cons
- Does not come with the camo case like the photos show. Other purchasers show an all black bag.
Fiskars Pro Shovel
This is the longest shovel of the list coming in at 44 inches. It is not a compact shovel like the others but allows for more ergonomic digging while standing.
This might not be the best solution for a small overland vehicle, but if you have a larger rig, you could find a place for it out of the way.
What We Like:
- Ergonomics
- Tabs on shovel head for digging
Cons:
- 2nd most expensive on the list
What we like:
- The 42 inch length is great for people that don’t want to work on their knees when digging out their overlander or a forest restroom. It is not too large like some of the garden variety types you find at box stores so it is easier storage but it is just not going to be compact like the other options.
- Tabs on the shovel head to allow to push down with body weight for digging
What it comes with:
- Steel shovel head with a sharpened edge to be able to dig into the soil with ease
- Aluminum extended stem that connects to a plastic D-handle
Cons
- 2nd most expensive item on the list but allows for digging standing up so there is more materials used.
Bully Tools 14 Gauge Shovel
This shovel is the one that made the top of our best overland shovel list! This 33 inch steel all American made shovel looks sturdy and durable and has the reviews to back it up.
This should be your go to if all you are looking for is a shovel and do not need it to do anything else. This shovel will be with you for the lifetime of your travels.
What We Like:
- Lifetime Warranty
- Welded connection to shovel head
- Great reviews
Cons:
- Does not fold up like others
What we like:
- 100% made in the USA
- Welded steel connections from the head of the shovel to handle
- Lifetime warranty
- Reviews mention it is indestructible and there is even a video at the link above that shows someone trying to bust the poly handle!
What it comes with:
- 33 inch Alloy steel shovel – 14 gauge steel, 2.85 lbs
- No break Polypropylene Handle with no slip texture
Cons
- Does not fold up like some of the others but that means there are fewer weak points for it to break
Best Overland Shovel Comparison Table
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Pick of the list! |
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Conclusion – Best Overland Shovel
If you are on the road and doing a lot of Overlanding, then these shovels are a must because you are going to be living a lot in the wilderness. Not only does your vehicle need something that can get them out of the dirt but also a wilderness toilet is paramount so that we can keep the wilderness the wilderness as much as we can.
Our top choice is the Bully Tools 14 Gauge shovel because of its sturdy construction and that it is not too long. The shovel is also short enough to be stowed away in your vehicle to await an emergency situation, but hopefully, you will never have to use it. For more reviews by actual users check out the link below.
What We Like:
- Lifetime Warranty
- Welded connection to shovel head
- Great reviews
Cons:
- Does not fold up like others
Happy Overlanding people!
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