How To Choose The Best Survival Shovel And Why You Need One

How To Choose The Best Survival Shovel And Why You Need One

Surviving in the wilderness can be a daunting task. However, survival doesn't have to be impossible if you are prepared for it. A survival shovel is one of the most important survival tools that you should always keep on hand. A multi-tool survival shovel is not just used for digging holes; it has many different uses, such as chopping wood and building shelter.

Is it a must-have item in your survival kit? It isn't, in all honesty. After all, the capacity to act fast with limited resources is key to living in the woods or SHTF scenarios. You can't carry all necessary equipment, machines, and weaponry, let alone food and water. When you read some of the survival guidelines, it appears that you will require more equipment than a camping store can provide. While a survival emergency shovel may not be on your bug-out bag list, it is useful to have on hand at your bug-out location  or in your car trunk. I'll explain why.

Why You Need a Survival Shovel?

The first shovels were constructed from oxen or other huge animals' shoulder blades. It was the primary tool for excavating, digging, and moving big things for thousands of years. Then we devised machines that could perform the task more quickly and effectively. Shovels, on the other hand, have never gone out of style. It's an essential tool for gardening and landscaping. It can also be used for a variety of little projects. Today, however, we're discussing a specific (kind of) shovel: a survival shovel.

If you're unsure about your position, look into what the professionals in the industry have to say. When it comes to specific equipment and their necessity, survival experts might differ greatly. On the other hand, soldiers and firefighters are my favorite survival specialists. Their employment requires them to deal with survival circumstances regularly. So, if something works for them, it's likely to work for me, too. Folding shovels are still an essential element of their arsenal despite using high-tech equipment. It is beneficial because it saves lives. So, let's look at what a modern survival shovel can achieve.

What Are The Different Uses of Survival Shovel?

  • Digging a Trench With a Survival Shovel
  • Making a Shelter
  • Digging a Fire Pit
  • Digging a Latrine
  • Leveling the Ground 
  • Digging Out Your Car
  • Hoeing
  • Cutting and Chopping Branches 
  • Sawing
  • Prying
  • Hammering
  • Emergency Whistling 
  • Self-Defense Weapon
  • Emergency Paddle

How to Choose a Survival Shovel

A survival shovel can be used in a variety of situations. In some ways, it is similar to a Swiss knife. Chef's knives, paring knives, daggers, boot knives, and other specialized blades work better than a Swiss knife. However, they are specialists in one or more jobs, whereas a Swiss knife is a jack of all trades. As a result, instead of carrying a bag full of blades, you now have everything in one place. The best survival shovels do the same thing. It's incredible how many diverse uses they can serve. However, virtually always another instrument can perform the task more effectively. However, only a survival shovel can handle all of them.

There are a plethora of options available. The competition is fierce, which is fantastic. To stay competitive, producers must enhance and provide high-quality products. However, some players will make concessions to provide more affordable items. As a result, making a decision is difficult. However, this is what you should be on the lookout for. 

How You Will Use Your Survival Shovel?

Before you start thinking about the quality and features, consider utilizing them. Survival scenarios aren't something you'll come across very often. On the other hand, you can go camping and hiking regularly. Do you intend to dig tiny or huge trenches and holes? If you're going to do some heavy digging, you'll need a folding shovel with a longer handle. On the other hand, lightweight shovels are ideal for leveling the ground quickly or creating latrine holes and fire pits.

Material

Tactical survival shovels come in a wide range of materials. Modern plastics are growing tougher and more durable, and certain alloys can perform very well. Nonetheless, I continue to advocate for classic materials that have endured the test of time. Stainless steel, aluminum, and high-carbon steel are the materials I'm referring to.

Stainless steel is strong, long-lasting, and corrosion-resistant. For shovels, however, it is the heaviest material.

Aluminum is light, but it isn't particularly strong.

Stainless steel is weaker than high-carbon steel. The stronger it becomes as the carbon content rises. It does, however, require a rust-prevention coating. This is the most common material used to make durable and powerful survival shovels.

Blade Size and Shape

The size and shape of your shovel's blade and shovel head define where it excels. For moving materials like gravel or sand, larger blades are preferable. However, digging can be difficult if the soil is dry and hard. Smaller blades are easier to work with, but the process takes longer.

Narrow and wide blades follow the pattern of big and tiny blades in terms of shape. A narrow shovel blade works well for digging, whereas a wide blade works best for transporting dirt.

There are two types of blades: pointed and flat. When it comes to survival shovels, forget about the flat ones.

Handle

A handle should be built of materials that are both durable and sturdy. The easier it is to operate, the longer the handle is. It does, however, add weight and reduce portability. Most new tactical shovels have foldable or collapsible handles to do the packing and carrying easier. Some variants have handles that double as storage areas. They may hold various small equipment, such as fire starters and LED lamps.

Weight and Portability

Survival shovels must have these characteristics. Of course, build quality is more vital, but weight and portability make it easier to carry and use when needed. The weight of a device impacts its portability, especially if it must be carried across long distances. It has foldable handles that make it simple to pack.
If your shovel is MOLLE compatible, that's even better.

Thoughts

Shovels used to be straightforward and efficient tools. They were, however, limited to a few jobs. Survival shovels took the game to a whole new level. These cool-looking tools are so adaptable that they resemble traditional shovels. They will fit in your bug-out bag or backpack. Saws, hoes, flashlights, screwdrivers, fire rods, bottle openers, compasses, and whistles are all included. It's like something out of a James Bond film. Except for the fact that this is genuine, practically all of these additions are useful. Get a tactical shovel that offers a durable blade, serrated edge, and compact design.

After everything is said and done, you may live without a survival compact shovel. Still, if you enjoy camping or want to be prepared in an SHTF situation, this equipment can be extremely useful. So, if you want to purchase this shovel survival tool here at ApeSurvival, check it out today!


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