Shovel recommendations? Seems simple but....

[tgreening]

I don't know, I must be doing something wrong. My first 4x4 was a 1979 F150 and I wheeled that thing from California to Maine, and a handful of 4x4s since and in all that time I recall needing a shovel one time, in the desert outside Vegas. And t didn't do me a dang bit of good. Still took two full size to yank me out of that deceptive muck.

 

[99Yota]

I think you should have 2:

- One which you use to bury #2
- Another to help get your vehicle unstuck


The Gerber is only about 1foot long when extended so it's way too small to unstuck a vehicle. But it works well for what I described. An E-tool makes a viable candidate but it's quite a bit more robust (read: heavier) and since it is still too small IMO to unstuck a vehicle, and too bulky to carry around just to bury #2, my vote goes with the Gerber. The Gerber's lighter nature also bodes well for hiking if you're so inclined.

A short fiberglass d-handle shovel is easier to pack and works well enough but like others have mentioned, it won't do such a good job digging in rocks or root bound soil.

Since most of the stucks I have seen/ experienced involve snow or melting snow + dirt (mud), a short handled shovel has done the trick when there is nothing to connect a winch cable.

 

[quickfarms]

I carry a max axe in the jeep

 

[captwoody]

I have been in fire service for over 30 years and one tool we used a lot in wild land firefighting was a Pulaski which is a hybrid axe/mattock, can be used like axe or mattock and because mattock end is shorter used as a hoe also add a round point shovel,I prefer long handle shovel and for about 10 lbs of gear your covered for most. attached is a linc for a Pulaski with home depots generic name for it but it is what I am talking about.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ludell-34-in-Fiberglass-Handle-4-lb-Landscape-Axe-12245/205508916

 

[Madbodhi]

Just going to post Pulaski and medium length D handle shovel. Condor Knife and Tool makes an interesting folding shovel in addition to a stout little standard shovel. Condor makes good stout blades using tough old school high carbon steel at very reasonable prices, id imagine their shovels are the same.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

My vote is for the E-tool. I have the same one the Army issued me in 1996 and it's still going. Almost 20 years of digging, cutting down small trees, being a hammer, and even used as a toilet. It has never failed me and probably never will.

 

[patsfan]

My vote is for the E-tool. I have the same one the Army issued me in 1996 and it's still going. Almost 20 years of digging, cutting down small trees, being a hammer, and even used as a toilet. It has never failed me and probably never will.

I'm just curious, why would you need to use the shovel as a toilet? Do you put the shovel on the ground and drop a deuce on it so that you can dispose of it someplace else?

 

[patsfan]

Some guys need a third leg when pooping in the wild.
And since the shovel is handy anyway, might as well scoop a place to drop it.

That makes sense, but I'm not sure that's what he meant.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Maybe a picture ?View attachment 352755

Same concept....different execution...lol. I put the shovel end in the ground then bend over the Handel and prop one cheek on it. Better than squating any day.

 

[patsfan]

Maybe a picture ?View attachment 352755

Lol... okay now I get it.
You learn something new everyday.

 

[chet6.7]

Well now,I never knew the shovel technique...please no selfies.

 

[Steveco.]

How about a Pulaski? it has a axe end and a grub (adze) end. tough as nails. digs great and chops roots, splits wood. i use one at work almost everyday on the fireline. OR you can go bigger and get a SUPER Pulaski. Super P's have a bigger grub end (adze). They come in Nupla handles or USFS wood handles.

http://www.blackhawk.com/Products/E...ighting/Dynamic-Entry-Super-Pulaski-Tool.aspx