Gerber Shovel

One of my favorite camp tools is the Gerber E-Tool with Pick and Serrated Blade.  This Gerber shovel is lightweight, compact, and strong...and is an essential tool at every camp.  I use my Gerber shovel for everything from managing the camp fire to leveling a site for my tent.

Here is what the Gerber site says about the E-Tool...
"This is a military-grade digging tool for trenches and holes. Armed with a powder-coated, carbon steel shovel head and a serrated blade edge, the E-Tool is designed specifically to conquer tough digging problems in all types of terrain. The foldable body is made of an anodized aluminum shaft and glass-filled nylon handle. The head folds back exposing a pick for loosening rock and breaking up roots."

---

Here is the shovel head, with one serrated edge.  The shovel head also folds over and allows the pick to be turned down into a position for digging through rocks.

The top of the shaft has a spindle that turns to loosen and tighten the shovel to allow for opening and locking the tool into the working position as well as for collapsing down into a compact design for storage.

In addition to the shovel itself, a separate storage case is also available, which is nice when your shovel is a regular item being carried around in your rig.

There are many camp shovel options available at all price levels.  For example, the Spetsnaz, which is modeled after the original Soviet Special Forces shovel and can be used for everything from fending off a bear to paddling a canoe.

While the Gerber can be a more expensive shovel, its lightweight, compact, and strong design provides for an ideal combination of traits.  And if you need to fend off a bear, catch a possum for dinner, or paddle a canoe, the Gerber will be ready to serve.