Best Portable Packable Shovel For Winter

When winter strikes, having the right tools at hand can make all the difference. Whether you’re on a snowy hike, tackling a winter camping adventure, or preparing for unexpected emergencies, a packable shovel is an essential tool. These versatile shovels are not only useful for clearing snow, but they also serve multiple purposes, from digging fire pits to serving as an emergency rescue tool. Let’s explore why a packable shovel for winter is a must-have, and what key features to look for when choosing the best one for your needs.

The Benefits of a Collapsible Shovel

A collapsible shovel is the ultimate space-saver for anyone heading into the winter wilderness. Designed to fold or telescope into a compact size, these shovels can be easily stowed in a backpack, car trunk, or survival kit. The lightweight camping shovel variation is especially handy for hikers and campers who need to keep their gear light but functional.

Key Features:

• Compact folding shovel: Perfect for packing into tight spaces without sacrificing durability.
• Lightweight folding shovel for backpacking: A must for hikers who need reliable tools without adding bulk to their pack.
• Best packable shovel for hiking and camping: Ensures you’re prepared for any unexpected digging, from fire pits to emergency shelters.

Best Portable Packable Shovel For Winter

1. SOG Entrenching Tool Folding Shovel

The SOG Entrenching Tool Folding Shovel is multipurpose, strong and can be used perfectly during winter. No matter if it is necessary to go in a winter trek, clear the snow off the ground or prepare for an emergency this small but sturdy shovel designed by the military will be useful. A fantastic tool for removing snow, exclude the unexpected, or packing light for a winter camping trip across the great white wilderness, this four-in-one gizmo is tough, compact, and convenient.

Key Features:

1. Compact and Foldable Design: The SOG Entrenching Tool folds down to a compact size (10 inches when folded), making it easy to pack in backpacks, car trunks, or survival kits. Its tri-fold system allows for easy storage and portability, ideal for hikers and campers needing a lightweight folding shovel.
2. Durable Steel Construction: Made with high-carbon steel, this shovel is sturdy enough to handle hard-packed snow, ice, and frozen ground. Its serrated edge adds functionality by enabling you to cut through ice, roots, and other tough materials, making it an effective outdoor survival shovel.
3. Multi-Tool Capability: In addition to shoveling, this tool can be used for trenching, cutting, and digging fire pits. Its versatility is especially useful in winter camping and emergency scenarios. The tactical design makes it reliable for heavy-duty tasks and is often compared to a military folding shovel due to its durability and functionality.
4. Lightweight: Weighing just over 1 pound, the SOG shovel is incredibly lightweight, making it perfect for hikers, campers, or even commuters who need a portable snow shovel for their vehicle.
5. Rotating Spade Head: The spade head can rotate to a 90-degree angle, allowing you to use the shovel as a hoe, perfect for digging through deep snow or ice.

Pros:

• Highly Portable: Its foldable and lightweight design makes it easy to carry on winter hikes or store in your car for emergencies.
• Durable Build: The high-carbon steel construction ensures it holds up well in tough winter conditions, including digging in snow and ice.
• Multi-Functional: It’s more than just a shovel. The serrated edge and rotating spade head give it additional capabilities, like sawing through ice or using it as a hoe.
• Affordable: Offers great value for the price considering its versatility and durability.
• Tactical Utility: Suitable for winter survival, bushcraft, and emergency preparedness, making it a reliable tool in extreme conditions.

Cons:

• Small Blade Size: The compact design can be a disadvantage when it comes to shoveling large areas of snow quickly. It’s better suited for smaller tasks like digging around tires or clearing small paths.
• Short Handle: The short handle might make it uncomfortable for extended use, especially when digging through deeper snow or ice. Taller users may find it inconvenient.
• Not Ideal for Heavy-Duty Snow Removal: While it’s great for emergencies or compact winter tasks, it’s not a replacement for larger snow shovels when it comes to clearing larger areas.

2. Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade

The Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade is a perfect shovel for tactical use and for survival during emergency situations in the wild. Due to it’s compact and foldable design, the shovel also has resilient materials that will be very useful in the winter whether it is for clearing paths, walking in the snow or other snow storm survival needs.

Key Features:

1. Compact and Foldable: The Gerber E-Tool folds down to a compact size, making it easy to carry in a backpack, car, or survival kit. It uses a tri-fold design that collapses into a small, portable shape, ideal for lightweight folding shovels needed during winter hikes or car emergencies.
2. Durable Steel Blade: The shovel is made of a powder-coated boron carbon steel blade, offering strength and resistance to wear and tear in extreme winter conditions, such as hard-packed snow or icy ground. The blade’s toughness makes it suitable for heavy-duty tasks, such as cutting through ice or digging through frozen earth.
3. Serrated Edge: One side of the blade features a serrated edge, which is useful for sawing through frozen material, chopping through snow, or breaking up ice. This adds a level of versatility to the shovel, making it more than just a digging tool.
4. Glass-Filled Nylon Handle: The handle is made from glass-filled nylon, which provides durability and a good grip even in cold, wet conditions. The ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended use in winter conditions.
5. Compact Size and Lightweight: Weighing just over 2 pounds, it is relatively lightweight given its strength and durability, making it a suitable backpacking shovel for winter adventures.

Pros:

• Durable Construction: Made from high-quality materials like carbon steel and glass-filled nylon, the shovel can withstand tough conditions, such as breaking ice or digging in frozen ground.
• Compact and Portable: The foldable design makes it easy to pack and carry, ideal for winter hiking, camping, and car emergencies.
• Multi-Functionality: The serrated edge adds versatility, allowing the shovel to cut through ice, roots, and other tough materials.
• Military-Grade Design: Built to last, this military folding shovel is tough enough for extreme environments and survival situations.

Cons:

• Short Handle: The compact design means a shorter handle, which may be uncomfortable for taller users or for extended periods of shoveling in deep snow.
• Heavier Than Some Alternatives: At over 2 pounds, it’s slightly heavier than some other folding shovels, though the added durability may be worth the weight for those requiring a more robust tool.
• Not Ideal for Large-Scale Snow Removal: While excellent for small tasks, digging out cars, or making paths, it may not be the best option for large snow-clearing jobs.

3. AAA 4004 Red Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel

The AAA 4004 Red Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel is basically a snow shovel which is perfect especially for car use, outdoor activities, and other urgent situations that require shovel in the winter season. Collapsible and made from aluminum, the shovel is useful in rough terrains for people who routinely have to go through snow laden regions.

Key Features:

1. Adjustable and Collapsible Design: This collapsible shovel can be adjusted between 25 and 32 inches, allowing flexibility depending on the task. Its three-piece design makes it easy to disassemble and pack away when not in use. The shovel breaks down into small components, making it convenient to store in your vehicle, backpack, or even carry by hand for winter adventures.
2. Lightweight Aluminum Construction: Made from high-quality aluminum, this shovel is both strong and lightweight, weighing just over 1.3 pounds. Its lightweight design makes it an ideal portable snow shovel for emergencies or outdoor activities. The aluminum blade is durable enough to handle snow removal and digging in compacted snow or light ice, though it’s not designed for heavy-duty tasks like cutting through thick ice.
3. Sport Utility Shovel: Specifically designed for winter car emergencies, it’s perfect for clearing snow around tires or digging out your vehicle after getting stuck in a snowbank. This shovel is an excellent addition to any winter roadside emergency kit.
4. Bright Red Color: The bright red color not only adds visibility in snowy conditions but also makes it easier to locate in low-light situations, making it a great choice for emergency use.

Pros:

• Adjustable Length: The extendable handle provides versatility, allowing the user to adjust it based on the task at hand. Its compact form makes it easy to store when disassembled.
• Lightweight and Portable: Weighing just over a pound, this lightweight camping shovel is easy to carry and store, perfect for packing in a car trunk, backpack, or emergency kit.
• Durable for its Size: While lightweight, the aluminum construction offers decent durability for clearing snow around vehicles or light outdoor use.
• Easy to Assemble and Disassemble: The three-piece design makes it simple to put together or break down quickly, adding convenience in emergency situations.
• Affordable: The AAA 4004 is cost-effective, offering good value for a compact winter shovel.

Cons:

• Limited Durability for Heavy Ice: While it’s durable enough for snow removal, the aluminum blade may struggle with heavy ice or extremely compacted snow. It’s not built for extreme-duty digging or chopping through thick ice.
• Short Handle: Even at its extended length, the shovel’s handle may be too short for larger users or for those needing to shovel large areas of snow.
• Not Ideal for Heavy-Duty Tasks: This shovel is best for light snow removal and emergency use, rather than for larger tasks or long-duration digging.

4. Coleman Folding Shovel with Pick

Coleman portable Folding Shovel with Pick is collapsible and easily portable for use in different activities outside the winters. Its portability and versatility means that it is definitely a worthy companion when going out for a camping trip, keeping in your car if you are a road tripper, or being part of your emergency/survival kit. Regardless of the type of sub-surface material – snow, ice, or frozen terrain, this tool provides versatility and strength for winter work.

Key Features:

1. Foldable Design: The Coleman shovel folds down to a compact size, making it easy to carry or store. Its foldable structure means it can fit into backpacks, car trunks, or winter emergency kits without taking up much space. Its compact folding shovel design makes it perfect for those who need portability and ease of use in snowy or icy conditions.
2. Multi-Tool Functionality: Equipped with both a shovel and a pickaxe, this tool can handle a variety of winter tasks, such as digging through snow, breaking up ice, or trenching in frozen ground. The pickaxe feature is particularly useful for loosening hardened snow or ice, making it a versatile multi-tool shovel for outdoor survival and winter emergencies.
3. Durable Steel Construction: Made from tempered forged steel, the Coleman shovel is built to withstand tough conditions. Its durable construction allows it to cut through compact snow, ice, and even frozen ground, making it a reliable tool for winter activities.
4. Comfortable Grip: The shovel features a rubberized handle, providing a firm grip even in wet, cold conditions. This makes it easier to use during long tasks in freezing temperatures.
5. Lightweight and Portable: Despite its steel construction, the shovel remains relatively lightweight at 1.3 pounds, making it an easy-to-carry lightweight camping shovel for hiking or backpacking in the winter.

Pros:

• Multi-Functional: The shovel’s dual-purpose design with a pickaxe makes it suitable for various tasks, from snow clearing to digging through ice or frozen earth.
• Compact and Foldable: Its ability to fold down into a small, portable size makes it perfect for winter campers, hikers, or car emergency kits.
• Durable and Sturdy: Built with tempered forged steel, the shovel is strong enough to handle winter conditions, including compacted snow and ice.
• Affordable: The Coleman Folding Shovel with Pick is budget-friendly, offering excellent value for a versatile, portable tool.
• Rubberized Grip: Provides comfort and control, even in cold or wet environments, enhancing its usability in winter conditions.

Cons:

• Short Handle: Like many foldable shovels, the short handle can make it uncomfortable for extended use, especially when dealing with deeper snow or larger tasks.
• Not Ideal for Large-Scale Snow Removal: The compact size is great for portability but limits its use for bigger snow-clearing jobs.
• Moderate Durability: While durable for its size, it may not hold up as well as larger, more robust shovels in extremely demanding conditions, such as heavy-duty ice chopping or continuous use in frozen terrain.

5. Tyger Auto Shovel TG-SV8U3217

Tyger Auto Shovel TG SV8U3217 is a multipurpose and powerful shoveler perfect for use during the winter period or off-road trips and in cases of emergencies. It is, therefore, suited for snow plowing, other extreme survival outdoor tasks and any off road activities. Apart from being a shovel, the Tyger Auto Shovel is loaded with a lot of things more than a digging tool, making it a great companion to face winter activities.

Key Features:

1. 5-in-1 Multi-Tool Design: The Tyger shovel comes equipped with five functions: shovel, saw, axe, hammer, and knife. This multi-tool shovel allows you to handle a variety of winter tasks, such as digging through snow, chopping ice, sawing branches, or cutting through obstacles. Its tactical design is useful for both outdoor adventures and winter emergencies, making it one of the most versatile portable snow shovels available.
2. Durable Military-Grade Construction: The shovel is made from high-strength military-grade steel and aluminum, ensuring it can withstand harsh winter conditions. This durable construction makes it a reliable tool for digging in snow, ice, or frozen ground, while also holding up to tough off-road use. Its military folding shovel design offers durability for the most demanding tasks, making it a great option for extreme winter activities or emergencies.
3. Compact and Collapsible: The Tyger Auto Shovel folds down to a compact size, making it easy to store in your car, truck, or backpack. Its compactness makes it ideal for winter camping, hiking, and emergency kits. The collapsible design allows you to adjust the length of the shovel, making it more convenient for different tasks, whether you’re digging out snow from under your car or preparing a campsite.
4. Extended Length: When fully extended, the shovel reaches up to 31 inches, providing better leverage and comfort compared to smaller compact shovels. The extended handle is especially useful when you need extra reach while digging through deep snow.
5. Tactical and Survival Use: In addition to being an excellent lightweight camping shovel, the Tyger shovel also serves as a tactical survival tool. The added tools (saw, axe, knife, and hammer) make it suitable for winter bushcraft, emergency preparedness, and off-road adventures, making it an essential tool for extreme winter conditions.
6. Storage and Carrying Pouch: The shovel comes with a compact storage pouch, allowing you to easily transport it and keep all the components organized. This makes it a practical option for keeping in your car for winter road emergencies.

Pros:

• Multi-Functionality: The 5-in-1 design (shovel, saw, axe, hammer, knife) provides a wide range of uses, making it versatile for both winter and off-road situations.
• Durable and Sturdy: Made from military-grade materials, the Tyger shovel is tough enough for harsh winter conditions, including digging through snow, chopping ice, and sawing through obstacles.
• Compact and Collapsible: Its foldable design makes it easy to carry and store, while the adjustable length offers flexibility for different tasks.
• Extended Reach: At 31 inches when extended, it offers better leverage than most compact folding shovels, making it more comfortable to use during longer digging sessions.
• Great for Emergency Preparedness: The shovel’s multiple functions and durable design make it an ideal tool for winter emergencies, camping, hiking, or off-road excursions.

Cons:

• Heavier than Some Compact Shovels: Weighing around 3 pounds, the Tyger shovel is heavier than some other lightweight folding shovels, which may be a consideration for those looking to minimize pack weight during long hikes.
• Complexity: The multi-tool design, while useful, may be more than what’s needed for simple snow removal. If you’re looking for just a basic shovel, the additional tools could be overkill.
• Assembly Required: Switching between tools (shovel, saw, axe) requires assembly, which might slow you down during emergencies if you’re in a rush.

6. BIRDROCK Home 3-in-1 Snow Shovel

The BIRDROCK Home 3-in-1 Snow Shovel is a multi-function and durable tool for snow removal during the winter season. This tool is a three-in-one, it works as a snow shovel, ice scraper and snow brush which makes it ideal for car breakdowns, cleaning your home in winter or even camping in the snow.

Key Features:

1. 3-in-1 Multi-Functionality: The BIRDROCK Home Snow Shovel combines three essential winter tools in one: a snow shovel, ice scraper, and snow brush. This makes it incredibly versatile for clearing snow off vehicles, scraping ice from windshields, and shoveling snow from around tires or walkways. Its multi-tool shovel design means you won’t need to carry multiple tools when tackling winter conditions, making it perfect for emergencies or travel.
2. Lightweight and Portable: Weighing around 2 pounds, this shovel is light enough for easy handling and portability. Its lightweight camping shovel design ensures you can carry it with minimal effort, whether in your car or backpack during winter trips. Its compact size makes it an ideal portable snow shovel for car emergencies or light-duty snow removal around your home.
3. Adjustable and Detachable Parts: The shovel features a detachable design, allowing it to be easily assembled or broken down into smaller parts for storage. This is useful for keeping it in your car trunk, under a seat, or even in a backpack when traveling through snowy conditions. The adjustable length gives users flexibility when using the shovel for different tasks, whether shoveling snow off the ground or brushing snow off a vehicle roof.
4. Durable Construction: The shovel is made with a combination of durable materials, including a high-quality aluminum handle and a heavy-duty plastic blade, which are built to last through repeated use in winter conditions. The sturdy design makes it effective for shoveling snow without cracking or bending, even in tough conditions. The ice scraper is strong enough to deal with hard ice and frost, while the snow brush features durable bristles for clearing snow quickly.
5. Comfortable Grip: The handle features a foam grip that provides comfort and prevents slipping, even when wearing gloves in freezing temperatures. This ensures a firm hold while clearing snow or ice.

Pros:

• 3-in-1 Design: Combines snow shovel, ice scraper, and snow brush into one tool, making it a convenient option for winter car emergencies and general snow removal.
• Lightweight and Portable: Weighs only 2 pounds, making it easy to carry and store, ideal for those looking for a compact folding shovel for winter trips or car kits.
• Detachable and Adjustable: The adjustable handle and detachable parts make it easy to store in small spaces, like under car seats or in a winter emergency kit.
• Durable Build: Made from high-quality materials, it can handle snow and ice removal effectively without wearing out quickly.
• Comfortable Foam Grip: The ergonomic grip ensures comfort during use, especially important in cold weather conditions.

Cons:

• Not for Heavy-Duty Snow Removal: While it’s great for small tasks like clearing snow off cars or sidewalks, it may not be the best option for removing large amounts of snow in deeper areas or heavy-duty use.
• Plastic Blade: Although the plastic blade is durable for general use, it may struggle with hard-packed snow or ice when compared to metal blades.
• Shorter Handle: The compact size means the handle is shorter than full-sized shovels, which may make it uncomfortable for extended use, especially for larger individuals or for deep snow removal.

7. Overmont Folding Survival Shovel

The Overmont Folding Survival Shovel is an extremely versatile tool and an excellent tool for winter survival. Its solid framework and varied functions make it a worthy asset to your winter equipment, essentials for camping, hiking, or even survival kit.

Key Features:

1. Multi-Functional Design: The Overmont shovel is designed to serve multiple purposes: it functions as a shovel, pickaxe, saw, and bottle opener. This multi-tool shovel capability makes it suitable for various tasks, from digging snow and ice to sawing branches or even opening bottles during a campout. Its versatility is ideal for outdoor survival, where having multiple tools in one can be incredibly useful for different situations.
2. Folding and Compact: The shovel features a folding design that allows it to collapse into a compact size, making it easy to store and carry. When folded, it can fit into a backpack, car trunk, or emergency kit, making it a convenient choice for those who need a portable snow shovel. The collapsible shovel design ensures that it takes up minimal space while providing maximum functionality.
3. Durable Construction: Constructed from high-strength steel and aluminum, the Overmont shovel is built to withstand harsh conditions. The durable materials ensure that it can handle digging through snow, ice, and even frozen ground. The military-grade build adds robustness, making it a reliable tool for extreme weather conditions and rugged terrain.
4. Adjustable Handle: The shovel features an adjustable handle that can be extended to different lengths, allowing users to customize the tool’s reach and comfort. This adjustability is particularly useful for tasks that require extra leverage or for use in different scenarios. The handle is designed for ease of use in both standing and kneeling positions, making it versatile for various digging tasks.
5. Comfortable Grip: The handle is ergonomically designed with a comfortable grip, which helps reduce hand fatigue during extended use. This ensures a secure hold, even in cold, wet conditions, making it easier to use the shovel for longer periods.
6. Carrying Case: The Overmont shovel comes with a carrying case for easy transport and storage. The case keeps all the components organized and protected, making it easy to pack away when not in use.

Pros:

• Versatile Multi-Tool: Offers multiple functions in one tool, including shoveling, picking, sawing, and opening bottles, making it a versatile addition to any outdoor gear or emergency kit.
• Compact and Portable: The folding design and carrying case make it easy to store and transport, ideal for winter camping, hiking, or keeping in your car for emergencies.
• Durable Construction: Built from high-strength steel and aluminum, it is designed to handle tough conditions, including digging through snow, ice, and frozen ground.
• Adjustable Handle: Provides flexibility in length and comfort, making it suitable for various tasks and positions.
• Comfortable Grip: The ergonomic handle reduces hand fatigue and provides a secure grip in cold conditions.

Cons:

• Heavier than Some Shovels: The additional tools and sturdy construction make the Overmont shovel heavier compared to simpler, more compact snow shovels. This might be a consideration for those prioritizing ultra-lightweight gear.
• Complexity: The multi-tool design, while versatile, may be more than necessary for simple snow removal tasks. Some users might prefer a dedicated shovel without additional features.
• Assembly Required: The shovel’s multi-functionality means that switching between tools requires some assembly and adjustment, which might be cumbersome in urgent situations.

A Portable Snow Shovel for Winter Adventures

Winter adventurers, whether backcountry hikers or car commuters, know that having a portable snow shovel can be a lifesaver. Whether you’re dealing with a stuck vehicle or need to clear a path, a portable shovel for digging in snow and ice can make winter challenges much easier to tackle.

Key Features:

• Portable shovel for digging in snow and ice: Clears obstacles quickly and efficiently.
• Best portable shovel for winter car emergencies: Fits easily in your car’s trunk, so you’re always prepared for snow-related challenges.

Multi-Tool Shovel: More Than Just a Shovel

A multi-tool shovel does much more than simply dig. These shovels often come equipped with additional tools like saws, axes, and fire starters, making them incredibly useful in survival situations. They are the ultimate outdoor survival shovel, versatile enough for various tasks while maintaining a compact design.

Key Features:

• Tactical packable shovel for emergency preparedness: Offers multi-functionality for wilderness survival or vehicle recovery.
• Packable military-grade shovel with multiple functions: Built tough, these shovels often include saw edges, bottle openers, and more.
• Durable collapsible shovel for off-road adventures: Strong enough for rugged terrain and versatile tasks, perfect for winter expeditions.

Foldable Digging Tools for Camping and Survival

For those who enjoy backcountry camping or winter hiking, having a foldable digging tool is a smart choice. These shovels are designed to be portable and efficient, able to dig through snow, sand, or dirt with ease. The compact trowel is a smaller version of this tool, often used for digging small holes during camping trips.

Key Features:

• Compact trowel for digging during camping trips: Ideal for lightweight camping needs such as digging fire pits or latrines.
• Foldable shovel for outdoor survival and bushcraft: Essential for bushcraft tasks like creating shelters or clearing snow.

Tactical and Military Folding Shovels

A tactical shovel or military folding shovel is designed with extreme conditions in mind. Built for durability and function, these shovels are typically made from high-quality materials that withstand tough use. They’re perfect for those in need of a compact shovel for survival kits or military-grade gear that can be relied upon in challenging environments.

Key Features:

• Tactical shovel: Designed for survival situations, offering both strength and utility.
• Military folding shovel: Often features multiple tools, from pickaxes to saw blades, making it a versatile and indispensable winter tool.

Choosing the Best Packable Shovel for Winter

When selecting the best packable shovel for winter, consider your specific needs. If you’re a frequent winter hiker or camper, a lightweight folding shovel for backpacking will keep your pack light without sacrificing functionality. For those who need a portable snow shovel for car emergencies or winter sports, look for models that are compact and easy to store.

Key Considerations:

1. Portability: Choose a shovel that’s easy to carry, whether in a backpack, car, or survival kit.
2. Durability: Ensure the shovel is made of high-quality materials to withstand harsh winter conditions.
3. Multi-functionality: Opt for a multi-tool shovel if you need a tool that can serve more than one purpose.
4. Size and weight: A lightweight camping shovel is ideal for those on the move, while a larger portable snow shovel might be better for car emergencies.

Conclusion

A packable shovel for winter is more than just a convenience—it’s a crucial tool for outdoor adventures, survival situations, and emergencies. Whether you need a collapsible shovel for backpacking, a portable snow shovel for clearing ice, or a tactical shovel for rugged survival tasks, there’s a perfect option for every scenario. Be sure to choose a durable collapsible shovel that fits your needs, ensuring you’re prepared for whatever winter throws your way.