Customer Reviews

Coleman Folding Shovel

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I've been wilderness camping for over 26 years. When I first started (as a Boy Scout), a folding shovel was high on my list of "must have" camping gear. After purchasing one, however, and carrying it with me on a number of outings, I soon came to a different conclusion.

Why do most people want to carry a shovel? I usually hear three reasons: 1) to dig a trench around a tent, 2) to shovel ash out of the fire pit, and 3) to dig a scat hole (a hole for depositing excrement). Let me address those three items, and then address some different types of camping or outings that may further influence your decision.

TRENCHING AROUND TENTS
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Simply put, this is an outdated practice that causes erosion in campsites. Trenches eventually fill and overflow, carrying off soil and altering the conditions in the site. In fact, most campsites (and all National Parks and wilderness areas) prohibit trenching. If you really want the floor of your tent to stay dry on the inside, purchase a tent with a tub floor (where the seams are raised off the bottom of the tend) and a good rain fly.

SHOVELING ASH
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While a shovel can be used to shovel ash out of a fire pit, so can small gargen trowel, a metal cup, a metal plate, or even a frying pan. You're likely already going to be carrying a cup, plate, or pan, so there is no need to carry the extra gear (the shovel). A large stick can be used to stir coals in an active fire, and the cookware can be rinsed with water after using it to dig out the fire pit.

SCAT HOLES
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When digging a hole for human waste, you typically need to turn only a few inches of soil. I've found that a garden trowel does a splendid job, and it weighs only a few ounces compared to the 2.4 lbs. of this shovel.

DIFFERNT CAMPING METHODS REQUIRE DIFFERENT GEAR
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Let's face it, it makes a difference if you are driving into a campsite rather than hiking in. If driving in, you are less concerned about how heavy your gear is, so a shovel like this one may be a nice luxury. If backpacking or on any wilderness excursion where you are carrying everything you need, you feel every extra ounce you carry. In such cases, a gardening trowel makes more sense. You can get one made from composite plastics that is very hard and durable, but weighs only a few ounces.

In my years of experience, I found that the weight of the shovel was not worth the benefit I received from it while on wilderness treks. However, I love keeping one of these in the trunk of my car to help dig out if I get stuck in the snow.

The Coleman folding shovel is a nice little tool. You just need to decide if you want to carry it with you when you spend time in the wilderness.

I wanted to dig a small hole for less than 10 dollars.

This shovel enabled me to dig a small hole for less than 10 dollars.

If you would like to dig a small hole for less than 10 dollars then you should buy this shovel.

I doubt by any means this is "military issue grade" however, it is only $7!!! I mean, for 7 bucks, it's worth it. I bought it for light camping use, cleaning out fire pits, and in the event that I might need it for emergency type situations. It will hold up a corner of a "hooch" just fine also. If I was buything this with the thought of digging an entire fox hole for two people.... I would buy a better shovel. Bottom line, it's a decent shovel with an enamel/type finish that seems fairly durable.

The steel ring where the shaft contacts the back of the shovel head isn't hardened. The shovel basically ripped itself apart the first time I used it to dig a hole in not very hard soil. Good thing it wasn't an emergency. I expected at least "ok" quality from Coleman, it seems they really let there quality hit rock bottom. Looks like I have a new door stop, and will be looking for a new camp shovel. Unless you are looking to scooping a litter box don't waste yer money on this garbage.

Shame on you, Coleman!

Lock collar is made of cheap metal. Without it this shovel is junk. Within three minutes of light use the lock collar buckeled and now will not keep the shovel locked in place. I could probably put a washer on it to fix it but I think I will send it back and purchase something I can count on. I understand the cost is only 10 dollars but it is advertised as a reliable light duty shovel. It should be advertised as scrap metal.

I'm dissapointed in this product from coleman. Normally the stuff they put out is of better quality. I know the thing only cost ten bucks, but it's junk. The first time I used it the "positive fit lock collar" bent and came loose from the tightening ring. The shovel blade when "locked" is bent backwards slightly making digging a pain. I just saw a comparable version today at a tool tent in a parking lot for $8 that was better constructed. I would send it back if the shipping wouldn't cost so much.

I took a camping trip last year and encountered a fire pit where the previous "tenants" didn't remove their ash waste, and I was forced to waste nearly an hour cleaning it out. I vowed I would never go through that again.

I went on a search for a army-like folding shovel, without the cost, as I would only be using it to clean fire pits upon arrival and departure. However, I also needed something that was easy to pack away, as I drive a "sport-wagon" style vehicle.

This shovel is "perfect" in nearly all ways. I say nearly because no product is perfect, and there will be some flaw that I dwell on (it's a bit difficult to fold initially, but you get the hang of it) that someone else won't. It fits perfectly in my vehicle's rear storage compartment, tucked above the wheel-well.

It feels sturdy, as if it was made with good materials, and I can say that it will survive many a camping trip in the future.

This shovel is not meant to dig foxholes or trenches, it just wasn't built with that in mind. It was meant for simple to moderate tasks, and if I could improve on one thing (that isn't the folding), it would be to add a pick to it, as it could then be used to help drive stakes for tents.

Otherwise, it is a good buy, compare its cost to the big box retailers!

used this shovel on my last camping trip. had to dig a trench to divert rain water away from my tent. the handle bent on the second dig.

This Coleman "Folding Shovel" is OK for the primary purpose I bought for, as an emergency shovel to keep in my car for removing snow or dirt if I get stuck. It would likely be a bit disappointing and inadequate as a camping shovel. Here are my observations:

Pros -
+ Small Size; as advertised, this does fold into a very manageable size
+ Versatile; the head can be positioned as a shovel or hoe

Cons -
- "Saw"; the two saw areas along the shovel blade are not at all sharp or saw like at all
- Shaky; even when fully extended and tightened, there is a good bit of play in the movable parts

Misc -
* No case or cover comes with it

While not an outstanding piece of survival gear, it still has a place in my trunk but I will likely look for another brand for my other cars.

CFH

Wanted a small, strong shovel for keeping in the car to help getting out of ice and snow cover parking lots and this really does the job. I purchased two and the shovel was exactly as described, was well packaged, and shipping was fast. Over all, I'm very happy with this item and the company I purchased it from.