eGear Survival Essentials Folding Stainless Shovel

We need reliable lightweight folding shovels for our survival BUG-OUT-BAG kits. Because of mixed reviews, my expectations in ordering these shovels were not really very high, but I was hopeful that the product would suffice, especially because the design looked to be small, compact when folded, and lightweight.Delivery was timely, but instead of receiving the two eGear shovels I ordered, I received one eGear-brand shovel and one UST-brand shovel. They look similar - identical, really - but differ in material and quality of manufacture. Surprisingly, the SKU numbers on the labels affixed to both boxes are identical; and I took that to mean the seller does not differentiate between brands when fulfilling an order. Upon opening them I was cautious to keep them separate and not to confuse the two, going so far as to affix small pieces of blue tape on the UST and its pouch before comparing them. After inspection, I could tell the difference without the tape.I can not recommend the eGear product, and here's why:Right out of the box the eGear shovel just felt a bit lighter, less substantial, and "cheaper" than the UST shovel; but to be fair, neither brand's model is very robust. Despite what the web page photo may depict, both the eGear and the UST shovels are stamped "Made in China" on the back of the blades. The eGear stamp was blurred and slightly askew; the UST stamp was crisp and correctly aligned. I was told that for both brands, this model is indeed made in China, not in the USA, but the brands are supplied by separate manufacturing sources in China. (Important note to potential buyers: there is a similar-looking but different, slightly larger and 2 oz. heavier "PRO" model available on Amazon, listed as "UST - Ultimate Survival Technologies U-DIG-IT PRO Tool Satin Folding Shovel Nylon Sheath Stainless Steel 20-U-DIG-IT-01", which is supposedly made in the USA, as depicted in the website images; so if the extra cost and the extra size/weight aren't disqualifying, you might give consideration to this slightly larger model. UPDATE...I eventually acquired the "PRO" model from REI and favorably reviewed that model on its Amazon web page.)The eGear shovel folding handle did not fit well into the shovel blade "keeper-tab" and the "keeper-tab" itself deformed (bent) the first time I deployed the handle fully. The metal ("stainless steel") seemed a little too soft to be used in a tool meant for digging in the ground. The UST model had a noticeably better (tighter, more correct) fit and the metal ("stainless steel") in that model was stronger and resisted bending when the handle was fully deployed. When closing, the eGear handle popped out of the "keeper-tab" too easily, even after I manually restored the "keeper-tab" alignment; the UST model took more force to close (a good thing, IMHO). When squeezed, as if working in dirt, both handles popped out of their respective blades at the hinge point (not a good thing, IMHO, but something that could be offset by user technique...not disqualifying by itself).The eGear product was flimsy and I did not trust it even for use in the garden. The UST product seemed only marginally better but could possibly be useful for very light work; but even then it might not last very long. Since we require small shovels/digging tools for our survival "Bug-Out-Bags", and since we might not have the opportunity to replace them right away if they failed, I returned both the eGear and the UST shovels to Amazon for refunds, and I will resume my quest. I'll try the larger "PRO" model shovels (hopefully it really is sturdier and "Made in the USA"). I haven't yet received the "PRO" model shovels; but if that model is also found lacking, I will leave a review of that model on its web page.Unfortunately we don't always get what we pay for; but we should never expect to get what we don't pay for.UPDATE...I ordered the "PRO" model shovels from a different Amazon vendor, and I received the shipment from that second vendor yesterday. Unfortunately, the second vendor sent me two "LITE" model shovels instead of the "PRO" model shovels I ordered. After contacting and discussing the matter with the second vendor, they researched it and found that they didn't even have the "PRO" model available, only the "LITE" model, and that the problem was due to a "SKU Number" glitch on their end. I believe them, consider them to be honest, and wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again. In any case, they made good by emailing me a return mailing label so I could return both shovels to them. I received a full refund immediately.I then contacted UST's main company, Revere Supply, to determine whether the "PRO" model really existed anywhere...they assured me it did, and suggested I contact our local REI store to see if they had any in stock. I did, REI did, I went, and now at last I have what I sought - two UST U-Dig-It "PRO" Stainless Steel Folding Shovels. They are solid, hefty, strong, and very well-made right here in the USA (in Oregon, or so I was told by the UST/Revere rep.) Again, since these folding shovels will be kept in our Bug-Out-Bags, we might not be able to replace them right away if they failed; but after testing them I feel confident that they can withstand the moderate use I envision.Bottom Line: I do recommend the American-made UST U-Dig-It "PRO" Stainless Steel Folding Shovel, but I definitely do NOT recommend this Chinese-made "LITE" model.

Does the trick when we are camping.

It works and is compact. A little heavy so if I was hiking I probably would not put it my back pack unless I thought I was really going to need it. Good for sticking it in your camping bin though.

This is a useful piece of equipment for any bag or outing. It is often time helpful to have a shovel when pack camping etc. Even when trying to keep your pack as light as possible, this shovel is worth it's weight in gold as a multi use it. It can be used for personal latrine, fire pit, used a wedge to help split wood, use it to keep fire tender off damp ground and assist in lighting tender, etc. It's very study for a small pocket size shovel.

I know these foldable tools are cheap little gadgets just to serve a purpose for a quick little dig, maybe a shallow fire pit or something, and I know not to expect much as I've owned these in the past.My complaints are with the seller, who shows the tool and the case saying e gear. It in fact does not say e gear but very a very ugly MADE IN CHINA instead. The handle does not securely lock in to place like the other ones I've had, and you could very easily cut yourself on the sharp edges if it were to collapse on your hand in the middle of being used, pressure being applied.I felt deceived and lied to, I recommend steering clear of these commy supporters.

It cut right through old forest roots and hard alpine turf. I found it easy to fold out and again collapse it to fit in the handy carry case. It isn't all that much heavier than my old plastic trowel. but believe me not much is worse than having a trowel break on you when you are in a hurry. This little guy is built for the long haul and should last me the rest of my years.

i foud this item really hard to operate with.it was hard to put in shovel mode. not something i was looking to struggle with, returned for my refund.

As advertised. Not much to say about a cat hole shovel. Use this shovel backpacking. Good catch holds open when unfolded. Sure a plastic shovel is lighter but I'm rarely digging just sand. I find the metal folding shovel works well in the woods with roots. Other times there may be stones or rocks that it is able to pry out of the hole.