A reliable shovel is one of those crucial tools you hope you never truly need, but when you do, nothing else will cut it. The Coleman folding shovel promises to be that essential, multi-purpose tool that fits neatly into your pack without weighing you down. Designed for backpackers and light campers, this compact tool boasts a shovel, a pick, and even a saw edge, all in a folding format.
We’re talking about a classic design from Coleman that is built from tempered forged steel. We’ve spent time using this shovel for everything from digging fire pits to light recovery work to determine if it’s tough enough to earn a permanent spot in your outdoor kit.
What’s in the box
A multi-purpose folding shovel and pick combo made from tempered forged steel. It weighs 590 g and features a saw edge and a positive locking collar for secure deployment.
What we like
- Ultra-compact folded size 18.4 cm
- Lightweight at only 590 g
- Tempered forged steel build
- Multi-purpose (shovel, pick, saw)
- Protective green carry bag included
What we don’t
- Not suitable for heavy digging
- Positive lock can seize with dirt
- Handle length is quite short
Quick Specs
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Coleman |
| Material | Tempered Forged Steel |
| Colour | Black |
| Weight | 590 g |
| Packed size | 18.4 × 10.8 × 5.8 cm |
| Functions | ShovelPickSaw Edge |
| Lock | Positive locking collar |
| Included | Carry Pouch |
First look
The moment you pick up the Coleman folding shovel, its compact design is immediately impressive. It folds down to a tiny, easy-to-manage bundle measuring just 18.4 cm long, fitting effortlessly into the included green carry bag. For a tool made of forged steel, it’s surprisingly light at 590 g.
The black finish gives it a sharp look, and the handle features a good grip, which is essential for any digging tool. Unfolding it is simple, just pivot the blade and the pick out and secure them using the positive locking collar. After screwing on the handle, it transforms instantly from a small, flat package into a handy shovel/pick combo.
Materials & Build QualityMaterials & Build Quality
The main construction of the Coleman folding shovel is made from tempered forged steel components. This is a huge advantage over cheaper shovels made of stamped or brittle metal, as forging aligns the metal grains, creating a stronger, more impact-resistant tool. This makes the blade less likely to bend or break when you hit a stubborn rock or root.
While the steel itself is durable, the folding mechanism is the key to its build. It features a positive locking collar, which tightens down to hold the blade firmly in either the shovel position or at a 90-degree angle for use as a trenching tool/hoe. The pick is also secured by the same collar mechanism. The handle has a decent plastic grip that feels comfortable in the hand. The main constraint in the build is the pivot points; these are where dirt can build up, so keeping the mechanism clean is essential to ensure the locking collar doesn’t seize when you need it most.
Ergonomics & WeightErgonomics & Weight
At only 590 g, you can practically forget the Coleman folding shovel and pick is in your pack. This makes it an ideal piece for short hikes where minimal digging is required. Its compact folded size of 18.4 cm is perfect for stowing in small spaces, like under a seat or in a drawer unit within your 4WD storage.
When fully extended, the shovel is small, and the handle length is fairly short. You are definitely stooping over to dig, making it unsuitable for large volume excavation. However, for quick jobs like levelling a tent site, digging a cat hole for waste, or breaking up fire pits, the short handle gives you precision and control.
The dual function as a pick is excellent, it pivots out easily and is perfect for breaking up hard, compacted soil before you start shovelling. The plastic grip on the handle also provides enough leverage to push and pull comfortably without rubbing your hand raw, making it a functional and portable tool.
Performance & FeaturesPerformance & Features
The Coleman folding shovel and pick is a multi-purpose tool that performs best at light to medium tasks. The shovel blade is strong enough for digging in typical campsite dirt, and the serrated saw edge along one side of the blade is surprisingly useful for cutting through small roots or breaking up thick sod when clearing a pitch for a swag or tent.
The standout feature is the integrated pick. By flipping the blade 90 degrees, you can use the pick to break up stubborn, hard-packed earth or clay. This capability is fantastic for making a small trench around your tent or creating a drainage channel. If you take your vehicle off-road, the Coleman folding shovel can even serve as an emergency tool to clear mud or sand from around a tyre for light recovery situations, though you wouldn’t use it to replace a full-sized recovery shovel. It’s a versatile, three-in-one design (shovel, pick, saw) that delivers utility far exceeding its minimal 590 g weight.
Conclusion: Coleman Folding Shovel & PickConclusion
The Coleman Backpacking Folding Shovel & Pick is a tough, highly portable, and affordable multi-purpose tool that is essential for backpackers and everyday campers. It offers excellent durability thanks to its tempered forged steel construction and its 590 g weight makes it almost unnoticeable in your kit. While the short handle limits its capacity for heavy or extended digging, the versatility of the shovel, pick, and saw functions, combined with its ultra-compact folded size of 18.4 cm, makes the Coleman folding shovel a winner. It’s a reliable emergency tool that is always worth having on hand for light tasks around the campsite. For 4WD owners, it also earns a place as a piece of tactical gear for emergency recovery.
The Coleman Backpacking Folding Shovel & Pick proved to be an essential compact tool for light campsite duties.
Its forged steel construction offers solid durability for a folding model, and the combination of shovel, pick, and saw functions provide multi-purpose utility. The low weight and small packed size makes it extremely portable for all types of vehicles and foot-based adventures.
- Campers
- 4WD tourers
- Emergency kits
Yes. A shovel, pick and saw in a 590 g forged-steel tool that folds to 18.4 cm is great value. The short handle rules out heavy digging, so it’s for light camp and recovery jobs.
