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Comment by Howard P Reynolds on September 21, 2015 at 16:21

Nifty looking shovels, Shlomo.  With regard to shovels, and tools to pack, has anybody ever used a pick/mattock as a camping tool?  I have seen some military shovel/pick arrangements, but they seem as though they might be a bit "weak" by trying to be a multi-tool instead of a purpose built pick/mattock.  Garden centers sell a version of a hand mattock with fork tines on the other end instead of a pick that gardeners seem to like.  A hand mattock seems to be pretty good for digging, and would work against tree roots, with the pick end for rocks, and maybe pulling tent stakes, but you can't shovel with it.  I don't expect to be digging foxholes, but a latrine, and creating a smooth surface for a tent or sleeping bag would be a routine endeavor.  Just wondering if a pick/mattock might be as handy as an entrenching tool for holes smaller than a foxhole, and possibly a little more ergonomic as a defensive weapon than an e-tool or pack shovel?

Comment by Tobias Gibson on September 21, 2015 at 9:24

I own and I have used both the old wood handled ones and the new folding ones.  If they are actual military issue and not made in China, copies they are solid and dependable.   I don't know about the copies.

I will tell you this, If you're trying to dig a fox hole as outlined by the DePuy bunker system, you will find the E-tool sorely lacking, especially when you're trying to build that hole behind a tree about 3 ft in diameter!   Tree roots are murder to cut, even with a real axe!   But then we're also talking about a hole approximately 4 feet wide, 7 feet wide and 6 feet deep.   I found the tri-fold all metal one superior to the old wood handles ones, primarily because of the spade grip.  You need to keep the locking bezel well oiled.  Also you should power wash it when you get a chance to get all the crud out of the bezel ring.

Many a wood handles shattered  when soldiers  were cutting through  tree roots with the wood handle ones.  They are also a little more bulky to carry.  Both are excellent for diggy shallow pits, such as a slit latrine.  And the cutting edge on the issued tri-folds could cut through inch thick  tree branches and roots with little problem.  I've dig up several well established shrubs and even six foot tall pine trees using my tri-fold.

I'll need to take pics of my wood handled one.

Ames Tri-fold with my Woodsman Pal

Ames Tri-fold with older canvas cover.

Issued heavy rubber cover.

Comment by Shlomo ben Maved on September 21, 2015 at 4:40

U-Dig-It for toilet service and the bottom trapper's shovel for firepits, trenches, gut burial, etc.

I carry this for toilet detail and the bottom one for digging firepits, trenches etc.

Comment by Howard P Reynolds on September 20, 2015 at 23:06

Jeremy, I guess it depends on ..."how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall" - Beatles, "A Day In The LIfe" - 1967.  You need a hole?  An entrenching tool is as good as most hole makers.  Maybe the old wood-handled ones are easier to work, but aren't as compact.  You might need one in a survival pack, but it is just as heavy there as in a camp pack.  Everything is weight, so maybe something else has to go - or not.  What are you willing to give up to pack a shovel?  My suggestion is to take it, and give it to Tobias to carry.

Featured Comment by Jeremy B. Buchanan on September 20, 2015 at 20:10

Here is an item that will have different opinions. I bought a folding shovel (E- Tool) for my back pack this weekend. I think it will be very useful and make digging a breeze. I plan to take it on my next camp out, to put to the test. Some folks would not recommend this tool for a survival bag (B.O.B.) because of it's weight. They are not the lightest tool to carry. What are your thoughts on the usefulness vs. the extra weight?

Comment by Tobias Gibson on September 16, 2015 at 8:59

Very nice set.  i like it.

Comment by Jan Carter on September 15, 2015 at 20:48

I think the copper will serve you better in the long run.  It is a more even heat, less likely to burn things over a fire 

Featured Comment by Jeremy B. Buchanan on September 15, 2015 at 19:59

Ok, moving on to the next item I purchased (which showed up today). I also plan on cooking some food while on my camping/survival trips. I was given a nice little set of cooking pots, by my brother, last year. It contains two nesting pots with lids for each. I used this set on my last camping trip, last week. I do like it because it is aluminum and nesting. It doesn't weigh much and pack up into a pretty small size. While on the camping trip, another one of the young guys had a stainless steel mess kit with copper bottoms. It is also a nesting set. I decided I need to get one of these. So, here it is. 

Comment by Jan Carter on September 15, 2015 at 19:19

I think keeping it in the car is an excellent idea.  Getting stuck in the weather with a long wait is no fun, might as well be warm

Comment by Tobias Gibson on September 15, 2015 at 19:12

And just to clarify, I also keep wool blankets in my car for warmth.  I also keep a couple of poncho liners! I also have a Swiss Army Poncho that I got off Amazon for $8 that is amazing when it comes to keeping you dry in the rain!  (The ponch liners will not fit the Swiss Army poncho.  It is completely different than the U.S. military poncho --  For one thing it keeps you dry!  LOL)

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