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Pick any two picks from this list and see specs, current price, pros, cons and reader ratings side by side.
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#7 on this list
Original Field Shovel
Gerber (E-Tool)
The updated military folder. Steel blade, glass-filled nylon handle, real capacity for latrine and fire-pit work.
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#8 on this list
Piepsspaten Shovel
Pieps
Compact metal blade with hoe-mode. Efficient at moving avalanche debris without the weight of a full-size guide shovel.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Original Field Shovel | Piepsspaten Shovel |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Gerber | Pieps |
| Material | High-carbon steel blade, glass-filled nylon handle | — |
| Folded Length | Approx. 9.3 inches | — |
| Extended Length | Approx. 23.75 inches | — |
| Weight | Approx. 2.3 lbs (36.8 oz) | Approx. 1.2 lbs (550g) |
| Blade Style | Tri-fold, serrated edge | — |
| Blade Material | — | Aluminum |
| Handle Type | — | T-Handle |
| Blade Shape | — | Compact, Scooped |
| Special Feature | — | Hoe Mode Compatible |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Original Field Shovel
- Extremely durable high-carbon steel blade
- Effective serrated edge for roots
- Moves significant amount of material per scoop
- Secure locking mechanism, no wobble
- Excellent value for its robust capability
- Heavy compared to other pack shovels
- Bulky when folded, not ideal for minimalist packing
- Serrated edge can dull over time if abused
Piepsspaten Shovel
- Excellent packability due to compact size and two-piece design
- Robust aluminum blade handles frozen avalanche debris effectively
- Hoe-mode capability significantly increases digging efficiency
- Lightweight without feeling flimsy or underbuilt for its purpose
- Simple, reliable T-handle provides good grip and leverage
- Shorter handle length may not suit taller users for extended digging
- Smaller blade surface area means more scoops than a full-size shovel
- Basic T-handle lacks ergonomic features of some D-handles
- Not ideal for heavy-duty digging tasks beyond avalanche rescue
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