Pack Shovels · #7
Original Field Shovel
Gerber (E-Tool)
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The updated military folder. Steel blade, glass-filled nylon handle, real capacity for latrine and fire-pit work.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Heavy compared to other pack shovels
- Bulky when folded, not ideal for minimalist packing
- Serrated edge can dull over time if abused
Best uses
- Car camping
- Overlanding
- Basecamp setup
- Emergency vehicle kit
- Winter snow digging
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Gerber
- 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)
- Blade Style
- Tri-fold, serrated edge
Pricing
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Best for
Car camping, Overlanding, Basecamp setup, Emergency vehicle kit, Winter snow digging
Where to buy the Original Field Shovel
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The Gerber E-Tool, often referred to as the Original Field Shovel, is a piece of gear with a long, established lineage, earning its stripes in military service. This isn't a dainty trowel for a quick cat hole; it's a robust digging instrument designed for serious excavation in demanding conditions. Its position at #7 on our list reflects its continued relevance for those prioritizing ruggedness and capacity over ultralight considerations. While many pack shovels have trended towards minimalist designs, the E-Tool sticks to its guns, providing a sturdy, reliable option for tasks ranging from digging proper latrines and fire pits to managing snow or even light trail work. What sets the E-Tool apart is its construction: a high-carbon steel blade paired with a glass-filled nylon handle. This combination results in a tool that can take a beating and keep performing. It's not the lightest shovel you'll find, nor is it the most compact when folded, but it excels in its primary function: moving earth efficiently and reliably. For anyone needing more than a token digger, this is a shovel built for the long haul, reflecting its heritage as a tool where failure is not an option.
Construction & Durability
The E-Tool is built like a tank, which is both its greatest strength and a potential drawback depending on your priorities. The high-carbon steel blade holds up exceptionally well against roots, rocks, and hard-packed earth. We've seen these endure years of abuse in military and civilian contexts without catastrophic failure. The serrated edge on one side of the blade is genuinely useful for cutting through smaller roots, though it's not a substitute for an axe or saw. The glass-filled nylon handle is robust and provides a secure grip, even when wet. Expect this shovel to last for decades if properly maintained.
Real-World Performance
When it comes to actually digging, the E-Tool is a workhorse. Its larger blade surface area moves significantly more material per scoop than most packable shovels. We've used it for everything from digging out stuck vehicles to creating drainage trenches around tents in heavy rain, and it consistently performs. The tri-fold design, while adding to its bulk, locks securely into place, eliminating any wobble during heavy use. For clearing a campsite or establishing a substantial fire pit, this tool delivers where smaller, lighter options falter.
Weight & Packability
This is where the E-Tool makes its biggest trade-off. At over two pounds, it's considerably heavier than most backpacking trowels or even some dedicated snow shovels. While it folds down to a compact 9.3 inches, its thickness and overall heft mean it's not disappearing into a small daypack. It's best suited for situations where you're not counting every ounce – think car camping, off-roading, extended basecamp stays, or emergency kits. If ultralight backpacking is your game, look elsewhere; this shovel is for those who prioritize capability over minimalist metrics.
Who It's For
The E-Tool is for anyone who needs a serious digging implement that can be carried, albeit not in a featherlight fashion. This includes overlanders, hunters, military personnel, preparedness enthusiasts, and those who frequently establish long-term camps. It's also an excellent choice for anyone who simply wants an uncompromised digging tool for campsite chores, emergency vehicle recovery, or even light gardening while on the move. Its robust build means it can handle unexpected demands far beyond what a small plastic or aluminum trowel could ever hope to achieve.
Alternatives & Value
At its price point, the E-Tool faces competition primarily from other military-style folding shovels, like those from SOG or various surplus options. What sets the Gerber apart is its consistent manufacturing quality and widely available parts/accessories. While some lighter titanium or aluminum pack shovels exist, they often come at a significantly higher cost and rarely match the E-Tool's brute strength. For genuine digging capability and long-term durability without breaking the bank, the Gerber offers exceptional value.
How we chose
We started with a long list of pack shovels that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Load carriage
- How the suspension handles the loads the pack is actually rated for, over long days.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
Original Field Shovel — frequently asked questions
- Is the Original Field Shovel worth it?
- We rank it #7 in Pack Shovels. The updated military folder. Steel blade, glass-filled nylon handle, real capacity for latrine and fire-pit work.
- What is the Original Field Shovel best for?
- Best for car camping, overlanding, basecamp setup and emergency vehicle kit. Standouts: extremely durable high-carbon steel blade and effective serrated edge for roots.
- What are the downsides of the Original Field Shovel?
- Heavy compared to other pack shovels, Bulky when folded, not ideal for minimalist packing and Serrated edge can dull over time if abused.
- What are the key specs of the Original Field Shovel?
- Manufacturer: Gerber · 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)
- Construction & Durability — what should I know about the Original Field Shovel?
- The E-Tool is built like a tank, which is both its greatest strength and a potential drawback depending on your priorities. The high-carbon steel blade holds up exceptionally well against roots, rocks, and hard-packed earth.
- Real-World Performance — what should I know about the Original Field Shovel?
- When it comes to actually digging, the E-Tool is a workhorse. Its larger blade surface area moves significantly more material per scoop than most packable shovels.
Compare side by side
Put the Original Field Shovel against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.