In-Depth Review: RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick – Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Style Entrenching Tool

When venturing into the outdoors, whether it’s for off-roading, camping, beach trips, or even just garden work, a reliable, multi-purpose tool can make all the difference. The RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick has quickly gained a reputation as one of those essential tools that enthusiasts trust to get the job done. Combining rugged durability, thoughtful design, and surprising versatility, this folding shovel is marketed as a must-have companion for both everyday tasks and emergency situations.

In this in-depth review, we’ll break down the shovel’s features, strengths, limitations, and address some frequently asked questions to help you decide whether it’s the right fit for your next adventure.

Overview of the RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick

The RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel is a compact, military-style entrenching tool made from heavy-duty carbon steel. It features a combination shovel and pickaxe, designed to handle various types of terrain including dirt, sand, mud, and even snow. When folded, the shovel is compact enough to fit into a small storage bag (included with purchase), making it easy to transport whether you’re packing it in your camping gear or keeping it in your vehicle.

The company behind this product, RHINO USA, is a family-owned American business known for producing high-quality off-road and survival gear.

Key Features

• Material: Heavy-duty powder-coated carbon steel

• Design: Folding, compact, and lightweight

• Functionality: Shovel, pickaxe, and sawtooth edge for cutting

• Dimensions: Approximately 23 inches when fully extended, folds down to about 9 inches

• Weight: Roughly 2 lbs

• Portability: Comes with a durable carrying case

• Multi-purpose: Suitable for off-roading, camping, hiking, gardening, beach trips, and snow clearing

• Warranty: Backed by RHINO USA’s lifetime warranty

Advantages of the RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel

1. Durability and Strength

One of the standout features of this shovel is its heavy-duty carbon steel construction. It feels sturdy in hand and can handle rigorous digging, chopping, and prying tasks without bending or breaking. Whether you’re digging through rocky soil, hard-packed snow, or wet mud, the RHINO USA shovel holds up impressively.

The powder-coated finish adds to its longevity by providing protection against rust and corrosion, which is especially important if you plan to use it in wet environments like snow, beaches, or muddy trails.

2. Compact and Portable Design

This shovel is extremely portable thanks to its folding mechanism. It breaks down to just about 9 inches in length when folded, making it small enough to store in a backpack, glove compartment, or even strapped to the side of a larger bag. The included sturdy carrying case ensures it doesn’t rattle around or damage other gear.

Its lightweight design (around 2 lbs) makes it easy to carry without adding significant weight to your pack or gear setup.

3. Multi-Functionality

The shovel is more than just a digging tool. It also features:

• A pickaxe head for breaking through tougher terrain.

• Sawtooth edges on the shovel blade, which can be used for cutting through roots, small branches, or packed vegetation.

This versatility makes it ideal for a range of activities:

• Off-roaders can use it for digging tires out of sand or snow.

• Campers will find it handy for setting up fire pits or latrines.

• Beachgoers can dig out stuck vehicles or simply shape sand for recreational purposes.

• Gardeners can use it for small to medium-sized digging projects.

4. Ease of Use

The tool is quick to deploy and fold. It has threaded locking mechanisms that allow you to secure the shovel or pickaxe firmly in place when unfolded. Switching between configurations (shovel, pick, or folded) is intuitive and doesn’t require any additional tools.

The ergonomic grip with textured handle sections ensures you can maintain control, even with wet or muddy hands.

5. Ideal for Emergency Kits

Given its compact size and multiple functions, this shovel is a perfect addition to emergency preparedness kits. Whether you're dealing with snow-blocked driveways, minor off-road incidents, or unexpected obstacles on a trail, this tool provides a simple, reliable solution.

6. Lifetime Warranty

RHINO USA backs this product with a lifetime warranty, which speaks volumes about the company’s confidence in its durability and performance. The peace of mind that comes with lifetime coverage is definitely a plus, especially for outdoor tools that are often put to the test in harsh conditions.

Disadvantages of the RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel

1. Size Limitations

While portability is one of the shovel’s greatest strengths, it also means the shovel is relatively small. For minor to moderate digging tasks, it’s perfectly suited, but if you need to move a large amount of dirt, snow, or debris, the small blade size may make the job slower and more labor-intensive.

2. Handle Length

When fully extended, the handle measures about 23 inches. Taller users or those used to full-size shovels might find the handle length somewhat uncomfortable for extended digging sessions, particularly when trying to leverage deep holes or shift large amounts of material.

3. Locking Mechanism Can Loosen

Some users report that with heavy use—especially during aggressive chopping or prying—the locking collar can start to loosen slightly, requiring periodic re-tightening. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something to be mindful of during prolonged use.

4. Not Ideal for Cutting Large Branches

Although the sawtooth edge can cut through small roots and thin branches, it isn’t sharp or robust enough to tackle larger wood cutting tasks efficiently. You’ll still need to carry a proper saw or hatchet if you anticipate cutting medium to large branches.

5. Carrying Case Quality

The carrying case is functional but not the highest quality. It holds the shovel securely but may show wear and tear after extended use or exposure to harsh conditions. Some users have chosen to replace the pouch with more durable alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the RHINO USA shovel be used to dig out a car stuck in snow or sand?

A: Yes, it’s an excellent tool for off-road recovery. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces around tires, and the pickaxe function is especially helpful for breaking up packed snow or tough sand.

Q: Is the shovel sharp enough to cut through roots or ice?

A: The sawtooth edge can handle small to medium-sized roots, but for thick roots or dense ice, you’ll need to put in extra effort. It’s more suited for light cutting tasks rather than heavy-duty sawing.

Q: How easy is it to fold and unfold the shovel?

A: It’s quite straightforward. The threaded locking collar quickly secures the shovel or pickaxe in place and can be loosened just as easily to fold the tool. Most users report that folding and unfolding takes less than a minute.

Q: Does the shovel feel sturdy when fully extended?

A: Yes, when properly locked in place, the shovel feels stable and solid. However, like most folding tools, it’s not as rigid as a fixed-handle shovel, so it's important to periodically check that the locking collar is tight during use.

Q: Can the shovel rust over time?

A: The carbon steel is powder-coated for rust resistance, but like all steel tools, it can eventually rust if not properly cared for, especially after exposure to moisture. Cleaning and drying the shovel after use will help maintain its longevity.

Q: Is it TSA-approved for air travel?

A: No, this would typically need to be packed in checked luggage, as it could be considered a potential weapon by airport security. Always check with your airline beforehand.

Final Verdict

The RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel w/Pick is a reliable, well-made, and thoughtfully designed tool that excels in versatility and portability. Its compact size, durable build, and multi-functional capabilities make it an excellent companion for outdoor enthusiasts, off-roaders, campers, and even casual gardeners.

It’s especially valuable for those looking to maximize space while still being prepared for a variety of tasks and minor emergencies. While it’s not a substitute for a full-size shovel in large-scale digging projects, it handles small to medium jobs exceptionally well.

The lifetime warranty and RHINO USA’s reputation for customer service further strengthen the product’s appeal.

Pros:

• Strong, durable carbon steel

• Compact and lightweight

• Multi-functional (shovel, pickaxe, saw edge)

• Easy to fold and deploy

• Backed by a lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Smaller blade and handle may not suit large tasks

• Locking mechanism can loosen during heavy use

• Saw edge not suited for large branches

• Carrying case could be higher quality

Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

If you’re looking for a dependable survival shovel that balances portability with performance, the RHINO USA Folding Shovel is a solid choice.