1. Boker Plus Shovel M1874
I know knives, axes, and even machetes are probably sexier tools, but a good shovel is an invaluable tool around camp or tucked away in your truck or Jeep. Whether digging catholes, drainage trenches or fire pits, or clearing your campsite, it’ll do jobs that your other tools can’t— while still doing a lot of the chopping and cutting that they can. I’ve tried all sorts of folding shovels, and have a good bit of time spent with a military tri-fold entrenching tool, but I always come back to a fixed-handle shovel. The old military styles with the wooden handle are my preference, as the straight handles also let you use the shovel edges like an axe or machete to chop roots and branches, clear out weeds, and even use as a boat paddle in a pinch.