A camp shovel is a basic tool for any camper. It may not seem like much, but it can make the difference between a miserable and enjoyable campground experience.
The best camp shovels are lightweight, durable, and have a comfortable grip. They also have a wide scoop to make it easier to get soil out of the ground without breaking your back. And they need to be able to stand up to some abuse because you will be using them on rocky soil that can break your shovel if it’s not tough enough.
What this all means is that a good shovel is not cheap. Buy a cheap shovel and you will get just that, a cheap shovel. Buying quality is particularly important if you are looking for a camping shovel for rocks.
Choosing The Right Camping Shovel For Rocks
Shovels are tools that are used to dig and transfer loose materials. They have a blade on one end and a handle on the other. Shovels can be classified into two types: spades and shovels.
A spade is usually used for digging dirt, sand, or gravel from a hole or trench, whereas a shovel is usually used for moving loose material like soil, sand, coal, or snow. If you are working around rocks more often, you should go with a spade, as it is usually built more rugged for the task.
The shape of the blade also varies with design. For example, a square, wide bladed shovel is better for use in soft soil because it can scoop up more material at once. It would, however, get caught to often on rocks which is why a pointed and more narrow blade is more useful for rocky soil.
Your camping shovels handle should also be a consideration when working with rocks. Shovel handled will usually be metal, fiberglass or wood. In general, a fiberglass handle will be the best option for a number of reasons. They tend to bend before cracking and they will not deteriorate in bad weather. That means that they will survive longer strapped to a roof rack, the often preferred way of mounting a shovel for an overlander.
How To Dig With A Camp Shovel in Rocky Soil
A properly designed shovel is a tool that can be used for digging in rocky soil. Digging in soft soil is easy. You just hold the handle with one hand and then place the blade of the shovel into the ground. Then you should push it down until it feels like it has dug into some good dirt. You should then pull it up and repeat this process until you have reached your desired depth.
Rocky soil is another matter altogether. To use a shovel in rocky soil, you should start by using your foot to break up any large rocks or roots that are in your way. Then you should place the blade of your shovel into the ground and swing it in a semicircle around your feet, creating a small trench. You can now use the shovel to dig up dirt and rock with your hands.
Digging in rocky soil is no easy task, which is why you need two things. A good quality spade style shovel with a strong fiberglass handle and a pair of heavy duty work gloves. With both of these in hand, any task is possible.
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