M48 Kommando Survival Shovel Multi Tool

The M48 Kommando Survival Shovel Multi Tool is for the camper who sees a shovel and thinks, “Could this also chop something?” At 16 1/4 inches overall, it pairs a tempered stainless steel head with a fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle. The pointed edge is sharpened, one side is partially serrated, and the other has a concave chopping edge. That gives you a digging tool with options for light chopping, rather than just a scoop on a stick.

We see the appeal for camping trips where digging and light chopping are on the agenda, not for a backpacker counting every ounce. It’s reasonably portable, but it isn’t an ultralight shovel. The head has a hard black oxide coating, and a reinforced nylon belt pouch comes along for carrying it. As a gift, it suits the outdoorsy person who likes practical gear with a slightly overprepared personality.