Near Zero Ultralight Titanium Shovel and a few Alternatives

[@JerryShaver-vb7nd]

Didnt think i could last the whole video about shovels, but i was impressed about the amount of knowledge I didn't know and how easy it was to listen and learn . Thanks mark!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I appreciate that. Thanks for commenting

[@robertmaxwell3220]

Another excellent show,as always.Suppliers of camping gear would do well having you review their wares

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words

[@coreyschultz7018]

Coyote, cat, fish entrails and uneven tent pole ground would be my primary uses. Northern MN. Is rich in ironwood therefore a custom handle. I'll order. Thanks friend. :)

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Most welcome. Thanks for commenting

[@massivedynamic2339]

i use the cold steel shovel. keep 1 in my truck and on my pack when backpacking. it's the 1 tool that i never go to the woods without. it's pretty good at wood processing also.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

A true performer. Just a bit heavy for some people. Thanks for commenting

[@woodrowbrimm2805]

Just a thought but it might be good for Hobby Gold Prospecting where weight was a concern.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Interesting idea. Hopefully, you would have more weight coming back then going out😉. Thanks for commenting

[@jackvoss5841]

I had tried for decades to find a trowel that would work. One by one they all broke. Then I went to a folding entrenching tool, which no doubt does everything that I ever asked it to do. Now I use a Japanese trowel, a “horri horri” which means DIG DIG! It is a heavy duty trowel strong enough for industrial excavating. The size of a trowel, lighter than a shovel. Works for me. I also use a shovel or trowel to scrape my tent sites clear of debris. Sharp and bumpy stuff. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@greywindLOSP]

On your coyote hole, you can line it with spruce bark or birch bark make excellent filtration. Me I carry an old WWII German folding shovel, served me well for years! Thank you for your time and dedication.....ATB

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for your suggestion as well

[@railwaystationmaster]

Another detailed gem .

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for commenting

[@AtomicBleach]

I always bring my trenching shovel on car trips. It's saved me alot of times. One function that alot of people don't know about is it's use as a hoe. You can really get alot of work done in that configuration. Great for chopping roots, digging trenches around larger tents, etc... and This is why I normally go for that over the cold steel shovel.

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Thomas, a hoe is a good one mate. Fair to say car camping provides a ton more options and why would'nt ya, makes for a better time of it and indeed helps in leaving no trace. Back in the day I used to take my tradies van out, within its off road limitations, lol, and half the tools from the garden shed, lol. Cheers Duke.

[@larryn8]

I always bring my folding trench shovel car camping. The hoe configuration has came in handy many times. For backpacking I just use a titanium Deuce #2 UL by TheTentLab (17 grams/6 oz).

[@AtomicBleach]

@@larryn8 for backpacking I use a aluminum trowel I got from AliExpress and sharpened the end. Lighter than anything else I've seen and it's treated me well.

[@AtomicBleach]

@@eyeofthetiger4184 there are quite a few long term campsites along forest roads in the mountains of VA that my fam set up when I was young. Amazing what you can do with a van full of tools and a chainsaw.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. I meant to mention that in my review. I have used the E-tool that way as well. Thanks for commenting

[@markmartello]

Thanks Mark. When weight is not an option, I like the old Army issue folding shovel.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Bomb proof for sure. Just heavy as you say. Thanks for commenting

[@NorthcoastPatty]

You find the best stuff in thrift stores. I like the shovel, but I like it with your modification better. The best thing I like about the Near Zero shovel is the rolled over top edge. I've injured my foot a few times stepping on shovels with out that rolled edge and not wearing proper footwear. The free stove was a very thoughtful gift. What? No coffee??? lol

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good point about the rolled edge. Always coffee. I just couldn't figure out how to use the shovel to make it😂. Thanks for commenting

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Handy Tool There, Thanks For The Demo Mark ! Have A Swell Day ! ATB T God Bless

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting Terry

[@pennsyltuckyreb9800]

Now THIS is something I've been looking for. Thanks!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Most welcome. Thanks for commenting

[@russelllieser4226]

I carry a 24in long shovle from Home Depot about 2lbs and $15. Great video.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. I almost bought something similar that I was going to modify. Thanks for commenting

[@l.v.i.bushcraftandsurvival6692]

Had my Cold Steel shovel 13 years now, same handle. I will stick with it, I use it constantly, and I do sharpen the edges on it. I have chopped wood with it and often use it instead of a machete on my property. I plan on doing a long term review of it soon, and also talk a little about the trifold ‘E-Tool’ as well. I am currently removing some serious weeds from my raised bed using my Cold Steel shovel. Get one Mark, you will be glad you did. It’s also very lite weight. 👍🏻

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You are right. I need to get a CS shovel to try out. Thanks for commenting

[@jongjoorhee931]

Good little light weight shovel. Thanks for lugging out all those shovels. That must have been very heavy. My favorites are coldsteel shovels. They have two sizes and I have them both. A bit on the heavy side but work well. Thanks, Mark.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree, the CS shovels are the best heavy use ones. Heavy being the key word. Thanks for commenting

[@TheScoundrel70]

I have a few of the surplus German folding shovels with the spike on the back. Two came with very rough handles so I fitted longer handles for a log slick onto them as they looked very similar to the original. I keep one in each vehicle, one in the canoe, and one on the snowmobile with a wider snow blade that slips over the original blade. But for carrying on my pack or person, I carry a Japanese Hori Hori knife/trowel with a socket handle so I can add an extension, if needed. It's big enough to do anything I could ask it to at a 1-2 person camp, still easily packable, came with a belt sheath. Anything bigger will come on a pull, boat, vehicle, or other method of transport.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, the Japanese trowels are a good choice as well. Thanks for commenting

[@LonerOnTheField]

Cold steel shovel is my go to. Iv tried many different options and the cold steel just does everything i need and so well. I dont find it overly heavy for what it is and the large wooden handle is so comfortable

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hard to beat the CS shovel. I need to get me one. Thanks for commenting

[@JackBlack-gh5yf]

I like your homemade shovel Mark. I have the CS shovel, it's a useful tool, but the weight and size has limited my carry of it. I like that you can purchase just the head of the titanium shovel, looks very handy.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have been using it a fair bit for making a new fire pit and cleaning up old fires. Perfect for that. Thanks for commenting

[@steamboatmodel]

For many years I had a shovel / hatchet/ saw combination, it came in a pouch which held the shovel head which clipped into a handle, when you removed the shovel head you could install the hatchet with the saw blade ether extending out the end or stored in the handle which was hollow. It worked good for a number of years until the rubber grip on the handle came off. I was never very fond of the saw blade on it as it resembled a keyhole saw blade, but the hatchet worked good as did the shovel. I did see a Forestry Service tool that had a longer handle and more different head attachments at a outdoor show, but could not find them after the show.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have seen those combo shovel/saw type tools and wondered how well they would stand up over time. Sometimes simple is best. Thanks for commenting

[@brucematys8597]

Great video Mark, like you I picked up the same military shovel at a thrift store as well. For cat holes I've been using a Fiskars plastic trowel, it a little heavier then the Coglans, but does the job well. Cheers

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Good choices. Thanks for commenting

[@thebeardedgorilla8596]

Ok so this is my take on it. Ive had my coldsteel shovel for a long time now. That shovel comes with a pretty good edge but ive sharpened it to knife like. You can process wood, make tent stakes, hammer tent stakes, etc. As far as it being heavy, most carry a camp axe. Between the shovel and a knife, you can do anything you need and it's essentially 2 tools.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good points. This fills the niche for those hikes you want to go lighter. Thanks for commenting

[@SHANEZMARSHALL]

I have the Russian Titanium Combat shovel . it is perfect, I wouldn't carry any other shovel tbh this looks cool but seems like thin chinese titanium . the rusks make em thiccc

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have been looking at the Russian one. Thanks for commenting

[@SHANEZMARSHALL]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft I bought it on Etsy! it shipped directly from Russia before the War. I think western sanctions are preventing Russian imports atm :(

[@SHANEZMARSHALL]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft thanks for the video dude 🙏🏻 GOD BELSS 🌲☝🏻

[@fightinginflipflops7731]

Good review on shovel. Use something similar in my yard. Waiting for someone to invent a heat resistant lightweight but strong garden spade that is usable in itself - that would insert into a bigger shovel bowl making a wider shovel that has a saw blade in 1 or both sides and interchangeable handle length. Would be the best of both worlds! Well maybe one day...

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Wow. That would be a cool shovel. Thanks for commenting

[@jeromebullard6123]

You can get a cold steel shovel head in titanium and it’s excellent.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I will take a look. Thanks for commenting

[@redsorgum]

I dig this video…….🤣 I think the short handle is perfect for the shovel.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Oh no...you just had to spay it😉...Thanks

[@redsorgum]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft 🤣🤣🤣

[@MichaelR58]

Good looking shovel and review Mark , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Most welcome. Thanks for commenting

[@garywood702]

It's rare that I really need a shovel on my adventures. I have the ETool, I have the Cold Steel Special Forces style shovel and I have reproduction of a World War II style entrenching tool with pick and a wooden handle. The lighter of the three would be the Cold Steel offering which I have sharpened the edges for chopping. I've even split wood with it once. For my toilet kit I carry a folding, steel trowel from U Digit and have found it does everything I need for my most of my digging needs. While I haven't tried it, I believe I could cut a sapling and attach it to the handle of the trowel. I'll have to experiment with that, but realistically given the size of the blade and what I use it for, a longer handle really isn't needed as long as I'm able to kneel down and get back up. Once that becomes a problem maybe a handle extension will be needed. ;-)

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am starting to feel the need for the longer handle😅. This is still alight duty shovel but a bit more capable than most of the trowels. Thanks for commenting

[@misolgit69]

since you mentioned it did you know that Helikon Tex have sort of reinvented the Millbank bag ? basically it's much smaller so takes up less space and the top has built in cordage which makes it hangeable but also directs the stream correctly AND it's relatively cheap

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I was not aware. I just looked it up. Very interesting. I may see if they will send me one. Thanks for commenting

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Mark, I've been um-ing and ah-ing about taking anything more than an aluminum alloy trowel for some years, especially since there is the good ol' digging stick option. Besides a cat-hole, main use for me is trenching. However I recently found a mini-mattock/pick at the local hardware; and being essentially a mattock design, the tapered handle is removable and replaceable too. So it does suit my MO, as well as being a handy tool in the vege patch, .....but still, it is another thing to carry on the trail and to be honest not sure I'll bother; just thought I'd mention it as an alternative option, it may well suit some, perhaps the geo crowd or the metal detector mob as a multi-use item. Cheers Duke.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Sounds like a good alternative for sure. Thanks for commenting

[@sirdee9607]

nice Shovel

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@darthkek1953]

I use a GSI trowel, small, cheap VERY strong plastic, sharp edge for roots.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Also a good choice. Maybe a little less versatile. Thanks for commenting

[@misolgit69]

Japanese Garden Trowel with sawing edges ?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Sure, if you don't mind the weight or short handle. Thanks for commenting

[@LoreTunderin]

Hey Mark, not sure if you'll see this, but I was wondering if you ever got a chance to try out the Cold Steel or Russian Spetsnaz titanium shovel?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have often considered buying one or the other. I did a review on a small titanium shovel a few years ago but it was light duty at best. I will give it more thought. Thanks for commenting

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

LOL.. I must be adjusting to the New Year. I didn't even realize what video you were commenting on. Time for another coffee

[@LoreTunderin]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Hahaha, I know that feeling! If you're still interested in checking them out I'd be happy to lend them to you for a month or two to review at your own pace, I live in Fairview so it wouldn't be a problem. I was lucky enough to snag one of the last VSMPO titanium Spetsnaz shovels from Amazon just before the sanctions came into effect a couple years ago- I love the Cold Steel version but the weight was just too much for the backpacking I was doing at the time. Winter probably isn't the best time for camp shovel testing, but if you're interested I can send you an email with my contact info as you're welcome to borrow them any time.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

@@LoreTunderin Hello neighbour. I did not realize you live that close. I often carry a collapsible aluminum snow shovel when we get the infrequent big dumping's like we had just before Christmas (came in handy clearing a spot to sit down and build a fire). Maybe I could borrow them come spring. I find a good shovel helpful in rebuilding a fire pit. Thanks again

[@khaosforever5034]

Whered you get the dragonfly thats bobbing on your hat? does that actually help in keeping bugs away?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Mine was a gift from my daughter. She got it at Lee Valley. Called the Dragonfly Wingman. I have a video on it if interested. Yes, it does work fairly well. Thanks for commenting

[@DrDennis]

Surprised company didn’t put a flip over locking bail on that pin instead of just a ball detent!?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Interesting idea. I know the company is reading these comments so maybe they will consider that. Thanks for commenting

[@scottsyoutubeworld1824]

Great review! That's why I bought one. Question: when you mentioned that you could tell it was time to stop applying so much pressure, did it start to bend? Mine did, and when I bent it back, it was a little too easy. I'm wondering if I got one with a soft heat-treat or something. Thanks again for posting. I'm lovin' the shovel. It's still working, just not quite as hard. :)

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Mine didn't bend but I could sense that the handle would move but the head would not so I stopped. The company owner did say the newer versions were heavier and harder. You may want to reach out to him. Good to deal with

[@scottsyoutubeworld1824]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Thank you, Mark!

[@hztn]

Contra is that you have to use a TIG welder to fix possible cracks in it, also it reqire a titanium expendables may no every welder could have. You cannot do it with stick welder in any garage, or a MIG welder. Pro is ultralight weight. Also pros is that that polished titanium il less adhesive to a soil in compare to a steel, or stainless steel, and it's easier to dig a black soil, clay, etc with it. Didn't see russian spetcnaz titanium showels yet. We have a war against them there, hope to see them soon as a trophey.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

All good points. Thanks for commenting

[@jimf1964]

I always thought "cat holes" were for burying cats. 😳 I like it. The two reasons I don’t carry one is weight, and theyre so darn short . Makes it a pain in the butt to bury cats. Varesteleka had a surplus shovel (I think Swiss) that had an attachment that made the blade bigger for shovelling snow. Most of these shovels would probably profit from that. Hey, totally unrelated question. I’ve started drying and vacuum packing some food. I find a lot of the stuff, like meats, when they get really dry end up poking through the bags. Have you had the same problem? And do you have a solution?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

By experience I have learned to try and not vacuum seal items what have sharp edges. When I do want to do that I will wrap them in something like a paper towel. Other small tip, I freeze anything really soft like cheese and peanut butter or anything really oily before sealing. Less chance of drawing the moisture into the machine. Hope this helps Jim

[@jimf1964]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Yeah, that helps. I guess if it’s totally dry it doesn’t need to be super vacuumed.

[@mikeparkermikeparker]

I think you're misusing the term "lag bolt", which is a type of screw.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

you are correct

[@rhettoracle9679]

Drainage ditch/channel to prevent water from running under tent. Peace

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, exactly. Good shovel for doing that with. Thanks for commenting

[@greekveteran2715]

Weight with such tools is a durability and performance factor. That means, that this shovel is only for very light use. Also...Size matters!!!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@rjstewart]

This looked really exciting but then I checked the reviews on Amazon. :-(

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

It is not for everyone. Thanks for commenting

[@rjstewart]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft fair point! I've sometimes read amazon comments and dismissed them because the person clearly was mis-using the product etc. I'm curious though, the main complaint was that it bends when used for any serous digging, including using your foot and getting a full load of dirt on it. What was your experience with it outside the video?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

@@rjstewart It is definitely light-duty. Should be considered more of a cat-hole digger and foraging tool. In speaking with the owner of the company, he is considering a shorter handle to lessen the chance of applying too much leverage. He also tells me they have increased the thickness of the titanium. Still, if I was looking to dig big holes or in hard dirt, I would go to the CS shovel or something similar

[@rjstewart]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft you’ve sent me down a gear rabbit hole lol. Now I’m looking at the Condor. It’s a bit smalller and lighter and I think it would be a good addition to my EDC bag. I commute via GO transit to downtown Toronto and in my backpack I carry a few odds and ends to help me if I ever have to walk the 80km home. The Condor isn’t overly heavy but could be a reasonably good shovel/wood processing tool that isn’t going to run me a foul of the law as a “concealed weapon” like a big bushcraft knife or a hatchet might.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

@@rjstewart Was not aware of the Condor shovel. Will take a look at it

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Hello from British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦👋👍♥️🌲🌲🧘‍♀️🌲🌲🔥👠😉

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@billleiker5314]

Gold panning, great backpacking hobbie

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, good use for sure. Thanks for commenting

[@charleswalter2902]

You have a great website and my comment has nothing to do with it but why does anyone bury their poop? There is no other animal that does that except cats and I’m not a cat. Get off the trail, take care of your business and move on.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The recommendation to bury our poop is based on the concept of trying to keep animals out of it. Our poop carries a lot of foreign chemicals and other things not natural to the environment that can have a negative impact on wildlife. Burying poop a few inches down will also allow microbes to decompose it faster. Thanks for commenting