The best camping hammers, shovels and axes in Australia in 2023

When you’re setting up your tent, prepping a campfire or chopping wood for kindling, using a good quality hammer, shovel or axe is essential to having a safe and enjoyable camping trip.

Which is why we’ve reviewed seven of the best camping hammers, shovels and axes in Australia from The Forrest Tool Company, Mean Mother, Bushranger, Trojan, Elemental, HardKorr and Gerger Gorge.

Gone are the days of strapping a camping shovel to your roof racks. The latest camping tools pack down small so you can store them in your vehicle. We’re talking extendable handles, foldable shovels and multi-tools that give you the best of everything in one.

But you still need to look for quality and durability in these tools – not just so they last the test of time – but also so you don’t get caught out when you need them most.

So to help you choose the right tool for your camping adventures, check out our top picks for the best camping hammers, shovels and axes in 2023, and our Buyers Guide below.

The MAX tool kit

Taking on the Aussie bush or an off-road adventure just got a little easier with the MAX tool kit. The MAX is a heavy duty axe with a comprehensive set of tool attachments that will be useful for any camping or 4x4 adventure.

The Forrest Tool Company has packed seven different tool heads into one awesome case, giving you the right tool for the job – whatever the job is. The 86cm composite polyglass handle has an axe head and striking surface. This can then be topped with a shovel, pick, broad pick, mattock blade, or rake and hoe.

You can use The MAX for everything from 4x4 recovery to pitching a tent or clearing the ground for a campfire. When you’re done, slip the axe into the sheath and put the other tool heads away in the Cordura carry bag for easy storage.

For a multi-tool that is designed with interchangeable tool heads, the MAX is a sturdy unit. It’s made in the USA to a range of industry and government standards and is used by the military. If you’re a camper who needs a tool for any situation, the MAX will be a trusty companion for your adventures.

The MAX Tool Kit

Specifications

• Type: Multi-tool
• Size (cm): 86
• Weight: N/A
• Good for: Camping, 4x4

Buy now from Coast & Valley Overland

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Mean Mother 4x4 recovery shovel

This 5-in-1 shovel by Mean Mother is a key piece of recovery gear that will also come in handy around the campsite. With five shovels in one, you’ll be pulling this one out anytime there’s a trench to dig, ground to be cleared or you're bogged in the sand.

This Mean Mother shovel has been designed specifically for 4x4 recovery with a carbon steel blade and a long, reinforced steel handle with rubber grips. The included D-handle gives you excellent leverage and even better grip. Plus, the large shovel surface allows you to move a lot more sand or dirt than some of the smaller shovels.

The handle simply screws apart to become a small spade, which is perfect for camping. With a smaller handle you’ll have better manoeuvrability for digging a bush dunny or clearing the ground for a campfire. Plus it all packs down into a durable storage bag – with internal compartments – so you can easily transport it.

Mean Mother 4x4 recovery shovel

Specifications

• Type: Shovel
• Size (cm): 165
• Weight (kg): N/A
• Good for: Camping; 4x4

Buy now from Outback EquipmentBuy now from Tentworld

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Bushranger Diggar shovel

The Diggar shovel by Bushranger is an excellent option if you are after a 2-in-1 shovel. The durable shovel includes both a long and short handle and comes apart for easy storage.

You won’t be compromising on quality with the Diggar, it has a 2mm-thick heat-treated blade, and a fibreglass handle with rubber grips. The D-handle gives you the stability you need for the short handle and the long handle option provides plenty of leverage.

To take a long-handle shovel on your 4x4 trips you’ll appreciate that this one can be packed down small. You can take the Diggar apart into three pieces and slide it into the compact storage bag to keep it in your vehicle.

If you want a simple but high quality 2-in-1 shovel that will last many camping trips, we reckon you'll be more than satisfied with the Diggar.

Bushranger Diggar shovel

Specifications

• Type: Shovel
• Size (cm): 147.5 (shovel); 96 (spade)
• Weight: 3.3kg
• Good for: Camping; 4x4

Buy now from Outback Equipment

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Trojan folding camping shovel

The Trojan folding shovel is ideal if you need a small, lightweight shovel for hiking and camping. While there are plenty of these folding shovels on the market, this one from Trojan is a winner with its durability and price.

Trojan’s Folding Shovel features a hardened steel blade for digging or shifting dirt and sand. The shovel has a pick end and a serrated saw edge, and can be adjusted to two angles. There’s also hex holes for screws and a bottle opener.

Weighing just 830 grams means you won’t hesitate to throw it in your backpack for hiking. If you need a small shovel that is easy to store and use on the go – just grab it from the carry bag, unfold it and get digging. Better yet, it comes with a lifetime guarantee, making it the perfect camping buddy.

Trojan folding camping shovel

Specifications

• Type: Shovel
• Size (cm): 35
• Weight: 0.83kg
• Good for: Camping; 4x4; hiking

Buy now from Trojan Tools

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Elemental multi-use axe

The Elemental multi-use axe is a great camping companion for getting all those small jobs done around the campsite. For a great price and with multiple uses, you won’t regret adding it to your camping kit.

Elemental have designed this tool as an axe, but it has also thrown in a hammer, nail remover and pry bar for good measure. From driving in tent pegs to chopping kindling for the fire, this axe has you covered. Pair this with one of the 4x4 recovery shovels and you’ll be all set for the next camping trip.

To make packing even easier, this axe is lightweight and easy to throw in the rig with your other camping gear. But it’s also one of those tools you’ll use at home as well as at the campsite. So – for the great price – we can’t see a reason not to get one.

Elemental multi-use axe

Specification

• Type: Axe/hammer
• Size (cm): 33
• Weight: 0.8
• Good for: Camping; 4x4; hiking

Buy now from Outback Equipment

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HardKorr multi-tool shovel

HardKorr’s multi-tool shovel wins the award for most tools packed into one compact unit. There’s 23 functions across 15 pieces – everything from a shovel to spearfishing attachment. This is one tool you’ll appreciate in many situations – both expected and unexpected – and you’ll probably have a bit of fun showing it off to your mates as well.

The stainless-steel shovel head features multiple blades, a nail puller, bottle opener, ruler and multi-size wrench. You can easily convert between this and the pick head. You’ll also find a serrated knife attachment to chop your veggies, a flint fire starter, a spearfishing attachment and a magnetic tool bit holder with 11 tools stored in the shovel’s handle.

The total length of the shovel is just over a metre, but it comes apart to pack down small and be stored away in the compact carry case. It’s backed by a three-year comprehensive warranty, so you can count on getting plenty of use out of it.

HardKorr multi-tool shovel

Specifications

• Type: Multi-tool
• Size (cm): 105
• Weight: 2.0kg
• Good for: Camping; 4x4

Buy now from HardKorr

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Gerber Gorge folding shovel

The Gerber Gorge folding shovel doubles as a hammer and – as the lightest camping tool here – you should have no worries packing it into your camping gear. It comes with a 25-year limited warranty, so you know you're getting a great addition to the camping kit.

This shovel by Gerger Gorge is fitted with a push-button slide that makes it easy to switch between tools. The blade is made from carbon steel and folds back to reveal a hammer. The glass-filled nylon handle with rubber grip isn’t going to wear out your hand or slip through your fingers while you’re using it.

Portable, compact and simple to use – you can’t go too wrong here. Fold it down and pack it into the nylon bag for storing behind or under your seat, and it's ready to go when you need it next.

Gerber Gorge folding shovel

Specifications

• Type: Shovel/hammer
• Size (cm): 42
• Weight: 0.793kg
• Good for: Camping; 4x4; hiking

Buy now from Gerber Gear

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How we review products

4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles, aftermarket products and camping gear for more than 40 years. When looking for the best camping hammers, shovels and axes in Australia there are some things that are essential to ensure you get a tool that will do the job you need it for and stand the test of time.

When we compared each of the hammers, shovels and axes in the list with hundreds out there, we looked at the durability, useability, size, weight and price. We also searched for additional features that make these camping tools stand out from the rest.

We looked at hundreds of user reviews and drew on our own experience to make sure our recommendations are for the best on the market.

Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.

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Buyers’ guide to camping hammers, shovels and axes

If you’ve ever been caught out snapping a shovel in tough ground or pushing tent pegs in with your foot – you’ll know the importance of having the right camping tools. When it comes to hammers, shovels and axes, there’s a place and a use for all of them – but the quality is what's really important.

Camping Hammers

A hammer is going to come in handy in more ways than you might think when camping. It’s not just about driving in tent poles; you can set up camp furniture, drive in stakes for cooking over an open fire, repair gear and even use it to build shelter if you need to.

Look for durable materials, because if there’s one bit of camping gear that will get banged around it's – literally – this. Steel handles are tough but can be heavy, whereas fibreglass handles are more lightweight. Rubber or non-slip grips are good for using the hammer safely and comfortably in all kinds of conditions.

Camping Shovels

Camping shovels are useful for clearing out campsites, digging a bush dunny or digging a trench should rain pay an unexpected visit to your tent site. If you’re heading off-road, a long-handled shovel is a core piece of your recovery kit.

For durability, steel is a tough and long-lasting option, but, once again, it can be heavy. An aluminium or steel/aluminium combo will bring weight down whilst still providing the necessary durability.

Size is important, as a longer handle is going to give you a lot more leverage and make the job easier, especially if you are digging out your vehicle. A shovel with an extendable or foldable handle generally gives you the portability and useability you’ll need for camping and 4x4ing.

Camping Axes

Bush camping in Australia is rough at times, but a good camping axe will take the hard work out of clearing and cutting. An axe can be useful for cutting firewood, clearing brush or even doing some food prep.

The type of axe you need will depend on what you are going to use it for, so consider whether you’ll need a hatchet only - for smaller branches - or felling axes for tree or log cutting. A blade made from high-carbon steel or stainless steel will be the best options for durability and to prevent erosion.

The longer the handle, the more power you’ll have. Whereas the shorter handles provide more manoeuvrability. Both fibreglass and plastic are good lightweight options, but usually have less grip than wood. Look for a protective sheath or carry case included for portability and to prevent rusting.

Key things to consider when buying a camping hammer, shovel, axe or multitool

What do you need the camping tools for?

Think about what kind of camping adventures you plan on taking and consider what you are going to be using the tools for. Will you need to cut small branches, or large logs? Do you need to dig a latrine, or just clear the campsite to pitch a tent? Also consider the things you may not plan for – like a bogged 4x4 or fallen logs.

What material are the tools made from?

The materials used in each of these camping tools are going to determine quality and durability. The higher the quality of materials, the more peace of mind you’ll have packing them for your future camping trips.

Is size and weight important?

For most camping trips it's a safe bet to say that the size and weight of your gear is important. For car camping, if you can find a hammer, shovel or axe that is light and packs down small – without compromising on quality – it’ll certainly be easier to pack and take with you.

If you are hiking and camping then the size and weight is all-important and you’ll want to be sure you are getting the most portable option.

What features do you need?

There’s no shortage of features on most pieces of camping gear these days. When choosing the right tools to add to your kit, check what features are available. For camping you’ll always appreciate the ability to pack it down small, whilst still having tough, reliable tools. The addition of a storage bag or case will prevent dirt and damage in your vehicle when you stow it away.

You can also find a range of multi-tools that simply have more than one tool in the product. But, when checking additional tools and features, consider if they will actually be of use to you. Otherwise you might end up paying more for things you don’t need.

Price

Hammers, shovels and axes are worth investing a bit of money to get something that will last you long-term. It’s also worthwhile buying from a reputable brand for peace of mind and to be able to return it or claim the warranty if needed.

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