Gerber Gear Dredge - Portable Folding Shovel - Lightweight Steel Shovel for

The Gerber Dredge is a full-size folding tool designed for campsite digging, vehicle recovery prep, and heavy outdoor chores. It solves the common trade-off between compact packability and full-length leverage, giving campers and off-roaders a capable digging implement that still fits in tight storage compartments.

Built around a powder-coated high carbon steel blade, this tool transitions between an open shovel, an angled hoe, and a fully collapsed profile. That flexibility allows you to chop roots or pull loose soil just as easily as traditional digging. The shaft pairs glass-filled nylon with an internal aluminum core, while the D-handle incorporates a rubber overmold to keep your grip comfortable through repetitive work.

When open, the tool extends to a full 45 inches for upright digging without constant bending, but it collapses to 25 inches for storage. At 6.75 pounds, it is substantially heavier and bulkier than ultralight backpacking trowels, so it is better suited for basecamps, trucks, and gear bins where physical reach matters more than shaving every ounce.

Verdict: The Gerber Dredge is an excellent choice for campers, overlanders, and outdoor workers who need a sturdy, multi-position digging tool. If you want full-size leverage in a collapsible frame and do not mind carrying nearly seven pounds, it is well worth adding to your setup.

• Open Length: 45 inches
• Folded Length: 25 inches
• Weight: 6.75 lb
• Blade Material: Powder-coated high carbon steel
• Shaft Material: Glass-filled nylon with aluminum core
• Handle Type: Glass-filled nylon D-handle with rubber overmold grip
• Operating Modes: Open, hoe, closed

A great fit if you:

• Need a 45-inch extended shovel that collapses into vehicle trunks or gear totes
• Want the flexibility to switch between standard shovel and hoe positions around camp
• Prefer the solid feel of high carbon steel and an aluminum-reinforced shaft

Consider something else if you:

• Pack for ultralight trekking where a 6.75-pound tool is too heavy
• Only need a pocket-sized hand trowel for minor trail tasks

What are the dimensions of the shovel open and closed?
The shovel measures 45 inches when fully opened and collapses down to 25 inches when folded.

What positions can the shovel blade lock into?
The head transitions between three configurations: standard open shovel, hoe mode for pulling soil, and fully closed for storage.

What materials are used to build the shaft and handle?
The shaft is constructed from glass-filled nylon with an aluminum core, and the D-handle is made from glass-filled nylon with a rubber overmold grip.