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Rothco Tri-Fold Shovel – Heavy-Duty Folding Entrenching Tool

by Rothco
SKU 828
Original price $28.99 - Original price $29.99
Original price $28.99
$28.99
$28.99 - $29.99
Current price $28.99
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
Out of stock

Compact Load-Bearing Recovery Tool for Tactical and Field Use - The Rothco Tri-Fold Shovel is a professional-grade entrenching tool (E-Tool) designed for operators who require high-utility digging and recovery capabilities in a space-saving profile. This versatile tool is a foundational asset for tactical deployments, vehicle recovery kits, and emergency survival gear, providing the leverage and durability needed to clear debris, dig fighting positions, or free stuck vehicles.

Engineered from heavy-duty tempered steel, the shovel features a multi-position head that allows it to transition from a standard spade to a 90-degree pick for breaking hard ground. The blade is designed with a sharpened serrated edge on one side to facilitate cutting through roots and thick brush. With its collapsible tri-fold architecture and reinforced locking collar, this tool provides a stable, full-sized digging experience that folds down to a fraction of its size for easy carry in a pack or on a MOLLE belt.

Key Features

  • Tempered Steel Blade: High-strength steel construction resists bending and breaking under extreme leverage and pressure.
  • Compact Tri-Fold Design: Collapses into three sections to fit into small storage pouches or vehicle compartments.
  • Dual-Function Blade Edge: Features a serrated side for sawing through roots and a smooth side for efficient soil displacement.
  • Positive Locking Collar: Heavy-duty threaded collar ensures the shovel head remains securely fixed in the open or 90-degree position.
  • D-Handle Grip: Ergonomic handle provides maximum leverage and control while wearing tactical gloves.
  • Corrosion-Resistant Coating: Finished with a matte black powder coat to prevent rust and reduce visual signature in the field.

Why It Matters

  • Organize Your Recovery Kit: Consolidate a full-sized digging tool into a compact, low-profile unit that fits in any emergency bag.
  • Ensure Tactical Stability: Maintain a secure, non-slip grip and locked blade position during high-intensity recovery tasks.
  • Maintain Equipment Readiness: Protect your tool from oxidation and mechanical wear through a specialized heat-treated steel build.

How to Use / What Problem It Solves

Unfold the handle and blade, then rotate the threaded collar until tight to lock the tool into position. This shovel solves the problem of "limited cargo space" by providing a rugged, full-utility entrenching tool that is light enough for a foot patrol yet strong enough for vehicle extraction.

Technical Overview

23" Extended | 9" Folded | Tempered Steel | Serrated Edge | D-Handle

  • Tactical Operators: Preparing field fortifications and managing soil displacement during deployments.
  • Overlanders & Off-Roaders: Keeping a reliable, compact recovery tool inside the vehicle for mud or sand extraction.
  • Survivalists & Preppers: Adding a durable, multi-purpose digging and cutting tool to emergency "go-bags."
  • Campers & Hikers: Utilizing a lightweight, foldable shovel for fire pits and site preparation.

Material: Tempered Steel

Extended Length: Approximately 23"

Folded Length: Approximately 9"

Blade Features: Serrated edge and sharpened tip

Handle: D-style grip

📖 Official Resource
Step-by-Step Field Manual
Learn how to properly deploy and stage this equipment in a crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose the Rothco Tri-Fold Shovel over a standard fixed-blade entrenching tool?

The Rothco Tri-Fold Shovel (SKU 828) offers superior portability by folding down to just 9 inches—small enough to fit in a bug-out bag, glove box, or tactical pack—while extending to a full 24 inches for maximum digging leverage. Unlike fixed-blade tools that take up valuable cargo space, this compact entrenching tool gives you full-size performance without the bulk. At 2 pounds, it's lightweight enough for extended carry yet durable enough for field use, making it ideal for vehicle emergency kits, camping gear, or military-style loadouts.

Can the Rothco Tri-Fold Shovel handle rocky terrain and hard-packed soil?

Yes. The Rothco Tri-Fold Shovel is built for demanding field conditions, including rocky ground and compacted soil. Its tri-fold locking mechanism provides a stable 24-inch extension that delivers the leverage needed to break through tough surfaces. The reinforced blade and steel construction are designed for entrenching, trail clearing, and emergency vehicle extraction. While it's compact enough for everyday carry, it's engineered to perform like a full-size shovel when you need serious digging power in survival or tactical scenarios.

Will the Rothco Tri-Fold Shovel fit in a standard vehicle emergency kit or patrol bag?

Absolutely. At 9 inches folded, the Rothco Tri-Fold Shovel is specifically designed for space-constrained storage. It fits easily in glove compartments, center consoles, patrol bags, and under-seat organizers—making it perfect for law enforcement cruisers, fleet vehicles, or personal emergency kits. The compact profile means you can keep it accessible without sacrificing cargo space, and the quick-deploy design lets you extend it to 24 inches in seconds when you need to dig out a stuck vehicle, clear debris, or establish a defensive position.

How does the Rothco Tri-Fold Shovel compare to other Rothco entrenching tools?

The Rothco Tri-Fold Shovel (SKU 828) stands out for its 9-inch folded length—the most compact in Rothco's entrenching tool lineup—while still extending to 24 inches for full digging capability. Unlike bi-fold or fixed models, the tri-fold design maximizes portability without compromising leverage. At $27.99, it offers exceptional value for tactical professionals, campers, and preppers who need a reliable, space-efficient tool. Its 2-pound weight makes it lighter than many competitors while maintaining the durability Rothco is known for in military-grade gear.

What makes the Rothco Tri-Fold Shovel essential for camping and survival kits?

The Rothco Tri-Fold Shovel is a multi-purpose survival tool that handles fire pit digging, latrine construction, snow clearing, and emergency shelter building. Its 24-inch extended length provides the reach and leverage needed for efficient digging, while the 9-inch folded size ensures it won't weigh down your pack. The steel construction withstands repeated field use, and the compact design means you can carry it on every trip without thinking twice. For $27.99, it's an affordable, reliable addition to any camping, hiking, or bug-out kit.

Veteran Owned & Operated

Retired Army First Sergeant