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[Closed] Compact/Folding Spade for Trail Maintenance?

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[#7428958]

I need a spade for a bit of trail fairy-ing... just digging drainage, not really constructing berms and jumps.

Are there any that are ok to use, not too big (I ride with a ~12 L camelbak) and not too heavy?


 
Posted : 02/11/2015 12:17 pm
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I'd go to the local army surplus place and look at entrenching tools.

APF


 
Posted : 02/11/2015 12:28 pm
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they are not very good for digging compact ground or anyting with roots. The ones with a mini pick might help. A mini mattock would work for drainage channels on compact ground but always a compromise compared to hiding a full size tool in the trees.


 
Posted : 02/11/2015 1:04 pm
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Son uses one of these - feels fairly strong, folds down nicely.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Steel-Folding-Foldable-Camping-Shovel/dp/B002JTLKKY


 
Posted : 02/11/2015 1:08 pm
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Foldy spades generally aren't very good but they do the job. This is probably no use since I can't recommend a source but I have a small adze that I got in a random diy shop in London, I call it my pocket mattock, blade is about 3 inches, head has just enough weight in it, handle is no more than a foot and a half- excellent for cutting drains etc and it easily travels in or strapped to a camelbak.


 
Posted : 02/11/2015 1:14 pm
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I've got one of these:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/roughneck-round-point-micro-shovel-27/53829

Its plenty strong enough, small, light, and I managed to attach it to my backpack and ride up no problems.


 
Posted : 02/11/2015 1:45 pm
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Gerber do a nice one that is lighter than the ex service ones, as well a being smaller. It is ideal for small clearing/digging, but not much more.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gerber-Gorge-Folding-Shovel-Black/dp/B000WZCSTO


 
Posted : 02/11/2015 2:11 pm