There are a few products that I have been missing in my overland arsenal for a while now: a good shovel, a collapsible saw, and a portable knife that is not an EDC or pocket knife. I have tried many versions of each of these products over the years and have, more often than not, come away disappointed. Gerber Gear has kindly provided a shovel that is an innovative take on an old military concept, a compact saw, and a drop point knife for us to put through the paces to answer the question, are these products up to the task?
Dredge
By now, most of you would have seen the Gerber Gear Dredge on social media and asked yourself whether this product is a gimmick or a proper tool up to the rigors of overlanding. Many moons ago, we traveled with a surplus collapsible South African Defense Force, NATO-style shovel, but soon discarded it for a fixed-form shovel as the locking collar mechanism failed often and eventually seized. Dirt and moisture are not friends of a collapsible shovel. The full-size Gerber Dredge is significantly larger than the NATO folding shovel and, it seems, superior in design.
Constructed with a powder-coated high-carbon steel blade, the Dredge is intended for tasks such as fire pit maintenance, trench digging, vehicle recovery, and clearing tent sites. Its design includes three functional positions—open, hoe, and closed. Its glass-filled nylon D-handle, featuring a rubber over mold grip, ensures a secure hold even in wet or cold conditions. Reinforced with an aluminum rod core, the shaft contributes to the tool’s overall strength and stability. A large anti-slip step plate allows users to apply additional force when necessary. The Dredge measures 45 inches when fully extended, providing ample leverage for digging. It folds down to 25 inches for convenient storage and transport, making it suitable for inclusion in vehicle recovery kits or camping gear. Weighing 6.75 pounds, the shovel is heavier than your garden variety shovel but is more versatile and besides, it is a lot cooler.
In preparation for this test, and as the Dredge will live on the roof rack of my Defender, I sprayed lubricant within the collar mechanism to expel moisture. The fact that this mechanism is located closer to the handle, as opposed to at the blade on NATO models, should ensure that less dirt and debris enter and eventually foul the collar mechanism. I like that the handle is large, as is the spade head that can double as a hoe, and thus far, the Dredge has been a great tool for basic tasks.
$150 | On Sale for $120 at Gerber
StrongArm Camp – Grey
The Gerber StrongArm Camp is a fixed-blade knife designed to handle a variety of camping tasks with reliability and ease. It features a full-tang 420HC high-carbon steel blade with a stonewashed finish, measuring 4.1 inches long. The drop-point blade offers a plain edge suitable for tasks ranging from cutting paracord to preparing kindling. The handle is constructed from glass-filled nylon and incorporates a diamond-textured rubber over mold, providing a secure and ergonomic grip in diverse conditions. A lanyard hole and full-tang striking surface at the handle’s base enhance its functionality. The knife comes with a molded multi-mount sheath that is MOLLE compatible, allowing for versatile carry options, including scout and drop carry positions. The StrongArm Camp measures 8.98 inches overall and weighs 4.8 ounces, balancing portability with durability.
The StrongArm arrived well packaged (as did all the Gerber gear), sharp, and ready to use. My first impressions are that it reminded me of a dive knife, not the flashiest but by far the most durable of knives. The full tang and solid handle give the knife a sure feel in hand, and the blade is long and sturdy enough for most camp duties and bushcraft. In terms of comfort, I prefer to wear the knife drop carry, but the scout position is preferable for convenience and ease of use, and the plastic sheath will likely be much more durable.
$90 | Now $72 at Gernber
Freescape Camp Saw
The Gerber Freescape Camp Saw is a portable folding saw designed for efficient wood cutting during outdoor activities. Its innovative design allows the saw to fold flat without disassembly, ensuring all components remain intact and ready for use. The saw utilizes four pivot points to maximize the cutting area, accommodating larger-diameter wood and enabling the full length of the 12-inch blade to be used effectively. The blade is protected when folded, allowing for safe storage in gear kits or camp bins. The handle features a rubber over-mold with bright green accents, enhancing visibility and providing a secure grip in various conditions.
The Freescape accepts standard 12-inch blades, facilitating easy replacement when necessary. Its compact and functional design makes it a practical tool, and I was amazed at how sturdy the saw is when assembled; I was expecting vibration and blade wobble, but there was none. With its aggressive teeth, the saw takes a while to bite into the wood (retracting the blade lightly across the log a few times creates a clean cutline), but once the cutting starts, the Freescape Camp Saw easily cuts through dry firewood. This tool, which folds down to the length of a ruler and the thickness of a slim thumb, will definitely be a welcome addition to our camping kit.
$65 | 40% Off, Now Only $39 at Gerber
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