This $40 Emergency Gadget Is A No-Brainer Buy For Your Trunk

While a crisp layer of snow may look beautiful on rooftops and mountains, it can be a pain in the butt to deal with — especially if you don’t have the right supplies. Luckily, we just spotted an ingenious, folding and collapsible mini shovel that won’t take up too much space in your trunk or home, but can help you make a safe path in the snow.

Even better? It’s under $40. Pretty good for a tool reviewers call a “life-saver,” “must have snow tool” and “the best made compact automotive shovel I found.”

At 2 pounds, it’s a go-to gadget you can stick anywhere.

With a folding shovel head and collapsible shaft, it gets super compact when it’s not in use, then easily expands when you need to dig out your car or walkway. At its lowest, it measures 23 inches and can extend to a generous 34, with a shovel head that’s 9 inches wide. As one reviewer puts it, “you fold it up to almost nothing and put in the trunk or back seat and you’re set for the next time you need it.”

Made from aluminum, this 2-pound handy shovel is durable without being bulky. Users call it a “well-engineered” tool that shovels well, keeps its shape, has a nice grip and is even tough on ice. Some even mention how the shovel’s design doesn’t hurt their back when they use it. While it’s “an extra few bucks” more than cheaper, plastic models, reviewers say it’s worth every penny.

“Last winter, I bought a different one which did not last,” Salvador Vallejo wrote. “This one is not only sturdier but also is more convenient to fold. And for the small price difference, I should have gotten this one for the first time.”

While it’s great for snow, you can use the shovel for sand, mud, dirt and more. Stick one in your camping gear or beach bag or tuck one away with your emergency kit. They even sell a 2-pack if you’re looking to stock up.

Reviewers are loving their folding shovel for its convenience and durability. Grab one for yourself before more snow falls.

“Just came in from using the snow plow and it performed as advertised. The best part is you fold it up to almost nothing and put in the trunk or back seat and your set for the next time you need it.” — John Cash

“I got this to keep in the trunk for when we need a quick dig out in a parking lot. It folds up very compactly, was more sturdy than I expected, and does the job.” — sheeshoo

“I wanted a compact folding shovel for the car that was both tough and lightweight top to bottom and narrow to go between parked cars. Parts had to be made to last and work in cold weather without breaking. After seeing some junk out there made both of plastic and metal with some really wimpy parts, I found this serious and excellent compact shovel. It’s well engineered of lightweight aluminum where it counts, beefy in both plastic and metal components including beefy lever and spring action so it just works. It will shovel path around car doors and rear or front tires to get snow moved and has oval metal shaft and spade to keep its edge and hold shape without hurting back with too heavy loads. Tough enough to chop some ice with the edge as well. Easy and reliable collapsible and unfolding will deploy in the cold. Excellent lightweight given it is strong aluminum and very positive grip. I wanted to get this review up immediately because this is a good choice if you are in doubt about these compact shovels that look similar in the pictures. Yes it was an extra few bucks but if you’ve had the lightweight plastic Spade variety you know you don’t want one made like a toy.” — Steve_T_USA

Also, I spoke with my own mechanics about other winter emergency supplies to keep in your car if you could stand to prep better. Here’s what they suggest:

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