This is EXCELLENT for what is intended for. What is it intended for? BACKPACKING. If you are trying to get a shovel for an archaelogical dig, or to dig big holes, or to dig up metal at the beach, buy a full size shovel. Invariabialy, as evidenced by a few negative reviews, there's always some guy that doesn't get it, and thinks that all shovels are these big full size behomoths you get at the hardware store. NO! The clue should be the measurements. Another clue is the word COLEMAN. Coleman makes outdoor supplies. Camping stuff. Not "camping" as in park the Winnebago and step outside once in awhile to take pictures, but camping as in "roughing it: " tent, on the ground, or, if you're hardcore like me, backpacking with gear, on a trail, mountains, inaaccessible areas, whatever. Or, if you want to have "easy camping" , a tent, on the ground, next to your truck which is loaded with gear, coolers, lanterns, etc. (this is camping, too, but not "roughing it;" anything else is NOT camping Living in a big, driveable portable hotel (that can easily carry 20 full size shovels in it's storage area) sounds fun, but I don't know what you would call this activity. Rving, I guess. . Why would a backpacker want a little shovel? There are specific shovels often referred to as "bowel trowels," which are super small, lightweight pieces of metal for digging a hole for bodily "exit functions." In backpacking there is hardly any other reason to have a digging implement. It is clear, however, that this little shovel would perform that duty (no pun intended) and then some some. Weight is an important consideration, and this handly tool, with it's pick, justifies it's few extra ounces.
