TLDR Review: SubZero Emergency Shovel
Pros
- •Collapsible design makes it extremely compact and easy to store in a car trunk
- •Lightweight aluminum construction strikes a nice balance between ease of use and durability
- •Strong enough to effectively dig out a car from heavy snow or snowbanks in emergency situations
- •Versatile enough for various snolearing tasks beyond just emergencies, including camping and ice fishing
- •Convenient to strap to a backpack or keep in the car for unexpected snowstorms or roadside use
- •Feels reliable and sturdy, giving users a sense of preparedness for winter conditions
- •Easy to set up and take down without hassle
- •Handle offers multiple configurations useful for breaking up tougher ice
- •Likely more durable and effective than plastic emergency shovels
- •Narrow scoop and lightweight design make it practical for quick snow clearing and vehicle rescue
Cons
- •Shovel face and neck have a bend and fit may be slightly loose, causing some rattling during transport
- •Scoop is relatively narrow and handle short, limiting efficiency for prolonged or heavy snow removal
- •Not designed for hacking through very hard ice or extremely dense snow, so it can struggle in those conditions
- •Aluminum surface is prone to scratching and denting with rough use
- •Durability may be compromised if used for tasks beyond its intended emergency and lighuty scope
- •Minor design tolerances and loose tube sizing might feel flimsy to some users
- •More of a backup tool than a primary snow shovel, so regular heavy use can wear it out quickly
Bottom Line
The SubZero 17222 Heavy Duty Aluminum Emergency Shovel is a smart choice if you want a compact, lightweight, and reliable tool to keep in your vehicle or backpack for emergency snow clearing and light winter use. It won’t replace a full-size snow shovel but excels in portability and convenience, especially for quickly freeing a stuck car or campsite prep. If you need a more heavy-duty or larger shovel for regular snow removal, consider upgrading to a full-size model instead. For an emergency shovel that balances weight and strength well, this is a solid pick at its price point.
How we researched this
About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from 27 retailers to give you the short version.
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