Life
Winter brings a lot of hard truths with it, from the fact that you can't wear high-waisted shorts anymore to the harshest reality of them all: You're probably going to have to go outside and shovel some snow. But the best snow shovels can make things easier by helping you get the job done quickly, efficiently, and without injury.
If you've never purchased a snow shovel, the last thing you should do is go out and buy the cheapest one you can find. Finding the right snow shovel will save you time and money in the long-run, while also protecting your back.
Shoveling snow is a surprising amount of work, since you're constantly lifting piles of fairly heavy powder. By opting for a lightweight shovel, you can cut down on some of that heavy lifting. You're also going to want a shovel that isn't too short for you, which can force you to bend your back too much.
Finally, keep your regional climate in mind. While some snow shovels are designed to move large amounts of powdery snow, others are made to crack the ice and remove snow that's been deeply packed in.
A great snow shovel is one that you personally find to be effective, regardless of the style or the price. And these five are some of the best options out there.
1
A Shovel With A Spring Lever That Reduces Back Strain
Snow Joe Shovelution, $30, Amazon
This snow shovel has two cleverly placed handles — one of which has a spring — to make it super easy to move snow after you've shoveled it and to reduce the strain on your back. It's 18 inches across, allowing you to gather a ton of snow with each scoop, and the shovel also weighs about only two pounds.
2
A Collapsible Shovel With An Ice Chopper On The Edge
EasyGoProducts Collapsible Snow Shovel, $20, Amazon
This handy snow shovel breaks down into three pieces, making it easy to store in your car or your home, no matter how little space you have. The 18-inch snow shovel weighs five pounds, and it even has a sharp, ice-breaking edge to help you chop through any accumulated ice and break apart any well-packed snow.
3
An Incredibly Lightweight Shovel That's Surprisingly Heavy Duty
Snow Buddy Utility Snow Shovel, $20, Amazon
This utility snow shovel is super durable and hardcore, ready to stand up to the toughest snow, while still weighing in at less than 1.5 pounds. Every pound makes a huge difference when you're shoveling heavy snow over and over again, so using a lightweight shovel can be a game-changer. It's also collapsible and not particularly large at its full size, making it great for vehicle storage.
4
A Snow Pusher That Does The Hard Work For You
The Snowcaster Wheeled Snow Pusher, $89, Amazon
If you just can't bear to be bending and shoveling all winter, this snow pusher is there for you. All you do is push it along the path that you want cleared, and it scoops up and redistributes the snow. It also saves a lot of time, which could be a huge relief if you have an intense driveway to deal with or live in a snow-heavy area.
5
A Folding Shovel With A Bunch Of Additional Tools
FiveJoy Folding Shovel Multitool, $69, Amazon
This folding shovel does it all, with a bunch of attachments that could come in handy whenever you're not shoveling snow. It's ideal for campers and outdoorsy types who never know what type of tool they'll need. In addition to the shovel attachment — which only makes the whole thing weigh about two pounds and plows through snow — you can also turn this tool into an axe, a saw, a hammer, and more.
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