Every once in awhile, you have occasion to move dirt. What implement do you prefer for this task? I always have a shovel of some sort in any vehicle I drive, in almost any environment - you just never know.

As an archaeologist, I have learned a thing or two about moving dirt, and I have used every thing from dynamite (half sticks only, we want to be delicate), to back hoes, to jack hammers, to shovels, to small trowels, and even brushes.

I like a standard long handle, round point for "normal" digging, and a GI entrenching tool or short handled shovel for tight spots. Ideally, I would pair up shovels with a Pulaski for dealing with roots and the like. This is almost precisely what I used on a fire crew many moons ago.

Whatever your choice, be sure the business end is sharp - this makes a huge difference.