I just started getting into the outdoors and was super excited to get this kit for my march camping trip in Yosemite. This has more than enough for the 4 days. The material is heavy and better than I anticipated. The actual shovel is thick; a lot thicker than the previous ones I bought throughout the years. The weight when fully assembled is really nice and balanced. It feels heavy duty so you get more action per swing when used as an ax. It鈥檚 factory sharpened which is understandable, they don鈥檛 want to ship a deadly sharp item to someone. It can cut well but, again due to the factory sharpening, you need to sharpen it before taking it out for a field test. I test it driving a few nails down a 2x4 and they went down easily thanks to its thickness and weight. I also chopped a few branches with it, 1-2 inches thick, and they chopped easily with little energy waste. I dug a quick 1-foot gypsy well in somewhat soft terrain with no problems at all. My previous tactical shovels and even my military-issued folding shovel have dents and bend from constant abuse and they were thinner than this one so I鈥檓 willing to say that it鈥檚 going to be very durable.I would never go camping without this kit. It has everything I need, the material is strong and durable, very useful. I don't worry about any damage or rust, the stainless steel is pretty reliable.