Best Heavy-Duty Emergency Snow Shovel for Emergency Situations
Updated 10/30/2025 | Published 02/19/2025
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Question:
Your Hopkins shovel coming in any other color than safety orange with reflective patches is foolish as one can imagine using the shovel in a limited visibility situation snow storm just a suggestion e trailer usually has very good understanding of the realities of life on the road but youre missing it on this one your welcome
asked by: John M
Expert Reply:
You know, you make a good point John. I do not think I have ever seen an emergency shovel painted or decaled up with reflective patches. You should take that idea and run with it. You might be first to market.
I guess what Hopkins was going for with their Heavy-Duty Emergency Snow Shovel item # HM17222 was a more subtle look. This shovel may not be bright orange but it is pretty handy. It extends out to a functional 30" that can have the handle rotated to scoop up snow or dig out from the side. It also collapses down to easily storable 17", which is a pretty convenient feature.
If you really like the features of the Hopkins Shovel item # HM17222 and want to look past the lack of fluorescent orange, we do have reflective tape like item # 465-4K. These adhesive strips can be cut down to size to brighten up the shovel's look.
Additionally, we have the Orion Warning Triangle Kit item # RN461, which in my opinion would be quite a bit more visible than a 30" bright orange shovel covered up in snow and blocked by the user.
I have linked a review video below along with a picture so you can see the features of this shovel demonstrated.
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins Heavy-Duty Emergency Snow Shovel - Aluminum - Extendable - 30" Long
- Winter Weather Supplies
- Snow Shovel
- Extendable Handle
- 30 Inch Long
- Hopkins
more information >
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Jerred H.
10/30/2025
Hey John, did you end up trying the reflective tape or the warning triangle kit along with the Hopkins shovel? Your take on visibility in bad weather could really help others thinking about emergency gear for winter travel.