Ever wondered what tiny tool can make a big difference on your backpacking trip? It’s not your fancy stove or your comfortable sleeping bag, but something much smaller, yet just as important for leaving no trace. Choosing the right backpacking trowel might seem like a small detail, but it’s a surprisingly tricky decision. You want one that’s light, strong, and easy to use, but the sheer variety out there can leave you scratching your head. Too heavy and it’s a burden; too flimsy and it’s useless.
This guide is here to help! We’ll break down exactly what to look for in a backpacking trowel. You’ll learn about the different materials, designs, and features that matter most. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking a trowel that will serve you well on every adventure, ensuring you can properly take care of business and protect the wild places you love to explore. Let’s dig in and find your perfect digging companion!
Our Top 5 Backpacking Trowel Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Backpacking Trowel Detailed Reviews
1. Ultralight Backpacking Trowel Aluminum Shovel Small Potty Multitool with Longer Handle Design Essential for Hiking
Rating: 9.0/10
The Ultralight Backpacking Trowel Aluminum Shovel Small Potty Multitool is a game-changer for anyone who loves to explore the outdoors. This little tool is designed to be your go-to for all sorts of outdoor needs, from digging catholes to managing campsite messes. It’s built tough from high-quality aluminum, meaning it won’t rust, corrode, or break, even when things get a little wet or the ground is tough.
What We Like:
- It’s super lightweight, making it perfect for ultralight backpackers.
- The durable aluminum construction resists rust and breakage, so it lasts a long time.
- Its longer, ergonomic handle makes digging easy and comfortable.
- The sharp edges slice through tough ground and roots effectively.
- It’s versatile enough for digging catholes, cleaning up debris, and burying waste.
- Buying two or more saves you 5%, which is a great deal!
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed to be compact, some might find the scoop size a bit small for very large digging tasks.
- The “multitool” aspect is primarily focused on digging; other multitool functions are not included.
This trowel is an essential piece of gear for any hiker, camper, or survivalist. It’s a reliable and functional tool that won’t weigh you down, ensuring you can handle nature’s calls and campsite cleanup with ease.
2. BoglerCo Ultralight Backpacking Trowel
Rating: 8.7/10
The BoglerCo Ultralight Backpacking Trowel, weighing in at a mere 0.48 ounces (13.5 grams), is an incredibly light tool for any outdoor adventurer. It’s so light, it weighs less than three nickels! This trowel is designed for hikers, campers, and backpackers who want to pack light without sacrificing essential gear. Its bright blue color makes it easy to spot if you set it down in the wilderness.
What We Like:
- Its super-lightweight design is a huge plus for backpackers trying to save every ounce.
- The trowel is made from tough materials and is built to last, meaning you won’t need to replace it often.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty, which shows the company stands behind its product.
- Proudly made in the USA, supporting local manufacturing.
- The comfortable end cap makes digging easier and prevents the handle from digging into your hand, even when you use a lot of force.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for its intended use, it might not be the best choice for digging through very hard, rocky soil.
- Being so lightweight, it might feel a bit flimsy to someone used to heavier tools.
This BoglerCo trowel is an excellent choice for anyone prioritizing weight savings in their outdoor gear. Its durability and comfortable design make it a reliable companion on any trail.
3. XINCAMPING Ultralight Backpacking Trowel Aluminum Portable Camping Shovel Poop Shovel with Longer Handle for Hiking
Rating: 9.3/10
The XINCAMPING Ultralight Backpacking Trowel is a great tool for anyone who loves the outdoors. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just exploring, this trowel makes digging and cleaning up easy. It’s made from strong aluminum and is built to last, even in wet weather. This trowel is super light, so it won’t weigh you down on your adventures.
What We Like:
- Ultra-Light & Durable: It’s made of strong aluminum that won’t rust. This makes it tough enough for any digging job, from soil to sand.
- Multi-Functional Tool: This trowel isn’t just for digging. It has a special edge that can cut small branches or roots, making your outdoor tasks faster.
- Portable & Easy to Store: It’s small and light, perfect for your backpack. You can even hang it on your bag for easy access.
- Comfortable Grip: The handle is shaped to fit your hand. This means you can dig for a long time without hurting your hands.
- Versatile Use: Use it to clean up after your pet or bury small scraps while camping. It helps keep your campsite clean and respects nature.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the serrated edge is useful, it might not be sharp enough for thicker branches.
- The compact size, while great for portability, might be less ideal for digging very large holes quickly.
This XINCAMPING trowel is a fantastic addition to any outdoor gear. It’s a reliable and handy tool for all your adventures.
4. TheTentLab(R Deuce(R) of Spades™Ultralight Backpack Trowel in Three Sizes (#2
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of digging a proper cathole with a stick or just your hands? The TentLab Deuce of Spades™ Ultralight Backpack Trowel is here to change your backcountry bathroom game. This isn’t just any trowel; it’s a cleverly designed tool that makes Leave No Trace principles easier than ever.
What We Like:
- Unique Upside-Down Digging: The Deuce’s best trick is using it upside-down to probe for rocks and roots. This saves you time and frustration.
- Efficient Dirt Removal: Flip it right-side up, and the large scoop quickly moves dirt. You can even use it upside-down again to break up tough soil and pry out stubborn rocks, giving you up to four times more digging power.
- Three Size Options: Whether you’re a weight-obsessed ultralight hiker or just want a solid tool, there’s a Deuce for you. The #1 is super light (.45oz), the #2 is the classic backpacker’s choice (.6oz), and the #3 is a larger, more robust option (.97oz) for really tough ground.
- Built to Last: Made in the US and South Korea from aerospace-grade aluminum, the same stuff used in satellites and aircraft. It’s incredibly strong and comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Comfortable Design: The trowel is tumbled and de-burred, meaning it has smooth, rounded edges. This is way more comfortable than sharp, rough edges.
- Fun Anodized Colors: The bright colors prevent corrosion and keep your hands clean from aluminum smudges. Plus, picking a color is fun!
What Could Be Improved:
- While the #1 size is incredibly light, it might be too small for some users who need to dig more substantial holes.
- The price point might be higher than a basic plastic trowel, but the quality and features justify the cost for serious backpackers.
This trowel is a game-changer for responsible outdoor adventures. It helps you dig better holes and leave no trace behind.
5. Coghlan’s Trowel – Lightweight ABS Plastic Camping Shovel
Rating: 9.3/10
The Coghlan’s Trowel is a super light and tough tool for anyone who loves the outdoors. It’s designed to be easy to carry, so it won’t weigh you down on your hikes. This small shovel is made for all sorts of outdoor jobs, from setting up camp to doing a little digging in your garden.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly light, weighing only 2 ounces, which is awesome for backpacking where every ounce counts.
- The durable ABS plastic means it can handle being used outside a lot without breaking.
- It’s really useful for campsite chores, like digging holes for trash or making small ditches to keep water away from your tent.
- The handle is shaped nicely, so it feels good in your hand and gives you good control when you’re digging, even in tough ground.
- It’s a helpful tool for campers and hikers who need to dig, tidy up, or do other tasks around their campsite.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable for its size, for very heavy-duty digging in very hard soil, a metal trowel might offer more strength.
- Its small size, while great for portability, means it’s not suited for large digging projects.
This trowel is a fantastic, budget-friendly option for most outdoor enthusiasts. It truly earns its spot in your gear for its convenience and usefulness.
Your Essential Guide to the Perfect Backpacking Trowel
Hitting the trails means leaving no trace. A backpacking trowel is your secret weapon for doing just that. It helps you dig catholes for human waste, keeping nature clean for everyone. Let’s find the best one for your adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re choosing a trowel, keep these important things in mind:
Durability
You need a trowel that won’t bend or break when you dig into tough ground. Strong materials make a big difference.
Weight
Every ounce counts when you’re backpacking. Look for a trowel that’s lightweight but still tough.
Size and Shape
A good size makes digging easier. Some trowels have pointed ends to help you break through roots. Others have a wider scoop to move more dirt.
Ergonomics (Comfort)**
A comfortable handle makes digging less of a chore. Some trowels have grips that feel good in your hand.
Portability
Your trowel should be easy to pack. Many fold up or have a small size that fits easily in your backpack.
Important Materials
The stuff your trowel is made from matters a lot.
Aluminum Alloy
This is a popular choice. It’s lightweight and strong. It’s also pretty resistant to rust.
Titanium
Titanium is even lighter than aluminum. It’s super strong and won’t rust. But, it can be more expensive.
High-Strength Plastic
Some trowels use tough plastic. These are usually very lightweight and affordable. However, they might not be as strong as metal ones for digging in hard soil.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things make a trowel great, and a few can make it not so great.
Good Quality
* **Thick Material:** Thicker metal or plastic means it’s less likely to bend.
* **Strong Rivets or Welds:** If parts are joined, they need to be secure.
* **Smooth Edges:** Sharp edges on the handle can be uncomfortable.
Lower Quality
* **Thin Material:** This can bend easily.
* **Weak Joints:** Parts can break off.
* **Rough Edges:** These can hurt your hands.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your trowel.
Digging Catholes
This is the main job! You need to dig a hole at least 6-8 inches deep. This keeps waste away from water sources. A good trowel makes this quick and easy.
Breaking Up Soil
Some ground is hard. A sturdy trowel with a pointed tip helps you break through roots and rocks.
Backcountry Camping**
This is where a trowel is a must-have. It helps you follow Leave No Trace principles.
Hiking and Backpacking Trips**
Anytime you’re away from a toilet, your trowel comes in handy.
Emergency Situations**
It can even be useful for digging small trenches if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main purpose of a backpacking trowel?
Anytime you’re away from a toilet, your trowel comes in handy.
Emergency Situations**
It can even be useful for digging small trenches if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main purpose of a backpacking trowel?
A: Its main purpose is to help you dig catholes for human waste when you are outdoors. This keeps the environment clean.
Q: Are plastic trowels good enough?
A: Plastic trowels can be good for light use and are very light. For tougher digging, metal trowels are usually better.
Q: How deep should a cathole be?
A: You should aim to dig your cathole at least 6 to 8 inches deep.
Q: What makes a trowel durable?
A: Durable trowels are made from strong materials like aluminum alloy or titanium. They also have thick construction.
Q: Should I get a folding trowel?
A: Folding trowels are great for saving space in your backpack. They are very portable.
Q: What is the lightest material for a trowel?
A: Titanium is the lightest strong material for a trowel.
Q: How do I clean my backpacking trowel?
A: You can usually just rinse it with water and wipe it dry. For tough dirt, a brush can help.
Q: Can I use a regular garden trowel?
A: Regular garden trowels are usually too heavy and bulky for backpacking. Backpacking trowels are designed to be lightweight and compact.
Q: What are Leave No Trace principles?
A: Leave No Trace principles are guidelines for enjoying the outdoors responsibly. Using a trowel for waste is part of these principles.
Q: Where should I dig a cathole?
A: Dig your cathole at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) away from water sources, trails, and campsites.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.