Ever been miles from civilization, nature calling, and you realize you’re without a shovel? The reality of backpacking often involves answering nature’s call responsibly. A backpacking shovel is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for Leave No Trace principles. This means burying human waste properly to keep trails clean and protect the environment.
Choosing a good backpacking shovel can be tricky. They come in different sizes, materials, and designs. Finding one that’s light, durable, and easy to use is important. The wrong shovel can be heavy and take up too much space in your pack. This can make your trip less enjoyable. You might also end up with a broken shovel!
This post will help you. We will explore the best backpacking shovel options available. You’ll learn about different features to consider. We will cover the best materials and sizes, so you can choose the perfect shovel for your next adventure. Get ready to dig into the details and become a backpacking shovel expert!
Our Top 5 Shovel For Backpacking Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Shovel For Backpacking Detailed Reviews
1. NACETURE Ultralight Backpacking Trowel Aluminum Shovel Small Potty Multitool with Longer Handle Design Essential for Hiking
Rating: 9.3/10
The NACETURE Ultralight Backpacking Trowel is a must-have for hikers, campers, and anyone who loves the outdoors. This small, yet powerful, aluminum shovel is designed to make your outdoor adventures easier and more responsible. It’s perfect for digging catholes, cleaning up your campsite, and burying waste. This trowel is built to last and won’t let you down when you need it most. Plus, you can save money when you buy two or more!
What We Like:
- It’s super lightweight, so it won’t weigh you down.
- Made from strong aluminum, it won’t rust or break easily.
- The sharp edges make digging through tough ground easy.
- The longer handle is comfortable to use.
- It’s small enough to fit in your backpack without taking up much space.
- It’s great for burying waste and keeping campsites clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- None! This is a great product.
This NACETURE trowel is an essential piece of gear for any outdoor enthusiast. It is a great tool that will help you enjoy your time in nature and leave no trace behind.
2. Ultralight Backpacking Trowel Aluminum Shovel Small Potty Multitool with Longer Handle Design Essential for Hiking
Rating: 8.5/10
Need a reliable trowel for your next outdoor adventure? The Ultralight Backpacking Trowel is a must-have! This small, yet mighty, aluminum shovel is designed for hikers, campers, and survivalists. It’s built to be ultralight, durable, and easy to use, making it the perfect tool for digging catholes, cleaning up campsites, and more. Plus, it has a longer handle for better grip and control.
What We Like:
- Easy to dig through tough ground and roots.
- Made from high-quality aluminum that won’t rust or break.
- Lightweight and compact, so it won’t take up much space.
- Longer handle is easy to grip and use.
- Perfect for burying waste and cleaning up campsites.
- Great for hiking, camping, and survival situations.
- You can save 5% when you buy two or more!
What Could Be Improved:
- None. This trowel is pretty great!
This ultralight trowel is a fantastic addition to any outdoor kit. It’s a durable, reliable, and essential tool for any hiker or camper.
3. Trowel
Rating: 8.9/10
The Trowel is a simple tool with a big job! This handy gadget is designed for gardening and other small tasks. It helps you dig, scoop, and move soil with ease. Whether you’re planting flowers or working in a vegetable garden, the Trowel is a useful tool to have around. It’s a basic item, but it can make a big difference in your gardening work. This review will help you decide if the Trowel is right for you.
What We Like:
- The Trowel is easy to hold.
- It’s perfect for digging small holes.
- The size is just right for most garden jobs.
- It’s made of sturdy materials.
What Could Be Improved:
- It might be too small for big projects.
- The handle could be a bit more comfortable.
In conclusion, the Trowel is a solid tool for basic gardening tasks. It’s a simple, effective item that will help you with your gardening needs.
4. TheTentLab(R Deuce(R) of Spades™Ultralight Backpack Trowel in Three Sizes (#2
Rating: 9.5/10
TheTentLab(R) Deuce(R) of Spades™ Ultralight Backpack Trowel is a must-have for any outdoor adventurer. This little tool helps you follow Leave No Trace principles. It makes digging a cathole much easier. It comes in three sizes to fit your needs. This strong trowel is made to last.
What We Like:
- The Deuce has a unique design. You can use it upside-down to find rocks.
- It’s super light! The #2 model weighs only .6 oz.
- Made from strong aerospace-grade aluminum.
- It’s made in the US and S. Korea.
- The edges are smooth and comfortable.
- It comes in fun, bright colors.
- The trowel helps you do the right thing for the environment.
- It has a lifetime warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- None.
The Deuce of Spades is a great tool for any backpacker. This trowel is a smart choice for staying clean on the trail.
5. DARTMOOR Mini Folding Shovel High Carbon Steel
Rating: 8.8/10
The DARTMOOR Mini Folding Shovel is a tough tool for outdoor adventures. It’s made with strong, high-carbon steel. This mini shovel folds up small, so you can take it anywhere. Use it for digging, shoveling, and even sawing. It’s great for camping, hiking, or keeping in your car for emergencies. This shovel is a handy helper for any outdoor activity.
What We Like:
- Made from strong, rust-resistant steel.
- Folds up easily for storage and travel.
- Handle is a comfortable 11.8 inches long.
- Shovel head is a good size for digging.
- Lightweight at only 28 ounces.
- Comes with a nylon carrying case.
- Can be used for many different tasks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size of the shovel head may be small for some heavy-duty digging tasks.
In conclusion, the DARTMOOR Mini Folding Shovel is a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts. It is a versatile tool that is easy to carry and great to have on hand.
The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Shovels
Getting ready for a backpacking trip? You might need a shovel! A good shovel is helpful for many reasons. This guide will help you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
You want a shovel that works well. Here are some important things to consider:
- Size and Weight: Backpacking is all about carrying less. Look for a small and light shovel. It should pack easily in your backpack.
- Handle Length: A longer handle can help you dig deeper. But it also adds weight. Find a good balance.
- Blade Shape: A flat blade is good for digging. A pointed blade works well for breaking up tough ground.
- Folding or Non-Folding: Folding shovels save space. They can be easier to pack. Non-folding shovels are often stronger.
- Durability: The shovel should be tough. It will face rocks, roots, and hard ground.
Important Materials
What the shovel is made of matters. Here are common materials:
- Aluminum: Aluminum is light and strong. It’s a popular choice.
- Steel: Steel is very strong. It can be heavier than aluminum.
- Plastic: Some shovels have plastic handles or blades. Plastic can be lighter but less durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a shovel better. Others make it worse:
- Welding: Look for well-made welds. They hold the parts together. Poor welds can break.
- Blade Thickness: A thicker blade is stronger. It will last longer.
- Handle Design: A good handle is comfortable to grip. It should not slip when you use it.
- Material Quality: Better materials make for a better shovel. Cheap materials often break.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your shovel? Think about these things:
- Digging Cat Holes: This is a common use. When you poop in the woods, you must bury it. You need a shovel to dig a hole.
- Moving Rocks and Debris: A shovel can help you clear a campsite. You can move rocks or branches.
- Building a Fire Ring: A shovel can help you create a safe fire pit.
- Emergency Use: Sometimes you might need to dig out a tent. Or make a shelter. A shovel can help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What size shovel should I get?
A: Choose a shovel that is small and light. It should fit in your backpack. Consider how you will use it. A small shovel is great for cat holes. A slightly larger shovel is better for bigger tasks.
Q: Is a folding shovel better than a non-folding shovel?
A: Folding shovels save space. They are easy to pack. Non-folding shovels are often stronger. Think about your priorities. Do you need to save space or want maximum strength?
Q: What is the best material for a backpacking shovel?
A: Aluminum is a good choice. It is light and strong. Steel is also strong, but it is heavier. Consider the weight and your needs.
Q: How important is the handle design?
A: The handle is very important. It needs to be comfortable to hold. It should not slip when you are digging. A good handle makes the job easier.
Q: How can I maintain my backpacking shovel?
A: Clean your shovel after each use. Wipe off dirt and mud. Dry it before storing it. Check for damage. Keep the blade sharp.
Q: Can I use a shovel for other tasks?
A: Yes! You can use a shovel to clear a campsite. You can move rocks or branches. You can also use it for emergency shelter building.
Q: What if my shovel gets dull?
A: You can sharpen the blade. Use a file or a sharpening stone. Be careful when sharpening.
Q: How do I pack my shovel in my backpack?
A: Put the shovel in a side pocket. Or attach it to the outside of your pack. Make sure it is secure. You don’t want it to fall out.
Q: Is a shovel required for backpacking?
A: It depends. If you plan to camp in the wilderness, you might need one. You need a shovel to bury human waste. Always follow Leave No Trace principles.
Q: Where can I buy a backpacking shovel?
A: You can find shovels at outdoor stores. You can also buy them online. Compare prices and read reviews before you buy.
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.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!