When it comes to thru-hiking, having the right gear is crucial. Every ounce counts when you’re trekking hundreds or even thousands of miles, which is why I never hit the trail without my trusty thru-hiking trowel. Although it may seem like a small and insignificant tool, a high-quality trowel can make a world of difference when it comes to digging catholes and practicing Leave No Trace principles.
One of the best thru-hiking trowels on the market is the Ultralight Backpacking Trowel. Made from lightweight yet durable materials, this trowel weighs in at just a few ounces. Its compact size and ergonomic design make it easy to pack and comfortable to use, even for extended periods of time. Whether I’m digging a cathole or creating a fire pit, this trowel always gets the job done quickly and efficiently.
Another top contender for the best thru-hiking trowel is the Titanium Backpacking Trowel. This ultra-strong and lightweight trowel is made from titanium, making it incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion. Its unique design features a serrated edge, which comes in handy when cutting through tough roots or vegetation. I love how this trowel can handle any type of soil or terrain with ease, making it a reliable tool for any thru-hiker.
What is a Thru Hiking Trowel?
A thru-hiking trowel is an essential tool for any backpacker or hiker who plans to spend extended periods of time in the wilderness. It is a lightweight and compact tool specifically designed for digging cat holes, which are used for burying human waste in the backcountry.
A thru-hiking trowel is typically made of durable materials such as aluminum or plastic, and it has a tapered, shovel-like blade that is both strong and narrow enough to easily penetrate the ground. The handle of the trowel is often ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable grip and make it easier to dig holes in various types of soil.
When backpacking or thru-hiking, it is important to practice Leave No Trace principles, which include properly disposing of human waste. Digging cat holes with a trowel helps minimize the impact on the environment and reduces the risk of contaminating water sources. It is recommended to dig a hole that is 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet away from water sources and campsites.
A thru-hiking trowel is a versatile tool that can also be used for other purposes in the backcountry, such as digging trenches for rainwater diversion, leveling tent sites, or even as an emergency tool for self-defense. Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry in a backpack and it is an essential item for any thru-hiker or long-distance backpacker.
Why You Need a Thru Hiking Trowel for Your Outdoor Adventures
If you’re someone who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, whether it’s hiking, camping, or backpacking, having a thru hiking trowel is an essential tool that you shouldn’t overlook. While it may not be the first item that comes to mind when packing for your outdoor adventures, a thru hiking trowel serves an important purpose that can greatly enhance your experience.
One of the main reasons why you need a thru hiking trowel is for proper waste disposal. When nature calls while you’re out on a trail, it’s important to follow Leave No Trace principles and bury your waste properly. A thru hiking trowel allows you to dig a small hole quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your waste is buried at least 6-8 inches deep to minimize any impact on the environment and prevent contamination of water sources.
Benefits of Using a Thru Hiking Trowel
- Lightweight and Compact: Thru hiking trowels are specifically designed to be lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry in your backpack without adding unnecessary weight or taking up too much space. Most trowels are made from lightweight materials such as aluminum or titanium, ensuring that they won’t weigh you down during your outdoor adventures.
- Durable and Sturdy: Despite their lightweight construction, thru hiking trowels are built to last. They are made from strong and durable materials, such as reinforced metal or polycarbonate, that can withstand the rigors of digging in various soil conditions.
- Efficient Digging: Thru hiking trowels typically feature a serrated edge or teeth that can help you dig efficiently, even in tough or rocky soil. This ensures that you can quickly and effectively create a proper hole for waste disposal without wasting too much time or energy.
- Versatile Use: While primarily used for waste disposal, a thru hiking trowel can also be handy for other tasks during your outdoor adventures. It can be used for digging small trenches, leveling tent sites, or even as a makeshift cooking utensil, depending on the design and features of the trowel.
Overall, a thru hiking trowel is a small investment that can make a big difference during your outdoor adventures. It not only helps you follow Leave No Trace principles and maintain the beauty of nature, but it also offers convenience and practicality in various situations. So, before heading out on your next hike or camping trip, don’t forget to pack a thru hiking trowel and enjoy the benefits it brings to your outdoor experiences.
Tips for Using and Maintaining Your Thru Hiking Trowel
Thru hiking trowels are an essential tool for any serious hiker. They are lightweight, compact, and make it easy to dig catholes for burying human waste. However, like any tool, they require proper use and maintenance to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. Here are some tips for using and maintaining your thru hiking trowel:
1. Choose the Right Trowel
When selecting a thru hiking trowel, consider the material, weight, and design. Look for one made of lightweight and durable materials like titanium or aluminum. Opt for a trowel that is compact enough to fit in your backpack but still has a comfortable handle for gripping. Remember, you’ll be using this tool for many miles, so choose one that feels right in your hand.
2. Practice Proper Technique
When using your thru hiking trowel, it’s important to utilize the correct technique to ensure efficient and effective digging. Start by locating a suitable location for a cathole, preferably at least 200 feet away from water sources and trails. Dig a hole that is 6 to 8 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches wide. Be sure to remove any rocks or debris from the hole to prevent damage to the trowel.
3. Clean and Sanitize
After each use, it is essential to clean and sanitize your thru hiking trowel. Use water and soap to remove any dirt or debris. If available, you can also use disinfectant wipes to ensure proper sanitation. Allow the trowel to air dry before storing it back in your backpack. This will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and odor.
4. Inspect for Damage
Regularly inspect your thru hiking trowel for any signs of damage. Check the handle, blade, and any connection points for wear or cracks. If you notice any damage, it’s best to replace the trowel before it becomes a safety hazard. A broken trowel won’t be able to perform its intended function effectively.
5. Store Properly
When not in use, store your thru hiking trowel in a safe and dry place. Avoid leaving it exposed to extreme temperatures or in direct sunlight for long periods of time, as this can weaken the material. Consider using a small stuff sack or bag to protect the trowel and prevent it from damaging other gear in your backpack.
In conclusion,
a thru hiking trowel is a valuable tool that can make your backpacking experience more comfortable and environmentally responsible. By following these tips for using and maintaining your trowel, you can ensure its longevity and effectiveness on the trail. Choose the right trowel, practice proper digging technique, clean and sanitize regularly, inspect for damage, and store it properly. With these steps, your thru hiking trowel will become a reliable companion on your outdoor adventures.
10 Best Thru Hiking Trowel
Kuvik Titanium Trowel & 1600ml (54 oz) Titanium Pot with Bail Handle Bundle
- Why Kuvik: If, for any reason, you are unsatisfied with your purchase, we will provide you with a 100% refund.
Suprock Survival Shovel High Carbon Steel Tactical Shovel Axe Folding Entrenching Tool Camping Hiking Shovel Carrying Pouch Car Emergency Survival Gear
Features
| Part Number | CK02 |
| Model | CK04 |
| Color | Black |
- High-quality Materials: The shovel axe are made of thick high-carbon steel, with 3CR13 high carbon stainless steel integrated casting technology, high strength, strong and durable. The multifunctional camping equipment is the best partner of outdoor camping and traveling adventurer.
- Rugged Climbing Axe: The axe is made of a powerful mixture of chromium and high carbon steel. The two hardest metals can withstand any type of shock，sturdy and durable.
- 24-in-1 Multi-function Shovel: Suprock tactical shovel is a 24-in-1 multi-function shovel, includes shovel, axe, knife, saw, hoe, hook, stick, and spanner, a corkscrew, whistle,igniter, ice cone, fish scale, compass, etc., Very suitable for chopping, shoveling, cutting, sawing, digging, mining, hammering, and bottle opening.
- Convenient assembly and storage: folded design for easy carrying, transport and storage. A great helper for car camping! This versatile tactical shovel features three adjustable handle lengths from 16.92 to 39.37 inches and folds into a carrying case measuring 10*7 inches
- Lifetime Replacement Service: The strong quality brings you a worry-free shopping experience. This multi-functional survival shovel can be used forever. If you encounter unpleasant problems during use, please contact us in time to solve all the problems and exchange them for you.
Kuvik Titanium Trowel & 260ml (8.8 oz) Titanium Flask Bundle
- Why Kuvik: If, for any reason, you are unsatisfied with your purchase, we will provide you with a 100% refund.
GOJAWAY Outdoor Camping Gear Shovel Axe Survival Kit, 55" Ultra Lengthened Handle Portable Trekking Pole Heavy Duty Spade, Folding Hatchet Multitool Kit for...
Features
| Part Number | JH202310-I |
| Model | JH202310-I |
| Color | black |
- [ Before Use Note ]: The fire starter is covered with a black protective coating, which you need to scrape off until the silver magnesium rod is exposed before use.
- [ Essential Tools Set ]: GOJAWAY Multifunctional shovel hatchet and walking pole combo is a must-have equipment for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts,backpackers,hiker,drivers, hunters and people who lives alone.
- [ Durable Collapsible Spade ]: The portable shovel head made by thick stainless steel. You can adjust shovel angle(0°90°180°）to dig hook and hoe in different ways.Special designs on shovel’s sides can be used to chop or saw, and there are three sizes hexagonal screw hole on the shovel.
- [ Customize the Pole Size You Fit ]: There are six aluminium bars in our toolbox, each pole is 6.1 inches long. The maximum length of the shovel can be extended to 55 inches.
- [ Easy to Assembly and Carry ]: All components can be detached. Unique threads not only won't get stuck but also won't loosen during use. It’s easy to set up and the storage bags can avoid dust and mud in the wild.
Sunkoon Survival Shovel Survival Axe, Camping Folding Shovels Hatchet with 19.2-37.8inch Lengthened Handle Enlarged Shovelhead High Carbon Steel with Storage...
Features
| Part Number | YSSHLAX-01 |
| Model | YSSHLAX-01 |
| Color | Shovel+hatchet |
- 【HIGH-QUALITY Military Grade Material】—The shovel head is made of high-quality thickened high-carbon steel, surface hardened and heat-treated. Hard enough, wear-resistant, rust-proof. Enough to deal with all kinds of outdoor adventures situations. shovel handle is made of military-grade thickened aviation aluminum alloy material, strong and lightweight. Comfortable grip. The safety rope is enough to make your use safer.
- 【Tough & durable hiking axe】Sunkoon Camping Axe is made of 3CR13 stainless steel, which is made by a special process to make it ultra-strong and rust resistant. The sharp blade and the reasonable angle make it easy to use. You can chop, split, hammer, defend yourself, etc. The included protective cover can ensure that you carry it safely and conveniently
- 【All-in-one Multipurpose Survival Tool Kit】Sunkoon folding camping survival shovel Axe Set includes shovel, axe, cutter, saw, hoe, hook, stick, wrench, batch screwdriver, bottle opener, hunting spear , whistle, fire starter, ice piton, window breaker, scraping fish scales and compass. Etc .Perfect for shoveling, chopping, cutting, sawing, digging, hammering, bottle opening. Ideal for camping, hiking, off-roading, SUVing, backpacking, fishing, hunting , gardening, ready for you anytime, anywhere
- 【Lightweight & Portable & Compact】Sunkoon folding shovel Axe Multitool Gear is composed of shovel, Axe, extension handles and other accessories. After disassembled folding, compact and a Storage Pouch can be easily stored. Lightweight and easy to carry. It is very easy to assemble when used. When extended, the shovel length can be extended to 37.8 inches, which can meet any of your emergency situations needs
- 【3 Screw-ON Thicken & Lengthen Extension Handles】 3 screw-in threaded extension handles(thickness 7.5mm) can be assembled freely, lengthen or shorten the length of the handle according to your needs, and then screw the shovel, axe or other accessories to the handle according to your needs. You can use shovel, axe, knife, hunting spear, screwdriver and other functions more easily and comfortably.
FAQ:
What is the best thru hiking trowel?
The best thru hiking trowel depends on personal preference and needs. Some popular options include the Deuce of Spades, GSI Outdoors Cathole Trowel, Sea to Summit Pocket Trowel, MSR Blizzard Tent Stake and Trowel, and the Vargo Dig Dig Tool.
What is special about the Deuce of Spades trowel?
The Deuce of Spades trowel stands out for its lightweight design and durable construction. It is made from strong, high-quality materials and weighs only a few ounces, making it ideal for backpacking and thru hiking.
Why is the GSI Outdoors Cathole Trowel recommended for thru hiking?
The GSI Outdoors Cathole Trowel is recommended for thru hiking due to its lightweight design and comfortable handle. It is ergonomically designed to make digging catholes easier and more efficient, reducing strain on hands and wrists during long hikes.
What makes the Sea to Summit Pocket Trowel a good choice for thru hiking?
The Sea to Summit Pocket Trowel is considered a good choice for thru hiking due to its compact size and lightweight design. It folds up to a small size that can easily fit in a backpack or pocket, making it convenient to carry on long-distance hikes.
Why is the MSR Blizzard Tent Stake and Trowel suitable for thru hiking?
The MSR Blizzard Tent Stake and Trowel is suitable for thru hiking because it serves a dual purpose. It can be used as a trowel for digging cat holes and also as a tent stake, saving space and weight in a backpack.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to thru hiking trowels, it’s clear that the best option is a lightweight and durable design. The Gossamer Gear Deuce of Spades is a standout choice, with its titanium construction and compact size. It’s designed specifically for the needs of thru hikers, making it easy to dig cat holes and minimize environmental impact. Furthermore, its folding design ensures easy storage and transportation. Overall, investing in a high-quality trowel will not only make your thru hiking experience more comfortable but also help protect the natural beauty of the trails you explore.
