Trowel options

KVerb

KVerb

Ultralighter
I know the trowel brings a lot of debate, so I was wondering what you all bring: MYOG, nothing, stakes, Deuce of spades, ...?
So far I've just used sticks or my boot, but I have to admit that I'm not always able to dig as deep as I should, so I'm looking to take a dedicated digging tool.
 
Shewie

Shewie

Chief Slackpacker
Staff member
DIY AlpPoop

P1030079.jpg
 
cathyjc

cathyjc

Thru Hiker
I tried an 'AlpPoop' - hubby trashed it first time in use !!

Now I carry a Deuce of Spades. It won't deal with the tough stuff (bog roots)- but in those circumstances only a decent garden spade will 'do the job' :oops::oops::rolleyes: - and I'm never going to carry one of those, so I have to be 'creative ' as to how I "leave no trace". :whistling::)
 
JimH

JimH

Section Hiker
Deuce of Spades, but as @cathyjc has already said, it's not that sturdy, so I also use pegs and pole tips for hard/stony/rooty soils.
 
Teepee

Teepee

Thru Hiker
Pole tips most.....also boot, rock, stick. A decent bit of slate digs quite well. Blizzard stake for blowy trips.
 
Fair Weather Camper

Fair Weather Camper

Thru Hiker
And digging 'thumbs up', is far less stress on the wrist, and tool deployed.

if I'm using a trowel (for planting) for several days on end at a time, i will often use a glove with an extra piece of wadding placed in the palm.

Not sure if this helps anything, or anyone in this situation?
 
dovidola

dovidola

Thru Hiker
Vargo Titanium Dig Dig. It's a new product and I've posted a picture on another recent thread. I've yet to use it, so can't recommend it unequivocally. I used to use a blizzard stake, but the Vargo is more of a trowel which doubles as a stake than the other way round (if that makes sense). Weight is 35g and it costs a ridiculous £25.
 
Teepee

Teepee

Thru Hiker
It's occurred to me looking at this thread that we may just be missing a trick with digging.....

Thoughts on a Hoe/adze ( 'L' shaped) digging stick? .......to drag the dirt out of the hole than dig and lever out?

I don't know about anyone else but I don't usually have much time to dig a neat hole, more of a digging Badger with dirt flying out behind in a frantic rush to beat the birth.
 
Robin

Robin

Moderator
Staff member
edh said:
If super organised I dig mine the evening before....
Click to expand...
Me too :angelic:

The MSR blizzard trowel is really good. Instead of digging, I lever up and fold over the top layer of grass/vegetation. The length and strength give good leverage. Having a foam handle makes it easy to use too.
 
Padstowe

Padstowe

Thru Hiker
I like the look of that vargo, looks like it could do some serious damage, hopefully not to the pack. It is quite dear though but with free shipping only £10 more than the deuce copy would cost me to get posted, but ultralightoutdoors do have the blizzard with free shipping at £7.49. This is why am still using rocks, small v pegs & my heel :sorry:, which to choose :(
edit: just went for the vargo dig dig, it was the teeth & width that won it for me :beaver:.
Hopefully it'll be here for my planed trip to the bluestacks in donegal next weekend :)
 
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Teepee

Teepee

Thru Hiker
Gadget said:
Hmm... trekking pole attachment perhaps?
Click to expand...

That sprang to my mind, although sooner or later the poles being used to hold the shelter up is going to cause a quandary.... maybe something like a blizzard stake but with adze on the guy end?
 
Dave V

Dave V

Moderator
Staff member
I use a fold away thing, it’s cheap, pretty heavy but I also use to to push my pegs in to rocky/hard ground on top of the tors on Dartmoor. Works well but I could probably do the digging with a peg
 
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