I learned the hard way why a good shovel matters. On my first solo trip, I needed to dig a cathole in rocky soil. I tried a stick, then a rock, then my heel—45 minutes later, I had a pathetic 3-inch hole and blistered hands. Now I never leave home without a proper digging tool. A good camping shovel isn’t just for digging—it’s for fire pits, trenching, chopping roots, and even self-defense in a pinch. Whether you’re a Leave No Trace purist, a bushcrafter, or just someone who wants a proper cathole, here are the shovels our team at Selection Camping Gear has tested in dirt, sand, and snow.
I’ve dug catholes in the Sierra granite, trenched tents in rainy Washington, and chopped roots in the Ozarks. I’ve tested shovels that bent, broke, and one that survived being run over by a truck. Here’s what I’ve learned about digging in the dirt.
⛏️ 1. Why a Camping Shovel Matters
Here’s the reality: Leave No Trace principles require proper waste disposal—catholes 6-8 inches deep, 200 feet from water. In many soils, that’s impossible without a tool. A good shovel lets you dig properly, protecting water sources and wildlife. Beyond catholes, you’ll use it for digging fire pits, trenching around tents in rain, moving coals, and even chopping small roots. For car camping, a full-size shovel is great. For backpacking, you need something ultralight but strong. Browse our Camping gears store for a full range of digging tools.
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🪓 2. Types: Trowels, Entrenching Tools, Multi-Tools
Backpacking trowels: Ultralight (1-3 oz), plastic or titanium, designed for catholes only. Not for heavy digging. Examples: The Deuce, Vargo Titanium Trowel.
Entrenching tools (E-tools): Military-style folding shovels. Heavy (1-2 lbs), but can dig, chop, saw, and more. For car camping or bushcraft. Examples: Glock E-tool, Cold Steel Spetsnaz.
Multi-tool shovels: Shovel with saw, axe, or pick functions. Heavy but versatile. For overlanding and basecamp. Examples: SOG Folding Shovel, Gerber Gorge.
For most backpackers, a lightweight trowel is enough. For car camping, get a full E-tool. Check our essential camping tools for more options.
🔧 3. 7 Features Every Camp Shovel Needs
1. Strong enough for your soil: Rocky soil needs metal. Sand works with plastic.
2. Serrated edge (optional): Helps cut roots and small branches.
3. Locking mechanism (if folding): Must lock securely—folding shovels that collapse during use are dangerous.
4. Length: Longer handle = more leverage, harder to pack. Short = lighter, less leverage.
5. Weight: Backpacking: under 3 oz. Car camping: 1-2 lbs fine.
6. Markings (depth gauge): Some trowels have markings for 6-8 inches—helps meet LNT standards.
7. Carry case or sheath: Protects other gear from sharp edges.
🏆 4. Our Top Camping Shovel Picks (Dirt-Tested)
We’ve dug with dozens of shovels. Here are the five that earned permanent spots in our kits:
1. Best overall (backpacking): The Deuce of Spades #2—1.6 oz, hard-anodized aluminum, depth markings. The ultralight gold standard.
2. Best budget trowel: Orange Screw Ultralight Tent Stake / Trowel—0.8 oz, plastic, twists into ground, surprisingly effective.
3. Best heavy-duty trowel: Vargo Titanium Trowel—2.2 oz, titanium, strong enough for rocky soil, folds? no, but rigid.
4. Best entrenching tool: Glock Field Shovel—1.5 lbs, steel, folds, includes saw edge. Indestructible.
5. Best multi-tool shovel: SOG Folding Shovel—1.8 lbs, steel, includes saw and pick, locks solid.
For more gear ideas, read our beginner’s camping checklist for more essential tools.
⚙️ 5. Materials: Steel vs Aluminum vs Titanium
Steel: Strongest, can chop roots, heavy (1-2 lbs). Best for car camping, bushcraft, and heavy-duty digging. Rusts if not cared for.
Aluminum: Lightweight (1-3 oz), strong enough for most soil, won’t rust. The sweet spot for backpacking. The Deuce is hard-anodized aluminum.
Titanium: Ultralight (1-2 oz), very strong, expensive. Can handle rocky soil better than aluminum. Vargo makes excellent titanium trowels.
Plastic: Cheapest, lightest, but breaks in rocky soil. Fine for sand or soft ground. Not recommended for serious use.
🛠️ 6. Beyond Catholes: Creative Uses
A good camp shovel does more than dig holes:
– Fire pit construction: Dig and shape fire pits, move hot coals.
– Trenching: Dig small trenches around tent to divert rain (use sparingly—LNT).
– Root cutting: Serrated edge cuts small roots for firewood or clearing tent site.
– Snow digging: Dig out tent platforms in snow, create snow walls.
– Self-defense: In bear country, a metal shovel can be a deterrent (but bear spray is better).
– Hammer: Pound in stubborn tent stakes with the back of the blade.
📦 7. How to Pack a Camp Shovel
Backpacking trowel: Stash in side pocket, hip belt pocket, or with cook gear. So light you’ll forget it.
Folding shovel: Collapse and store in main pack compartment, strapped outside, or in car trunk. Use sheath to protect gear.
Pro tip: Clean your shovel before packing—dirt in hinges ruins folding mechanisms. Dry thoroughly to prevent rust. Store with other tools.
⚡ Camping Shovel Quick Comparison
| Shovel Model | Type | Weight | Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Deuce of Spades #2 | Trowel | 1.6 oz | Aluminum | Ultralight backpacking |
| Orange Screw | Trowel/stake | 0.8 oz | Plastic | Ultralight, soft soil |
| Vargo Titanium Trowel | Trowel | 2.2 oz | Titanium | Rocky soil, durability |
| Glock Field Shovel | Entrenching | 1.5 lbs | Steel | Car camping, bushcraft |
| SOG Folding Shovel | Multi-tool | 1.8 lbs | Steel | Overlanding, heavy use |
“I used a plastic trowel once in the Rockies. It snapped on the second dig. Now I carry a Vargo titanium—it’s been through three thru-hikes and still going strong. Don’t cheap out on your poop tool.” — Jen, 10Best Camping gear tester (PCT, CDT thru-hiker)
❓ Camping Shovel FAQ
1. Do I really need a shovel for backpacking?
If you follow Leave No Trace (and you should), yes. Catholes require 6-8 inches of depth. In many soils, that’s impossible without a tool. A 1-2 oz trowel is worth the weight.
2. What’s the best shovel for rocky soil?
Vargo Titanium or The Deuce (aluminum) can handle moderate rock. For extreme rock, you might need a steel E-tool, but that’s heavy. Choose your battles—sometimes you just have to move campsite.
3. Can I use a shovel for snow camping?
Yes—a small trowel won’t cut it. You need a snow shovel (dedicated) or a sturdy E-tool for digging snow caves, platforms, and walls. Lightweight snow shovels exist (like MSR) for winter camping.
4. How do I clean and maintain my shovel?
Wipe off dirt after each use. For folding shovels, clean hinges thoroughly. Dry completely to prevent rust. Lightly oil metal parts if storing long-term. Titanium and aluminum need less care.
5. What about wag bags instead of digging?
Wag bags (pack-it-out systems) are required in some areas (desert, high-use trails). They eliminate digging but add weight. Check local regulations before your trip.
6. Can I use a tent stake as a trowel?
In soft soil, maybe. In anything firm, you’ll struggle. The Orange Screw is designed as both stake and trowel—it works because of the screw design. Regular stakes are too small.
7. Where can I find quality camping shovels?
We carry tested, reliable options at Essential Camping Tools—from ultralight trowels to heavy-duty entrenching tools. All gear is field-tested by our crew. Also check our beginner’s checklist for more essential gear.
📖 More Camping Gear Guides
If you found this helpful, check out our other deep dives:
- 🔹 Master Meals Outdoors: Best Camping Cookware Sets for 2026
- 🔹 Dome Tent Drawbacks: Are They Right for Your Camping Style?
- 🔹 Top Bushcraft Camping Stoves for Your Next Solo Adventure
- 🔹 Best Camping Gear for Beginners Checklist
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Dig right, Leave No Trace. A good camping shovel lets you follow ethical guidelines while keeping your camp clean and comfortable. Whether you’re digging a cathole or building a fire pit, the right tool makes the job easy and protects the wilderness for everyone.
Happy digging,
The 10Best Camping crew