The best trowels of 2023

If you frequent the outdoors, you know how important it is to follow the tenets of “Leave No Trace.” They include never leaving any trash, camping on durable surfaces, leaving behind what you find, and burying your bowel movements. Having a sturdy trowel can be a huge help with that last one. You want to find a trowel that is lightweight, portable, and can handle any terrain without damage. We’ve discovered a few options that can dig through backcountry roots and rocks so you can keep nearby water supplies clean.

Best overall: Deuce Ultralight Backpacking Potty Trowel

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This trowel is by far one of the most recommended products we’ve seen, for a reason. It’s made of aerospace-grade aluminum and at its largest size weighs less than one ounce. It’s also one of the only trowels out there that allows you to use both ends: use the wider side to scoop up looser dirt and topsoil and the slimmer end to carve out a hole in tougher terrain. What it lacks in a traditional handle it makes up for in strength and durability. It comes in three sizes and colors that will easily slide into your pack or clip onto a carabiner.

Runner-up: Varo Dig Tool

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The Varo Dig Tool is a reliable way to get yourself a cathole in seconds. Made from extremely strong titanium, this trowel has well-designed serrated edges, an ergonomic grip, a U-shaped bend, and a rounded handle so you can dig with ease in any terrain. It weighs 1.6 ounces and measures 8.1 inches with large holes and cleats that can assist in anchoring down your ten, should you need some more support.

Most versatile: Yeacool Backpacking Trowel

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This trowel is way more than a tool for digging a temporary privy; it is essentially a multi-tool equipped with a saw, ruler, hex wrench, nail puller, and paracord. It is made from durable stainless steel, weighs 6.8 ounces, and measures 10.43 inches long. Along with a convenient carrying case that acts like a sheath, it comes with a removable cap and can double as a spare stake for your tent or a spear tip for fishing.

Best value: Coghlans Backpackers Trowel

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The Coghlan’s Backpacker’s Trowel is a classic plastic camping tool. It weighs roughly two ounces with a convenient handle and budget-friendy. It’s a little over 11 inches tall with a hole for a lanyard-esque attachment. This trowel is great for campsites and soft terrain but might prove to be a little too flimsy for rockier areas. While you’re at it, check out Coghlan’s travel biodegradable toilet tissue for your next outhouse free experience.