Poo shovels

[llittle_llama]

So I bought the heaviest shovel on earth apparently. The GSR poly shovel. Feels pretty light but after I posted it up in my inventory everyone schooled me on its weight issues. Now at first I thought you guys were crazy. I know ounces are pounds but come on, it's a SHOVEL! So I looked at a few links and there are a few options that are lighter (and cheaper) but not as sturdy (orange shovels) and some that are WAY more expensive but WAY lighter. So I figured since I already spent the $5 on my GSR shovel I would test it out. This is what I have so far:











https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170131/8efc3eea0af33369b63bf372f56f770f.jpg


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170131/bc865e0d358d572ba388c0ce1dd2bd92.jpg


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170131/f997e7bd881b1efdc9de1c9fddd2c974.jpg

Please post up your shovels/mods/findings and talk!!!!

[Hikingjim]

Never carried a shovel on the AT before. I pass shelters often enough and if it's an emergency I don't need a shovel. Hiking stick, a piece of wood, a rock, whatever. I just go a ways from the trail (without getting lost...)

[Time Zone]

One idea I adopted was to get an REI snow stake:
https://www.rei.com/product/845328/rei-co-op-snow-stake

costs $3, weighs an ounce, can be dual-use.

[cmoulder]

If you want state of the art and less than 1/2 oz...

http://suluk46.com/products%20%20-%20P11%20Titanium%20Trowel.html

http://www.qiwiz.net/trowels.html

[Engine]

Deuce of Spades

http://www.mountaintrailoutfitters.com/products/DUECE-OF-SPADES-TROWEL-ASSORT.html?gclid=Cj0KEQiAiMHEBRC034nx2ImB1J0BEiQA-r7cttnWdknPQn-S4w6ahJ1dO8vZ7LuAwZApCrb0L18x24YaAvfZ8P8HAQ

http://www.mountaintrailoutfitters.com/product_images/z/794/381500_7__81942_zoom.jpg

[HooKooDooKu]

Never carried a shovel on the AT before. I pass shelters often enough and if it's an emergency I don't need a shovel. Hiking stick, a piece of wood, a rock, whatever. I just go a ways from the trail (without getting lost...)
This comes up every time someone brings up the subject of pooping in the woods.

Given that it doesn't mater if you are the requisite minimum distance from the trail (typically about 100' I believe) or 1 mile from the trail... how you go about doing your business should still be the same, which includes digging a 6" deep cat hole. Based on the ground I've encountered in GSMNP and along the JMT, I don't see how anyone is going to dig an appropriately size cat hole in a reasonable amount of time without some sort of digging tool (trowel, tent peg, etc).

The ones I really have to laugh about are the ones that claim they just dig a hole with the heel of their boot.

As for shelters... I've only hike the section of the AT going thru GSMNP where I can only remember 4 of the 11 AT shelters having a privy (Spence, Mt Collines, Icewater Springs, and Pecks).

[llittle_llama]

So who actually uses the "Deuce of Spades"?

[JC13]

So who actually uses the "Deuce of Spades"?I have used mine once since I bought it. Used the orange plastic before that and the plastic one was terrible if tough soil.

[saltysack]

Here we go again......


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[Engine]

So who actually uses the "Deuce of Spades"?
Me for one...

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[Sarcasm the elf]

One idea I adopted was to get an REI snow stake:
https://www.rei.com/product/845328/rei-co-op-snow-stake

costs $3, weighs an ounce, can be dual-use.

I've been using an rei snow stake for a couple years now. Much easier than using my hiking pole like I used to.

[Maui Rhino]

+1 Deuce of Spades. Great little trowel that can get through the rocky soil I frequently hike on.

[Hikingjim]

that's true that it can be difficult with a pole. Rarely have to use it, but I have used an msr groundhog stake with some success as well

that is a pretty light trowel though! I have definitely seen a "crapload" of shovels in hiker boxes, but theirs probably weren't .6 oz.
I might consider that to upgrade the trowel I take on privy-less routes

[sethd513]

Deuce of spades is bomb. Cuts a great hole. Last year on at section hikes I saw so much tp scattered all over the place it was disgusting. Don't use a trekking pole. You won't have time to widdle wood when nature calls. Get the deuce.


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[Deacon]

Don't use the deuce, but the very similar titanium Big Dig from Qiwiz. Weighs in at 0.6 oz. cuts through roots like nobody's business.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170201/2d8c5e1a6b17c077f5bc3778e3c4466f.jpg

[Mags]

So who actually uses the "Deuce of Spades"?


I do. The inventor lives maybe 15 minutes away from me.

http://www.pmags.com/gear-review-deuce-of-spades

After finding a disgusting pile of poo and TP under a rock while doing trail work on the CDT, I really advocate a trowel of some sort. I converted before then. The trail surprise cemented my views.

I like one of the comments a person wrote:

"i admit to having dug my hole with a boot heel. Really it was only half a hole. Who want’s to be a Half-Hole?"

:)

[ScareBear]

That's it! I've figured out how to reduce crowding on the AT during the "bubble"......

Pack out your poop as a requirement!

There is def. some inhospitable ground in NC to dig a cathole in....Cheesecake Factory....you needed a backhoe to get it done around there...just sayin...

[Deacon]

That's it! I've figured out how to reduce crowding on the AT during the "bubble"......

Pack out your poop as a requirement!

There is def. some inhospitable ground in NC to dig a cathole in....Cheesecake Factory....you needed a backhoe to get it done around there...just sayin...

That's why I say the people who say they use a boot heel are liars, or, they only dig a token hole so as not to feel guilty. There's no other way to dig deep enough with at least a sharp shovel.

[JC13]

That's it! I've figured out how to reduce crowding on the AT during the "bubble"......

Pack out your poop as a requirement!

There is def. some inhospitable ground in NC to dig a cathole in....Cheesecake Factory....you needed a backhoe to get it done around there...just sayin...The problem would be the lack of anyone to enforce it. Just like now when you see fields of tp blooms, Springer parking lot had a ridiculous number of these this July...

[ScareBear]

The problem would be the lack of anyone to enforce it. Just like now when you see fields of tp blooms, Springer parking lot had a ridiculous number of these this July...

Yeah. I was being sorta sarcastic...but...there are plenty of places you have to pack it out...

https://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/arolrsmain/paria/pack_in_out.html

http://archive.sltrib.com/story.php?ref=/sltrib/news/56878032-78/backcountry-canyonlands-desert-destinations.html.csp

[CarlZ993]

Don't use the deuce, but the very similar titanium Big Dig from Qiwiz. Weighs in at 0.6 oz. cuts through roots like nobody's business.

This is what I use. Works great.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170201/2d8c5e1a6b17c077f5bc3778e3c4466f.jpg
ThisiswhatIuse.

This is what I use. Works great.

[Ethesis]

One idea I adopted was to get an REI snow stake:
https://www.rei.com/product/845328/rei-co-op-snow-stake

costs $3, weighs an ounce, can be dual-use.

After using those on a section hike I got a Duce of Spades.

[saltysack]

This comes up every time someone brings up the subject of pooping in the woods.

Given that it doesn't mater if you are the requisite minimum distance from the trail (typically about 100' I believe) or 1 mile from the trail... how you go about doing your business should still be the same, which includes digging a 6" deep cat hole. Based on the ground I've encountered in GSMNP and along the JMT, I don't see how anyone is going to dig an appropriately size cat hole in a reasonable amount of time without some sort of digging tool (trowel, tent peg, etc).

The ones I really have to laugh about are the ones that claim they just dig a hole with the heel of their boot.

As for shelters... I've only hike the section of the AT going thru GSMNP where I can only remember 4 of the 11 AT shelters having a privy (Spence, Mt Collines, Icewater Springs, and Pecks).

On jmt I just used a ground squirrel hole...pre dug cat hole....[emoji51]


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[Sarcasm the elf]

Now here's a real pooh shovel!

http://thumbs.picclick.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/Av8AAOSwXeJYGgy2/$/Pax-Disney-Danawares-Winnie-The-Pooh-Xmas-Friends-_1.jpg

[llittle_llama]

So how does the "Deuce" hold up to dozens of holes? Do you think it will be able to make a full thru-hike?

[Maui Rhino]

Yes, it should hold up fine. I've got 3 years of use on mine, and it still doesn't show wear.

[Engine]

So how does the "Deuce" hold up to dozens of holes? Do you think it will be able to make a full thru-hike? It's aircraft grade aluminum...yes

[rocketsocks]

You gotta have a pretty spastic colon to wear out a trowel. :D

[llittle_llama]

Well I just bought mine :D Yellow, my favorite color!

[RangerZ]

ThisiswhatIuse.

This is what I use. Works great.

+1. I "padded" the end of the handle with electric wire insulation want to cut the ground not my hand..

[llittle_llama]

+1. I "padded" the end of the handle with electric wire insulation want to cut the ground not my hand..

I was thinking I would use some 550 cord with the core removed. I only have the stuff from my Army unit so I'll have to go to the craft store (Michaels probably) and grab some fun color stuff so it stands out when I'm out in the woods ;)

[Secondmouse]

Here we go again......


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I know, right?..

[Secondmouse]

holy crap... this has got to be a record - 2 threads with multiple pages about the same thing less than 2 weeks apart --

https://whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php/121865-Trowels

[QiWiz]

I like one of the comments a person wrote: "i admit to having dug my hole with a boot heel. Really it was only half a hole. Who want’s to be a Half-Hole?"

:)



Thanks for the quote. I'm still laughing.

[Miner]

I've own many a trowel listed above. Considering some of the ground I've dug in, I don't buy shoes or poles as viable options.
-The plastic orange trowel also is a poor option. Not only is it heavy, it tends to break in Rocky soil where it doesn't have the strength needed.
-Snow stake (aluminum) at 1oz. Dual use and will dig in hard ground. Not as efficient as other options below though.
- Montbell's Handy Scoop at 1oz is Steele and works best in the hardest soil. Looks like a flat spoon. Used for years out west and for the PCT and AT.
-Deuce of Spades @.6oz is a great overall trowel that I currently backpack with for the past 3 years with over a 1000 miles. Can dig in hard rocky ground without issue. Not as good at it as the Montbell's but good enough at half the weight.
-Qiwiz's small shovel. Good trowel, but the handle hurts my hand in hard ground as the plastic paint isn't enough along with the small narrow handle. Probably should have got the larger size which likely is more comfortable. Carry it when I expect better ground to dig in. It is lighter than DofS above. Better than a boot for sure.
-Suluk46 mentioned above. Also have it but also bothers my hand in Rocky soil. Very well made and light and usually is in my day pack since it weighs nothing.

[Mags]

Thanks for the quote. I'm still laughing.

It is very good one! Funny and accurate.

[Bird Dawg]

Ditto. Love mine. I did add some shrink wrap to the handle to make it easier to use without hurting my hand as much as I dig with it. Very little difference in weight.

[Bird Dawg]

Ditto. Love mine. I did add some shrink wrap to the handle to make it easier to use without hurting my hand as much as I dig with it. Very little difference in weight.

Sorry... I meant to include the quote about the Qiwiz shovel.

[Greenlight]

The cost on those bad boys was enough to make me have to poo...I guess less is more!

[Another Kevin]

Now here's a real pooh shovel!

http://thumbs.picclick.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/Av8AAOSwXeJYGgy2/$/Pax-Disney-Danawares-Winnie-The-Pooh-Xmas-Friends-_1.jpg

Does pooh bear ***** in the woods?

[Elaikases]

I've own many a trowel listed above. Considering some of the ground I've dug in, I don't buy shoes or poles as viable options.
-The plastic orange trowel also is a poor option. Not only is it heavy, it tends to break in Rocky soil where it doesn't have the strength needed.
-Snow stake (aluminum) at 1oz. Dual use and will dig in hard ground. Not as efficient as other options below though.
- Montbell's Handy Scoop at 1oz is Steele and works best in the hardest soil. Looks like a flat spoon. Used for years out west and for the PCT and AT.
-Deuce of Spades @.6oz is a great overall trowel that I currently backpack with for the past 3 years with over a 1000 miles. Can dig in hard rocky ground without issue. Not as good at it as the Montbell's but good enough at half the weight.
-Qiwiz's small shovel. Good trowel, but the handle hurts my hand in hard ground as the plastic paint isn't enough along with the small narrow handle. Probably should have got the larger size which likely is more comfortable. Carry it when I expect better ground to dig in. It is lighter than DofS above. Better than a boot for sure.
-Suluk46 mentioned above. Also have it but also bothers my hand in Rocky soil. Very well made and light and usually is in my day pack since it weighs nothing.

Thanks for the summary!

[Sandy of PA]

I wrapped the handle of my Little Dig with a piece of Cuben repair tape, tiny weight increase, major comfort increase. Oh, and I peeled the dip stuff off first.

[Sarcasm the elf]

Does pooh bear ***** in the woods?

Well I sure hope so. The last I need when I'm out in the woods is an encounter with a constipated bear. :eek:

[Traillium]

Well I sure hope so. The last I need when I'm out in the woods is an encounter with a constipated bear. :eek:

But you might then be able to outrun it! ; )

[llittle_llama]

Well my "Deuce" came in. It looks great, and weighs almost nothing but damn this thing feels flimsy! It could be just a tad thicker. First impression I'm not overly confident in it, but if you guys have used it with good results then that's good enough for me. Second, the anodizing is GREAT! And lastly I'm glad to support an American company :D

[Grampie]

As you travel up the trail you find dozens of the orange shovels in hiker boxes. Folks find out early that they don't need a poop shovel. Each year I am a caretaker at Upper Goose Pond cabin. The cabin is 1540 from Springer. I have never seen a thru-hiker that far up the trail with one.

[Mags]

As you travel up the trail you find dozens of the orange shovels in hiker boxes. Folks find out early that they don't need a poop shovel. Each year I am a caretaker at Upper Goose Pond cabin. The cabin is 1540 from Springer. I have never seen a thru-hiker that far up the trail with one.

Thru-hikers have a specialized and narrow skill set. I would not use thru-hikers as a paragon of what to take.

Based on the TP and turds I found under a rock doing trail work last summer on the CDT, I'd really question this advice. I supposed on the AT you can time your business so you do it in privies only...but that's perhaps not the best game plan.

[Saprogenic]

Well my "Deuce" came in. It looks great, and weighs almost nothing but damn this thing feels flimsy! It could be just a tad thicker. First impression I'm not overly confident in it, but if you guys have used it with good results then that's good enough for me. Second, the anodizing is GREAT! And lastly I'm glad to support an American company :D


I've got the Deuce Scoop from Ductware. Titanium, weighs 22 grams, and is very sturdy. No flex in it at all. And made in the USA.
http://www.dutchwaregear.com/deuce-scoop.html

[swjohnsey]

I'm using the same shovel the bear uses.

[AfterParty]

https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-79786931J-FiberComp-Trowel/dp/B0002YVDSW/ref=sr_1_9?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1487357184&sr=1-9&keywords=fiskars+shovel

I have this

[TTT]

Anything else other than a trowel. They not designed for hiking and weight considerations

[Sarcasm the elf]

Anything else other than a trowel. They not designed for hiking and weight considerations

A number of us use this:

https://www.rei.com/product/845328/rei-co-op-snow-stake

[sethd513]

Well my "Deuce" came in. It looks great, and weighs almost nothing but damn this thing feels flimsy! It could be just a tad thicker. First impression I'm not overly confident in it, but if you guys have used it with good results then that's good enough for me. Second, the anodizing is GREAT! And lastly I'm glad to support an American company :D

I wasn't sold when I got my deuce of spades In the mail but once you realize how to use it it's great. The shovel end fits great in my hand while using the handle to break through the tough soil. Then scoop it out. At camp I like to dig a hole when I hang my food. Then when nature calls there is no running around at any time. Everyone's schedule is different though.


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[rocketsocks]

A number of us use this:

https://www.rei.com/product/845328/rei-co-op-snow-stakethey also double as chop stix

[Smithereens]

they also double as chop stix

So what are you advocating here? Some weird form of recycling?:eek::banana

[Engine]

they also double as chop stix I suppose I could use my Deuce of Spades as a spoon and save some weight...Might get some strange looks when someone sees me eating peanut butter off the end though.

[Ethesis]

I'm using the same shovel the bear uses.

given the times I've passed bear poop on the middle of the trail...

[QiWiz]

Anything else other than a trowel. They not designed for hiking and weight considerations

I beg to differ. You just need a LIGHT trowel. :banana

[rocketsocks]

I suppose I could use my Deuce of Spades as a spoon and save some weight...Might get some strange looks when someone sees me eating peanut butter off the end though.nutela would certainly turn some heads. :eek:

[AfterParty]

I'm getting one now

[rocketsocks]

I'm getting one nowshovel or snow stake?

[Miner]

I suppose I could use my Deuce of Spades as a spoon and save some weight...Might get some strange looks when someone sees me eating peanut butter off the end though.
In Jester's AT documentary, he used a duece of spades trowel to eat the half gallon challenge. I suspect he hadn't used it yet for its intended purpose.

[Sarcasm the elf]

In Jester's AT documentary, he used a duece of spades trowel to eat the half gallon challenge. I suspect he hadn't used it yet for its intended purpose.

I feel like he may have won an extra trowel at Trail Days. Given his take on UL backpacking he probably just threw it in his pack and kept it around until he found a use for it at Harper's Ferry.

[llittle_llama]

Well I got my "new" shovel in. I have the Dutch and like it WAY more. It's still a tad flimsy but feels way better than the deuce.

[Engine]

Well I got my "new" shovel in. I have the Dutch and like it WAY more. It's still a tad flimsy but feels way better than the deuce.
You're not moving boulders. Trust me, the Deuce would be fine.

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[AfterParty]

shovel or snow stake?

Peanut butter spoon