Aw poop!

[Alex Blain-Laider]

Got discouraged by the high priced UL ***** trowels, inspired by a fellow on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfrF...yFlOWvYOuG9szm), and had scrap material sitting around from a job, so:

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[Mr. Dill With It]

this is awesome I am going to dig around the local scrap yards now for some roofing to make one

[Spogatz]

there are times that a stick will do just as well....

[Deacon]

there are times that a stick will do just as well....

On the AT, no. Roots and rocks all the way.

Maybe in sandy soil in the Southwest.

[HooKooDooKu]

there are times that a stick will do just as well....

Yea, that's going to work about as good as the heel of your boot.
With limited exceptions, these sorts of tools are NOT going to allow you do dig a proper LNT 6" hole... not when I'm frequently finding it difficult or simply impossible to dig a proper 6" hole using my Sea-to-Summit aluminum trowel.
Now granted, my hiking has mostly been limited to GSMNP and a long-distance hike of the JMT. But in GSMNP, I frequently run into too many rocks and roots that make is impossible to dig a 6" hole (even after repeated attempts), and on the JMT, rocks alone were the frequent challenge.



Let me restate that in simpler terms...

If you are digging cat holes with a stick or the heel of your boot, you are basically admitting that you do NOT follow LNT principles when it comes to covering your $#!^.

[Alex Blain-Laider]

there are times that a stick will do just as well....

That's usually my go to method. ;o)

[zelph]

Awesome design ans sourcing for material. I got a piece of steel garage siding that I will try my hand at making one. Thanks for sharing your creation and video. :-)

[Alex Blain-Laider]

Not my video -but no problem!

I figured I'd make it a bit more "put together" by removing the duct tape and replacing it with Plasti Dip.. I just hope that I'll be able to slip the rubber coating on and off once all is said and done.

[MuddyWaters]

there are times that a stick will do just as well....

Not really

But a sharp rock and willingness to get hands dirty does

Or select soft peaty soil beneath bushes, trees, etc

[Ethesis]

I've done three AT section hikes. Still have not found any soft soil where I could do without a trowel or a snow stake.

The closest I have found were pre dug holes -- but those always have something living in them.

[Alex Blain-Laider]

IMG_20170516_140348218.jpgIMG_20170516_140654363.jpgIMG_20170516_140829676.jpgIMG_20170516_141440341.jpg

Works!