5 Best Ultralight Backpacking Trowels for Lightweight Adventures in 2025

For your 2025 lightweight adventures, the top ultralight backpacking trowels include the multifunctional Small Camping Shovel 9-in-1 Mini Hand Trowel, the featherlight 0.48 oz Grass Green and Blue aluminum models, NACETURE’s durable 27-gram option, and TheTentLab’s high-strength Deuce of Spades in three sizes.

These trowels offer rust resistance, ergonomic grips, and compact storage to keep your pack light yet ready.

Discover what features make each one ideal for your outdoor needs.

Small Camping Shovel 9-in-1 Mini Hand Trowel Multitool for Outdoor Survival

The Small Camping Shovel 9-in-1 Mini Hand Trowel Multitool is a compact and lightweight tool designed for outdoor use. It weighs just 6.4 ounces and measures 10.4 by 2.8 inches, making it easy to carry in any backpack. Made from durable stainless steel, this multitool resists rust and bending for long-lasting performance.

Its handle is wrapped with 8 feet of paracord, providing a secure grip and added emergency utility. This versatile tool includes a saw, bottle opener, ruler, hex wrench, and more, making it ideal for camping, hiking, fishing, and survival situations. The multitool’s multifunctionality helps you handle various tasks without carrying extra gear.

Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts and campers who need a lightweight, multifunctional tool combining essential survival features in a compact design.

Pros:

• Multifunctional with 9 tools including saw, bottle opener, and hex wrench
• Lightweight and portable with a compact size and carrying bag
• Durable stainless steel construction resists rust and bending

Cons:

• Size may limit effectiveness for heavy-duty digging or chopping
• Paracord handle might not offer the most comfortable grip
• Some users may find quality or usability issues

Ultralight Backpacking Trowel, 0.48 oz (13.5g) Grass Green

The Ultralight Backpacking Trowel weighs just 0.48 oz (13.5g), making it an excellent choice for hikers who need a lightweight yet effective digging tool. Its compact design features cutting teeth on both sides, which help to penetrate soil quickly and with less effort.

This grass green trowel is built with a strong end cap that allows for comfortable, full-force digging. Made in the USA, it offers reliable performance for outdoor tasks without adding bulk to your gear. The trowel’s slim profile is easy to pack and carry on any adventure.

Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts and backpackers who value a durable, efficient, and ultralight digging tool for trail and campsite use.

Pros:

• Weighs only 0.48 oz (13.5g), reducing pack weight significantly
• End cap design supports comfortable, powerful digging
• Dual-sided cutting teeth improve digging efficiency and soil penetration

Cons:

• Ultralight construction may be less durable in very rocky or tough soil
• Smaller size could slow digging on larger tasks
• Color options are limited and might not suit all preferences

Ultralight Backpacking Trowel, 0.48 oz (13.5g) Blue

The Ultralight Backpacking Trowel weighs just 0.48 oz (13.5g) and is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. This makes it sturdy enough to dig through rocky soil without bending. Its thin, serrated edges help easily cut through turf and roots.

Designed with ergonomics in mind, it offers comfort and grip-enhancing holes for secure handling. The trowel folds compactly and serves multiple purposes, including use as a tent stake, shoehorn, or flyswatter. Its minimalist approach ensures it won’t add bulk to your pack.

Best for: Ultralight backpackers and hikers who need a durable, lightweight, and versatile digging tool.

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight at only 0.48 oz (13.5g), reducing pack weight.
• Made from durable aircraft-grade aluminum alloy.
• Multifunctional design works as a trowel, tent stake, shoehorn, and flyswatter.

Cons:

• Basic grip might not be ideal for long digging tasks.
• Surface may show wear over time due to lack of anodizing.
• Minimalist design lacks locking features when folded.

NACETURE Ultralight Aluminum Backpacking Trowel and Multitool (Orange)

The NACETURE Ultralight Aluminum Backpacking Trowel and Multitool is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who require a lightweight and efficient digging tool. It weighs just 27 grams and features a sharp, rust-resistant aluminum blade that easily cuts through soil and roots. The foldable handle is ergonomic, providing a comfortable grip and precise control during use.

This compact tool fits neatly into any backpack, making it perfect for digging catholes, burying waste, or clearing debris with minimal effort. Its durable construction ensures reliable performance on the trail without adding unnecessary bulk. The multitool design caters to basic outdoor digging needs while maintaining portability.

Best for: Ultralight backpackers and campers who need a compact, durable tool for minimal-impact outdoor digging tasks.

Pros:

• Lightweight at only 27 grams for easy carrying.
• Rust-resistant aluminum blade with a sharp edge.
• Ergonomic foldable handle for comfortable grip and control.

Cons:

• May be less effective for larger digging jobs.
• Aluminum blade might bend under heavy pressure.
• Limited multifunction use beyond digging and waste burial.

TheTentLab Deuce of Spades Ultralight Backpack Trowel (Three Sizes)

The Deuce of Spades Ultralight Backpacking Trowel combines durability with a featherlight design. Crafted from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum, it offers strength without extra weight. The trowel comes in three sizes, ranging from 0.45 to 0.97 ounces, catering to different needs.

Its unique upside-down use enhances digging power by up to four times, making it efficient for tough soil. The edges are tumbled and de-burred to ensure comfort during use. Plus, the anodized finish helps resist corrosion, making it a reliable tool for outdoor adventures.

This trowel is designed with Leave No Trace principles in mind, ideal for ultralight backpackers who want to minimize their environmental impact. Best for: outdoor enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, durable trowel for digging and campsite maintenance.

Pros:

• Aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum offers exceptional strength.
• Upside-down use significantly boosts digging efficiency.
• Available in three sizes to match personal preferences.
• Edges are tumbled and de-burred for comfortable handling.

Cons:

• Smaller sizes might be less effective in very rocky soil.
• The design could be limiting for those preferring larger digging tools.
• The lightweight build may require careful handling in tough conditions.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Ultralight Backpacking Trowel

When choosing an ultralight backpacking trowel, you’ll want to balance weight and portability with material durability to guarantee it lasts on the trail. Consider ergonomic design and size so it feels comfortable and fits easily in your pack.

Also, think about multifunctional features that can add value without extra bulk.

Weight and Portability

Choosing an ultralight backpacking trowel means focusing on weight and portability to keep your pack as light as possible. Aim for a trowel that weighs under 1 ounce—some models tip the scales at just 0.48 ounces—significantly reducing your pack load. Pay attention to dimensions; compact trowels around 6 to 8 inches long fit easily in your bag without taking up much space.

Consider foldable designs, which enhance portability by allowing efficient storage and easier transport. While material durability is important, selecting lightweight materials like aerospace-grade or high-strength aluminum alloys helps keep the tool light. Also, look for an ergonomic handle that balances comfort with minimal weight.

Prioritizing these factors guarantees your trowel stays light and portable without sacrificing usability on the trail.

Material Durability

Beyond weight and portability, the materials used in your ultralight backpacking trowel play a big role in its overall performance. You’ll want a trowel made from high-strength or aerospace-grade aluminum alloy for excellent durability without the extra weight. These materials stand up well to tough ground, rocky soil, and roots without bending or breaking.

Stainless steel options offer superb corrosion resistance and strength, perfect if you expect exposure to various weather conditions. Many trowels are rust-resistant, so they keep working even when wet. When choosing, look for a lifetime warranty—it shows the manufacturer’s confidence in the material’s durability.

Picking the right material guarantees your trowel stays reliable on every adventure, saving you from frustration and gear failure in the field.

Ergonomic Design

Although ultralight backpacking trowels focus on minimizing weight, an ergonomic design is essential to guarantee comfort and efficiency during extended use. When you choose a trowel with a longer handle and ergonomic grip, you’ll find it easier to maneuver and apply full force without straining your hands, even in tough soil.

Look for features like end caps, which add comfort and boost digging power, making your tool more effective. Additionally, holes along the trowel’s spine can improve your grip, reducing slippage and enhancing control.

Prioritizing ergonomic design helps you avoid hand fatigue and injuries, letting you tackle outdoor tasks with ease and confidence during long backpacking trips.

Multifunctional Features

When you pick an ultralight backpacking trowel with multifunctional features, you get more than just a digging tool. Many models double as shovels, saws, nail extractors, bottle openers, and even rulers, boosting their usefulness on the trail. Some include screwdrivers, peelers, and hex wrenches, making them versatile for camping and survival needs.

Serrated edges help cut through roots and tough soil, improving digging efficiency. Plus, certain trowels can serve as spare tent stakes or emergency tools, adding value without extra bulk. Their compact, lightweight design guarantees you won’t feel weighed down, yet you gain multiple functions in one handy tool.

Choosing a multifunctional trowel means you’re prepared for more than just digging, optimizing your ultralight backpacking experience.

Size and Dimensions

Choosing the right size and dimensions for your ultralight backpacking trowel can make a big difference in your comfort and efficiency on the trail. Most trowels range between 6.5 and 8 inches in length. If you’re focused on saving every ounce, a smaller 6.5-inch model works great.

But if you expect tough soil, a larger trowel offers better digging power. Width matters too—a wider blade provides more stability and makes digging easier. Weight is essential; ultralight trowels usually weigh between 0.45 and 0.97 ounces, so they won’t weigh you down.

Many designs fold compactly, making them easy to stash in your pack. Picking the right size and shape guarantees your trowel is both practical and lightweight for your adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Properly Clean and Maintain a Backpacking Trowel?

You clean your backpacking trowel by rinsing off dirt with water, scrubbing stubborn debris gently, then drying it completely to prevent rust.

Store it in a dry place and oil metal parts occasionally to keep it smooth.

Can Ultralight Trowels Be Used for Snow or Ice?

Ultralight trowels can be your delicate brush painting snow or ice, but they’re not built for heavy chiseling. You’ll want sturdier tools for dense ice; otherwise, your trowel may bend or break under pressure.

Are There Eco-Friendly Disposal Guidelines for Waste When Using a Trowel?

Yes, you should bury human waste at least 6-8 inches deep, 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites.

Always pack out toilet paper or use biodegradable options to minimize your environmental impact.

What Are the Best Packing Methods to Save Space With a Trowel?

Did you know ultralight hikers cut pack weight by 20% using smart packing? Roll your trowel in soft gear like socks or stuff it inside a water bottle to maximize space and keep your pack organized.

These simple techniques help you save space efficiently. They also protect your trowel and other gear from damage during your hike. Try these methods to make the most of your pack capacity.

How Do Ultralight Trowels Compare in Durability to Heavier Models?

Ultralight trowels usually trade some durability for weight savings, so they might bend or wear faster than heavier models. However, if you handle them carefully and choose quality materials, they’ll hold up well for most trips.

It’s important to consider the specific materials used in the trowel’s construction. Some ultralight models utilize high-strength alloys or reinforced composites to enhance durability.

While heavier models generally offer greater robustness, the convenience and reduced pack weight of ultralight trowels often outweigh the slight decrease in lifespan for many users.

Conclusion

Choosing the right ultralight backpacking trowel can make your outdoor adventures feel as smooth as a gentle breeze. Whether you pick a multitool or a simple, featherlight shovel, you’ll want something durable, compact, and easy to carry.

Keep weight, size, and versatility in mind to match your backpacking style. With the right trowel, digging latrines or clearing fire pits becomes effortless—letting you focus on enjoying the trail ahead.