The 5 Best Cathole Trowels of 2025 for Easy and Efficient Digging

When you need a reliable tool for digging catholes quickly and cleanly, not all trowels deliver the same performance. Choosing the right one can make your outdoor experience smoother and more comfortable, especially when you’re out camping or gardening.

But with so many options available, how do you find a trowel that balances durability, ease of use, and portability? Let’s explore five top-rated models that stand out in 2025 for their design and functionality.

Coghlan’s Lightweight ABS Plastic Camping Trowel

Discover the practical solution for campsite digging with Coghlan’s Lightweight ABS Plastic Camping Trowel. This tool is designed to make your outdoor tasks easier without adding bulk to your pack. Its compact, foldable design means you can carry it comfortably on any hiking or backpacking trip.

Made from durable high-impact styrene, this trowel balances strength with lightweight convenience. At just 2 ounces, it won’t weigh you down, yet it provides enough resilience for typical campsite chores like digging cat holes. The bright orange color ensures you won’t lose it in the wilderness, adding a layer of safety through visibility.

The ergonomic handle offers excellent control, even on rough terrain, helping you dig efficiently with less strain. While it may not replace a heavy-duty metal trowel for tougher tasks, its design suits most outdoor needs and supports Leave No Trace principles. Maintenance is simple—just rinse off dirt after use and store folded to maintain its shape.

This trowel’s lightweight build and foldable feature make it a practical, eco-friendly tool that blends functionality with ease of use. It’s an ideal companion for anyone looking to minimize gear weight without sacrificing performance in the outdoors.

Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, backpackers, and campers needing a lightweight, durable, and eco-conscious tool for digging and campsite maintenance.

What We Like:

• Weighs only 2 oz for easy transport on long hikes
• Strong, high-impact styrene material offers good durability
• Foldable ergonomic handle improves grip and compact storage
• Bright color enhances visibility in natural settings

Specification:

Feature	Details
Manufacturer	Coghlan’s
Dimensions	Compact, foldable design
Weight	2 oz (approx. 57 g)
Material	High-impact styrene
Color Options	Bright orange

Fiskars Fiber Composite Gardening Hand Trowel

The Fiskars Fiber Composite Gardening Hand Trowel is designed to make your gardening tasks easier and less tiring. Its large cast-aluminum head delivers strong digging power, allowing you to break through tough soil with ease. This means less effort and more efficient work in your garden beds or containers.

The trowel’s lightweight FiberComp handle helps reduce hand fatigue, even during extended use. Its ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hand, making it ideal for detailed tasks like herb garden maintenance or soil turning. You can work longer without discomfort or strain.

Maintenance is simple thanks to the polished aluminum blade, which resists rust and stays sharp over time. After use, just rinse off soil and store it using the convenient hang hole. This keeps your tool in good condition and ready for your next gardening session.

While the aluminum head is durable, it may bend under extremely heavy digging, so it’s best suited for typical garden tasks rather than hard rocky soil. Color options are limited, focusing on function over style.

Best for: Gardeners seeking a durable, lightweight hand trowel that reduces hand fatigue during soil preparation and plant care.

What We Like:

• Oversized aluminum head cuts through soil easily and resists rust
• Lightweight FiberComp handle minimizes hand strain
• Ergonomic design enhances comfort for prolonged use
• Convenient hang hole for easy storage

Specification:

Feature	Details
Manufacturer	Fiskars
Dimensions	Not specified
Weight	Lightweight (exact weight not provided)
Material	Cast aluminum head, FiberComp handle
Color Options	Limited

Fiskars Eco Trowel with Curved Spade and Ergonomic Handle

The Fiskars Eco Trowel with Curved Spade and Ergonomic Handle is designed for gardeners who want to combine sustainability with practical performance. Its curved spade simplifies digging and soil loosening, making planting tasks quicker and less strenuous. Marked with graduation lines, it helps you measure soil depth accurately, ensuring better planting results.

Built from 30% post-consumer recycled plastic, this trowel supports eco-friendly gardening efforts without compromising on strength. The UV-resistant material ensures it will withstand sun exposure, reducing wear and extending its outdoor lifespan. Its ergonomic handle provides a comfortable, secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use.

Maintenance is easy thanks to its durable construction. Simply rinse off soil after use and store it in a dry place to keep it in good condition. Though it excels at small to medium gardening jobs, it is not intended for heavy-duty digging in tough soil.

This tool offers a reliable balance of functionality and environmental responsibility. It’s a smart choice if you want a long-lasting, efficient gardening tool that supports greener gardening practices.

Best for: Eco-conscious gardeners seeking a durable, easy-to-use trowel for everyday planting and soil preparation.

What We Like:

• Made with 30% post-consumer recycled plastic, promoting sustainability
• Curved spade with depth markings for precise planting
• UV-resistant construction for outdoor durability
• Ergonomic handle reduces hand fatigue
• Easy to clean and maintain

Specification:

Feature	Details
Manufacturer	Fiskars
Dimensions	Not specified
Weight	Not specified
Material	30% post-consumer recycled plastic
Color Options	Limited due to eco-materials

NACETURE Ultralight Aluminum Backpacking Trowel with Longer Handle (Green)

The NACETURE Ultralight Aluminum Backpacking Trowel with Longer Handle (Green) is designed to make outdoor digging tasks easier and more efficient. Its lightweight aluminum construction means it won’t weigh down your pack, while still offering the strength needed to tackle tough soil. This trowel is ideal for campers and backpackers who need a reliable tool for digging latrines, burying waste, or maintaining a clean campsite.

The longer ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip that reduces hand fatigue during use. This design allows you to dig through rocky or root-filled ground with better control and less effort. Its compact size fits neatly in your gear, making it easy to carry without taking up much space.

Maintenance is simple thanks to the corrosion-resistant aluminum, which holds up well in wet or muddy conditions. After use, a quick rinse and dry are enough to keep the trowel in good condition for many trips. The sharp edges make digging efficient, but they require careful handling to avoid injury.

While the trowel is not foldable, its durability and lightweight design offer a solid balance for outdoor enthusiasts needing a dependable digging tool. Its smaller size means it’s best suited for moderate tasks rather than large-scale digging.

Best for: Backpackers and campers who need a lightweight, durable trowel for digging and campsite upkeep.

What We Like:

• Ultralight at just 0.634 ounces for minimal pack weight
• Longer ergonomic handle enhances digging comfort and control
• Rust-resistant aluminum ensures lasting durability
• Compact size fits easily in backpacks
• Sharp edges improve digging efficiency

Specification:

Feature	Details
Manufacturer	NACETURE
Dimensions	Not specified
Weight	0.634 ounces (18 g)
Material	Aluminum
Color Options	Green

NACETURE Ultralight Aluminum Backpacking Trowel with Longer Handle (Black)

When you’re deep in the wilderness, every ounce counts. The NACETURE Ultralight Aluminum Backpacking Trowel with Longer Handle (Black) blends strength with minimal weight to keep your pack light and your digging easy. It tackles the roughest soils, roots, and rocky spots without slowing you down.

This trowel’s longer ergonomic handle makes gripping comfortable, reducing hand strain during repetitive use. Its large scoop clears dirt quickly, speeding up tasks like digging catholes or burying waste. The compact design slips effortlessly into your backpack, saving space without sacrificing function.

Made from high-quality aluminum, this tool resists rust and corrosion, even in damp or wet conditions. It’s low-maintenance—just rinse and dry after use to keep it ready for your next adventure. While aluminum offers excellent portability, it may bend under extreme heavy digging compared to steel, so it’s best suited for typical outdoor needs rather than heavy construction.

Its focused design serves backpackers and campers who need a reliable, lightweight digging tool that performs well in the field. The longer handle adds leverage but might not suit ultra-minimalist packers seeking the smallest gear possible.

Best for: Lightweight backpackers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts needing a durable, compact, and efficient digging tool for various outdoor tasks.

What We Like:

• Durable aluminum resists rust and corrosion.
• Longer ergonomic handle for comfortable digging.
• Large scoop clears dirt efficiently.
• Compact and lightweight for easy packing.

Specification:

Attribute	Details
Manufacturer	NACETURE
Dimensions	Compact size (exact size not specified)
Weight	Ultralight (exact weight not specified)
Material	High-quality aluminum
Color Options	Black

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cathole Trowel

When selecting a cathole trowel, you’ll want to focus on material durability and weight for easy carrying. Pay attention to handle design and blade shape to guarantee comfortable and efficient digging.

Also, consider how easy the trowel is to clean after use.

Material Durability

Since durability directly affects a cathole trowel’s performance and lifespan, you’ll want to focus on materials that resist cracking, bending, and corrosion. Durable trowels often use impact-resistant plastics like ABS or reinforced composites, which offer a lightweight yet sturdy design that holds up well against environmental wear.

Alternatively, metals such as stainless steel and aluminum provide excellent rust resistance, making them ideal for wet or humid conditions. The material you choose influences not only how long your trowel lasts but also how well it performs in tough, rocky soil.

Selecting a trowel made from high-quality, resilient materials ensures you won’t have to worry about frequent breakage or maintenance, letting you dig efficiently no matter the terrain.

Weight and Portability

Choosing the right material for your cathole trowel sets the stage for how portable and lightweight it can be. A trowel weighing under 2 ounces lightens your backpack, saving energy and reducing fatigue on long hikes. Look for durable yet lightweight materials like high-impact plastic or aluminum that won’t add unnecessary bulk.

Compact or foldable designs boost portability, slipping easily into small packs or pockets without hassle. When you’re out in the wild, every ounce counts, so prioritize a trowel that balances strength with minimal weight. This way, you carry less while still having a reliable tool ready for digging tasks, making your outdoor experience smoother and more efficient.

Handle Design

Although a cathole trowel’s blade is essential, the handle design plays a key role in comfort and efficiency during use. You want an ergonomic handle that reduces hand fatigue and gives you better control while digging. A longer handle increases leverage, making it easier to break through tough, rocky soil.

Look for textured or non-slip grips to keep the trowel secure in wet or muddy conditions, boosting safety. If you’re backpacking, a foldable or collapsible handle adds convenience by saving space and enhancing portability. Also, consider the handle material; reinforced plastic or metal handles offer durability and guarantee your trowel lasts through many outdoor adventures.

Choosing the right handle design makes digging less tiring and more effective.

Blade Shape and Size

When you pick a cathole trowel, the blade shape and size play a crucial role in how effectively you can dig. Straight, curved, or spade-like blades each excel in different soil types. If you need precision for shallow holes, smaller blades work best.

For faster excavation of larger trenches, go with a bigger blade. Match the blade size to your strength and the terrain—compact blades are ideal for rocky or hard ground. A tapered or pointed tip helps you break through compacted soil more easily.

Ease of Cleaning

Blade shape and size influence not only how you dig but also how easily you can clean your cathole trowel afterward. When choosing one, look for smooth, non-porous surfaces that prevent dirt from sticking and harboring bacteria.

Lightweight materials like plastic or coated metal make rinsing and wiping off soil much easier than heavier, rough-textured tools. Opt for trowels with minimal crevices and joints to avoid trapped debris, speeding up the cleaning process.

One-piece, ergonomic designs are especially user-friendly since they lack those hard-to-reach corners where dirt tends to accumulate. Ultimately, pick a trowel made from durable, corrosion-resistant materials such as high-impact plastic or coated aluminum.

These materials let you clean thoroughly without worrying about damage, ensuring your tool stays hygienic and ready for your next outing.

Environmental Impact

Since your choice of cathole trowel directly affects the environment, it’s important to contemplate factors like material sustainability and manufacturing practices. Opt for trowels made from eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastic or durable aluminum to minimize waste and resource depletion. Look for biodegradable or non-toxic coatings to prevent harmful chemicals from leaching into the soil and water.

Choosing a lightweight design not only makes your digging easier but also reduces transportation emissions, lowering your carbon footprint. Prioritize durability to avoid frequent replacements, cutting down on environmental waste. Finally, consider manufacturers that use eco-conscious processes to conserve natural resources and reduce pollution.

Price and Value

How much should you invest in a cathole trowel to get the best value? Prices range from budget-friendly $10 models to premium ones over $30. While cheaper options might save you money upfront, they often lack ergonomic designs and durable materials, which can mean replacing them sooner.

Spending a bit more usually gets you enhanced durability, lightweight construction, and comfort features that make digging easier and extend the tool’s lifespan. To find the best value, compare the price against features and material quality. This price-to-performance ratio helps you avoid overspending while ensuring you get a reliable, efficient trowel suited to your outdoor needs.

Ultimately, a moderate investment often pays off with better long-term utility and satisfaction.

Conclusion

With the right cathole trowel in your hand, digging becomes as smooth as a gentle river carving through stone. Whether you choose lightweight plastic or sturdy aluminum, these tools are your trusty companions, turning tough soil into soft earth with ease.

So, gear up and let your outdoor adventures dig deeper—comfort, durability, and eco-friendliness are just a scoop away, ready to lighten your load and brighten your journey.