TheTentLab New Improved Deuce(R) Ultralight Backpacking Potty Trowel - Now in 3 Sizes

Love the idea, weight is great, but it's a little too short to get good leverage on anything tougher than sand. It bent almost every time I used it.

The Deuce(R) Ultralight Backpacking Potty Trowel (Size #1) is a superb choice for an ultralight backpacking trowel. It's just as light or LIGHTER than the much more expensive titanium trowels on the market. It's thinness makes it very effective at penetrating moderately hard dirt. It's shape gives it adequate durability to do the job (provided you use it correctly per the directions), and digging with the handle side down definitely allows it to penetrate better into hard/compact soil.No, this isn't going to be as comfortable as a proper trowel with a full, ergonomic handle. That's not it's purpose. It is MUCH easier to use than a stick or trekking pole, and it is as effective as any other of the half dozen "backpacking"/ultralight trowels I've used over the years. Working in its favor is that it comes in many colors (if you care about that; I don't), weighs less, costs much less, and works just as well as any of the competition.What don't I like? Well, with this kind of uber-thin metal design, it's not going to be ergonomic. Pressing hard on the handle (or worse, on the pointed tip when digging with it inverted) is moderately uncomfortable. However, unless you're in a hurry, it isn't outright painful and the thin edges penetrate surprisingly well through compact soil and also small to medium roots. Of course, you'll want to try to find an area with relatively loose soil and few roots, if possible, as that makes it substantially easier to dig with any trowel, but especially these minimalist kind.What do I love? It absolutely disappears in my pack. I keep mine stored alongside a roll of toilet paper inside a 5L sea-to-summit ultralight dry bag. You can't even tell it's there because the curved shape "spoons" around the toilet roll and disappears. The metal is thin, but the edges are not so sharp that I have any concern about it wearing/piercing through the dry bag. It's wonderful. There when you need it, but out of sight and out of mind when you don't.Not sure what else to say. When you consider value, performance, weight, and style all together, I think this is the best minimalist trowel available on the market today. As long as you understand that a minimalist trowel is always a bit of tradeoff ergonomically (and don't expect it to do anything more than dig a proper cat-hole for relieving yourself, or perhaps move hot coals around a small fire), this is the one to get!

This seemed like a good idea.And probably is if you live in a place with good soil.I don't. I live in Colorado, and when up in the mountains, well, lets just say that this doesn't dig in moderately rocky soil for s*t. And when you have to s*t you really don't want to play games.

It is lite. A bit rough on hand digging in dirt. Did I say it is light. I love the weight savings in my hand. Broke this on a root. $3.00 postage in Canada to replace, $9.95 postage in U.S. To replace under warrenty. If you live in U.S. find something else. They claim only .006% failure rate but won't honor warranty without it costing half of what it cost to get with free shipping. Wish could give a negative review.

I loaned this to a friend who had forgot his trowel while out on a primitive backpacking trip last year. The ground in Florida woods isn't always soft, and he said that he had a really hard time with it wanting to bend.That being said, it is kind of super lightweight and I could see how it might be flimsy when digging through any sort of harder ground. Don't expect to get much leverage. However, if you can easily find softer sand or dirt in your area then that wouldn't be a problem and in which case this is pretty great because it's light as a feather.

Lightweight and efficient! Digs through compacted soil easily. Slightly uncomfortable to use, but I cut off the thumb of a discarded glove to cover the narrow handle, which improves the comfort of the trowel considerably. Consider purchasing in a bright color (mine is blue, which contrasts with dirt, grass, and duff) so you don't accidentally leave it behind.

I bought this for a weekend backpacking trip to the Eastern Sierra Nevada, from which I just arrived back from. So, this review is fresh. (FYI I ordered the smallest size! Consider one bigger!)Love the small size and compact design. If I could doo again, (Ha ha). I would go with one a little larger! It much smaller than the picture indicates. (Not worth the hastle of returning and I am fine with keeping.)When I received trowel, I was not sure it would hold up when doo digging. Its thin! To my surprise, this doo digger worked awesome! It's very robust and efficient. My only complaint is the thin edge cuts a bit into your hand when you grip it firmly and attack harder soil. (This is a minor complaint!) This thing works great for ultra light backpackers and I have not seen anything on the market that is overall as functional. I paid attention to my grip and I did not have an issue. I doo hope as this product evolves and the product engineers address what could be an issue for some, thin edges.All in all, a very good and strong product for its intended use.I would strongly recommend!

yeah you can always use a rock or stick, but there are times when those things aren't readily available. anyone who's been in an emergency situation and forced to fervently dig a hole with their bare hands while trying to abate the impending 4th of july extravaganza in their pants appreciates a good trowel. the deuce of spades allows you to not only gives you a lighter option but also in a smaller and easier to pack size.