6 Best Collapsible Shovel Sets For Digging Cat Holes

Finding a private spot in the backcountry is easy, but digging an effective cathole in hardened, root-filled soil is a different challenge entirely. A sturdy trowel is the difference between adhering to Leave No Trace principles and leaving behind an ecological mess. Choosing the right tool ensures sanitation compliance without adding unnecessary bulk to a minimalist pack.

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The TentLab Deuce: Best Ultralight Pick

The TentLab Deuce is the gold standard for those who prioritize weight above all else. Crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum, it weighs less than an ounce, making it virtually imperceptible in a gear bag. Its unique design features serrated teeth on the edge that slice through small roots and compacted dirt with surprising efficiency.

Because it lacks a traditional handle, it takes a moment to master the grip. Users should hold it near the top of the blade to apply leverage without bending the metal. It is not designed for digging into rocky or frozen ground, so avoid force-heavy prying maneuvers.

This tool is the ideal choice for through-hikers and weight-conscious backpackers who need a functional tool that doesn’t take up space. If every gram in the pack counts, the Deuce is the only trowel worth considering.

SOG Entrenching Tool: Most Durable Option

When the terrain is unpredictable or the soil is packed like concrete, the SOG Entrenching Tool provides the mechanical advantage required to finish the job. Its high-carbon steel construction is built to withstand high-torque prying that would snap aluminum or plastic alternatives. The tri-fold design collapses into a surprisingly compact footprint for such a rugged implement.

The serrated edge on one side of the spade functions as a saw for clearing stubborn roots or stubborn vegetation. It is significantly heavier than other options, making it overkill for short trips or soft forest loam. However, for long-term expeditions or off-grid homesteading where frequent, heavy-duty digging is required, its reliability is unmatched.

Invest in this if the destination involves rocky desert ground or heavy clay. Do not choose it if the objective is ultra-light travel, as the weight penalty will eventually become a nuisance.

Coghlan’s Trowel: Top Budget-Friendly Choice

Sometimes simplicity is the best policy, and Coghlan’s provides exactly that at a price point that makes losing it on the trail a minor inconvenience. This molded plastic trowel is lightweight, inexpensive, and features a broad, comfortable grip that is easier to use than metal shims. It is a utilitarian piece of equipment that serves its purpose without needing complex folding mechanisms.

The primary tradeoff is durability; the plastic can become brittle in extremely cold weather or snap under intense pressure against large rocks. It is best suited for softer soils and casual weekend camping. Treat it with basic care, and it will last for years of occasional use.

This is the perfect choice for those stocking a first-aid or emergency kit where a backup trowel is needed. It gets the job done without the complexity of folding parts or the price tag of premium materials.

Sea to Summit Pocket Trowel: Best All-Rounder

The Sea to Summit Pocket Trowel finds the perfect middle ground between the lightweight performance of the Deuce and the robust structure of a folding spade. Its clever design features an anodized aluminum blade that slides into a glass-reinforced nylon handle, providing a comfortable, full-sized grip while digging. When collapsed, the entire assembly fits neatly into a storage pouch that can even house a small roll of toilet paper.

It excels in almost any soil condition, from loose sand to dense pine duff. The locking mechanism is secure and intuitive, preventing the blade from collapsing mid-dig. While heavier than the bare-bones aluminum options, the increase in leverage and comfort is worth the slight weight gain.

Select this if a versatile, long-term solution is the goal. It offers enough durability for regular use without the excessive weight of military-style entrenching tools.

Gerber E-Tool: Best Heavy-Duty Folding Spade

The Gerber E-Tool is essentially a scaled-down version of tactical military equipment, engineered for those who demand maximum strength in a compact frame. The blade can be locked at a 90-degree angle, transforming the shovel into a pick or a hoe for scraping out debris. Its powder-coated steel construction resists rust and environmental degradation, even when left exposed to the elements.

This is not a tool for the casual weekend hiker. It is bulky, substantial, and designed for someone who needs to dig deep, wide holes in challenging, undisturbed terrain. It provides more leverage than any other option on this list, making it the most capable tool for clearing obstacles.

If the primary goal is backcountry utility or digging chores around a remote camp, this is the superior investment. For anyone trying to keep pack weight under 20 pounds, look elsewhere.

IUNIO Folding Shovel: Best Multi-Tool Design

The IUNIO Folding Shovel represents the modern approach to compact utility, integrating several tools into a single folding assembly. Beyond the spade, it features a bottle opener, a saw, a whistle, and a fire starter rod tucked into the handle. It is a highly specialized piece of equipment designed for those who appreciate gear with secondary and tertiary functions.

Because of the integrated components, maintenance is slightly higher; keep the threads clean and periodically check the joints for loose hardware. The sheer number of moving parts increases the potential for failure compared to a solid-blade trowel. However, for off-grid travelers who value space-saving, the consolidation of tools is incredibly efficient.

Choose this if the philosophy of “less is more” applies to the overall gear kit. It is a great solution for those who want their digging tool to double as a versatile survival implement.

How to Dig a Proper Leave No Trace Cathole

Effective waste management is fundamental to preserving the wilderness experience for those who follow. A proper cathole must be 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 4 to 6 inches wide to ensure the waste is buried deep enough to be inaccessible to wildlife and to speed decomposition. The hole should be located at least 200 feet—about 70 adult paces—away from any water source, trail, or campsite.

Avoid areas with obvious water drainage, as rain can flush contents into nearby streams. Dig the hole, use it, and then fill it with the original soil. Pack out any non-biodegradable materials and camouflage the area with natural debris like leaves or twigs to leave no sign of occupancy.

Following these steps prevents the spread of pathogens and keeps the backcountry pristine. A shallow hole or one located too close to water can contaminate the water table for everyone else. Proper site selection and depth are the most critical factors in maintaining site integrity.

Shovel Materials: Aluminum vs. Steel vs. Plastic

The material choice determines the tool’s longevity and its effectiveness in specific soil types. Aluminum strikes the best balance for most users; it is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and rigid enough for typical forest digging. Steel is the professional choice for those dealing with rocky ground or frozen earth, though it comes with a significant weight penalty.

Plastic is the budget option, but it has a lower ceiling for performance. Modern high-impact plastics are surprisingly strong, but they can fail if the shovel is used as a pry bar against roots. Avoid cheap, thin plastics that flex easily, as they often break at the most inopportune moments.

Assess the typical terrain encountered before settling on a material. If the soil is generally soft and loamy, stay light with aluminum or high-grade plastic. If the terrain is brutal, stony, or root-heavy, transition to steel to ensure the tool doesn’t fail when needed most.

What to Do With Your Toilet Paper (Seriously)

The most sustainable approach to toilet paper in the backcountry is to pack it out entirely. Bringing a dedicated “waste bag”—an opaque Ziploc bag lined with a small piece of duct tape—makes the process clean and discreet. Using biodegradable wipes is a common mistake; they rarely break down as quickly as advertised and should also be packed out to prevent attracting wildlife.

If the environment and local regulations allow for burying paper, ensure it is placed deep inside the cathole and stirred into the waste. Never leave paper on the surface, as it will be exposed by wind or scavengers. When in doubt, pack it out; it is the only way to ensure the site remains clean for the next person.

Responsible management of sanitary waste is a non-negotiable aspect of off-grid travel. If the thought of carrying out used paper is unappealing, consider using a backcountry bidet, which significantly reduces the amount of paper required. Minimizing waste at the source is always better than managing it later.

Assembling Your Complete Backcountry Potty Kit

A well-organized potty kit prevents the frantic search for supplies when time is of the essence. Group the trowel, a small roll of toilet paper or wipes, a bottle of hand sanitizer, and a few biodegradable waste bags into a dedicated waterproof pouch. Keep this kit accessible in an outer pocket of the backpack rather than buried deep within the main compartment.

Regularly check the supplies before every trip to ensure the sanitizer is full and the paper supply is sufficient. Adding a small pair of nitrile gloves to the kit can provide an extra layer of hygiene for the user. A compact, consistent kit makes the entire process routine rather than a chore.

A thoughtful setup ensures that sanitation remains a quiet, quick, and responsible part of the outdoor experience. By treating this kit with the same importance as a first-aid or navigation kit, the standards of hygiene remain high regardless of the location. Reliability in gear leads to confidence in the field.

Investing in a high-quality trowel and establishing a consistent waste management routine will simplify the less glamorous side of wilderness travel. Prioritizing durability, weight, and proper technique ensures that every outdoor journey remains as clean and sustainable as possible.