any recommendations for a backpack shovel?

[sk1]

i may or may not have to dig a few seeps into wallows a few miles off the road....anyone have any recommendations? or is the old military one as good as any

 

[armyjoe]

The military E-Tool is a tough S.O.B. but you will pay for it with weight. I can't think of one that is "tougher" really. If your going in pre season with a light day pack to do this, then the weight is minimal though.

 

[TheRambler]

Small garden trowel. Unless your in the desert you shouldnt have to dig down very far in most seeps. Even in the driest of places i have been able to dig down with my bare hands or a rock/stick. Its usually no further than like 8-12 inches if that. Carrying a full shovel is a waste of energy IMO, way to heavy for your projected use. If you really want a specific digging tool then just get a small garden trowl from any hardware store.

 

[DaveS]

Maybe one these trowels will work http://www.qiwiz.net/trowels.html

 

[HJ Handy]

Sea To Summit makes a plastic and aluminum trowel. I've got the aluminum trowel and its telescopic from about 4'' to 8'' with storage in the handle for matches, flint, whatever. Weighs nearly nothing. But it sounds like your job is a bit more labor intensive than a small hand trowel will handle.

 

[dryflyguy]

I have a Gerber shovel that is similar to the military style. It can take a beating, but is also a little heavy.

 

[Mike7]

If you really need to do some digging, then this little shovel in the link below works pretty darn good...much better and lighter than an e-tool in my opinion.

Anything less than that and I usually just fashion a stick, as the garden trowel types seem fairly worthless to me. This is also a handy little shovel to keep in the vehicle if you don't own a pickup...just the right size for shoveling from your knees when stuck, not that I would know about that first hand. I don't backpack this shovel in, but when riding in by bicycle trailer up closed roads, it usually makes the cut and is a very nice convenience.


http://www.amazon.com/Ace-Little-Pal-Shovel-7135049/dp/B000H5WGGE

 

[HJ Handy]

Glock makes a folding shovel but its at 2 pounds.

 

[sk1]

i just went with the cheap coghlans replica of the E-tool for $10. I looked at the glock one which seems decent compared to others. just so many mixed reviews on high priced packable shovels, if this thing breaks ill go the route mike7 suggested. it's only to dig a few small holes, hopefully she doesnt break but if it does at least it was only $10.