lightweight shovel

[MHWASH]

No, not for burying my shit.

We spring bear hunt in some steep stuff. We have one location where we see a fair amount of bears, and I'd like to dig out a place to comfortably sit and glass and shoot from. The soil is fairly loose so I think I can accomplish what I want in just a few minutes. Shovel needs to be about the length of my pack, an EXO

 

[justinspicher]

Take a look at what the USFS hot shot or smokejumpers use, they are usually pretty light and compact.

 

[mtnrunner260]

Don't limit yourself to just a shovel.
You can move a surprising amount of dirt with a small pick or even claw hammer.

 

[MountainZ]

I carry a telescoping snow/avalanche shovel. Aluminum with a plastic handle. Won't handle serious digging but works well or moving snow, sand and loose dirt and is pretty light.

 

[Wrench]

Gerber axe sounds like the tool. Avalanche shovels have uber weak connections.

 

[Lone_Wanderer33]

Try a small hand gardening how. Light and can move dirt quickly. If the soil is loose enough and you want ultra light, you can try cutting out a used laundry detergent bottle or similar hard plastic jug. I've used these before but the soil can't be hard and they only work for a couple uses.

 

[pcrossett]

I am not sure how light weight you are thinking for a shovel, but DMOS has their Compact Delta shovel that may work, weighs 3.4 lbs. I have not used one personally but from what I have read they are pretty sturdy and it's on my list to get one eventually.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I recently got one made by blackndiamond, I forget what model it is but it’s green and it’s supposedly the lightest option out there.

 

[Mike Islander]

Cold Steel 92SF is a real shovel with hardwood handle. 20",26 oz., $26 right now on Amazon.​

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Cold Steel 92SF is a real shovel with hardwood handle. 20",26 oz., $26 right now on Amazon.​

Those are great tools but the blade is pretty small for snow use.

 

[Mosby]

I have an avalanche shovel that I got for setting up camp in snow. BCA and Black Diamond both make quality products and either will get the job done.

 

[Mike Islander]

Those are great tools but the blade is pretty small for snow use.

For OP's purpose of hollowing out a little glassing spot it would be decent. It's a real shovel, strong as hell and under 1.4 pounds. Heck, sharpen a side edge and it will chop wood. Full disclosure, I'm basing this on my use, which is digging out my truck when stuck off road.

 

[ni7ne]

I've carried a "rootslayer" when group backpacking. It's over 2 pounds, but in a 4+ person group it was absolutely worth the back savings of everyone sharing a almost-real-size shovel, versus bringing hand trowels. The handle on mine is hollow lightweight steel.

I wouldn't carry it solo unless I had a real compelling reason to.

 

[Carr5vols]

Forgo the shovel and get an ice ax. Serves many more purposes. I have an extra long one from BD and use it for everything..digging seats, glassing monopod, shooting rest, cat holes, pole for tent, many more uses...

 

[pcrossett]

I am not sure how light weight you are thinking for a shovel, but DMOS has their Compact Delta shovel that may work, weighs 3.4 lbs. I have not used one personally but from what I have read they are pretty sturdy and it's on my list to get one eventually.

DMOS also just came out with their Nomad Shovel and the mini version is only 9 ounces.

 

[positivepete!]

Get a small entrenching shovel from a surplus store. Use it as a pick or fold it out for a small shovel. They are tough as nails and will do some serious work if your willing.

 

[westco24]

Based on just glassing spots I think the garden trowel would also be best for size/weight. But, I also have the cold steel. 31.5 with the sheath, and it fits great hung between pack frame and pack bag. I sharpen mine and split wood with it, and great for cutting brush around glassing spots. Very good piece of cheap gear, and leave it in your truck year round.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Those cold steel shovels are badass. I have one in my truck as I type. It occasionally makes the trips with me but TBH I don’t do that much digging in the backcountry. Agreee with others that a digging stick and something that can act as a scoop can move a lot of dirt. a stick can be improvised or use a tent spike or something. A scoop can be a trowel or a pot or even your hands. Ice axes are also great for chopping steps and seats.