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#8 on this list
Piepsspaten Shovel
Pieps
Compact metal blade with hoe-mode. Efficient at moving avalanche debris without the weight of a full-size guide shovel.
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#9 on this list
Bushcraft Trowel / Vargo Dig Dig
Vargo
Titanium ultralight digger. Not a real snow shovel — the right pick for three-season backpacking where you only need a cat-hole tool.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Piepsspaten Shovel | Bushcraft Trowel / Vargo Dig Dig |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Pieps | — |
| Blade Material | Aluminum | — |
| Handle Type | T-Handle | — |
| Blade Shape | Compact, Scooped | — |
| Weight | Approx. 1.2 lbs (550g) | 1.25 oz (35g) |
| Special Feature | Hoe Mode Compatible | — |
| Material | — | Titanium |
| Length | — | 8 inches |
| Blade Style | — | Serrated Edges |
| Intended Use | — | Cat Hole Digging |
| Durability | — | High for intended purpose |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Piepsspaten Shovel
- Excellent packability due to compact size and two-piece design
- Robust aluminum blade handles frozen avalanche debris effectively
- Hoe-mode capability significantly increases digging efficiency
- Lightweight without feeling flimsy or underbuilt for its purpose
- Simple, reliable T-handle provides good grip and leverage
- Shorter handle length may not suit taller users for extended digging
- Smaller blade surface area means more scoops than a full-size shovel
- Basic T-handle lacks ergonomic features of some D-handles
- Not ideal for heavy-duty digging tasks beyond avalanche rescue
Bushcraft Trowel / Vargo Dig Dig
- Extremely lightweight, barely noticeable in a pack
- Durable titanium construction resists bending and corrosion
- Serrated edges aid in cutting through small roots
- Effective for digging cat holes in most soil conditions
- Simple, one-piece design ensures reliability
- Not suitable for heavy-duty digging in rocky or frozen ground
- Premium price point due to titanium material
- Too small for snow shoveling or larger tasks
- Can be uncomfortable to use in very hard soil without gloves
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