Should I Take a Shovel Backpacking?

By Anna Duncan

Backpacking is an amazing adventure that can take you to some of the most beautiful places in the world. You get to explore nature, challenge yourself, and learn something new. One essential item for backpacking is a shovel. A shovel can be used for a variety of tasks, such as digging out a campfire pit or burying waste. It can also come in handy if you need to build a shelter or repair a trail.

So if you are going on a backpacking trip, should you take a shovel?

A shovel is an incredibly versatile tool and can save you time and energy when you are out in the wilderness. If you plan on camping, it can be used to dig out your fire pit and bury your waste – both of which help keep the environment clean. It can also be used to move dirt, rocks, and other materials if needed. Additionally, if you plan on hiking off-trail or doing any technical climbing then having a shovel is essential as it will help you repair trails and build shelters.

Having said that, it’s important to consider the weight of your pack when deciding whether or not to bring a shovel. A standard shovel tends to weigh around 2 pounds and takes up quite a bit of space in your bag – so if you’re trying to travel light then it may not be worth bringing one along. However, there are some lightweight options available such as collapsible shovels that fold up into small sizes.

In conclusion, whether or not to take a shovel backpacking is ultimately up to each individual backpacker based on their specific needs and preferences. While it is an incredibly versatile tool that can come in handy for many tasks, it does add weight and bulk which may not be necessary for some trips. Ultimately though, having one could prove invaluable should an unexpected situation arise.

Should I Take a Shovel Backpacking?

The answer is: It depends on your individual needs and preferences as well as the type of trip you are embarking on! If there is potential for needing one during your journey then it would certainly be beneficial to bring along – however, if weight is an issue then it may not be worth bringing one along.