Backpacking is a great way to get outdoors and explore the wild. However, if you’re not well prepared, it can be a disaster.
One of the items that can make or break a backpacking trip is a shovel. A shovel can help you clear debris, dig fire pits, and bury human waste. It’s also great for scraping snow off of your tent or digging out your car if you get stuck in the snow.
Advantages of Carrying a Shovel on Your Backpacking Trip
- A shovel is an essential tool for clearing debris in an emergency.
- It can also be used to dig fire pits, which are necessary for keeping warm at night.
- When camping in areas with no bathroom facilities, a shovel can be used to bury human waste.
- If you get stuck in the snow, it can help you dig your car out.
Disadvantages of Carrying a Shovel on Your Backpacking Trip
- Shovels are heavy and bulky items that take up space in your backpack.
- They are prone to rusting if not properly cared for.
- In some cases, they may not be allowed in certain areas due to environmental regulations.
When deciding whether or not you should bring a shovel on your backpacking trip, there are several factors to consider. If you’re camping in an area with no bathroom facilities and will need to bury human waste, then a shovel is definitely necessary.
If you plan on digging fire pits or scraping snow off of your tent, then it might also be beneficial to carry one. However, if there are environmental regulations against bringing shovels into certain areas or if space and weight are major concerns for you, then it might be best to leave it behind.
Overall, whether or not you need a shovel for backpacking depends on the type of trip that you’re taking and what kind of terrain and conditions you will encounter. If possible, it is always best to bring one just in case it comes in handy during your travels.
Conclusion: Do I Need a Shovel for Backpacking?
In short, it depends on the type of terrain and conditions that you will encounter during your backpacking trip. If there is potential for needing one due to environmental regulations or practical uses like digging fire pits or burying human waste then it might be wise to bring one along.
However, if space and weight are major considerations then it might be best left behind.