I had one that had a hollow cylindrical handle so it was much more comfortable in the hand, for just a little bit more weight, HOWEVER, this allowed me to drill two holes in the handle to insert two wingnut screws, and then I could grab any stick in the woods, insert, tighten the wingnuts, and have nearly a fully functioning shovel for digging larger projects where you want more leverage so you don't get tired as quickly, like for rain trenches. You still needed to hold one hand down low on the actual handle, but it provided so much utility for the weight and size.
@@BackcountryPilgrim yeah, I was looking at the PACT and thinking about that, but I was hesitant about it working well, because due to the flattened shape of it it may not be able to hold sticks that are large and strong enough to support the torque generated by that leverage. Plus then also where do you keep the wingnut screws when the inner compartment is inserted without losing them? So don't shoot me if you ruin your trowel trying this out! 🙆♂️
Thank you, this video was quick and concise. I just started day hiking and am starting to gather the 10 essentials. This is a nice intro video introducing what types of trowels are available.
I use the Bogler. I’ve used it quite a few times now, it’s plenty functional and light. After knee surgery a few years ago, every gram counts to keep me on the trail.
Great Video! Been rocking the Dirt Diggler for a little bit but just picked up The Pact kit.. going to be trying that out this week on the Eagle Rock Loop. Hopefully it goes well.
Nice video Doug, thanks for the review. Deuce of Spades is "ok" at best. The edges tend to dig into your hand when applying pressure but I've seen people wrap 550 cord around the handle to make it more comfortable. Personally, I found on the East Coast it's just as easy to use your trekking pole as the Deuce.
I have a Deuce 2, and while it's true that it is a bit sharper around the edges, I don't think it's too uncomfortable to hold. It's best to start digging with the "handle", because that way you can use both hands to on the "shovel" side to get a good hole going, then switch it and dig out the rest. Have been carrying this around in one of the outer pockets of my backpacks, so far I haven't noticed that it cut through anything. I never had a U-Dig-It, though so I also cannot really compare the two. :D
How can we see your Excel sheet you briefly showed a portion of in this video? Also, I have the BoglerCo trowel, but am considering the AG Diggler. Is the Diggler more sturdy and does it have softer edges?
@@BackcountryPilgrim Ah, that’s alright. I do appreciate your prompt response though! I’m currently revamping my kit and going through the all my gear selection. I am “hopefully” going to end up with a 3-season hammock backpacking kit ~15lbs-16lbs base weight when I get all the gear.
I am here (watching this video) because frustration with The Deuce. Used it exclusively for 4 years now. Hurts my hand, bends often and doesn’t cut thru roots well (too common here in the NW). Because of all the roots here, would you recommend Bogler over the one from Hilltop?
The PACT is the safest and toughest and not bad on weight if you don't use the pooping accessories. If you need to cut through roots and go as UL as possible I'd use the Bogler.
I like the pact kit might have to look into it. Currently I use a folding steel trowel that is actually lighter and cheaper than the stansport , that's kinda funny .
@@BackcountryPilgrim $3 cad, less than 3 1/2ozs and stainless steel is hard to beat though I have seen sold in other stores for about $8. I'm holding off on upgrading for now, other things first 😁
The Bogler's a great trowel (but could maybe use one more hole... haha!) I am just not into the sharp(ish) edged trowels and in Sierra granite I prefer the strength of the AG for .1 oz. :)
Deuce is decent, but it does dig into your hand and while I don’t think it would cut your hand, it does dig in uncomfortably. I put gorilla tape along the edges of the handle and it’s much better. Also, I would say (based only on watching your video) that the deuce isn’t as flexible as that UST.
I don't think price should be a concern here. Anyone on a strict budget will get an orange Coleman (or nothing). For the vast majority of people a few bucks won't make a difference for an item that can be used almost indefinitely. Weight is for me by far the most important consideration since a trowel is almost exclusively carried. And for the few minutes of usage I can deal with a little more work. To me the Bogler is the winner. It replaced the Deuce of Spades No 2 for me which is uncomfortable.
Thank you for your comparison. Unfortunately, it is not useful for all people outside the USA, as your measurements are given ONLY in the imperial system. Please consider at least overlaying the metric measurements, as nobody outside the US can handle your measurements. Thank you!
It doesn't push into the flesh.... anyone remember the second law of thermodynamics? If you apply downward pressure into flesh it becomes a biggy booboo!
I had one that had a hollow cylindrical handle so it was much more comfortable in the hand, for just a little bit more weight, HOWEVER, this allowed me to drill two holes in the handle to insert two wingnut screws, and then I could grab any stick in the woods, insert, tighten the wingnuts, and have nearly a fully functioning shovel for digging larger projects where you want more leverage so you don't get tired as quickly, like for rain trenches. You still needed to hold one hand down low on the actual handle, but it provided so much utility for the weight and size.
Cool idea! The PACT might be able to do that....Hmmmmm. :)
@@BackcountryPilgrim yeah, I was looking at the PACT and thinking about that, but I was hesitant about it working well, because due to the flattened shape of it it may not be able to hold sticks that are large and strong enough to support the torque generated by that leverage. Plus then also where do you keep the wingnut screws when the inner compartment is inserted without losing them? So don't shoot me if you ruin your trowel trying this out! 🙆♂️
Love your reviews. So thorough and specific!
Thanks HikerGal! I love your comments!
Thank you, this video was quick and concise. I just started day hiking and am starting to gather the 10 essentials. This is a nice intro video introducing what types of trowels are available.
Glad it was helpful!
Well done: specific, brisk, and clear.
Thank you!
I use the Bogler. I’ve used it quite a few times now, it’s plenty functional and light. After knee surgery a few years ago, every gram counts to keep me on the trail.
That's great to hear!
Great job. New trail name. doug the duece whisperer
That's both disturbing and hilarious.
What a great review. Thanks for posting!
@@Hal-yc9jd Thanks for watching!
Great Video! Been rocking the Dirt Diggler for a little bit but just picked up The Pact kit.. going to be trying that out this week on the Eagle Rock Loop. Hopefully it goes well.
Awesome! Have a great hike!
@@BackcountryPilgrim 🙌 Thanks🫶 knock on wood it doesn’t rain much.. 😅
Nice video Doug, thanks for the review. Deuce of Spades is "ok" at best. The edges tend to dig into your hand when applying pressure but I've seen people wrap 550 cord around the handle to make it more comfortable. Personally, I found on the East Coast it's just as easy to use your trekking pole as the Deuce.
Thanks for the info! I appreciate what they tried to do with the Deuce but it sounds like it's the same problem as the cheapo.
I have a Deuce 2, and while it's true that it is a bit sharper around the edges, I don't think it's too uncomfortable to hold. It's best to start digging with the "handle", because that way you can use both hands to on the "shovel" side to get a good hole going, then switch it and dig out the rest.
Have been carrying this around in one of the outer pockets of my backpacks, so far I haven't noticed that it cut through anything.
I never had a U-Dig-It, though so I also cannot really compare the two. :D
It's the classic UL trowel for sure, I wouldn't trade it in if it works for ya!
How can we see your Excel sheet you briefly showed a portion of in this video? Also, I have the BoglerCo trowel, but am considering the AG Diggler. Is the Diggler more sturdy and does it have softer edges?
I can send it to you, email me at backcountrypilgrim@gmail.com The AG is both sturdier and softer, I love it.
@@BackcountryPilgrim Ah, that’s alright. I do appreciate your prompt response though! I’m currently revamping my kit and going through the all my gear selection. I am “hopefully” going to end up with a 3-season hammock backpacking kit ~15lbs-16lbs base weight when I get all the gear.
I am here (watching this video) because frustration with The Deuce. Used it exclusively for 4 years now. Hurts my hand, bends often and doesn’t cut thru roots well (too common here in the NW). Because of all the roots here, would you recommend Bogler over the one from Hilltop?
The PACT is the safest and toughest and not bad on weight if you don't use the pooping accessories. If you need to cut through roots and go as UL as possible I'd use the Bogler.
I like the pact kit might have to look into it. Currently I use a folding steel trowel that is actually lighter and cheaper than the stansport , that's kinda funny .
That's light for steel! nice! The PACT kit is great if it gets used - they're a great company and really trying to help people follow LNT principles.
@@BackcountryPilgrim $3 cad, less than 3 1/2ozs and stainless steel is hard to beat though I have seen sold in other stores for about $8. I'm holding off on upgrading for now, other things first 😁
Thank you
I seriously thought that Stansport was a Fiskars from homedepot.
Maybe they're the same?
What! I don't need a 10lb army shovel anymore? Didn't even know these exist, just got the apex giant and I can think of many other uses.
Yeah but these don't look as cool strapped to a pack! :)
Bogler trowel for me! But of course, I am a gram weenie.
The Bogler's a great trowel (but could maybe use one more hole... haha!) I am just not into the sharp(ish) edged trowels and in Sierra granite I prefer the strength of the AG for .1 oz. :)
Tried the Qiwiz UL trowel?
I have not! Different enough for a good comparison.
You should get a Vargo Dig Dig
Thanks, I'll check it out sometime.
Deuce is decent, but it does dig into your hand and while I don’t think it would cut your hand, it does dig in uncomfortably. I put gorilla tape along the edges of the handle and it’s much better. Also, I would say (based only on watching your video) that the deuce isn’t as flexible as that UST.
I assumed it'd be better but it doesn't sound like it's a LOT better. Great idea on the Gorilla Tape!
Bonjour so which one is the best ?
The best (well, only!) full kit is the PACT - and it has a great trowel. The best trowel-only to me is Hilltop Packs.
Ok merci
I don't think price should be a concern here. Anyone on a strict budget will get an orange Coleman (or nothing). For the vast majority of people a few bucks won't make a difference for an item that can be used almost indefinitely. Weight is for me by far the most important consideration since a trowel is almost exclusively carried. And for the few minutes of usage I can deal with a little more work. To me the Bogler is the winner. It replaced the Deuce of Spades No 2 for me which is uncomfortable.
I think anything besides the Deuce wins. :)
Thank you for your comparison.
Unfortunately, it is not useful for all people outside the USA, as your measurements are given ONLY in the imperial system.
Please consider at least overlaying the metric measurements, as nobody outside the US can handle your measurements. Thank you!
Good advice thanks.
I use a stick
Yeah but is it ultralight??? Oh wait.... :)
@@BackcountryPilgrim and does it not break
It doesn't push into the flesh.... anyone remember the second law of thermodynamics? If you apply downward pressure into flesh it becomes a biggy booboo!
Dumb it down for me though... :)