Gear Review: Vargo Dig Dig Tool
The trowel is a mighty topic of debate in the Backpacking world. While its entirely possible to use innovation as a strategy to ditch some gear, its equally as important to educate the masses about environmental impacts on our public lands.
Vargo’s Dig Dig Tool
There are more thru-hikers now than in any other time in history. Which also means that there are a lot of newbie backpackers out there.
With exponential growth on our long trails, its vital that we practice Leave No Trace principles. Or there wont be anything left of the trails we cherish.
Vargos titanium Dig Dig Tool is an alluring solution to this problem.
MSRP $24.95
Weight 1.25oz
Weighing in at 1.25 ounces, its lighter than many competitive products and has a serrated edge to make it easier to slice through roots. The handle fits nicely in your hand. And the titanium makes in a really durable product.
Dig Dig Tool used as a tent stake
It could also be really useful when winter camping, since you could use it to dig out a tent spot.
Its marketed as a multi-use product, which backpackers are always seeking. You could use it as both a shovel and a tent stake.
So if you’re really concerned about weight, you can always ditch a stake to help make up the difference.
The functionality of the Dig Dig Tool is above-average when considering product engineering.
Compare and Contrast:
So how does Vargo’s Dig Dig Tool stand up against other market products? I took a look at GSI’s Cathole Trowel , Gossamer Gear’s Deuce of Spades, and Coghlan’s Backpacker Trowel to determine just that.
Ranging from $4.95 to $24.95, Vargo comes in at the high end of cost. But for the versatility and durability of the Dig Dig Tool, it may be worth it. Plus plastic shovels won’t have the same life expectancy of titanium shovels.
Ranging from .05 ounces to 3.1 ounces, Vargo falls right in the middle of the weight spectrum, offering a competitive solution to the poop dilemma.
Conclusions:
The Dig Dig Tool’s ingenuity makes it a game changer when trying to dig a proper cat hole. The product engineering is above average. And at just over 1/16th of a pound, there’s no excuse not to carry a Dig Dig Tool to preserve our long trails.
Its up to us to maintain our public lands. And if carrying a shovel helps preserve those lands, Ill gladly find the space.
Disclaimer: This item was donated for the purpose of review.
Images courtesy of Vargo Outdoors.
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