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GSI Outdoors Cathole Trowel

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 199 ratings
Various
Material Recycled Polycarbonate
Color Various
Brand GSI Outdoors
Item dimensions L x W x H 6 x 2 x 2 inches
Item Weight 3.2 ounces
Style Outdoor
Is Foldable No

About this item

  • BACKPACKING ESSENTIAL - Cathole trowels are used to dig a hole in the ground to dispose of waste by backpackers and hikers "on the go".
  • EFFECTIVE - Serrations help cut through small roots while digging.
  • LEAVE NO TRACE - Usage guidelines molded into back of trowel as a reminder to assist in the proper disposal of waste.
  • ENVIRONMENTAL - Made from re-purposed, GSI Outdoors, Lexan recycled polycarbonate, continually striving for less impact on nature by repurposing existing materials.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT - A mere 3. 1 ounces, this 10. 2 inch trowel has a hollowed structural durable handle complete with lanyard loop. Colors vary.

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  2. GSI

    In 1985, siblings from British Columbia - Don, Ian and Kathy Scott - made their way down the west coast to San Diego where they founded GSI Outdoors.

    Cookware and dining products that adapt the comforts of home to active outdoor lifestyles at the campsite, bivy, base camp and everywhere in between is the business. GSI Outdoors celebrates food and brings people together to have fun in the outdoors, and to build a connection to the world around us.

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Product Description

GSI Outdoors is working to protect the outdoors you love so much, and nothing shows this more than the Cathole Trowel. Made from repurposed GSI Lexan products, the Cathole Trowel helps minimize the eco-footprint left behind, and the serrated blade makes digging a breeze. PRODUCT FEATURES: Made from repurposed GSI Outdoors Lexan products Serrated edges make for easy digging, even in the most stubborn soil. Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics Usage Guidelines molded into back of trowel. 1% of sales support Leave No Trace 2010 , gsi outdoors Cathole Trowel , gsi Cathole Trowel , Cathole Trowel gsi outdoors , gsi outdoors camping cathole trowel , camping , hiking , sanitation , trowels , catholes , outdoors , cat holes , eco-friendly , recycled , repurposed

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GSI Outdoors Cathole Trowel

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
199 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the sturdiness, weight, quality and performance of the shovel spade. For example, they mention it's very sturdy, easy to pack and effective for digging catholes. They appreciate the durability, and depth measurements. That said, opinions are mixed on value.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

53 customers mention44 positive9 negative

Customers like the sturdiness of the shovel spade. They say it holds up and performs as needed. Some say the plastic is tough as nails and looks like it's good quality.

"...The device itself is very sturdy but very light. The handle is not so much textured as it is a somewhat slotted-open design that aids in grip...." Read more

"...The trowel is made of a sturdy, opaque lexan material for maxim shoveling power...." Read more

"...Tough as nails plastic, but plastic...." Read more

"...recommend this trowel if you're looking for something lightweight and sturdy...." Read more

42 customers mention39 positive3 negative

Customers find the shovel spade light enough to carry for frequent use. They say it's the lightest digging tool you can count on to be a bullet. Some customers also mention that it'll be easy to pack and great for backpacking.

"...The device itself is very sturdy but very light. The handle is not so much textured as it is a somewhat slotted-open design that aids in grip...." Read more

"I love that this is very lightweight and that it works...." Read more

"...Tough as nails plastic, but plastic. It’s light enough so it doesn’t weigh down the pack and while you could just use a knife or a stick this is a..." Read more

"...I'd highly recommend this trowel if you're looking for something lightweight and sturdy...." Read more

37 customers mention37 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the shovel spade. They mention it's a great hole digger, effective for digging catholes, and does the job of digging holes. It's tough, lightweight, and can be used when backpacking. It is also helpful for digging in various terrains and is the best garden shovel they've ever used.

"...This is an excellent tool for doing so." Read more

"Of course it does...and now you can too, properly. It works. It digs well in dirt but good luck in rocky ground, it is plastic...." Read more

"...They worked as advertised, and were pretty helpful for digging in various terrains—leave no trace, after all ... Roots and rocks proved challenging,..." Read more

"...Usually, it would be 1star, but it held up well. It’s a really good and durable for almost anything, but not suitable for metal detecting." Read more

17 customers mention17 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the performance of the shovel spade. They mention that it works well, is lightweight, and easy to use. Some say that it's functional and works well for cutting through small roots in the soil.

"I love that this is very lightweight and that it works...." Read more

"Of course it does...and now you can too, properly. It works. It digs well in dirt but good luck in rocky ground, it is plastic...." Read more

"...It does the job. I can dig a hole and poop in it. Magical...." Read more

"Worked great, cut through some light roots while backpacking the other weekend, significantly lighter than the last trowel I had although I was..." Read more

11 customers mention11 positive0 negative

Customers like the durability of the shovel spade. They mention that the serrated edge really helps cut through roots when digging catholes, and it can also cut through the toughest dirt and sod. The comfortable handle and the sharp edges make it easy to cut through.

"...It has serrated edges in case you are in remote jungles with dense, rooty soil, that you have to power through to get a nice deep crater for..." Read more

"...tried one of those black gardening types but this one is with the serrated edges, depth markers and instructions is the best and cheapest...." Read more

"Perfect cat-hole trowel. Lightweight, comfortable handle, and the serrated edges make it easy to cut through the rooty soil you find in the mountains..." Read more

"Worked great, cut through some light roots while backpacking the other weekend, significantly lighter than the last trowel I had although I was..." Read more

9 customers mention9 positive0 negative

Customers like the depth measurements on the shovel spade. They mention that it has measurements on both the serrated shovel and trowel. Some appreciate the instructions and markings on the tool itself.

"...It even has measurements on it, in case you want to measure the length of your Mountain House meals on the exit ramp, and send postcards to your..." Read more

"...Relatively sturdy (hasn't broken yet)Measurements etched into the trowel (useful to see how deep you're digging)..." Read more

"...Then look no further. Even provides measure instructions and markers on the tool itself...." Read more

"...black gardening types but this one is with the serrated edges, depth markers and instructions is the best and cheapest...." Read more

7 customers mention5 positive2 negative

Customers like the color of the shovel spade. They say the color contrasts well enough to stand out, and it comes in muted colors. Some customers also mention that there are better, lighter, and more colorful alternatives made from aluminum and titanium.

"...There are better, lighter, more colorful alternatives made from aluminum, titanium, unobtanium, whatever. But who can afford those?..." Read more

"...I like that it is not bright orange so I can tie it to my pack without it standing out..." Read more

"Solid and light little shovel. Color contrasts well enough to stand out so you dont forget it vs a black shovel." Read more

"Mine was grey, nice and light. Does the trick." Read more

12 customers mention8 positive4 negative

Customers are mixed about the value of the shovel spade. Some mention it's inexpensive, durable, and enough to get the job done, while others say it'd be better off buying a different product.

"...The handle is also thick and hefty so you can grasp it with confidence while making "Jason-like" thrusts at the ground, or unwieldy stiff..." Read more

"...Not a good product for the cost." Read more

"Lightweight, inexpensive, durable. I've had many friends break more expensive trowels, but this once is pretty sturdy and hasn't broken on me...." Read more

"...the serrated edges, depth markers and instructions is the best and cheapest. Being made of recycled materials is a real bonus as well...." Read more

A+ Number-Two Trowel
5 Stars
A+ Number-Two Trowel
In my mind, there are only two "number-two" burying tools out there. The orange one, and this one.(I refuse to consider the titanium one. Even my stools are not so fantastic that they need be laid to rest using titanium)This one is the true Cadillac of poo burying.It comes in muted colors, so that you don't have to advertise to people 200 yards away that you are "feeling the bern".It has serrated edges in case you are in remote jungles with dense, rooty soil, that you have to power through to get a nice deep crater for covering your Taco Bell remnants. It even has measurements on it, in case you want to measure the length of your Mountain House meals on the exit ramp, and send postcards to your friends/parents detailing their length and girth.On the back of the trowel are instructions for "doing your duty" in the woods properly, presumably for when you are too confused, in one of the stages of hypothermia, to know how to properly create a poo hole. This also doubles as reading material as you wait.The trowel is made of a sturdy, opaque lexan material for maxim shoveling power. The handle is also thick and hefty so you can grasp it with confidence while making "Jason-like" thrusts at the ground, or unwieldy stiff poo-logs that need size adjustment, or at a bear or other large mammal that catches you with your pants down and gets too close for comfort.Overall I love it!Cons though: slightly heavier than it's orange cousin, muted colors could get lost on the ground resulting in leaving your precious stool-tool behind.
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Top reviews from the United States

Don U in Big Sky Country
5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2014
Color: VariousVerified Purchase
Wow. I can't believe some of the controversy over even carrying such a tool. Because clearly this means I am "going" in the woods and burying it. Some people actually pack-out their own poo. OK. To each his/her own. As far as I'm concerned, if animals "go" in the woods, then me taking the time to dig a hole and bury my "business" should not really be an issue.

The device itself is very sturdy but very light. The handle is not so much textured as it is a somewhat slotted-open design that aids in grip. The blade has measurements on it so you can be sure you have dug down the recommended depth.

CAUTION: Although it is plastic, the edge of the blade is sharp. You will want to be careful in how you pack this tool. Such a warning calls for a solution. Here's mine: an old athletic ankle sock pulled over the trowel will prevent the tool from accidentally cutting or snagging on other gear, and a single ankle sock will not add significant weight to your backpack load.

There is a thoughtful - but short - lanyard on the handle. That can easily be added to, or replaced, with a longer lanyard as needed.

If you're not packing out you poo, at least do the right thing and bury it. This is an excellent tool for doing so.
44 people found this helpful
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Karl
5.0 out of 5 stars A+ Number-Two Trowel
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2016
Color: VariousVerified Purchase
In my mind, there are only two "number-two" burying tools out there. The orange one, and this one.
(I refuse to consider the titanium one. Even my stools are not so fantastic that they need be laid to rest using titanium)

This one is the true Cadillac of poo burying.

It comes in muted colors, so that you don't have to advertise to people 200 yards away that you are "feeling the bern".
It has serrated edges in case you are in remote jungles with dense, rooty soil, that you have to power through to get a nice deep crater for covering your Taco Bell remnants. It even has measurements on it, in case you want to measure the length of your Mountain House meals on the exit ramp, and send postcards to your friends/parents detailing their length and girth.

On the back of the trowel are instructions for "doing your duty" in the woods properly, presumably for when you are too confused, in one of the stages of hypothermia, to know how to properly create a poo hole. This also doubles as reading material as you wait.

The trowel is made of a sturdy, opaque lexan material for maxim shoveling power. The handle is also thick and hefty so you can grasp it with confidence while making "Jason-like" thrusts at the ground, or unwieldy stiff poo-logs that need size adjustment, or at a bear or other large mammal that catches you with your pants down and gets too close for comfort.

Overall I love it!
Cons though: slightly heavier than it's orange cousin, muted colors could get lost on the ground resulting in leaving your precious stool-tool behind.
Customer image
Karl
5.0 out of 5 stars A+ Number-Two Trowel
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2016
In my mind, there are only two "number-two" burying tools out there. The orange one, and this one.
(I refuse to consider the titanium one. Even my stools are not so fantastic that they need be laid to rest using titanium)

This one is the true Cadillac of poo burying.

It comes in muted colors, so that you don't have to advertise to people 200 yards away that you are "feeling the bern".
It has serrated edges in case you are in remote jungles with dense, rooty soil, that you have to power through to get a nice deep crater for covering your Taco Bell remnants. It even has measurements on it, in case you want to measure the length of your Mountain House meals on the exit ramp, and send postcards to your friends/parents detailing their length and girth.

On the back of the trowel are instructions for "doing your duty" in the woods properly, presumably for when you are too confused, in one of the stages of hypothermia, to know how to properly create a poo hole. This also doubles as reading material as you wait.

The trowel is made of a sturdy, opaque lexan material for maxim shoveling power. The handle is also thick and hefty so you can grasp it with confidence while making "Jason-like" thrusts at the ground, or unwieldy stiff poo-logs that need size adjustment, or at a bear or other large mammal that catches you with your pants down and gets too close for comfort.

Overall I love it!
Cons though: slightly heavier than it's orange cousin, muted colors could get lost on the ground resulting in leaving your precious stool-tool behind.
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298 people found this helpful
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Mark K. Monnin
4.0 out of 5 stars Works, but not like metal
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2018
Color: VariousVerified Purchase
I love that this is very lightweight and that it works. I can't dig very deep in the woods because of all of the roots, but I can always dig enough dirt up to get that scat buried so nobody else is going to step in it. And the fact that it doesn't cut roots well might be seen as some sort of good-for-the-trees feature.
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D. Foster
5.0 out of 5 stars Does a bear crap in the woods?
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2018
Color: VariousVerified Purchase
Of course it does...and now you can too, properly. It works. It digs well in dirt but good luck in rocky ground, it is plastic. Tough as nails plastic, but plastic. It’s light enough so it doesn’t weigh down the pack and while you could just use a knife or a stick this is a nice part of backpacking to keep separated out, mentally.
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Michael
5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely Light & Sturdy
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2016
Color: VariousVerified Purchase
Having been in the military, I'm quite familiar with using an 'E-Tool' and digging my holes in the middle of nowhere! Much like everything in the military, the E-Tool was overbuilt and quite heavy. As I began to accumulate my UltraLight backpacking gear, I immediately ruled out the E-Tool and began my search for a lighter alternative and came across this great trowel!

Pros:
Super light
Relatively sturdy (hasn't broken yet)
Measurements etched into the trowel (useful to see how deep you're digging)
550 Cord built into the handle (great for clipping it onto a carabiner)

Cons:
No sheath (I'd appreciate a lightweight sheath so my other gear doesn't get dirt all over it)

Summary:
I'd highly recommend this trowel if you're looking for something lightweight and sturdy. I'd recommend putting it in a plastic ziploc to keep it separate from your other gear, or just clip it to the outside of your pack with a carabiner.
2 people found this helpful
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adnauseam117
3.0 out of 5 stars Decent trowel for cat holes; with a couple of issues.
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2018
Color: VariousVerified Purchase
I purchased two of these towels for a Boy Scout trip into the wilderness. They worked as advertised, and were pretty helpful for digging in various terrains—leave no trace, after all ... Roots and rocks proved challenging, but if you plan "the go" it's easy to deal with. One stood up just fine to 11 scouts, 4 leaders, and 2 guides. The other broke under pressure (see attached). Not sure what happened, but fortunately the guides had a foldable metal one for a back-up (which I don't recommend; the foldable shovel would fold back onto itself while digging and cause a pinch). Other than the breakage, one other design flaw is that the handle doesn't have a good opening for a carabiner so you can clip the shovel to your pack. The handle does have openings, but they are too close together to slip the carabiner through. I ended up slipping the handle through one of the daisy chain loops on the back of my pack, which worked OK (tight fit so it wouldn't fall out) but I did have one person run into the business end of the shovel and got a little scrape.
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adnauseam117
3.0 out of 5 stars Decent trowel for cat holes; with a couple of issues.
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2018
I purchased two of these towels for a Boy Scout trip into the wilderness. They worked as advertised, and were pretty helpful for digging in various terrains—leave no trace, after all ... Roots and rocks proved challenging, but if you plan "the go" it's easy to deal with. One stood up just fine to 11 scouts, 4 leaders, and 2 guides. The other broke under pressure (see attached). Not sure what happened, but fortunately the guides had a foldable metal one for a back-up (which I don't recommend; the foldable shovel would fold back onto itself while digging and cause a pinch). Other than the breakage, one other design flaw is that the handle doesn't have a good opening for a carabiner so you can clip the shovel to your pack. The handle does have openings, but they are too close together to slip the carabiner through. I ended up slipping the handle through one of the daisy chain loops on the back of my pack, which worked OK (tight fit so it wouldn't fall out) but I did have one person run into the business end of the shovel and got a little scrape.
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10 people found this helpful
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Ronit Majumdar
5.0 out of 5 stars Great value.
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2020
Color: VariousVerified Purchase
Lightweight, inexpensive, durable. I've had many friends break more expensive trowels, but this once is pretty sturdy and hasn't broken on me. Much better than flimsy folding towels. Highly recommend. Also has an appropriate sized hole in the handle so you can thread some paracord through it and clip this to the outside of your backpack (which I prefer since it is just big enough to be a little annoying to put in my backpacking backpack, but also small enough to get lost inside your pack--also annoying and more reason to keep it clipped to the outside).
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Top reviews from other countries

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Bc
5.0 out of 5 stars Great. Lightweight and sturdy
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 13, 2018
Color: VariousVerified Purchase
serrated edge, ruler for measuring depth, strong plastic - and an excellent price. ideal for hiking and not leaving a trace. don't go camping without :)
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CD
5.0 out of 5 stars stabile, leichte Trekking-Schaufel
Reviewed in Germany on July 10, 2013
Color: VariousVerified Purchase
Die Schaufel macht einen sehr robusten Eindruck.
Sie verfügt über eine scharfe Kante an der Spitze und das Material biegt sich nicht.
Anbei lag noch eine nette Broschüre auf englisch, wie beim Trekking mit Ausscheidungen umzugehen ist.

Die Schaufel wiegt etwa 90g.
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Michael
5.0 out of 5 stars Geniales Teil
Reviewed in Germany on April 9, 2014
Color: VariousVerified Purchase
Habe sie für Trekkingtouren in Nordeuropa gekauft und auch von ihr Gebrauch gemacht.
-super leicht
-robust
-durch die Zahnung kommt man auch gut durch einige Wurzeln
2 people found this helpful
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Stuart White
4.0 out of 5 stars Good for light-weight hiking
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 18, 2013
Color: VariousVerified Purchase
Not the sturdiest of trowels but then I knew it wouldn't be for the size and weight - but that's the trade off for its light-weight. I wanted it for a week's wild hiking, so I wanted to keep extras to an absolute minimum. Was great where I was because the ground was soft and it hardly weights anything but I don't think it'd work too well in more rocky places. Perhaps I'll get a more strudy spade if I'm going to rocky places. Perfect for what it is though
2 people found this helpful
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Claus G Jensen
5.0 out of 5 stars Light and durable!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 10, 2019
Color: VariousVerified Purchase
Light weight and seems very robust. I like the serrated edges!
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