GSI Outdoors | Cathole Trowel

Leave No Trace With Confidence

Whether you are tackling a multi-day backcountry loop on the Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail or setting up a remote, off-grid camp at Polletts Cove, true wilderness adventure means taking care of the environment. The GSI Outdoors Cathole Trowel is engineered to be the easiest and toughest sanitation shovel on the market, helping you seamlessly follow Leave No Trace principles in the deep woods without weighing down your pack.

Unlike flimsy plastic scoops that bend or snap under pressure, this 3.1 oz trowel is crafted from highly durable, repurposed recycled polycarbonate. The specialized serrated edges easily slice through matted forest flora, tough root systems, and stubborn Maritime hardpack. Complete with built-in depth measurements directly on the blade to ensure your cathole is dug to the proper Leave No Trace standard, it is an absolute necessity for any serious backcountry kit.

Key Features

• Serrated Root Cutters: Sharp serrated edges easily slice through stubborn roots, matted forest flora, and rocky soil without snapping.
• Recycled Polycarbonate: Crafted from highly durable, repurposed recycled plastic, balancing robust backcountry performance with eco-conscious manufacturing.
• Built-In Depth Guide: Integrated measurement markers on the blade help you easily determine when you have reached the mandatory 6-to-8-inch depth for proper sanitation.
• Ultra-Lightweight: Weighing in at just 3.1 ounces (88g), it adds virtually zero weight penalty to your fastpacking or ultra-light backpacking kit.
• Secure Grip & Lanyard Loop: Designed with a comfortable, sure-grip handle and a convenient lanyard hole for clipping it to the outside of your pack with a carabiner.
• Leave No Trace Support: 1% of sales directly support the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.

Best For

• The Effort: Multi-day backpacking, fastpacking, remote canoe camping, and wilderness survival.
• The Goal: Digging the perfect 6-to-8-inch cathole in tough, root-filled soil to properly dispose of human waste in the backcountry.
• The Conditions: Unpredictable wilderness terrain, from dense, root-heavy boreal forests to compacted dirt and rocky gravel.

Technical Specifications

• Material: 100% Recycled Polycarbonate
• Dimensions: 10.3 in x 2.6 in x 1.0 in
• Weight: 3.1 oz (88g)
• Blade Style: Serrated edges with integrated depth guide