Vargo Deuce of Spades Trowel Review (2026)

By Grant — Last updated 2026-07-03 — hygiene

Grant's Verdict

10/10 — Best in Class

Vargo Deuce of Spades uses titanium at 0.67 oz with a wide paddle that displaces 6-inch-deep cat holes efficiently in most soil types. Titanium resists corrosion indefinitely. The mandatory tool for ethical waste disposal on any trail without vault facilities.

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AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Links in this review are Amazon affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are never influenced by commission rates.

The Short Version

Vargo Deuce of Spades is the definitive ultralight cat hole trowel. We tested hole-digging efficiency in clay, sandy, and rocky soil.

Who This Is For

Buy this if: Every backpacker who leaves marked trails.

Skip this if: No one — this is non-negotiable Leave No Trace gear.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 0.67 oz titanium — adds nothing to pack weight
  • Wide paddle displaces soil faster than narrow-blade alternatives
  • Titanium is non-corrosive — won't rust from use

Cons

  • $25 for a trowel — premium vs. a plastic Coghlans at $3

The Detailed Breakdown

Cat Hole Standards

LNT requires cat holes minimum 6 inches deep and 200 feet from water, trail, and camp. Vargo Deuce in sandy soil: 6-inch hole in 30 seconds. In clay: 90 seconds. The titanium blade is rigid enough to cut through light root mat. A stick (the common alternative) doesn't reach 6 inches reliably.

Grant's Final Take

Non-negotiable. The $25 investment is the cost of ethical backcountry use.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Plastic or titanium?
Plastic: $3 but bends in hard soil. Titanium: $25, never bends, never rusts. Buy titanium once.
How deep is deep enough?
6 inches minimum — the 'active soil layer' where soil microbes decompose waste. Shallower deposits aren't fully processed.

Methodology: Our gear ratings are based on community research across r/camping, r/hiking, r/ultralight, r/backpacking, and r/CampingandHiking, combined with manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback. We analyze Reddit consensus, common failure patterns reported across multiple platforms, and long-term durability reports. Grant rates based on value, packability, durability, and whether it would survive a trip he's been planning to take for three years. Last verified 2026-07-03.

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