BoglerCo Ultralight Trowel Review

Overview

The BoglerCo Ultralight Trowel is a handmade, 13.5g aircraft-grade aluminum cathole digger built by a small cottage operation out of Elmhurst, Illinois. At under half an ounce, it sits at the featherweight end of the trowel market — but unlike a lot of gossamer-thin metal blades, it actually tries to solve the ergonomics problem that makes flat trowels unpleasant to use in hard ground. This is a tool for weight-conscious backpackers and thru-hikers who want something they won’t dread pulling out of their pack.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Weight	13.5g (0.48 oz)
Length	7.25 in
Dimensions	7.25 x 2.25 x 0.5 in
Material	Aircraft-grade aluminum
End Cap	UV-resistant plastic, attached with 2 stainless steel screws
Finish	Natural oil treatment (not anodized)
Warranty	Lifetime against breakage under normal use
Made In	USA
Colors	9 options
Comparison	See how BoglerCo Ultralight Trowel compares to similar gear

Performance

Digging

The BoglerCo is one of the lightest trowels available, yet it’s designed to pry through rocky soil without fear of bending or damaging the tip — the thin edge cuts cleanly through forest duff, mountain grass, and small roots.

The serrated edge handles medium roots. That dual-edge setup matters in real terrain.

One hiker who used the trowel on a 486-mile Colorado Trail thru-hike reported that it handled every type of soil with ease, and that its small serrations and shape performed impressively.

Another reviewer noted the trowel digs perfectly well — including on one of the rockiest sections of the AT.

One honest caveat: only one side of the trowel is serrated, which means left-handed users can find it difficult to cut roots with the non-serrated side. BoglerCo has since updated the design — the current version now features cutting teeth on both sides — so double-check which revision you’re getting if that matters to you.

Ergonomics

This is where the BoglerCo earns its reputation. The main advantage is the comfort and digging power provided by the handle end cap — other trowels tend to dig into your palm, but the end cap allows you to use full force while digging without the handle cutting into your palm. The UV-resistant plastic end cap is attached with two stainless steel screws. Users who’ve switched from the Deuce of Spades notice this immediately: after years of the Deuce hurting their hands, they were very surprised at how comfortable the BoglerCo was — and it even seemed to cut through rocky AT ground better.

The handle edges are also smoothed for comfort, while holes along the spine improve grip while digging.

Durability and Finish

The trowel is made of aircraft-grade aluminum with a strength-to-weight ratio that rivals titanium — and it’s one of the lightest trowels available yet designed to pry through rocky soil without fear of bending.

It’s light and durable, though not quite as durable as titanium. That said, BoglerCo — a small US-based cottage brand that only makes backpacking trowels — backs all of its products with a lifetime warranty.

One thing worth knowing about the finish: the trowels are treated with a natural oil to prevent corrosion rather than being anodized, because the anodizing process involves toxic chemicals the maker doesn’t want in the shop or the environment. The surface will show wear, but a well-used trowel gains a simple rustic aesthetic all its own. That’s a principled call, but if you want a pristine-looking tool years down the road, temper your expectations.

Also worth flagging for anyone who camps with fire: do not use this trowel with a fire — exposure to an open flame will change the heat treatment of the metal and may weaken it.

Multi-Use Potential

In a pinch, the trowel makes a great spare tent stake, or a deadman anchor in sandy or snowy conditions by threading cordage through the two center holes.

That’s legitimately useful in winter camp or tarp setups, not just marketing fluff.

Community Reception

Customers have given the BoglerCo Ultralight Trowel 4.94 out of 5 stars based on 54 reviews on Garage Grown Gear.

One review roundup called it “pretty much everything we want a backpacking trowel to be,” noting it manages to be extremely light without making substantial compromises in durability or performance.

The consensus across AT and Colorado Trail users is consistent: it punches well above its weight class.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 13.5g is genuinely competitive — lighter than the Deuce #2 (0.6 oz) without sacrificing blade length
• End cap is a meaningful ergonomic upgrade over bare-metal trowels; less hand fatigue on hard ground
• 7.25 inches gives you enough blade to hit the 6-inch cathole depth LNT recommends
• Deadman anchor functionality via spine holes is a real bonus for tarp campers
• Lifetime warranty from a maker who clearly cares about the product
• Made in the USA by a small cottage operation

Cons

• Not anodized — the oil-treated aluminum surface will show wear and patina over time
• Serrated edge can damage lightweight pack fabric or mesh pockets if stored carelessly
• Left-handed users should confirm they’re getting the updated dual-serrated version
• Aluminum, not titanium — technically a durability step down, though the warranty softens that concern
• No integrated depth gauge to confirm your cathole is deep enough

Who Should Buy This

The BoglerCo Ultralight Trowel is the right call for thru-hikers and weight-obsessed backpackers who want a sub-half-ounce trowel that won’t punish their hand in rocky or root-laced terrain. If you’ve used a flat-handled trowel and found yourself dreading every cathole stop, the end cap here will feel like a revelation. It’s also a solid pick for anyone wanting a spare stake or deadman anchor without adding a dedicated piece of kit.

Verdict

The BoglerCo Ultralight Trowel is a thoughtfully designed tool from a maker who has clearly spent time digging catholes in bad dirt. At 13.5g, the end cap ergonomics, dual-edge geometry, and multi-use spine holes make it one of the most practical trowels at this weight. The non-anodized finish is the only real long-term trade-off, and the lifetime warranty makes that easier to live with. Rating: 8.5/10.