So I've accumulated a collection of backpacking trowels. I got to thinking comparing them might be fun, or at least a way to pass the time. But I like to conduct objective tests (I'm a chemist by trade and like objectivity).
I would like some ideas of what tests to perform. My first inclination is to get a 5 gallon bucket of sand and push the trowel into the sand using a luggage scale to measure force required. This way it's not just 'it felt easier/harder'.
My other thought is attaching weights to the end of each trowel to see when it bends to test prying strength. But I'm not keen on breaking them. Maybe just estimate prying strength needed and test that amount of weight.
I agree with Petro: time digging a standard size hole. It seems subjective, but with a little repetition I think you could easily differentiate the capabilities of different models. Small, thin, uncomfortable models that would show little resistance to penetrating the soil would be penalized because they are a PITA to use and can't remove very much material.
Dig in different materiel: sand, gravel,... and try to find some soil with consistent roots. Roots are the hardest to test for but the most common issue while in service. Inconsistency in root structure could throw off results.
Best of luck. I eagerly anticipate your results (not quite as eagerly as I have anticipated the results of digging a hole in the back country a few time though)
Registered: 02/05/03
Posts: 3293
Loc: Portland, OR
Inconsistency in root structure could throw off results.
Since we're designing a bulletproof test for this all-important question, the obvious answer would be to recruit about a dozen volunteers who would each dig a hundred holes to a uniform depth using each trowel, carefully recording the time required and grading such variables as ease of use on a 1 - 10 scale, corresponding to the best available indictors. These could be charted on a scatter graph, noting how they clustered.
Anyway, I'm sure the more experienced post-grad MS and PhD degrees among us could power their way past these small difficulties in study design and statistical interpretation. Then we'll have real information, not just a bunch of random data.
Since I frequently don't have a lot of lead time (and am not that good at lawn darts), I don't worry about speed that much. Instead, I make digging the hole the last step instead of the first - after I have dug a perfect hole, I use a long stout stick to push everything into the hole, then cover it up. Never fails, and removes a lot of pressure. Literally.
I just ordered another trowel. I think this will be the last. From this site and a couple others I think I have a few ideas, and the realization that no test will be perfect. Of course I’m still open to new ideas.
Since I frequently don't have a lot of lead time (and am not that good at lawn darts), I don't worry about speed that much. Instead, I make digging the hole the last step instead of the first - after I have dug a perfect hole, I use a long stout stick to push everything into the hole, then cover it up. Never fails, and removes a lot of pressure. Literally.
I know - TMI (again.)
Yes, you would certainly want to take your time then. Maybe an hour or two or an entire afternoon.
I suspect there's a little cabin fever at work here
Well, me too. I bought a Deuce of Spades a while back, and discovered it's excellent for digging...into my hand. I finally put a bead of epoxy putty (JB Weld SteelStik) around the handle to blunt it. It added 0.3oz., but made it useable. So comfort is high on my list.
It occurs to me that when through, you'll have the necessary data to design and market the perfect potty trowel. In fact, Perfect Potty might be a good name for your new company. However, I would suggest a name that pays homage to the history of backpacking...Poopwise.
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Always remember that you are absolutely unique, just like everybody else. -Margaret Mead
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
I'm enjoying this thread--the more laughs we can get in this time of crisis, the better!
Here's a suggestion of trowels that should be included in the test: 5 best leave no trace trowels This article appears to be about a year old.
My favorite is the QWiz Big Dig. Probably because it came out before the others mentioned in the article.
Rocks and roots are the most important obstacles towards getting a cathole dug, especially when one is in a hurry. Glenn has a good idea for the latter situation!
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
I’ve got 10 pages of specs plus completed two sets of tests. Hopefully next weekend I can do one or two more sets of tests and write a few reviews and thoughts.
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