Read Dougs review of shovels inthe gear section. The U Dig it trowel isn't cheep , but the best for it's size. Military entrenching tools are very heavy but again robust and at least compact. A good source is www. majorsurplusnsurvival.com as with everything avoid knockoffs and buy nothing less than as new or excellent condition. Digging solar sills is a waste of energy. Digging latrines, drainage for a shelter in wet weather, constructing a snow shelter, accessing food( roots, grubs in downed trees,shellfish when safe) are just a few uses.