I have yet to find a more versatile digging tool than the old trifold entrenching tools. I don't carry one in my daysack or when hiking because of the weight. I keep one in bot of my BOB which weigh in at around 45 pounds including a weeks worth of food.

I've tried small trowels before, but if you really had to dig a hole in dirt or small rocks the E-tool can work as a shovel, pick ax, and more.

Still, my digging experience is limited to digging tunnels and fox holes and filling sandbags. I've yet to dig out humans from a building collaspe. In which case I would probably need a good wrecking bar, chainsaw, etc.

I have yet to build a snow cave or any type of shelter using a small trowel. I can't see any need for trowels inclusion.