TrailSpork: the Utensil Designed for Backpacking

There’s nothing worse to a backpacker than unnecessary weight. When you’re on the trail, every ounce counts. Backpackers know the golden rule: pack light, pack smart. That’s why I designed and printed the TrailSpork. It is a compact, lightweight, multitool utensil that combines a sturdy spoon on one end with a trident-style fork on the other.

For years, I carried a set of clunky utensils. It included a long-handled spoon and a separate fork. They worked fine, but they were heavy, awkward to pack, and always seemed to rattle around at the bottom of my cook kit.

That’s where the TrailSpork comes in. By combining both functions into one lightweight piece, I cut down not only on bulk but also on decision fatigue when packing. It slips easily into a pocket of my food bag, weighs just over 10 grams, and is tough enough to survive multiple trips. For ultralight backpackers, it’s a perfect swap: instead of carrying two utensils, carry one tool that does it all. It’s practical, fun, and built for life on the move.

To make this project, you will need:

1. A 3D Printer (any standard FDM printer works)
2. Lightweight PLA filament (I used purple, but any color will do)
3. A computer with Slicing software (Cura, PrusaSlicer, etc.)
4. The file that I include in this post

First, download the stl file attached to this step. This will give you my design for the spork.

One of the best parts about 3D printing is that you aren’t stuck with someone else’s design. You can adapt it to suit your own needs and preferences. If you want to, this is the perfect stage to make changes to the TrailSpork and create a version that’s truly yours.

Handle & Grip Adjustments

1. Hilt Size: If you have larger hands, you might find the handle too slim. You can scale the hilt up slightly in your slicer to give it a more comfortable, sturdy grip. Conversely, for ultralight backpacking or smaller hands, scaling it down can save weight and reduce bulk.
2. Length: Extend the handle length if you plan on using it for freeze-dried meal pouches (those notoriously tall bags that make regular utensils messy) or just to fit your hand size better.

Spoon Modifications

1. Bowl Depth: If you love oatmeal, soups, or stews on the trail, consider deepening the spoon bowl for bigger scoops. For others, a shallower bowl may be easier to eat from quickly.
2. Bowl Size: Scale the spoon wider for hearty trail meals or narrower if you want it to fit into compact food containers.
3. Lip Shape: Rounding the edges gives a smoother feel in the mouth, while a flatter edge helps scrape the last bits of food out of a pot.

Fork Modifications

1. Fork-Prong Count & Shape: You can experiment with three prongs instead of four, or sharpen the ends slightly.
2. Width Between Prongs: Wider spacing makes it easier to spear larger food items, while narrower spacing works better for noodles or vegetables.

Weight vs. Strength Tradeoffs

1. If you’re going ultralight, you can hollow out the handle or reduce wall thickness to shave off extra grams.
2. If you want maximum durability, increase wall thickness or infill percentage to make the spork sturdier for heavier foods.

Optional Add-On Feature

1. Carabiner Hole: Add a small hole at the handle’s end so you can clip it to your backpack with a carabiner. Personally, I did not do this because I do not need my utensils to be that accessable.

Scaling Options

1. Don’t forget: you can scale the entire model up or down in your slicer software without changing the proportions. This is a quick and easy way to create a "family set" — full size for adults, smaller size for kids, or mini versions for emergency kits.

At the end of the day, the TrailSpork is meant to be a starting point, not a rigid final product. With just a few tweaks, you can tailor it to your hand size, your eating habits, and your backpacking style. If you’re an ultralight purist or someone who wants more comfort and versatility on the trail, make all the changes that you'd like.

Once you’ve got the 3D model ready, it’s time to prepare it for printing. This process is called slicing. It converts the model into instructions your 3D printer can understand.

1. Open your preferred slicing software (Cura, PrusaSlicer, or similar).
2. Import the spork STL file.
3. Recommended settings:
4. Infill: 60%
5. Supports: Yes
6. Slice the file & export

After slicing, preview the layers to make sure the fork tips and spoon bowl look clean and solid. Then export the G-code to your SD card (or send it directly to your printer if connected).

Now, you are free to begin printing! Once you start, keep and eye on it to make sure that everything is printing correctly. Common issues may include filament running out or getting tangled. When the printing is complete, it is recommended to let the spork sit and cool down for a brief period of time (1-2 minutes) to prevent damage.

Print Details (for my printer)

1. Print time: ~30 minutes
2. Weight: 10.8g

Once the print finishes:

1. Carefully remove it from the print bed.
2. Remove the support carefully, making sure to remove it all but also not damaging the spork itself.
3. Lightly sand the contact areas (fork tines, spoon rim) with fine-grit sandpaper (220–400 grit) until the surface feels smooth. This is optional but will make it nicer to use.

Congratulations, you now have your very own TrailSpork!

Toss it in your pack and you’re ready to eat like a king on the trail. Enjoy scooping oatmeal and stabbing sausage with the very same tool.

Throughout this project, I have enjoyed speaking with fellow backpackers about what they want from their trail utensils. I've learned to always tailor the product to the group that you want to use it (in this case, backpackers).

While I think this is a great product for a 3D printer, it is worth noting that metal utensils are more durable. That said, I look forward to using this 3D printed tool myself while out in the woods.

Compact. Lightweight. Simple. Exactly what backpackers want.