Although light plastic works okay for personal burial ceremonies, lightweight stainless steel is much more versatile and long-lived. Try using your plastic trowel to scoop coals onto foil-wrapped lake trout or a baking system at your campfire--you'll be able to use your steel trowel a lifetime and your light plastic trowel slightly less than one time. But then again, it probably depends on just where your focus lies. I look for versatility and multiple-use/function in what I pack and carry on my wilderness canoe trips. Great Paddling! Jeff