I use a stick. If I was tripping in hard or rocky soil I'd take a metal shovel but for where I've been in northern Canada it's easy enough with a stick.
I pack a Deuce of Spades (2 of them in fact; I keep one in the ditch kit too). I bought it mostly because I appreciated what I thought was a clever play on words but I've now used it for quite a few years & I'm pleased with it. (also works well to insulate the tent floor when burning mosquito coil)
I have this one, not as light as some but compact and if needed can dig around in fireplace ashes without melting. A nice touch, this folded handle extends past the point of the shovel. I have no idea who made it.
Jim