I can only dig about 6 blocks before getting the first tier of exhaustion, maybe 12 blocks would feel a little better for gameplay. We’re furries with claws too. Different level generation would make this less annoying anyways.
I don't mind the 'can't dig much barehanded', but at least make it so tools open up strategies for digging instead of just being slightly better for a quarter total weight capacity.
Cool game though, look forward to seeing it develop.