Your Metal Detecting Essentials

[Billy]

Hi Guys,

I would like some feedback on what you would classify as your Top Metal Detecting Essential Items.

Such things as Scoops, Picks, even safety gear for camping trips when metal detecting.

I need some hints for items to checklist for a planned trip out bush and on beaches.

[RickO]

Good shoes, strong digging tools (one large, one small), metal detector ,
trash/treasure pouch, water, pinpointer, sand scoop, small first aid kit for cuts or bee stings, spare batteries, knee pads, hat, - I will think of more... RickO

[Lowjiber]

I'd add sunglasses and a good coin probe to Rick's list.

John

[foreverRich]

I would add a good pair of gloves to help protect from cuts and blisters.

[Bennym]

Since you mentioned you'd also be camping that makes the list much longer......

I'm over here in the US.... so I don't really know what your "bush" is like.... my question would be how much experience do you have being out in the bush..... I would assume it's much like our wilderness..... so you'd want to be prepared..... if you've never been out there, I would think you would want to check with some local hunters and campers and get some tips on "your " area... no sense in taking chances.....
Good luck ... stay safe....

[darthcual]

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS tell some one where you are going to be. I cant stress enough how important that is. If you go missing and no one knows where you went you might as well put your head between your legs and kiss your butt goodbye. DONT rely on cell phones or gps equipment. They can break.

[Bennym]

That's a very good point Darthcual ~

Another point is to always have some paper and a pencil with you.... even a small index card would work..... then
"IF" you plan on leaving the area and going to a different place ( other then where you told people you would be)

Leave a note with the date and time you left that area and the location of the new area you are going...... tack it to a tree or someplace where people looking for you would see it.... this way they'll continue their search for you in the new location....

[rotaxtwin]

A camelbak or other hydration pack is a must. A small roll of duct tape, a cell phone, GPS or compass and map. Sun screen. Insect repealant. You may need snake gators and snake bite kit. You should never go it alone and as already stated tell someone where you are and where you are going be detailed with times and locations. Rain gear, warm clothes. Something to start a fire with. I could go on and on but not knowing your specific plans it's hard. Remember the best plans go out the window as soon as something you are not prepared for happens.
Have fun and be safe.

[dAUg19.3]

Well now that i have all that stuff where do I get the three
sherpas to haul all that. lol just kidding

[RickO]

Never mind the snakebite kit.. they are worthless... and in fact, highly discouraged by medical professionals today.. consider trying to remove the material injected by a hypodermic... does not work... and a snakes fangs are hypodermics... RickO

[JasonR]

If im going out into the boonies or a fairly unpopulated area I toss my rucksack in the trunk. I have it set up as a sort of survival pack.
Here is a list of what I put in it.

6 Powerbars (good shelf life and good balance of calories, protien, and fat plus doesn't take up much room)
some of those Gatorade pre measured tube thingys
Water purification tablets
canteen
small first aid kit
sunblock
swiss army knife
emergency blanket (those tinfoil looking ones)
waterproof matches
compass
2-way radio (w/spare batteries)
Duck tape
small roll of sisal type twine (about 30')
a couple of cotton rags

As for when I'm detecting

Detector (of course), spare batterys, waist pouch, trowel, kneepads, headphones, sunglasses (even if its dark ) and hat, handtowel.

[Shooter7Mustangok]

Just wanted to add a litle sompin sompin about gloves .. I use renagades .. light weight rubber tipped fit like your skin so u never have to take them off to pick up coins or make detector adjustments.. 1 pair will last 3 or 4 months depending on how many times Im out. I just bought a dozen. Love em

[Rudy]

Hardly an essential item, but if you venture into the boonies by yourself, where there is no cellular service and you have $1000 you can spend, this little gadget could save your life.

Emergency GPS Locator

[Gander]

Between August and January is HUNTING SEASON so if your going into any bushy areas dress accordingly. Bright Orange and make noise, or you may be mistaken for a bear (or other game animal) walking down a trail. This happened just recently in our area, a young 18yr old hunter shot and killed a lady hiker walking down a trail one early morning. He thought it was a bear.

Or anywhere for that matter, just be wary of the season, leaves are changing color everywhere, you might be mistaken for a target. Once you've been shot at, or had hunters walk almost over you, or hear gunshots nearby, just makes me nervous, why I stay in town.

Don't mean to scare you, just be careful. Other times I have been out picking chantrel mushrooms and never ever see or hear a hunter. I was stupid too, wearing dark clothing, being quiet, on my hands and knees.