Needed Gear For Desert Detecting ?

[Zip Zip]

For those of us who have not detected in the desert or chaparral.

What are your recommendations for useful gear BEFORE we go out and nugget shoot ?

I know in my area (San Bernardino County) There are Pacific Diamondback's, Sidewinder's & Mojave Green's, Mountain Lion's (in the foothills lower than normal because of the drought).

What other gear do you use that make the time spent outdoors more useful and make safer, productive, and fun ?

Feel free to tell us what works for you and why.

Besides myself, I think others will find this post very useful, as a lot of us do, we always forget something important. I am planning to have a container all packed with needed items in this container, so when I get the urge, I can grab it and go have a blast.

I want to thank everyone who adds info ahead of time for their help .

 

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[Zip Zip]

I already found a very useful post ( Bedrock and Gold The mysteries... ) Thank You Lanny in AB

 

[Terry Soloman]

Top of the line snake-proof tent that can hold up to 50-mph wind; good non-metallic boots; snake quards; good hat; hand held GPS; Emergency communication device (Like S.P.O.T. or a Satellite Phone); A good double action revolver that will kill a snake or a wild pig; Beer. Lot's and lots of beer.

 

[Hard Prospector]

Terry's list is great so I will just add too; lite weight BDU pants(lots of pockets), lite weight long sleeve shirt, good pair of knee protectors(tactical ones best), BUFF UV neck/face gator(way better than sun block w/out the goo), a good day pack with large hydration bladder, small first aid kit with snake bite kit(yes they do work) and I also carry a Leatherman on my belt

 

[Fletch88]

I've never been detecting in the desert but want to go on a prospecting trip. I have found the Camelback backpack a must have in the hot months in the southeast. Fill the bladder halfway and freeze overnight. Then top it off the next morning and you have cold water most all day. I chose the larger backpack style to carry other stuff besides just water on my back.

CamelBak M.U.L.E. Mil Tac Coyote Hydration Backpack 61701 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JM0B76/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_hR3CwbKRDE00G

 

[XtreasureX]

A snake proof tent?!! Why are snakes so scary? I can assure you all that heat exhaustion and heat stroke are much more dangerous than any other threat. I'd wager the drive on the freeway to and from the desert is the most dangerous part of the whole trip. Falling or sitting on cactus can ruin a trip too. So, I am going to recommend extra water and a seat belt.

 

[Hard Prospector]

A snake proof tent?!! Why are snakes so scary? I can assure you all that heat exhaustion and heat stroke are much more dangerous than any other threat. I'd wager the drive on the freeway to and from the desert is the most dangerous part of the whole trip. Falling or sitting on cactus can ruin a trip too. So, I am going to recommend extra water and a seat belt.

CCI shotshell.....Every snakes worst nightmare
LA traffic on a Friday evening......My worst nightmare!

 

[Hoser John]

Common sense and gun safety as without either your up a creek in the middle of the desert-John

 

[rodoconnor]

Terry, that last photo! Are they running in herds now?

 

[Zip Zip]

A snake proof tent?!! Why are snakes so scary? I can assure you all that heat exhaustion and heat stroke are much more dangerous than any other threat. I'd wager the drive on the freeway to and from the desert is the most dangerous part of the whole trip. Falling or sitting on cactus can ruin a trip too. So, I am going to recommend extra water and a seat belt.

I had a 3 quill piece of cholla cactus go through my leather boot and into the ball of my foot (where the big toe meets my foot) I cut the quills with side cutters so I could painfully remove my foot from the boot. then removed my sock and used a pair of pliers to pull out the quills. It would have been less painful to pull my toe off. The desert / chaparral is like a minefield of wonderful things to keep your eyes peeled for. THANK YOU for your info

 

[Zip Zip]

Top of the line snake-proof tent that can hold up to 50-mph wind; good non-metallic boots; snake quards; good hat; hand held GPS; Emergency communication device (Like S.P.O.T. or a Satellite Phone); A good double action revolver that will kill a snake or a wild pig; Beer. Lot's and lots of beer.

Any preference on the snake guards? I am planning to get a S&W 686 w/ 4in barrel with 3 CCI shot shells and 3 semi jacketed hollow points. I figure that should cover the critters Beer dehydrates your body and makes your mouth dry. Squirt (grapefruit soda) is good hot or cold and is a great thirst quencher. Thanks for your info

 

[Zip Zip]

Terry's list is great so I will just add too; lite weight BDU pants(lots of pockets), lite weight long sleeve shirt, good pair of knee protectors(tactical ones best), BUFF UV neck/face gator(way better than sun block w/out the goo), a good day pack with large hydration bladder, small first aid kit with snake bite kit(yes they do work) and I also carry a Leatherman on my belt

I will google the Buff uv gator and see what it is (sounds great) sunblock is great for attracting dust LOL (face and neck camo ) I have a 1st gen leatherman from the 80's and I am lost without it. I am a strong believer in hydration, a bladder is a #1 item ( plus the bite kit ) on my list. Thanks for the info

 

[Zip Zip]

Common sense and gun safety as without either your up a creek in the middle of the desert-John

I agree (hence the shot shells ( bird dust ) (ricochets )) Thank you for the info

 

[Zip Zip]

CCI shotshell.....Every snakes worst nightmare
LA traffic on a Friday evening......My worst nightmare!

I swear by them ! I was out with a friend, checking out a very old large scale drywasher. I flipped over a 2X8 piece of corrugated metal and found a nest of 5 Mojave Green's. I let them be because we were just checking out some old mining history and hadn't plan on staying. I covered them back up and we left. WHEW ! pissed pants dry real fast in the hot desert breeze LOL

 

[Terry Soloman]

Any preference on the snake guards? I am planning to get a S&W 686 w/ 4in barrel with 3 CCI shot shells and 3 semi jacketed hollow points. I figure that should cover the critters Beer dehydrates your body and makes your mouth dry. Wink (grapefruit soda) is good hot or cold and is a great thirst quencher. Thanks for your info

Snake Guardz line of snake-proof chaps. These chaps have been rigorously tested by America's leading snake experts and are guaranteed snake-proof against all North American poisonous snakes. Snake Guardz™ are manufactured with 1000 Denier Cordura™ Nylon encasing polycarbonate inserts which stop the fangs of poisonous snakes. They weigh only 10-ounces and are impact tested by the United States Testing Laboratory to ASTM (test method F-1342-91). They stop a 12 gauge shotgun blast at 20 yards. The gun used in this testing was a Remington Model 11-87, 12 gauge, 28 inch barrel, full choke and 3-1-8 lead shot loads. The fabrics have 1-ounce of urethane applied to the inside surface for water resistance.

Snake Guardz™ secure to the lower leg of the wearer with two 1 inch polyester straps and polyurethane quick release buckles. They have been designed to allow air to flow between the chap and the leg, providing cool and comfortable protection and unrestricted movement. They contain no metal, so they will not interfere with a metal detector. This product is ideal for prospectors, hunters, hikers, campers, fishermen, ranchers and surveyors. Snake Guardz™ are backed by a lifetime warranty and are available in a Mossy Oak Break Up pattern.

* Guaranteed snake-proof leg protection * The most well-known patented snake proof chap in America * Lightweight 1000 Denier Cordura™ Nylon * Waterproof stay-dry with our polyurethane coating * Excellent protection against briars and cactus * Heavy duty, locking, non-corrosive, black buckles keep chaps held firmly in place

This is my snake, wild pig and mountain lion gun.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Terry, that last photo! Are they running in herds now?

Mating season in the desert is WILD!

 

[H-2 CHARLIE]

For 1 or 2 day trips a good Ford F-150 4 wheller with a shell is your best friend . Overnite stays and a gear hauler is a must and Fords do this well .

 

[goldenIrishman]

I swear by them ! I was out with a friend, checking out a very old large scale drywasher. I flipped over a 2X8 piece of corrugated metal and found a nest of 5 Mojave Green's. I let them be because we were just checking out some old mining history and hadn't plan on staying. I covered them back up and we left. WHEW ! pissed pants dry real fast in the hot desert breeze LOL

Yeah. It's usually not a good idea to be flipping large flat items over in the desert. Good way to loose body fluids when you get them scared out of you! At least you dried out fast.

 

[Zip Zip]

Snake Guardz line of snake-proof chaps. These chaps have been rigorously tested by America's leading snake experts and are guaranteed snake-proof against all North American poisonous snakes. Snake Guardz™ are manufactured with 1000 Denier Cordura™ Nylon encasing polycarbonate inserts which stop the fangs of poisonous snakes. They weigh only 10-ounces and are impact tested by the United States Testing Laboratory to ASTM (test method F-1342-91). They stop a 12 gauge shotgun blast at 20 yards. The gun used in this testing was a Remington Model 11-87, 12 gauge, 28 inch barrel, full choke and 3-1-8 lead shot loads. The fabrics have 1-ounce of urethane applied to the inside surface for water resistance.

Snake Guardz™ secure to the lower leg of the wearer with two 1 inch polyester straps and polyurethane quick release buckles. They have been designed to allow air to flow between the chap and the leg, providing cool and comfortable protection and unrestricted movement. They contain no metal, so they will not interfere with a metal detector. This product is ideal for prospectors, hunters, hikers, campers, fishermen, ranchers and surveyors. Snake Guardz™ are backed by a lifetime warranty and are available in a Mossy Oak Break Up pattern.

* Guaranteed snake-proof leg protection * The most well-known patented snake proof chap in America * Lightweight 1000 Denier Cordura™ Nylon * Waterproof stay-dry with our polyurethane coating * Excellent protection against briars and cactus * Heavy duty, locking, non-corrosive, black buckles keep chaps held firmly in place

This is my snake, wild pig and mountain lion gun.

AWESOME !!! Thank You !

 

[goldenIrishman]

One thing that I haven't seen listed here yet are maps and a GOOD compass! GPS is fine but batteries die (usually when ya need them most!) and a map as well as the ability to convert grid position to GPS cords if needed can save your life. Clay has a PDF copy of the Army Land Navigation Training Manual (FM 21-26) available here > Tools & Skills Library - Mapping & GPS Skills This is the manual I was trained by in the Army and it's a good one to have and refer to. Navigating in the desert is a bit different than many other areas and this covers it very well.

It doesn't matter WHERE you're prospecting or exploring, knowing land navigation can save your life!