What Is The Best Prospecting Equipment You Have Ever Used?

[rainwolf75]

I am curious as to what you all would find to be some of the best equipment you have used and why it has worked out for you. Now for myself I would have to say the classic gold pans and the new hog pan simply bc of their versatility not to mention you can without any problem carry them anywhere due to their light weight.

 

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[russau]

My dredge's when I was able to get out!

 

[dave wiseman]

That would be an Estwing sampling pick.

 

[oneguy]

Angus Mackirk sluice.....

 

[Sockeye1730]

Pick axe

 

[Bodfish Mike]

My Computer.
It has led me here with all the wealth of knowledge and people willing to help.
Google earth -- Land matters -- LR2000 -- Google Images
And lastly my Garrett snuffer bottle it loves to be fed gold.

 

[IMAUDIGGER]

I have a razorback shovel that has found many ounces of gold.

 

[RTR]

I would have to say this little DIY recovery system.

 

[63bkpkr]

Good Question!

1) 1992 Ford Bronco 4x4, Batpan, Eastwing Gad Pry Bar (Geologists pry bar), smallest Gerber folding Shovel, GMT detector, SPOT Messenger, only the Harbor Freight 8000 lb cable hoist/puller (nothing smaller than this capacity), tire chains as boulder Bra's, Lanny's long running post, small sifting devices from Bed Bath & Beyond (drawer organizers made from + 1/16" expanded metal)

2) Why it works for me: Bronco very tight turning radius and it just keeps running, Batpan - all heavies naturally drop right to the bottom/center of the pan, Eastwing - small enough to backpack and it will move some large boulders, Gerber shovel - strong/smallest and lightest shovel I've found to date/well made, GMT - it works in the mineralized Sierra gold country & I've found gold with it, SPOT - saved my life, 8000 lb hoist - keeps right on working while the smaller units Fall Apart!, tire chains -readily wrap around boulders and then the hoist easily moves the boulders, Lanny's Post - self explanatory!, Sifters - small and easy to backpack/sturdy .....................63bkpkr

 

[arizau]

My Whippet dry washer. Invaluable for desert prospecting in hike in only areas which is pretty much what I am limited to except for my annual pilgrimages to Oregon.

 

[SaltwaterServr]

The internet, hands down.

 

[Reed Lukens]

The best equipment moves the most material but getting there is the key and my old 46 Willy's started it all and every 4x4 I have bought since has been for mining. Having a truck big enough to tow a tractor and your tromel is the key.

 

[mendoAu]

My dog Bailey, she just lays around watching out for me so I can dive alone. So since this thread is about what's the best ya got... how about this:
Never heard of this so I may be the first to ponder how to attach a metal detector off her chest with like a bluetooth communication system and one of those tiny wireless cameras...then just kick back and watch her travel all over the claim. Now that would be a nice piece of equipment!!!!

 

[okbasspro]

LandMatters.org

 

[IowaRiverWalker]

SE Brand 1/8 inch Classifier. Quality mesh.

 

[Johnnybravo300]

Betterbasicsmining shovel made by a miner in Cali.
14 lb San Angelo bar. Rubber ranch style buckets that don't break. Hand warmers. Music.

 

[N-Lionberger]

like Reed said cant beat a 4X4, but really the most useful piece of gear is my big steel pan.

 

[rainwolf75]

These are all very interesting perspectives you all have and has caused me to reconsider and reevaluate not only what to consider "prospecting/mining equipment" but to reconsider the value it has to me. Since doing so I would have to add to my list insulated chest waders, so that I can still go in the winter. However, I would not be honest with myself or ya'll if I were to leave off this list snake boots, which should be self explanatory.

 

[N-Lionberger]

Ruger Blackhawk with shot shells for those pesky no legged critters.

 

[rainwolf75]

Ruger Blackhawk with shot shells for those pesky no legged critters.

Or just take a hoe and save on bullets, after all cutting off their head is the best method to ensure their dead. But I also like your taste in guns.