Sounds ok but if it is like some tech that i read about in scientific american a few years ago, they were using muons(cosmic rays) to see through an iron engine block at a gold bar like an x ray, sounded good but have never read any more about it.
Yes get a pair,for snake protection but they are good for cholla cactus.
Snakes can bite through boots the kind made out of cordura but snake gaiters will take care of that .