My Nugget Detecting Kit

[RickUK]

Steve,a very good post,these days i can only detector for long periods of time with a full harness,i do have and use a GPX style full harness as well as a backpack harness like yourself for when i am out on a all day detecting trip,keep the basics just in case accidents happen etc,the toilet paper one is a very important accessory.

Only one thing that i am not sure about your packpack is the water bladder,never used one myself so cannot be 100% sure,but do you have too sterilise the bladder and pipework in any way as bacteria can and could cause problems,so i would guess they do have to be cleaned thoroughly in some way ???

If i am just out for a few hours but in-sight of the truck then i dont bother with the main full harness i tend to use a cut down version if that makes sense,no need for waterproofs or any major other gear as it would usually be just a few minutes walk back to the 4x4,but when i am out on say a full days detecting then the fully equiped backpack/harness is used.

Of course mine does not have a water bladder in the back as over here in the UK we dont have deserts or gold fields   but we do of course have gold coins/artifact so no pick is not used,we of course hunt and recover finds differently to you folks.

Must admit i do carry a mobile phone albeit its switched off most of the time to stop problems of EMI with the detector,GPS is carried so we can mark the hoards if we find one.

Must admit although we mostly do different styles of detecting this is one of my favourite forums.

[Ivansgarage]

I know one thing, doing the research  to find the stuff you want can be a pain in the butt.
Here is what I have been using, good old amazon.
 
Pack 25 bucks Down the page a bit got pack & bladder $43.73
Lancer Tactical Light Weight Hydration Backpack
 

 

Bladder 18 bucks, The bladder is separate and fits this backpack. 
Condor 2.5L Bladder
 

[strick]

I bought a cheap bladder pack at Big 5 for 25 bucks. Cut off the shoulder straps waist band and  attached it to the Mine lab harness with rivet's. Been working ok but I took out the bladder as I found it to be easier to just put a couple water bottles in  the pack  then to have to deal with the water bladder. 

 

strick  

[Steve Herschbach]

On 9/8/2015 at 10:44 PM, californiagold said:

Nice setup! Do you have to arm yourself with bear spray or gun when in alaska? Or are there no bears in that vicinity.

Unfortunately some places I go I have to protect myself ( personal choice) from stealthy mountain lions which I was attacked by a pair 20 years ago. And trinity co. Also has crazy pot growers and tweekers. I have had a couple incidents that looked like it was about to get ugly till they seen my partner and I guns. This has all been on public land. Its a wild jungle out here.

Other then that I use a similar gear. I also carry in my backpack a spare coil cover, coil bolts, battery cover etc.

Ill be glad when im done with long hours and all the projects I got going on so I can get back at it. Thanks for sharing

Plenty of bears in Alaska! I spent a lot of time in very remote areas by myself and with no communications. Anything that happened, it was totally on me. In those situations I often packed a bear gun (12 ga pump) but never actually had to use it to defend myself. I saw lots of bears over the years but they had no more interest in trouble than I did.

Mountain lions? Now those are spooky. I will take bears any day.

I have had so few detector parts failures in 40 years it is not something I worry about much, except for spare batteries. With the SD/GP/GPX I always had a spare coil bolt and battery cable. The GPZ lacks both those items.

[nvchris]

Quality comfort and performance drives my pack choices.

As for doodads I carry a Spot satellite beacon.

Cannon camera that shoots HD video.

Military grade trauma first aid kit. 

Hoof pick with brush.

No pinpointer.

Sturdy pick.

Nugget scoop.

 

Nimrod Modular Hunting pack for long day trips and overnighters.

 

Camelback Hydration pack for tailgate days

 

Will detect for beer!

[Sourdough Scott]

I carry the least amount possible.

Pro swing harness.

Hipstick

Wm 12 with under ear speakers , headphones on windy days. Jp B&Z booster.

Apex pick or Leland Cotter pick.

Plastic scoop

Trash bag with pinpointer in it.

Camelback in patch hunting. Jug of water when staying in one general area.

Lunch.

Small pack of baby wipes.

Cellphone and sometimes a Go pro camera.

[jasong]

I use the Camelbak Mule Mil Tac (the one in Chris's post), it's almost built just for detecting, I love it. Even has built in D-rings at just the right place for a bungee clip. Used the regular Mule for 6 years and still have it, they are bulletproof. The pinpointer and speaker module clip on to the front straps for easy access. Easy to strap an Estwing geology hammer and radio on the back too. 

 

The cheaper bladders always tasted like chemicals or plastic no matter how much I washed them, never had that issue with the Camelbaks.

 

The other nice thing about these is the weight of the water stabilizes the pack, the minelab harness moves up on me but maybe it's just my body shape.

[nvchris]

I agree Jasong,

The Camelback bladders have near zero taste and the Mule Mil Tac is built for detecting. The D rings are in the proper location for the hipstick.

Hard to beat the Lealand Cotter custom picks, I use a long handle one with super magnets when in the trashy areas, it saves a lot of bendovers!

This is the first aid kit I carry.

Elite First Aid Tactical Trauma Kit #1

SKU #: EFA-FA142

MSRP: $49.75

$24.99

 

[RickUK]

I buy a few ready made First aid kits from our local petrol staion when they have them on special offer,they come with all the basic requirments in a small hard plastic case and can fit either in your pack pack or even in a pocket of a coat,i dont think i could buy all the same equipment for the same price and its all ready packed for the job.All ways handy to keep with you in the car as well.Its sods law that the only time you leave the first aid kit at home something happens.