Gold Panning: Essential Gear

Gold panning is a fun hobby that gets you outdoors and, if you're lucky, might even earn you some money. It's a simple process: all you need is a pan and a river, stream or dry wash to get started.

The two main techniques for gold panning are placer mining and hard rock mining. Placer mining is when you search for gold that has already been washed away from its original source. Hard rock mining is when you look for gold that is still in the rock. For placer mining, you'll need a shovel, sluice box and a pan. For hard rock mining, you'll need a pickaxe and a pan.

Gold panning equipment is inexpensive and easy to find. The most important piece of equipment is the pan. You'll also need a shovel, pickaxe, sluice box and container to store your gold in.

So, if you fancy yourself a modern-day prospector, get your gear, find a stream and get panning!

Waterproof boots, warm socks, and gloves

It's also a good idea to bring along a pair of rugged gloves. Gold panning involves a lot of digging and handling of rocks and other materials. Gloves will protect your hands from blisters, cuts, and scrapes while you work. They can also provide extra warmth if you're panning in cold water. Leather or rubber gloves are ideal for this purpose.

When choosing your footwear and gloves, consider the temperature of the water and the terrain you'll be navigating. Make sure your boots have good traction to prevent slipping on wet rocks. Additionally, consider bringing a change of socks in case your feet get wet or if you need to wade into the water.

Don't forget to also pack other necessary items for your gold panning adventure, such as a pan, shovel, first aid kit, warm clothes, drinking water, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

A gold pan, shovel, and classifier

Gold panning is a fun hobby that gets you outdoors and, if you're lucky, might even earn you some money. To get started, you'll need a few essential tools, including a gold pan, shovel, and classifier.

The gold pan is a special dish used to separate gold from other materials. It's typically made of aluminium or plastic and comes in various sizes, with the most common ones ranging from 10 to 15 inches in diameter. When using the pan, you'll fill it with dirt and gravel from the riverbed and swirl it around in the water. Due to its weight, the gold will settle at the bottom of the pan while the lighter materials float away.

A shovel is another crucial tool for gold panning. It allows you to scoop up sand and gravel from the riverbed or dig up dirt from potential gold-bearing areas.

Additionally, a classifier (also known as a sieve or strainer) can be useful. It is a screen that separates large stones and rocks from the material you want to pan. Classifiers come in different mesh sizes, such as 1/2 inch or 1/4 inch, depending on whether you're working with dry or wet material. Using a classifier helps keep larger rocks out of your pan and lets through the smaller material more likely to contain gold.

With these tools in hand, you can start your search for gold in rivers, streams, or even dry washes. Gold panning is a simple process, but it requires practice to master the technique of sloshing out the lighter sand without losing any gold. Remember to do your research on gold-bearing areas and always follow regulations and ethical guidelines when prospecting.

A sniffer bottle, tweezers, and vial

Gold panning is a fun hobby that can also be a way to earn some extra money. It is a simple process that involves using a pan to look for gold in rivers or streams. The gold will settle at the bottom of the pan, and you can then use a sniffer bottle, tweezers, and vial to collect your findings.

The sniffer bottle is used to suck up the little bits of gold from your pan. This is especially useful when dealing with smaller flakes of gold that are too tiny to pick up with tweezers. The tweezers come in handy when you find larger bits of gold, also known as "pickers", that you can easily grab and place into your vial. The vial, typically made of glass or plastic, is used to store your gold safely.

It is important to note that gold panning requires practice to master the technique. You will need to learn how to slosh out the lighter sand without accidentally splashing the gold back into the creek. With time and patience, you will develop your own method that works best for you.

In addition to the sniffer bottle, tweezers, and vial, there are other essential items you will need for gold panning. These include a pan, shovel, waterproof boots, warm socks, gloves, and the usual outdoor adventure gear such as a first aid kit, warm clothes, drinking water, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen. Remember to also check if you are allowed to pan for gold in your desired location, as some areas may have restrictions or require permits.

First aid kit, warm clothes, and insect repellent

Gold panning is a fun activity, but it's important to be prepared for any situation. Here are some tips for putting together a first aid kit, choosing the right clothes, and dealing with insects:

First Aid Kit

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any outdoor activity, including gold panning. You can purchase a pre-assembled kit or create your own. The Red Cross recommends that a basic first aid kit for a family of four should include the following items:

• Absorbent compress dressings
• Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• Adhesive cloth tape
• Antibiotic ointment
• Antiseptic wipes
• Aspirin
• Breathing barrier with a one-way valve
• Cold compress
• Non-latex gloves
• Hydrocortisone ointment
• Gauze roll and pads in various sizes
• Roller bandages
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
• Triangular bandages
• Emergency first aid instructions

Additionally, don't forget to include any personal items such as medications and emergency contact information. It's also a good idea to check your kit regularly and replace any used or expired items.

Warm Clothes

Gold panning is often done in cold mountain streams, so it's important to dress appropriately to stay warm and dry. Here are some key items to consider:

• Waterproof boots: Keep your feet dry and protected from the cold water.
• Warm socks: Consider bringing multiple pairs to keep your feet warm, as gold panning often involves standing in cold water for extended periods.
• Layers: Bring clothes that you can layer, such as a base layer of thermal underwear, a warm middle layer like a fleece jacket, and an outer layer to protect against wind and rain.
• Hat and gloves: A hat will help retain body heat, and gloves will keep your hands warm and protected while handling equipment.
• Waterproof or water-resistant clothing: Consider a waterproof jacket or rain poncho to stay dry.

Insect Repellent

Insects can be a nuisance when you're outdoors, so it's important to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some tips:

• Choose an effective insect repellent: Look for products that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, which are effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects.
• Apply repellent properly: Follow the instructions on the product label, and reapply as needed. Pay particular attention to exposed skin and clothing.
• Cover up: Wear long sleeves, pants, and a hat to reduce exposed skin. Light-coloured clothing can also help, as dark colours tend to attract some insects.
• Avoid scented products: Insects are attracted to sweet smells, so avoid scented soaps, shampoos, or perfumes.
• Stay aware: Be mindful of your surroundings, as some insects may be more prevalent in certain areas, such as near standing water or flowering plants.

By being prepared with a first aid kit, warm clothing, and insect repellent, you can focus on having a safe and enjoyable gold panning experience.

Permission to pan on private or public land

Gold panning is legal in the US, but each state has its own set of gold panning laws that must be followed. Some states may require a special permit or permission from the landowner, and in some areas, you are only allowed to collect a certain amount of gold per day.

Before you start gold panning, it is important to check with your local government to ensure that it is legal to do so, especially on state and national lands like national forests and parks. Additionally, you should check for mining claims on these lands.

If the stream or river you wish to pan in is not on public land, you must get permission from the landowner first. If you don't have permission, you should move on, as trespassing is not permitted.

Some states, like South Carolina, require a permit to pan for gold in certain national forests. These permits are usually free, but mechanized equipment is typically prohibited in such areas. In South Carolina, you are allowed to carry more gold than in most other states, but if your area footprint exceeds the size mentioned by the law, it will be considered a mining activity, and you will need a permit from the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

In Michigan, gold panning laws prohibit the use of portable dredges or sluices for gold panning purposes as they are not considered tools for casual or recreational panning. However, you can pan on public lands, including national forests, without a permit. Permission from landowners is required for private land.

Georgia has similar laws to Michigan, and you don't need a permit for recreational gold panning activities in most creek beds, as long as you don't disturb the watercourses. Mechanical equipment like suction dredges is prohibited, and written permission from the landowner is required if the streams you visit are owned privately.

In North Carolina, you cannot carry gold or any rocks or minerals from recreation areas or state parks. Permission from the landowner is required for private property, and it may be challenging to know how far away the private property extends, so it is always good to ask beforehand. On federally owned land, you can take small amounts of gold through panning but must check with the authorities to know the precise amount allowed.

In summary, it is important to research the local laws and regulations for the area you plan to visit and get any necessary permits or permissions before beginning your gold panning activities.

Frequently asked questions