Gold Panning: Essential Equipment

Gold panning is a fun pastime that can even be profitable if you're lucky. The equipment you'll need is basic and cheap compared to the cost of a metal detector. Here's what you'll need:

- Waterproof boots and warm socks to keep your feet dry and warm.

- A gold pan to load with gold-bearing gravel and sand. They come in a variety of sizes, colours and materials such as plastic and metal.

- A sniffer bottle to suck up small bits of gold from your pan.

- A classifier (a sieve or strainer) to remove larger rocks.

- Digging tools such as a shovel, a small spade, and a skinny tool like an old screwdriver for cleaning out cracks and crevices in rocks.

- A container for collecting concentrates, such as a small white plastic pail.

- Gloves to protect your hands from blisters and cuts.

- Tweezers to pick out larger bits of gold from your pan.

- A glass or plastic bottle to store your gold finds.

- Other outdoor essentials like a first aid kit, warm clothes, drinking water, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen.

Waterproof boots and warm socks

When it comes to socks, opt for a pair that provides warmth and comfort. Consider investing in a pair of merino wool socks or thermal socks, which offer superior warmth and moisture-wicking properties. Some socks are specifically designed for outdoor activities and can be ideal for gold panning. Look for features like padding, breathability, and quick-drying fabric. Additionally, calf-height socks can prevent your boots from rubbing against your legs. It's also a good idea to bring an extra pair of socks in case your feet get wet.

You can find waterproof boots and warm socks at outdoor gear stores or online retailers. Make sure to choose boots that are comfortable and durable, as you'll be spending a lot of time standing and walking in them.

Don't underestimate the importance of taking care of your feet when gold panning. With the right footwear and socks, you'll be able to focus on the task at hand and fully enjoy your gold panning experience.

A gold pan

Gold pans come in various sizes and colours, with green or blue being good choices as they provide a nice contrast to the black sand and yellow gold. Plastic pans are preferred by many due to their lightweight and easy maintenance, but metal pans are also available. The Garrett Super Sluice and Proline Blue 14-inch gold pans are recommended by experts. In addition to the pan itself, a snuffler bottle or tweezers can be useful for retrieving the gold from the pan.

When gold panning, it is important to choose a spot with a slow current and water that is at least six inches deep. This allows for better visibility of the pan and ensures that the water is moving slowly enough to not interfere with the panning motions. Additionally, having a large rock or fallen tree nearby can provide a convenient place to sit while prospecting.

Gold panning requires practice and patience, but with the right technique and equipment, it can be a rewarding hobby that gets you outdoors and exploring nature.

A sniffer bottle

Sniffer bottles are typically made of plastic and have a suction tube attached to the top, similar to eye droppers. When you squeeze the bottle, a vacuum is created, and when you release it, the bottle will suck up whatever it is pointing at, including gold flakes and water. The gold is then safely stored in the bottle until you are ready to remove it.

There are a variety of sniffer bottles available on the market, ranging in size from 2 ounces to 4 ounces. Some companies sell kits that include multiple sniffer bottles, as well as other gold panning equipment such as pans, vials, and tweezers. These kits can be a great option for beginners who are just starting out in gold panning.

In addition to a sniffer bottle, there are a few other pieces of equipment you will need for gold panning. This includes a pan, preferably one with ridges or grooves to help trap the gold, a sieve or classifier to screen out larger materials, a shovel or other digging tools, and a container to store your gold. It is also important to wear waterproof boots and warm socks to keep your feet dry and warm while panning in cold streams.

A classifier (sieve/strainer)

A classifier, also known as a sieve or strainer, is a helpful tool for gold panning. It is not necessary, but it can make the process a lot easier by helping to remove large rocks and other worthless material from your pan, leaving you with smaller material that is more likely to contain gold. Classifiers come in various mesh sizes, typically ranging from 1/2 inch to 200 mesh screens. The size you choose will depend on the size of the gold flakes or nuggets you are hoping to recover.

When using a classifier, you will first fill it with the material you want to classify. Then, submerge the classifier in water and shake it over your gold pan, allowing the smaller material to fall through into the pan. The larger rocks and debris will be retained in the classifier and can be discarded. This process is known as "classifying" or "sizing" your material, and it is an important step in successful gold recovery.

Classifiers are typically made of tough, high-impact plastic with a reinforced high side wall and a stainless steel wire mesh. They are designed to fit on top of a standard 5-gallon bucket, as well as most sizes of gold pans. Some classifiers are stackable and can interlock with each other to prevent slipping or sliding when used together.

When choosing a classifier for gold panning, consider the size of the mesh and the durability of the construction. You want something that will be able to withstand the rigours of gold panning and classify your material into a manageable size. The ASR Outdoor Gold Panning Classifier Screens, for example, are a popular choice and come in a variety of sizes.

Digging tools

• Shovels: These can be full-sized pointed shovels or smaller spades, depending on the size of the operation. Shovels are used to dig and move earth, sand, and gravel to expose gold deposits.
• Serrated Digging Tools: These tools have a serrated edge that helps cut through tough earth and rocks to reach gold deposits. They are also useful for removing smaller rocks from the work area.
• Picks: Picks are used to break up and remove rocks and can come in various shapes and sizes. Some picks have a claw-like design, while others have a pointed or curved end.
• Crevice Tools: These are used to clean out small cracks and crevices in rocks, where gold often settles due to its heavy nature. Crevice tools can be skinny tools like screwdrivers or specialised tools designed for gold prospecting.
• Trowels: Smaller digging tools like trowels are useful for precision work and can help reach gold deposits in tight spaces.
• Hammers: Rock hammers are used to break up rocks and can come with a magnet to help remove any metal from the crushed rocks.

It is important to note that digging tools can be made of different materials, such as stainless steel or hardened steel, and having a sheath for your tools can help protect them when not in use. Additionally, a good pair of gloves is essential when using digging tools to protect your hands from blisters, cuts, and scrapes.

Frequently asked questions