So field season is just around the corner – and it’s time to make sure you have all the gear you need for a fun and successful time in the field.
So how about these field equipment ideas that I have found…they range from cheap to expensive.
(These notes contain affiliate links – so if you agree that these are great ideas and click and buy them, then I may get a tiny commission. And I appreciate that support to keep this site running)
It’s time for a new rock hammer?
You can read my guide on how to buy a geologic hammer right here. I have added pictures of the best kinds below – click on the photos to see them on Amazon.
They range in price from US$23 – US50 depending on styles.
RIte-in-the-Rain Geological Field Book
If they don’t have one of these – well they should! This awesome field book can really make a geologists life happy. Not only can use write in it in the pouring rain (even UNDERWATER), but it comes with a handy set of references in the back and even a scale rule.
The PERFECT gift!
Last time I looked it was US$22.95 on Amazon (see it here)
Hand lens (with a leather case)
You can cheaper hand lenses – but this one is great as it comes with its own leather case.
Last time I bought this it was US$15.95 on Amazon (see it here)
Field Compass
While we are using digital devices more and more, this study compass is a great backup in the field. You can pay hundreds of dollars for a compass – this one is a cheaper alternative.
It’s pretty rugged – made of aluminum – and comes with a protective pouch.
This one is around US$70 on Amazon (see it here)
Pelican Field Boxes
Sometimes you need to protect your equipment when heading out into the field. These Pelican field boxes are so rugged, filled with foam that you can pick out to suit your needs, and come in a variety of colors to suit your personality.
And they are dust and water proof!
Last time I looked it was US$109.95 on Amazon (see it here)
Rain gear
I do spend a lot of time in a field area that has a load of rain (the wettest city in the USA is my base for that work), so having good rain gear is great. I have tried MANY types…I am always looking for a lightweight cover-all type. This is what I am using at the moment. It’s pretty good for the price.
Last time I looked it was US$25.95 on Amazon (see it here)
Mineral Sieves
If you are into gold panning, these are awesome. They are lightweight and really help separate the fines from the rest. Best of all, they fit into any standard 5 gals. bucket!
Last time I looked it was US$99.99 on Amazon (see it here)
Gold Pan
I have used so many gold pans in my day – even once panned for gold using a broken bottle! But these plastic pans are fantastic. They are very lightweight in your hands compared to metal pans. They are easy to hike into locations and fit under my sieves.
Last time I looked it was US$13.99 on Amazon (see it here)
Hiking poles
I love these hiking poles. They pack up so small to carry in luggage or my backpack and come with a small bag to slip them into (no more mud in the backpack).
The last ones I bought from Amazon were just under US$30 (See them here)
Day pack
I have had quite a few day packs in my field career – and while they all have worked, they don’t last a long time. Stitching comes loose, clips break, etc. But more importantly, they make my back sweat! And I hate that.
Osprey day packs are NOT cheap – but they hold the pack off your back better and stop that back-sweat issue. This is similar to what I have – but check out the other Osprey packs in their range (that they come with hydration bladders is also a huge bonus.
Mine cost me $US80. (See this one on Amazon)
Water Filter – Life Straw
When you are out in areas where the quality of the water is unknown, these are a must!
They removed 99.99% of harmful bacteria – and the last thing you want to do is get sick in the field by taking the risk of drinking that creek water!
The last one I bought cost me around US$18.00 (get one here)
Collapsable water containers
These are brilliant. They pack small and yet hold a liter of water. Perfect to take into the field, as when they are empty, they take up no space.
I got a two-pack for around US$15. (see them here)
Field Boots
Check out my post on how to buy a great set of field boots here
Geologic Time Scale Mug
This awesome mug not only has the time scale graphically represented on the outside but has an Elrathia kingii trilobite fossil relief on the inside!
It is a 14 oz. mug that is dishwasher and microwave safe. It even comes in a colorful box.
Last time I looked it was US$19.95 on Amazon (see it here)
Below are some other designs (click on them to see them larger on Amazon)
How about a cool cap?
Wear in the field, Wear it to a conference. Wear it to a wedding.
It’s simple. One size fits all.
The last time I looked it was US$19.99 on Amazon (see it here)
Roadside Geology Guides
You can get these amazing guides for almost all states and territories around the world. Below is just some of them that I own…or are on my wish list.
Last time I looked they sell for around US$15.00-US$20.00 on Amazon.
Expanding, waterproof poster tube
I can’t tell you how many times I have had to take a poster or map to a conference or meeting. This is an essential item for a geologist who wants to share their love to their peers.
Last time I looked it was US$22.99 on Amazon (see it here)
Cool Bumper/Back Window Sticker
Looking for something a little different? Or maybe for those $10 or less gift swaps? How about this cool sticker.
Last time I looked it was US$9.99 on Amazon (see it here)
A whole Pile of T-Shirts
I know that a T-shirt is something we all like to have – something that really says ‘I’m a geologist’ to the whole world as we wear it to parties, weddings and the like.
Below is a gallery of ones I like… most are under US$25. Click on the image to see it on Amazon.
Geokids – Pebble Pubs – Young geo’s
I am plugging everyone’s stuff – I should mention the book I wrote for 8-10-year-olds on collecting rocks and minerals. It’s available in good book stores.. and on Amazon.
You can find it on Amazon here.