Prospecting Pack

[BrisJoe]

Now that I'm getting back into prospecting again after a break when life got in the way, I was just thinking before that I should design a prospecting suited backpack.
And I'm after some ideas from more seasoned prospectors as to what features this pack should entail.

So far my thoughts are to have an external buckle flap that can fit a pan and classifiers in it, side pockets of trowel/plastic scoop, some side straps to hold a smallish shovel, maybe some internal organizational loops for snuffer bottles etc?

The floor is open..

As I develop this pack I'll keep updates in the this thread so you can all follow the journey

 

[Dihusky]

Sounds like a good idea, light weight and durable, an important inclusion should be a pocket for a large water bladder with mouth pipe ties on one shoulder.

 

[Mickskin]

I use one of these, pretty comfortable,fits everything I need, fits my pans, a sieve, digging tools, yabby pump, snakebite kit, personal epirb and I fitted a water bladder. they come on special sometimes for under $100

https://www.bcf.com.au/p/caribee-op...341402_color=Camo&cgid=BCF0245#sz=12&start=12

Cheers Mick

 

[LORD]

I use one of these, its awsome but a tad expensive. All I can suggest is something that has a water bladder included inside.
Even if I take a water bottle it's still so handy having one on your back
https://www.snowys.com.au/hawg-mili...-ctLTeIjWqKPxoCYhMQAvD_BwE&AcceptsCookies=yes

 

[LONEWOLF]

I have my small shovel running down my spine on the outside of my back pack... I found that On the side, it kept getting caught in bushes and a smack in the side of the head every now and then soon made me re-think the positioning....
Smallish but deep pockets for my chisels, gloves, scraping picks, 2x sieves and room for my lump hammer ect... plus lots of room for goodies to bring home un-broken.... are my requirements.... :koala:

LW.....

 

[Dave79]

Insulated section to keep the cans cold!!!!! Ok, that might be pushing it

 

[Jaros]

I used to carry one of those chiller bags when playing golf. Usually had a 6 pack and an ice pack to keep them cool. After the 6th hole @ 1 can per hole I was playing well I think but for some strange reason my game would always deteriorate---can't understand why. Hic hic hic. :awful:

 

[Guest]

This is a realy good subject trouble i found my requirements change all the time weather,machine using,how far and long am i away from the vehicle, etc the thing that i caught with at the moment is i carry my pick on my back for the 7000 so where do i carry back pack that i got made up ,weight is another factor the 7000 and harness is heavy enough ps i try and take the missus but she want 60% of takings layful: layful: and i can't hide the old bit of gold for the cunning kit whilst she looking ,but now she got that way she know when i got a target she can hear it thew her machine layful: layful:

 

[PabloP]

A good topic, but there are so many variables depending on what type of prospecting that you are doing, and I don't usually do anything too far from my vehicle.

So if after the yellow with a detctor, I usually just load up my detector harness belt with the pick, and poke other stuff that I need for a short outing in trouser or jacket pockets, such as a bit of first aid, drink, GPS, small trowel, collections containers, etc. If away for a bit longer and it is warm weather, I may add a hydration bladder, but that starts to be a bit clumsy and interferes with the detector harness at times.

If just panning, I am usually even closer to the vehicle, so what I need usually just goes in my pockets, including probes, etc.

Treasure/coin shooting type outings are similar to panning, except also carry a scoop for beach work.

So basically the gear and method of carry, is likely to change depending on the targets, etc.

Rob P.

 

[BrisJoe]

Thanks guys, each to their own on what you do or don't carry when going out and depending on if your lucky enough to have a spot that is close enough to the car.

What sort of length shovels do you carry? Standard length? Mini?

 

[Jackpot]

Try and make a harness incorporated backpack Ill have one if it works out

 

[Moneybox]

Sounds like a great idea BJ. It needs to be slim or it could restrict our movement a bit.

If possible I'd like to carry the 66" crowbar and post hole shovel but they tend to upset the detector a bit....

 

[brendomac]

Hey bris,
Been thinking about the same thing. I always thought a modular backpack would be great. You can attach/remove sections as necessary depending on what you want to do. Some guys have also mentioned that it depends... My thinking is the same.

But the question is how to make it modular? Do you use Velcro, clips etc. Or instead, do you just have a couple of different specific backpacks for different outings

 

[PabloP]

Hey bris,
Been thinking about the same thing. I always thought a modular backpack would be great. You can attach/remove sections as necessary depending on what you want to do. Some guys have also mentioned that it depends... My thinking is the same.

But the question is how to make it modular? Do you use Velcro, clips etc. Or instead, do you just have a couple of different specific backpacks for different outings

Different packs/loadouts for different outings and detectors being used is my choice.
If doing some more mobile detecting in the bush and using a pack, say when using the SDC, it is normally stored in an old school type backpack with spare batteries, charger, scales and bits and bobs. Then out in the field the SDC and some of the stuff comes out (and is left at base camp), the SDC is hand carried and that leaves space in the pack for extra water, tucker, jackets, pick on the belt strap, etc.

With the 7000, I basically just work much closer to the vehicle and just carry the 7000 harness with pick on its belt and other stuff in pockets.

Relics & coin work with X-Terra is similar to 7000 except no pick, but with beach scoop, probes, etc, depending on location.

Rob P.

 

[BrisJoe]

With modular, there are a couple of options..
I can have a basic pack for starters and have Molle on the outside (this is what the army uses to make their field kit modular these days) which you can have various Pouches specifically set up for different items you just hook on.
The 2nd option is to have the standard pack, and have the inside walls lined with Velcro, and have Velcro on your other pouches to go inside. This way you can just grab out a kit that in there (crevicing kit for example)

 

[Ship of fools]

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
I have gone for a vest with front pockets for Gps, phone, torch, pocket knife and other handy items. A small pack clipped on the back for water and GPX battery and a carpenter style tool bag on a belt for finds and small tools.
Matt T

 

[Gem in I]

I'm waiting for elon musk to bring out the BAD (BIG ASS DRONE) till then I find the cheap camel packs double as tin food, rice cream, bickies and a couple of cans of coke last a couple of days and my wife also has one so it's not too heavy. tarp strapped to the rear of pack for shelter and we only take knife fork spoon. most cans are ring pulls these days and the front camel straps are good for detector bungee and speakers. One bag of spare batteries and gps. The picks we just utilise the bottom pack strap to the hip. The old timers used horses or hired hands but we don't trek more than 2-3 days.

 

[Jeff]

Great idea BrisJoe

Thats timing i was just thinking about that today while having lunch in the bush staring at my pack. i was thinking, geez, this pack has been a really good buy- it was cheap, lightweight, reasonably well suited and been through hell...an hour later i ripped a strap of it! :/
Im out hiking with the detector 6 days a week so I've got a few ideas....
-something long enough to fit the broken down Zed into (work with the yabby pump and shovel too) so the baaarstad doesn't keep getting caught on trees n vines.
-big enough to fit the 15" pan in, the 19" coil would be great too or at least some straps to hold it to the front of the bag.
-rainproof would be great.
-enough padding so if you have a hard awkward shaped object in your pack it doesn't stab you in the back.
-gotta have chest strap holding the shoulder straps from sliding of your shoulder when the detector is swinging from them.
- loops on the shoulder straps to connect the detector bungi cord to.
-long pockets to fit things like crevicing gear into aaaand won't stab through the bag.
-hard waring bottom.
-a roomy top compartment so you can fit all the more fragile gear into.
- hand washable.
-lightweight and tough- especially zips, clips and stitching.
- not pink.

Id pay good money for that...

 

[BrisJoe]

Come on Jeff, I've got a nice fancy pink camo material lol

I've got a general idea of the basic design of the pack I want to do, gen1 will prob have an internal sleeve to hold a folded up 2300 in it with the pans held on the outside with a storage flap and a hydration sleeve in the usual spot to get started.

 

[FindSumStuff]

For those who are interested in a backpack with changeable inside compartments, look at this. Pretty pricey though. Carry picks, skis whatever you want.
Backpack for DSLR predominantly from LOWEPRO.
Whistler Backpack 450 AW II
https://www.lowepro.com/us-en/whistler-backpack-450-aw-ii-lp37227-pww/
4-season ultra-resistant backpack for outdoor photography equipment and essential wilderness gear.
Top and body-side access fits portrait grip DSLRs
Wider interior space with expandable compartment fits 3 lenses
CradleFit compartment safeguards up to 15-inch laptop
Supports attachment of heavy equipment like skis, axes & tripod
All Weather AW Cover protects gear from rain, snow, dust & sand

I just use a tradies belt and put the pick through one of the hoops depending opposite hand that the detector is in. The pouches to store tools and goodies. It forces you to be lean in what you take. Otherwise I use belt pick pouch and separate shoulder bag from supercheap to carry items. Shoulder bag easy to drop when determining a target.