Whether you have taken up this hobby recreationally or you wish to see some profits from it, there are some tools that you really can’t do without. Building your prospecting kit can require knowledge of the sector and a little investment, yet once you have all the tools, you can enjoy them for many years to come!
The best gold panning tools include differently-sized gold pans for the different stages of prospecting, classifiers, magnifying tweezers, a black sand magnet, crevice tools, picks, snuffer bottles, and vials to store the gold. Accessories include a backpack, a mesh bag, and a first-aid kit.
Packing your prospecting backpack so as not to carry too much weight on prospecting trips can take a little practice. Let’s have a look at what you will need!
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What You’ll Need to Pan for Gold
Panning for gold is the oldest prospecting method used worldwide. Due to the limited investment required to get started, it is still the best strategy to recover gold for hobbyists and novices[1]. However, experienced prospectors still make the most out of this activity when they need to sample terrain before filing a mining claim.
Not many tools are required to pan for gold, and you could theoretically get started with just a pan – like in the case of prospectors using Gold Claw pans. However, other tools can help you make the process faster, more efficient, and in some cases, more profitable.
Below is everything you need to make your prospecting trips more successful, as well as the best models on the market for each tool.
Gold Pans
Gold pans are the necessary tools you will need to start panning for gold. However, not all pans are the same or suited for the needs of all prospectors. The most important characteristics to keep in mind when choosing a pan are the size, material, color, and types of riffles.
Types of Pan
Since the first wooden “beteas” developed by the Mayan-Indian civilization[2], gold pans have evolved over the years, and today prospectors can enjoy devices made of resistant plastic and boasting state-of-the-art riffles. Moreover, today, there are several types of pans on the market, each molded with different sets of riffles.
When it comes down to choosing your pan size, you should consider the skills needed to maneuver it properly. As a general rule:
- Pans with a diameter of 6in to 10in (15cm to 25cm), also known as finishing pans[3], are smaller and preferred for sampling terrain. Only a small amount of streambed material can be processed at a time due to the reduced size. However, they don’t require as much manual labor.
- Pans with a diameter of 12in to 14in (30cm to 35cm) are medium-sized. They are defined as the best tool for novices and hobbyists because they don’t require as much labor or stamina as the larger versions. However, prospectors should notice that the amount of material that they will be able to process with these pans can be limited.
- Pans with a diameter of 16in to 18in (40cm to 45cm) are among the largest ones on the market today. They are ideal for expert prospectors that have refined their panning technique over the years and know how to pan out larger quantities of material without losing precious gold flakes or particles.
While pans are undoubtedly the most valuable tool for beginners, they can be employed in several ways to fulfill several prospecting needs. Many prospectors opt to keep all of these types of pans with them while on a trip. They use the larger and medium ones for the first stages of the panning process, the smallest ones for finishing the procedure.
However, it is vital to notice that the broader the pan is, the more significant material can be processed each time. Simultaneously, larger pans will require refined skills and techniques, as well as stamina and strength to maneuver them.
Metal vs. Plastic
Another critical factor to consider is the material of the pan. More experienced prospectors and veterans in the sector prefer to use metal pans. However, in this case, the pans will need to be worn in to be effective, and the riffles on them might not be as efficient in capturing gold particles.
Instead, plastic pans[4] are theoretically indestructible and much more long-lasting than the metal ones. Some of the benefits of plastic pans that make them superior to other models are:
- They are lightweight – they weight around one-quarter of the weight if metal pans
- Easier to carry
- They are resistant to rust and corrosion
- They are easier to look after and maintain
- The riffles are molded on the sides of the pan
- They can be painted in different colors to make gold flakes and particles more visible against the surfaces.
- They float – which is handy in case they escape your grip while panning
- Prospectors can use a magnet to separate the black sand from gold particles, which would not be possible if using a metal (and therefore magnetic) pan.
Riffles
The baffles that you can notice on the side of your pan are called riffles. These simple features allow you to trap gold in the pan during the panning process, making it easier for beginner prospectors to see results on their trips.
Simultaneously, the molded riffles present on plastic gold pans are known as “cheaters” riffles[5]. Due to their design, prospectors can retrieve more gold flakes and fine gold than they would by using other devices. When buying a pan, prospectors should also keep in mind that manufacturers tend to create different ruffles designs on their pans.
In some cases, you might also be able to enjoy two different sets of riffles on your pan. You can use the different sides of the pans depending on the stage of the panning process you are dedicating yourself to. For example, smaller riffles closer to each other indicate that that side is perfect for the finishing stages of panning and recovering fine gold. Oppositely, deeper riffles are ideal for the initial stages of analyzing the streambed material.
Color
If you have opted for buying a plastic pan, you would have noticed that there are several types and manufacturers on the market. Moreover, their color can be different, ranging from black to blue, red, and green. It is always recommendable to opt for one of these colors when picking your pan. Indeed, the bright hue will make it easier for you to spot gold particles on the surface.
Lastly, while black pans are among the most common on the market, it is essential to notice that it is easy for the black sand to merge with the background, making the identification of particles more challenging compared to using other colors.
Our Market Pick
Picking the single best pan on the market is impossible since not all of them are suitable for all prospectors. While you should consider your skill level, preferences, and prospecting needs, it is always suggestible to buy a pan from a reliable manufacturer such as:
These manufacturers are among the best-regarded manufacturers in the sector and provide durable and accessible tools for all prospecting needs. Alternatives to these include:
- TurboPan: an alternative device that boasts spiral-shaped riffles along the sides and bottom.
- Gold Claw: an innovative gold pan that can be operated with only one hand and covers all prospecting needs, from sampling to finishing.
Classifier
Classifiers, also known as sieves or screens, are round devices that boast a mesh net at the bottom edge rather than a solid surface. They are used to filtrate larger rocks and streambed material in the first stage of the panning process.
The design of most classifiers allows them to fit on top of a 5-gallon (19L) bucket, as well as be stackable on top of gold pans. Aside from the classifier’s diameter, it is essential to identify the best mesh size for your needs.
Mesh Size
The mesh size is also used as a unit of measure to classify how big gold particles, flakes, or flour are. The term “mesh” indicates the number of openings in one linear inch (2.50cm) of the screen[6].
For example, if your classifier is labeled as “10-mesh”, you will notice 100 openings in one square inch of the screen. The more mesh it boasts, the smaller the opportunities will be, and finer will be the gold retrieved.
Nuggets are usually those pieces of gold that can pass through a 10-mesh classifier, while only flakes will be able to pass through a 20-40 mesh size.
Our Market Pick
Some of the best classifiers on the market – and the most affordable ones – are the ones produced by Garrett, the SE Patented Stackable Sifting Pans. You can find them in different sizes, and they are entirely in plastic, a characteristic that guarantees durability and lightweight.
Black Sand Magnet
As you complete the first steps of the planning process, you will notice the streambed material to start thinning out, while the lighter elements flow off the pan driven by the stream current. While it is entirely possible, with the right expertise, to pan the material down until everything left in the pan is gold, in most cases, you will notice accumulations of black sand lying at the bottom of your pan.
This black sand is composed of heavier materials, which are naturally part of a placer deposit[7]. This sand includes particles of several elements, such as magnetite, hematite, iron, and, in some cases, gold. This agglomeration of different parts and materials makes the mixture partly magnetic.
For years, many prospectors have spent time and effort trying to design an efficient method to separate and recover the different materials in the black sand. Today, most prospectors leverage the fact that gold is not magnetic to retrieve it.
Therefore, through the use of a simple device such as the black sand magnet, you will be able to eliminate from the pan all the materials that can be classified as magnetic – which are less valuable elements such as iron or magnetite. Gold remains at the bottom of the pan, alongside hematite and other non-magnetic components.
You can opt to use a micro sluice box or other techniques to retrieve fine gold particles, flakes, and smaller nuggets. To know more about how to use a black sand magnet to separate the materials in your pan, take a look at the video below.
Today’s black sand magnets are pocket-size and look like a small pen. They are usually water-resistant and inexpensive to add to your kit. However, you can also find more extensive, more robust models that are more suitable in case you wish to process larger quantities of streambed material.
Our Market Pick
There are several models on the market, and you can even opt to build one yourself. However, if you are looking for affordable alternatives that can offer a ready-to-use solution, the two below are the best ones for beginner and intermediate prospectors:
- SE Prospector’s Choice 5 lb. Magnetic Black Sand Pocket Separator Pen
- SE Magnetic Separator Pick-Up Tool with Quick Release
Tweezers
If you are lucky enough to see “color” in your pan, using a pair of tweezers allows you to pick up those visible fragments and flakes. However, those simple tools are ideal for repositioning the pieces or working with it, and they are appreciated by jewelers and prospectors alike[8].
When buying a complete panning kit, a pair of tweezers or magnifying tweezers are often included in the package. However, if you wish to implement your equipment with this tool, you can choose among several models and types. The most common types of tweezers are:
- Blunt point tweezers – usually including a slide lock for safety and practicality
- Fine point tweezers – including slide lock
- Tweezers with tray – they can be either fine or blunt points and include a small tray to pick up fragments at the opposite ends.
- Multiple-prong-pick up tools
Additionally, today gold prospectors can benefit from the models of magnifying tweezers on the market. These can boast either a blunt or a fine point, as well as a magnifying lens just above the point.
These tools are the favorite of beginners and expert prospectors alike since they make it easier to identify and recover even the smallest particles of gold present on the pan. Additionally, you will be able to purchase two tools in one, saving money and energy.
Our Market Pick
The best way of making sure that you have the right tweezers for your needs while on your trip is to purchase them as part of a more comprehensive kit. In this case, the VAS 6 PC Gold Panning Fines & Flowers Snuffer & Tweezer Set offers a suitable and affordable alternative that can cover all of your prospecting needs.
Jeweler’s Loupe (Magnifier)
A jeweler’s loupe, or a magnifier, is a small device that allows you to inspect and examine the particles of gold you have retrieved. Additionally, by using it on your black sand concentrates, you might be able to identify fragments of fine gold that you had missed out using magnifying tweezers.
Magnifying tweezers offer a magnification of 5X, which is satisfactory in the case of larger fragments. However, a Jeweler’s Loupe allows for a magnification of 10X, which is ideal for identifying smaller particles in your concentrate.
Depending on your prospecting needs and budget, you can also implement your kit with a multiple-lens Loupe or opt for an illuminated one. Generally speaking, these devices are inexpensive and reduced in size.
Our Market Pick
While not specifically for gold prospecting, the 40X Full Metal Illuminated Jewelry Loop is an affordable device that provides LED illumination and UV lights.
Crevice Tools and Shears
Depending on the type of streambed material you are trying to examine, you might need crevice tools and shears. These additions to your prospecting kits allow you to pick up material from hidden or hard-to-reach locations. At the same time, having a pair of shears with you can help you get rid of glass and roots along the banks of the streambed materials and pick up the portion you prefer.
Indeed, gold particles and fragments are more likely to be found nearby irregular rocks and crevices[9], where they might have become trapped over time. As natural forces such as wind and rains transport gold particles away from the main lode, they will slide off smooth surfaces, ending up in gaps and holes.
Our Market Pick
Knowing the area you are planning to prospect is essential to pick the best tools you will need for the job. Indeed, the rock formations present will vary from location to location. If you are planning several prospecting trips in multiple areas, you should opt for a set such as the K&M Krushers Set of 3. Available in different sizes and shapes, these prospecting tools are perfect for any job.
Pickers and Hammers
Another tool you might need on your prospecting trips is to remove certain rocks and reach any potential deposit underneath. While they don’t necessarily have to be specific to the field of prospecting, these tools need to be sharp, lightweight, and affordable to be the perfect fit for your kit.
That is why you can narrow it down to just pickers and hammers. These can be found in different shapes and models. In some cases, you are already bound to have these tools in your home. However, before taking them on your prospecting trip, you should make sure that they are resistant to impacts.
Our Market Pick
Since you might already have a suitable hammer in your home, consider adding a prospector’s pick to your kit. Among the best picks on the market is the Stansport Prospectors Rock Pick. This prospecting device is small enough to fit in your backpack and light enough to be easy to carry.
However, the pick is made in heavy-duty stainless material and boasts a rubber handle – the perfect mix for efficiency and usability.
Shovel
Whether you are panning or prospecting through other methods, a shovel is a necessary tool to pick up and collect the material you wish to process. While you might opt to use a shovel you already have in your home, you should keep in mind that a more substantial device can be cumbersome to carry with you through your hike or walk.
Instead, a foldable shovel or a spade can be easier to use while maintaining high standards of efficiency.
Our Market Pick
If you love most outdoor activities and enjoy spending time camping and hiking, investing in the 10 in 1 Utility Folding Shovel can take your operations to the next level. While easy to carry and suitable for longer trips, this foldable tool is sturdy, durable, and can lift much larger material than a spade.
Snuffer Bottle
A snuffer funnel bottle, also known as sucker or suction bottle, is an essential component in every gold prospecting kit. The primary function of this small device is to act as a hand-held vacuum[10]. Indeed, by sucking up the concentrates in your pan, you will be able to examine the black sand later in a more controlled environment.
Indeed, panning is an activity that allows you to enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings. However, especially if you are not an expert, it is easy to lose some particles of fine gold while attempting to pan the concentrated down to the “color.”
Instead, through a sucker bottle, you can just squeeze the device, and, as you release the pressure, the black sand is sucked into the container, where you can store all fragments safely. For multiple uses, you can then move the content into a vial.
Through this strategy, you can safely carry the gold you have retrieved at home, where you can examine what you have retrieved through the use of a micro sluice box or other means.
Our Market Pick
There are several suction bottles on the market to fit any prospector’s needs. However, especially if you have just started panning for gold, you could opt for the Stansport Snuffer Bottle. The design of this bottle makes it easy to operate and handle, while the long neck allows you to suck in even the finest particles of gold.
Vials and Brushes
Once you have retrieved some gold particles, you are probably excited to store it, clean it, sell it, or turn it into a piece of jewelry. In any case, the most delicate part of panning is storing away the particles retrieved so as not to lose any of them in the process.
That is why any prospector will include several vials and brushes in their kits. When it comes down to the best jar for your trips, you should avoid opting for glass ones, as these can break following an impact and cause you to lose everything you had retrieved.
Additionally, it is worth considering adding several vials to your kit, ideally of different sizes. This strategy allows you to store away any kind of gold, independently whether this is a small nugget or just fine gold.
Our Market Pick
Usually, one or more vials are included in the panning kit you have opted to purchase. However, if you have run out of them or need to replenish your equipment, these are great choices:
- Stansport Vial Set (Set of 2)
- Glass Vials, 1 Dram, Pack of 12
- ASR Outdoor Gold Flake or Dust Collection Vials (Pack of 12)
Mesh Bag
A mesh bag might seem superfluous accessory at first, but it can genuinely help you to carry with you what you have recovered. Additionally, such accessories can help you store away some of your tools, especially after you have used it. If you opt for a padded bag, you could make the most of it to keep all of your vials, bottles, and tweezers safely.
Our Market Pick
If on a budget, you can opt to create a bag yourself or even reuse an old mesh pouch. However, if you prefer a more efficient replacement for your kit, the Samxu Metal Detecting Finds Waist Pouch is perfect for both keeping your findings and tools.
Other Accessories
Other accessories you should consider including in your kit are:
- A backpack – opt for a bag with padded shoulder straps, multiple pockets, mesh pouches, and carabiners. These features will help you keep all of your tools in place while hiking to the location you wish to prospect.
- First aid kit – whether you prefer to enjoy your prospecting trip alone or in the company of family and friends, you should always have a safety kit with you at all times. Especially if you travel alone in wilderness areas, cuts and scrapes can happen. Having bandages and disinfectants at hand can be helpful.
- Rubber or fishing boots – if you opt to pan for gold, you are likely to spend some time with your feet in the water. Rubber boots help you protect your feet and keep your shoes dry and clean. Additionally, the panning process can take quite some time, so benefitting from proper footwear is essential.
- Topographic maps – while not just a tool, topographic maps[11] are ideal for identifying a suitable location in which to prospect. These describe the geology and territory of a specific area and can be found at local authorities’ offices or prospecting gear shops.
- Food, water, camping gear, etc.
Conclusion
Whether you are just starting your gold panning activities or are an expert in the field, finding the right tools and devices to help you accomplish your goals is essential. Indeed, filling your backpack can lead to added weight that you have to carry on your trip.
On the other hand, not enough tools can leave you short of what you need in critical moments. Through the few tools and devices we have seen above, you will be ready for any circumstance.