A reliable gold panning kit is an essential addition to any prospector’s equipment collection. While not all kits are suitable for all prospectors, picking the right one for your needs can make a difference in your outings’ outcome. There are some features not to overlook when buying a gold panning kit or upgrading your old one.
The best gold panning kit should include different-size pans, vials, magnifying tweezers, and classifiers. Black plastic pans are best to pinpoint gold, but blue, green, or red pans make it easier to differentiate it from black sand. Affordability and portability are also essential features.
So, let’s dive into the options that offer you all this and more.
Table of Contents
Garrett Deluxe Gold Panning Kit
Designed and provided by the best-renowned metal detector manufacturer on the market, the Garrett Deluxe Gold Panning Kit is ideal for beginners and intermediate prospectors.
This extensive kit contains everything you need to get started in the gold prospecting field while fitting in the budget of most individuals.
The pans in this kit are green, making it easier for any prospector to identify any possible “color”- or gold flakes – in the streambed material collected. Additionally, these pans are sturdy and resistant while being lightweight and portable.
This last feature – the reduced weight – can seem non-essential at first, but the panning process can last several minutes, especially if you are a beginner in this activity. Therefore, limiting arm and muscle strain is essential to carry on processing more substantial quantities of streambed material.
Included in the kit, you will find vials, tweezers, a classifier, and three, different-size gold pans. Furthermore, the kit comes with two booklets and a DVD that explains in detail everything that there is to know about gold panning and the techniques to use during the process.
The pans also boast a unique 90-degree riffles design that allows you to recover the gold in the streambed material quicker, regardless of your expertise or panning skills.
What’s Included
- 15in (38cm) Super Sluice Pan
- 14in (35cm) Prospector Pan
- 10in (25cm) Backpacker Pan
- Classifier
- Suction Bottle
- Two vials for gold storage
- Magnifying Tweezers
- The New Gold Panning is Easy by Roy Lagal (135 pages)
- Find an Ounce of Gold a Day by Roy Lagal and Charles Garrett
- Garret’s gravity trap Gold Pan Series (DVD)
Pros:
- Affordable
- The larger pans allow you to process large quantities of materials at once
- The small pans are perfect to be fitted in a backpack
- The guides and books included are excellent for beginner prospectors
- Everything you need to get started is included
Cons:
- The classifier might not be ideal for finer streambed materials
- Not sold internationally
11 pc Prospecting Mining Panning Kit
This incredibly affordable panning kit is one of the best ones for beginners, but experienced prospectors also appreciate it due to the component’s high quality. While it does not include a guide on panning, the two stackable screens (sifting pans) are a pleasant addition to the kit.
Including magnifying tweezers and vials, this kit is ideal for getting started practicing your gold prospecting activity, whether this is just with paydirt in your backyard or gold-bearing grounds.
The three pans included in this panning kit make it easier for any prospector to pick the one that fits its needs. Simultaneously, it is easy to use these pans when it comes down to sampling a terrain to file a mining claim.
Lastly, it is essential to notice that the differently-shaped riffles on the pans allow you to pick the right one for your skill level and location’s requirements.
What’s Included
- Sifting pan (classifier) boasting a mesh size of 1/2in (1.27cm) and a wire thickness of 0.05in (1.4mm). Stackable on a 5-gallon bucket (19L)
- Sifting pan (classifier) boasting a mesh size of 1/8in (0.3cm) and a wire thickness of 0.02in (0.6mm). Stackable on a 5-gallon bucket (19L)
- 8in (20cm) green gold pan with dual riffles
- 10in (25cm) green gold pan with dual riffles
- 14in (35cm) green gold pan with dual riffles
- Magnifying tweezers
- Suction bottle
- Magnet (to separate the black sand from gold)
- Scoop
- Two glass vials for gold storage
Pros:
- Includes everything you need to get started
- The two classifiers make it easier to process the material
- Having three pans mean that you can pick the one you prefer
- Affordable and portable
Cons:
- You might need to upgrade the magnet, as the one included is not the most effective
Stansport Mining Kit
This alternative panning and mining kit is a viable choice for anybody who looks at prospecting as a recreational activity or hobby. Thanks to its compact box and packaging, this kit is ideal for bringing with you on your camping trip or outdoor adventures.
The Stansport Mining Kit comes in three different varieties:
- Deluxe
- Deluxe + Pick
- Standard
These three options allow you to pick the components you prefer and the ones you believe you need the most on your trip. However, they all include two lightweight gold pans, plastic vials, and tweezers to cover the essential tools you will need.
The Deluxe + Pick and the Standard model also include a pick with a plastic handle and a prospector tool. This simple tool can make a difference in the kind and amount of material you will be able to select for your panning process.
What’s Included
- 10.5in (26cm) black gold pan
- 14in (35cm) black gold pan
- Two plastic gold vials with different capacities, 1oz (30ml) and 1/2oz (15ml)
- Tweezers with magnifier
- Classifier with 3/8in (0.95cm) mesh
- Suction bottle
- A rock pick – made of heavy-duty forged steel
- A prospector’s scoop
Please note that the standard version of this kit includes the pans, vials, tweezers, and pick.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Portable and lightweight
- The black color of the tools make it easier to identify gold in your pan
- The included Pick is ideal to select suitable types of material to process
- Perfect for recreational and educational activities
Cons:
- The Pick is not among the sturdiest tools on the market
Blue Original Gold Claw Gold Pan
While not the standard gold pan you might have been used to so far, the Blue original Gold Claw Gold Pan is perfect for beginners who would like to refine their prospecting skills and knowledge.
The Claw Gold uses a breakthrough technology that sets it apart from all other gold pans on the market. It is an excellent choice for novice prospectors as it does not require years of experience to see some results.
Made in Tritan, one of the sturdiest outdoor materials, and designed in the USA, this pan can be maneuvered with just one hand and fits in most backpacks. Moreover, with the “Shake and Tilt” technology, anybody can attempt to prospect for gold, without needing to have experience in the field.
However, for potential buyers, it is worth keeping in mind that this is not a kit; everything included in the package is the pan. That means that you might need to implement your equipment with vials, magnifying tweezers, and a prospector’s scoop to get started. Alternatively, a “bundle” and “pocket pan” kits are available for an additional fee. These include vials and a suction bottle.
Simultaneously, the different riffles that characterize the sides of the Gold Claw allow you to use it as a replacement for a standard gold pan, a classifier, and a finishing pan.
The low investment required to include this alternative pan in your kit and the compact size makes it attractive to anybody who pursues prospecting as a recreational activity.
However, experienced prospectors who need to pan for gold in a location that is not particularly comfortable can also benefit from the one-hand usability of the Gold Claw. Moreover, since it works even better underwater, it can be taken with you on your prospecting dives to sample a terrain.
What’s Included
A 12in (30.5cm) x 10in (25cm) x 2.7in (4), lightweight Gold Claw. it comes in several colors and fits in a backpack.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to use even for beginners
- No need for another gold pan, classifier, or finishing pan.
- Boast different types of riffles on each side.
- Can be operated with one hand
- Since it works underwater, it can be used during dives or underwater explorations
- Lightweight
Cons:
- No other tools are included in the package when selecting just the pan
Garrett Gold Panning Kit
This simple panning set is basic, yet designed by one of the most respected manufacturers in prospecting, Garrett Metal Detector. Therefore, any buyer can rest assured that they will only purchase high-quality tools, made of the sturdiest outdoor plastic and materials.
However, it is vital to notice that this kit can be too basic for expert prospectors who need it to sample a terrain. Indeed, the classifier and pans included might not be the best choice when it comes down to retrieving fine gold.
Nonetheless, this kit’s affordability and simplicity are perfect for novice prospectors who need to refine their skills before upgrading to other types of gold hunting equipment.
What’s Included
- 14in (35cm) Gold Trap pan
- 10in (25cm) backpacker pan
- 14in (35cm) classifier
- Gold Guzzler plastic bottle
- Two vials
- Tweezers with magnifier
- How to Find Gold by Charles Garrett and Roy Lagal – Field Guide Book
Pros:
- Made by Garrett
- Includes two lightweight pans
- It is affordable and easy to carry
- Consists of a panning guide for beginners
Cons:
- There are other kits that include more tools.
Gold Rush Nugget Bucket
While this is not a classic panning kit, it can be just as useful and fun as the pans you are familiar with. Both systems leverage the property of gold of being heavier than the surrounding materials[2], yet the Nugget Bucket guarantees improved results thanks to its unique design.
Indeed, learning how to process streambed material through the use of a pan can take months or years of practice, especially if you are prospecting for fine gold or flour. Instead, the Nugget Bucket boasts a series of classifiers and a funnel to process the material. Therefore you can obtain satisfactory results by adding the content to the entrance of the device and pouring water over it.
Additionally, the multiple components that constitute this alternative prospecting device can all be stacked neatly within it. Alongside the added handle on top of the lid, this makes the Nugget Bucket easy to carry with you on your excursions.
After becoming popular through the Shark Tank Show, this bucket has been appreciated by thousands of prospectors, and it is even suggested by the Gold Prospectors Association of America (GPAA).
While it is a suitable addition for recreational prospectors and families, this prospecting kit can be helpful for experienced gold hunters.
What’s Included
The Nugget Bucket kit is composed of:
- A bucket
- Two classifiers
- The funnel that constitutes the core of the device
- A lid with a handle
- A green finishing gold pan with riffles
- A mesh bag
- Vials
- Tweezers
- A suction bottle
- A scoop
- An extra bucket (smaller) to collect the material
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy to use, even for beginners
- Easy to carry and lightweight
- Represents an exciting alternative to a classic gold pan
- Made of durable materials
- Bost a patented design
- Includes everything you need to start prospecting
Cons:
- Not suitable if you prefer a classic panning kit
- It requires panning through a standard finishing pan to complete the process, especially to retrieve fine gold
VAS 49’er Black Weekender Gold Panning 22 pc Kit
This complete panning kit is perfect for expert prospectors looking at upgrading their equipment. The VAS 49’er Black Weekender kit includes everything you could need on your future prospecting trips, from sturdy pans to a backpack to keep all of your tools safely.
While this kit is less affordable than the options we have seen above, it can help you achieve more significant results. Indeed, thanks to the multiple devices and tools included, you won’t need to order anything else to enjoy a high-quality panning set.
Before undertaking the investment necessary for this product, it is recommendable to find out whether prospecting is something you wish to pursue. If so, this 22-piece panning kit is one of the best choices on the market for both beginners and experts.
All the tools can be stored in the backpack included in the offer while leaving some space for personal items, food, and beverages you wish to carry on your trip.
What’s Included
- A black, heavy-duty backpack with padded straps, multiple pockets, binder rings, and a hydration bladder
- A 14in (35cm) green gold pan
- A 10in (25cm) green gold pan
- An 8in (20cm) green gold pan
- 1/2in (1.27cm) mesh classifier fits in 5-gallon (19L) bucket
- 1/8in (0.3cm) mesh classifier fits in 5-gallon (19L) bucket
- Magnifying tweezers
- Plastic tweezers
- Two suction tweezers
- Two suction bottles – 3oz (88ml) and 4oz (118ml)
- Glass vials
- 11in (27cm) trowel
- Treasure bag
- Carabiner
- Separation pen
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Perfect for intermediate and expert prospectors who need to upgrade their equipment
- Every item is of high-quality
- The backpack can help you store all the tools while leaving extra space for your gear
Cons:
- Pricier than the other options seen above
- Ideal for more expert prospectors or families
Minelab PRO-Gold Gold Panning Kit
This compact gold panning kit is designed by the renowned Minelab, another giant in the sector of prospecting. With the needs of both beginners and expert prospectors in mind, this set includes two pans, a classifier, and several accessories, all to be stored in a drawstring backpack.
These features make the Minelab Pro-Gold Panning Kit a suitable choice if you take multiple panning trips, and you like to have all of your equipment stored in one place. Simultaneously, the blue plastic pans with cheater riffles[3] make it an excellent choice for less experienced prospectors and gold hunters.
However, it is worth noticing that the kit does not come with tweezers, buckets, or coops, all useful accessories to include in your kit.
What’s Included
- Two gold pans
- A classifier
- A bag to carry all the tools
- A magnet
- A magnifier
- A suction bottles
- Vials
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable
- Compact and can be fitted in the drawstring backpack it comes with
- Lightweight
- High-quality pieces produced by Minelab
- The blue color of the pans make it easier to spot potential gold particles
Cons:
- It does not include tweezers, a bucket, or a scoop
Fisher Deluxe Gold Prospecting Kit
If you are looking for a high-quality prospecting kit that is also compact and easy to carry, this 13-pieces kit by FisherLab is a suitable choice for beginners and experts alike.
While it includes everything that a prospector might need during outings and trips, the whole set can easily fit into the drawstring backpack that comes with it. Watch the video below to find out more about what to expect from this kit.
The unique riffles and the red color of the pans make this kit easy to use, yet it provides an alternative experience from a classic panning kit.
What’s Included
- 10.5in (26cm) red gold pan
- 14in (35) red gold pan
- A classifier
- Two vials for gold storage – shatterproof
- A suction bottle
- A magnet
- A prospector’s scoop
- Drawstring backpack
- Tweezers
- Magnifiers
- A crevice tool
- A pick
- Panning guide and instructions
Please note that when ordering this kit, only the Deluxe version includes all the accessories seen above.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable yet high quality
- Suitable for experts but perfect for beginners thanks to the included panning guide
- The red pans and riffles offer a unique panning experience
- This prospecting kit includes everything you need to get started
- It all fits comfortably in a drawstring backpack
Cons:
- The riffles on the pan are not the usual ones, so it can take some time to get familiar with them.
VAS First Response 25 pc Gold Panning Kit
This all-inclusive kit is among the best choices on the market. It is suitable for both beginners and prospectors who are looking at upgrading their equipment. While pricier than some models seen above, this panning set includes all the accessories needed to start prospecting immediately.
The pans included in this set are made of classic green plastic to make the gold stand out against it. At the same time, it boasts both deep riffles and micro riffles along the edges. This feature makes those pans ideal for processing the material from start to end and retrieve the gold from black sand[4].
Additionally, the two sifters, the scoop, and the trowel, allow you to take care of all the steps of the retrievement of gold. Ultimately, the brushes and vials will enable you to clean up your findings and store them away safely.
What’s Included
- A 14in (35cm)
- A 10in (25cm)
- An 8in (20cm)
- Two different-sized classifiers
- A magnet separation pen
- Five guzzlers
- Two sniffer bottles
- Three suction tweezers
- 2 Extraction tweezers
- Vials
- Gold classifying accessories
- One sand scoop
- One digging trowel
- One Pick
- Marking tape
- Cleaning set including brushes
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Includes everything you need
- High-quality accessories for both experts and beginners
- Affordable and lightweight
- Consists of a cleaning set to process the gold after retrieving it
Cons:
- Pricier than other models seen above
- It does not include a backpack to carry the tools
Sluice Fox Prospector’s Gold Panning Kit for Two
If you are planning a trip with your other half or with your kids in a gold-bearing location, this kit is ideal for covering the needs of all prospectors simultaneously. While simple and including only the essential tools for prospecting, the Sluice Fox 9-piece kit allows you to start your activity immediately after purchasing.
At the same time, since it is not weighed down by other unnecessary accessories, this kit can easily be carried with you on your trips by fitting it in your backpack. Nonetheless, the manufacturer behind the kit’s design is guaranteed to be high-quality – Sluice Fox, one of the most-renowned prospecting gear producers.
The dual riffles on the pans make them ideal to complete the whole gold prospecting process. Indeed, the deeper riffles are perfect for capturing larger nuggets and flakes. Instead, the micro riffles on the pan’s opposite side allow you to separate the gold from the black sand. Indeed, you can complete the process – and even retrieve fine gold – without having to invest in a finishing pan.
What’s Included
This kit is for two prospectors and includes:
- Two 10in (25cm) gold pans with dual riffles
- Two magnifying tweezers for gold flakes recovery
- Two scoops
- Three vials
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Perfect if you are planning a trip with another prospector or your family
- Easy to carry
- Includes everything you need to get started
- Perfect for beginners
- Quality guaranteed by Sluice Fox
Cons:
- The kit does not include other tools to retrieve the gold found, such as suction bottles or magnets. The lack of these accessories makes it not suitable if you are trying to recover fine gold.
53″ Sluice Box Gold Panning Supply Kit
If you have been experimenting with your old gold pan for a while, you might have now decided to upgrade your equipment. If so, the next step would be introducing a sluice box in your collection to help you retrieve any potential fine gold from the placer.
In this case, the 53″ Sluice Box Gold Panning Supply Kit created by Sluice Box can be an optimal solution. Indeed, it includes all the accessories and different-sized pans any prospector might need on a trip. At the same time, the 53in (134cm) long sluice box allows you to make the most of your prospecting skills and increase the amount of gold recovered.
While this kit is aimed at intermediate and expert prospectors, beginners can benefit from the package’s high-quality pans.
What’s Included
- One 3-piece, adjustable sluice box – 53in (134cm) long
- Three green gold pans – two 14in (35cm) and one 10in (25cm) in diameter
- Two mesh classifiers that can be stacked and fit on a 5-gallon (18L) bucket
- A crevice pick kit
- Three vials
- Magnifying tweezers
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Perfect for retrieving fine gold
- Experienced prospectors can make use of the included sluice box
- Sluice Fox guarantees the quality of this kit
- Includes everything you need if you decide only to use the pans
Cons:
- Less affordable than the models seen above
- Portable but more spacious and more substantial than a standard panning kit (due to the included sluice box)
Conclusion
If you are looking for a panning kit that can make your outings more exciting and successful, you should make sure it fits your skills and knowledge. Indeed, not all pans are equipped with cheater riffles, and some are more challenging to handle than others.
Additionally, you should always opt for a pan that is made of plastic, lightweight, durable, and portable. These simple features allow you to take the pan with you on your trips and improve your abilities. From here, you can decide to upgrade to a sluice box and enjoy the retrieved gold!