As you head out into the wilds, or even just wander down to the neighborhood creek to go prospecting, it is wise to think about safety and being prepared for problems. There are several items I always carry along on outings to improve my safety and ability to deal with problems along the way. Some of them are simple things tossed in the bottom of my pack, like a length of rope to fasten a sluice in place if I am worried about it getting washed away, or an old raincoat to keep me dry in a storm, or just to stay warmer if I slip and fall in the water. Other items are for more exotic situations but are perhaps even more important since they can be life and death! FYI: I chose to work with this website because they offer great service and better prices than other online sources.
Here are my recommendations based on what I really use myself:
- Bear spray:
https://capitaloneshopping.com/p/sabre-frontiersman-9-2-ounce-bea/J6XVSCL559 This is crucial in my mind to chase off wild animals, unleashed aggressive dogs, and even for humans. Bear spray isn’t deadly, so I know I won’t hesitate to use it on a human if I feel threatened. The biggest fear I have with a sidearm is that I will end up killing someone unnecessarily…no such concern with bear spray! This particular item I’ve recommended also comes with a pocket-sized air horn that can be used to scare off an animal or to draw the attention of rescue workers. NOTE: You can’t carry, or pack, bear spray on an airplane. - Garmin InReach: https://capitaloneshopping.com/p/garmin-in-reach-messenger-handhe/J8CWPTZ5QH and https://capitaloneshopping.com/p/garmin-010-02602-00-in-reach-min/L8K929827T These Garmin products are well built for the outdoors, give an excellent GPS accuracy (crucial if you are prospecting near an unmarked edge of a legal area), and use satellite communication to send an SOS to the local first responders if you have an emergency. This is an absolute MUST HAVE if you are in the back country or prospecting in a canyon where cell service is poor (a common problem here in the Colorado mountains for example). You can also use the satellite communication to get a weather report or to send simple text messages to loved ones back home. Thay way they know you are ok. They can also respond as desired.
- First aid kit: https://capitaloneshopping.com/p/protect-life-first-aid-kit-100-p/LBK7D92J2N I think this one should be obvious. There should be a first aid kit in every vehicle you own. For prospecting injuries, sure, but for every trip, all the time!
- Throw bag: https://capitaloneshopping.com/p/peak-uk-kayak-throwline-8-meter-/WNLWH8BKPH a throw bag is an affordable and easy to use rescue device to help someone who falls in the river. Any prospector working along a river knows it can sometimes be risky. Here’s a way to reduce the risk! They come with instructions but basically you hold the yellow handle on the bottom and throw the bag out to the person. A rope unspools as the bag arcs to them giving the possibility of pulling the person to safety.
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These Garmin products are well built for the outdoors, give an excellent GPS accuracy (crucial if you are prospecting near an unmarked edge of a legal area), and use satellite communication to send an SOS to the local first responders if you have an emergency. This is an absolute MUST HAVE if you are in the back country or prospecting in a canyon where cell service is poor (a common problem here in the Colorado mountains for example). You can also use the satellite communication to get a weather report or to send simple text messages to loved ones back home. Thay way they know you are ok. They can also respond as desired.
One other thing: Bring a friend along. A prospecting buddy makes the day more fun and also much safer. Now head out there and FIND YOUR GOLD!
