RECOMMENDED TOOLS & SAFETY EQUIPMENT:

Rock chipping hammer, 3 lb. sledge/crack hammer, 6 lb. sledge/crack hammer, 12 lb. sledge hammer, 20 lb. sledge hammer.

Rock or geo pick, mattock, rock chisels, flat and round, pry bar, short and long (2-6 feet), short handle hoe, garden claw, PVC, wood or bamboo to remove crystals,
flat screwdriver, shovel, short handle shovel (army style), 5 gal. bucket(s), backpack, 1/8" sifting screen, 1/4" sifting screen, 1/2" sifting screen, specimen containers, tupperware, etc.

Hand truck, bungie cords, newspaper to wrap specimens, masking tape to hold loose crystals in matrix, bug spray (Off, Repel, etc.), hard hat.

Headlamp, lantern, flashlight, short wave UV light, long wave UV light, work gloves, heavy boots, safety glasses or goggles, long pants, rubber boots, waders, knee pads, raincoat/poncho, change of clothes, camera, compass, GPS unit, maps, guidebook, first aid kit with snake bite kit, drinking water, food, cell phone, towel/s.

Of course you will not need all these tools at every site, a good guidebook will give a list of the tools needed for each location. This is a list of tools and equipment that the beginning rockhound can start collecting as he or she expands their interests in the hobby.

WINTER CAMPING EQUIPMENT

Clothing:

Wool pants, wool is a hollow fiber, they will dry fast, won't freeze, and they will keep you warm even when the pants are wet. Jeans will freeze to you when wet.

Rain gear
Water proof hiking boots
Jacket
Extra socks
Extra t-shirt
Extra underwear
Hat
Towel
Washcloth

Tent & Sleeping gear:

Tent, three season tent for this area.
Sleeping bag, rated to zero degrees.
Sleeping pad, inflatable, or foam rubber, thermo rest is a good brand.
Pillow case, roll up your jacket at night and put it in the pillow case.

Cooking equipment:

Canteen and cook pot, army issue.
Coffee pot
Spoon
Can opener
Cup
Propane cook stove
Food
Plenty of water, at least 1 gallon for overnight.

Other equipment:

Backpack
Bug spray
Newspaper to start fires.
Matches
Ziplock bags
Trash Bags
Toilet paper
Camera
GPS
Writing paper
Pen
Gun
Extra batteries
Hunting knife
Headlamp
Bucket
Candle

Tips:
Put newspaper in boots at night to absorb moisture.
Eat more, bring chili, beans, dry chili, carbohydrate food, drink lots of water.
Keep your canteen in sleeping bag at night and it will not freeze.
Keep clothes you want to wear the next day in sleeping bag and they will be warm in the morning.
Layer your clothing to adjust to changes in temperature.