Keeping it together...

[ObMiT]

I was just wondering what others are doing about keeping their MD'ing equipment together. My detector came with a nice carring bag but I really don't want to stuff my digging tools in with it. I thought of getting a tool box or maybe a duffle bag but I'm not really sure which would work better.

Would someone like to share what they are doing? Any pros or cons?

Thanks

[Captain]

Im In the same boat... However- I sure like to keep it simple. I have a Camo 5 gal Bucket with a strainer that has a mixture if 1/4 and 1/8 holes. It slides down inside the bucket. I have a small V shaped digin trowl. which fits in my side pocket of my overall's. I have military Spade that I keep Sharp. I also Have a Golf club shaft that I have poxy'd a turf Nail to the end. Have to be carful with it, as it will scratch up objects/targets. I like to use it to check for tin or large targets.
I've only went on few hunts where i am away from my truck. I pack my spade on my back along with somthing to drink. I ussaly just carry my V shaped trowl tool and my pin-pointer. If your not too carful your turn it into work..my shoulder is fairly sore already.. I havent been doing this long and the tools i have are plenty. What really bites is when you can dig because the ground is too hard. I cant help feeling like an iddiot using a pick ax for a wheatie...likes nite hunting.

so Jst get one of the Dove hunting buckets that has the seat on top. I dont see anyone carring it for very far. if your walking more than 1200yrs find a back pack. I use my carry bag for road traveling or storage. thats my thinking anyways.

[MinelabMan]

Besides my detectors in padded cases, they also hold extra coils and shafts and the headphones. I use a canvas bag for all the other stuff. It holds all my hand tools, and extra pair of headphones, probes, pouches, manuals, extra batteries, gloves, knee pads, etc. The only thing that I don't have a case for is my Lesche Ground Shark and sand scoops. I also have a small tool box in my truck should I need it. Everything I need for a day of hunting including a back-up detector (just in case) is always in my truck when I go out.

[EBCIII]

I have a small tool pouch I got at Lowes. For now it works pretty well. I have yet to use the camp shovel I keep in the car. My tool pouch holds my diggers, and a spare set of batteries. It also holds my drop cloth. My finds/trash pouch has a pocket for my mints (or just hard candy). I keep water in the car.

Most of the time I am not to far from the car. If I am I just wait until I get back to it.

Here is a link to the tool pouch, Beale.

Finisher's Pouch

[mtpockets]

Here's how I keep my Explorer My Excalibur stays in its Box...

[ObMiT]

Shortgrass, I like the idea of the sifter on the bucket. We use a 5 gal to carry everything in now but I think I am going to rig some 1/2" or 3/8" hardware cloth on it.

MinelabMan, I think I will get a canvas bag to carry my tools around in. I don't have a truck and I think the canvas will be a little easier and less noisy in the trunk.

EBCIII, you have a great idea with the tool pouch. In a former life I worked as a carpenter so I think I will pull my ol' toolbelt out of retirement.

mtpockets, It looks like you spent some time customizing the hard case. If and when I upgrade to a better detector I will follow suit. Is that a rifle or bow case?

Thanks for all the great ideas.

[I Find History]

I have padded cases for my detectors and use a 19" canvas tool bag for my accessories. The padded cases have extra pockets for coils, headphones and such. The canvas bag has interior and exterior pockets and holds extra batteries, headphones, gloves, knee pads, small trash bags, ziploc bags, medicine bottles w/cotton, magnifer 5X, headset, moist wipes, hand sanitizer, 1st aid kit, duct tape, small tool kit, and e-tool (military folding shovel/pick). Also in the bag is my "rig" - a belt with digger w/sheath, pinpointer w/sheath, finds bag (3 pocket), two dressing cases which hold my drop cloth and cell phone. I only take the e-tool if the ground is hard and it will fit onto my rig. It's not as heavy as it sounds. If I'll be relatively close to my vehicle, all I need is my rig. If I'll be farther out or away for an extended time I transfer items to a backpack I keep ready with extras like a canteen, compass, snacks and other essentials. The trash bags come in handy for trash and if my gear gets dirty (detecting in the mud is so much fun); I can bag everything and clean it when I get home. The ziplocs and medicine bottles with cotton are for smaller items/finds I might want to separate. This isn't everything - the type of hunt and area will dictate more or less.