What are the essential pieces of field gear for a geologist – or in fact any geology enthusiast? What things should you have to explore the geology, look for minerals and get the most out of your field time…and some suggestions of great items to use?

Now I am assuming you have a navigation device (compass and map) and or/ GPS….so gets look at the other items.

Geologist Field Gear

Beyond great boots, good field clothes and hat, there are just six “H” geologist field gear essentials that you need.

Hammer

The quintessential image of a geologist is a person swinging a geological hammer! It even is used by national geological surveys and societies as part of their logo’s or seals. It was, and probably will always be, the one piece of equipment carried by geologists into the field. Hammers come in different weights, different head types (picks and chisels) and different qualities. See our guide on how to pick your forever geological hammer. And don’t forget to wear eye protection when you use your hammer!

Hand lens

Being able to see minerals and textures in finer details is essential for field geology. Hand lenses come in different magnifications. You may find a 10X lens will work for you. 30X is for super fine work. If in doubt, you can get a whole set! For me, I love a 10X lens. See options for these here.

Highlight it

Recoding your field data so you can make the most of all your observations and data when you return from the field is also essential. There is a real skill in taking good field notes – and having a field note book that is durable and weatherproof is essential. We can’t recommend highly enough Rite-in-the-Rain products. They are perfect in any conditions, and you can write in them using any lead pencil (although we recommend using a 2B lead for darker, clearer notes and how much easier it is to draw field sketches). See our guide on how to write the best field notes.

Hydrate

Of all the things that make people sick in the field, dehydration has to be at the top of the list. People don’t drink enough to replenish the water that they lose through sweating as they haul around the sample. So in my list of essential items is a way to carry water. Having something that weighs next-to-nothing, can be easily put in a backpack or field bag, and keeps the water cold is the key. Camelbacks work great (see Haul it out for what I use).

Haul it out



I have had a lot of different backpacks that I have taken into the field over the last 30 years. My favorite is the Osprey 28. It has a load of pockets for storing gear. A 2-litre water bladder – so it helps with the ‘hydrate’ issue. It has a built in rain shield for those downpour days. But the best thing is that the pack is designed so that it sits off your back allowing air to flow between you and the back..making it SO MUCH COOLER to wear. I love it. See it here.

Heal it



The final “H” is a way to heal your injuries – and so a small first-aid kit is a real must. Something that contains items to deal with cuts and abrasions, blisters, headaches, allergic reactions and in which you can carry your ‘must have’ medications is perfect.

I have seen HUGE lists of geologist field gear that people suggest you need. I think a lot of that is non-essential – and some is very specialized. However, I would love you to comment about what you find essential that is NOT on this list – and provide some ideas of what you have found to be the best gear for your field work.

Want to shop for these items? See our Field Essentials page for links to the items we love and use.