A strong and comfortable backpack that can fit a metal detector, a shovel, a pinpointer, a knife, a multitool, spare batteries, a raincoat, swimming trunks, a towel and many other necessary things is an extremely useful thing. I’ll tell you why I needed a backpack for a metal detector and a shovel.

I used to go to cop by car. I carried the MD in the trunk, without even disassembling it, and a large Fiskars Solid shovel also went there. The trunk of the car is large, so I did not think about compactness. But then I bought a motorcycle and it became clear that it gives fantastic mobility. On a motorcycle, I can get to places where a car cannot go, and get to any place within a radius of 30 km from the city in half an hour. In any direction. I can ride forest paths, I can drive straight across the field. And when Lera gave me a compact shovel, it became clear that the only thing that separates me from the ability to go "peep" at any time is the inability to conveniently transport the shovel and the detector.

I started looking for a backpack. It turned out that the original backpacks, although they cost as much as half of the device, but they do not provide a place for a shovel. Homemade backpacks and products from local companies also cost about $ 100, and are also not without flaws. Remembering his favorite saying "everything that a person may need has already been invented by the Chinese and is sold on Aliexpress", I went to look there. Head-on search didn't give any results. I had to search by size.

The length of the Fiskars small shovel is 83 cm. So, I need a backpack with a length of 85 cm.

Already better, backpacks-bags for training began to come across. Theoretically, such a backpack would have come up to me, but it had no pockets and compartments for small items. So I continued to persevere in the search, and found!
Great backpack for a hunting rifle for $20. Made from Cordura with 5 pockets different size and 2 large compartments, just for a shovel and MD.

Is a backpack from a hunting carbine suitable for a metal detector? Of course! Firstly, it has a sufficiently rigid wall structure to protect the weapon from damage, which will be a huge plus for an electronic device. Secondly, there are Velcro straps inside to fix the carabiner, and why is a shovel worse than a carabiner? She's better! I ordered a backpack 85 cm, fiskar fits perfectly. The color chosen is black. Khaki does not show the dust and dirt that is typical of our hobby, but this is already a matter of personal preference.

If I don’t have to travel far, I simply fold the device, dividing the rod into two parts, into the compartment along with the shovel. He threw it on his shoulder and moved. He stopped, opened his backpack, took out a shovel, then MD, snapped the barbell and went to wave. Fast and accurate.

If you go far and long, then you need to fix everything well. It takes five minutes more time: the metal detector needs to be disassembled. The shovel is rigidly fixed with two Velcro in a large compartment, it has a curve that repeats the curve of the back, so it will not interfere with the trip. You can also put one of the parts of the bar there. A coil and an upper rod are placed in the middle compartment. The armrest has protrusions, but we don’t feel them: between them and the back there is a shovel, two layers of foam rubber and four layers of cordura.

And we remove the "head" of the device and put it in a separate pocket. The pocket was originally designed for ammo boxes and magazines, but this does not bother us. We have two such pockets, besides them there are two smaller pockets on top (I carry a towel, swimming trunks and a set of tools in them), and another large full-width pocket along the back. You can put a sheet of foam there and then you won’t feel at all that you have something on your back.

Now to the cons, where without them.

The straps of the backpack are very short, and I have a size 60 shoulder. The minus is serious, but as it turned out, in five minutes you can get rid of it without any tools, needles, threads or additional investments. I have a suspicion that this is intended, but the manufacturer forgot to report this.

So, the straps are short, but they are on double straps, which can be made single, thereby doubling the length. This requires buckles. Finding two plastic buckles is an almost impossible task, but the manufacturer thought of us by providing additional straps for fixing the straps together. Needed on tourist backpacks, but absolutely useless for ours.

The right equipment for working in the field is half the battle. This applies to treasure diggers no less than to geologists or special forces soldiers. Clothes and shoes are important, hand protection is important.

A metal detector is an expensive device. I would like to carry it safely and conveniently. And so that the backpack does not look reprehensible, it does not look like a case for a firearm. Some manufacturers complete their devices with backpacks, bags or their hybrids, for example, Nokta Macro Impaсt Pro has one.

Criteria for choosing a backpack or case for a metal detector

Consider the main criteria that you need to pay attention to when choosing a backpack (bag, case) for a metal detector and a shovel.

The size

Usually a metal detector is a stick. The stick can be disassembled or folded, but even in the transport state, this stick is quite long. In width, there is also where to turn around - there are round coils as much as 56 cm in diameter.

In addition to a metal detector, a digger usually has a shovel. And sometimes also a scooter for a cop on the beach. It is desirable that these items fit in a backpack.

And in the backpack you need to put 1-2 sets of batteries for the metal detector, a pinpointer, a thermos with tea, a flask with water, a flask with no water, rations for going out, blue electrical tape, a knife, a spoon - in general, half an apartment and part of a garage.

But everything is good in moderation. It’s better not to even try to cram a 56 cm coil into a backpack - not every backpack is of this size even in height. And it’s hard to even imagine a width of 60 cm. Therefore, such a coil - in a case.

The rest of the equipment is measured in all three directions. We make a small margin - and we decided on the dimensions of the main tube of the backpack.

Pockets are everyone's business. Of course, it is convenient when small things do not hang around the main volume. But pockets increase the dimensions of the backpack. And he begins to cling to both the branches in the forest and the people in the train or bus.

Functionality

Specialized or general purpose?
If you plan to carry only a metal detector and related items in a backpack, then you should consider a specialized backpack with a long zipper, with internal tie-downs for pipes - folded, tightened - nothing rattles. Favorite shovel Fiskars first in a case, and then also in a backpack - beauty.

If the metal detector spends most of its time in a closet, and the backpack is also used for other needs, it is worth considering a universal solution. And here already to estimate for other tasks - the main thing is that there is enough height for the device.

And better, of course, a few backpacks, so that they are for all occasions. If the wife does not drive out of the house, she constantly stammers about them.

Modular design adds functionality. The ability to attach additional pockets and pouches is only welcome. But the reverse side of this medal is a backpack, lined with M.O.L.L.E slings on all sides, it looks too militaristic.

Even 40 years ago, there was no special choice of material for a backpack. Or thick tarpaulin, or thin nylon. Glory to progress, by 2019 excellent materials appeared - the same cordura and oxford. They come in different densities, strengths and weights. The heavier, the stronger.

In addition to the material, you should look at the overall design. Plainly unsewn ends of the straps are the thinnest place where it breaks. Stitching with a square with diagonals is perhaps the most reliable fastening of the webbing strap to the material of the backpack.

The experience of the author of the article speaks of the unreliability of Chinese-made rubberized fabric. In the cold, the rubber cracks and falls off in flakes inside the backpack. After winter, through the backpack, its contents become visible. After that, there is no need to talk about any moisture resistance, strength too, even an aesthetically shaggy backpack looks so-so.

Cordura 1000D, Oxford 600D - heavy, but the most reliable materials for a backpack. Properly stitched webbing straps, high-quality mesh - all these are signs of reliable equipment.

Here you need to understand how long the user is going to wear a backpack when transporting or hunting. If you bring from the car to the field for 5 minutes - you should not worry too much about ergonomics. If the backpack will be on the back for hours, it is worth considering.

The coolest-looking backpack that lacks the right back is just a sack with straps, not a backpack.

Back with a mesh frame, lumbar support, aluminum battens in special pockets - that's the key to comfort. It distributes the weight, it does not allow the back to overheat and get wet from sweat.

The suspension is the second most important component of a good backpack. Ventilated shoulder straps (mesh on body side). The chest strap and waist strap of sufficient width simply categorically unload the back. And their alternate or simultaneous use allows you to strain different muscles of the back, reducing overall fatigue.

The color does not affect the maximum speed of the car. And on the functionality of the backpack, too. But here's how the digger can be seen from afar - yes. And how you are perceived up close - too.

Camouflage is appropriate when there is a real danger of being spotted on a detective. In all other cases, olive, black or even bright colors- less danger of losing the backpack by removing it and moving a couple of steps to the side. A bright backpack looks harmless, a camouflage one arouses suspicion.

Model overview

Here is a list of the main models

M1

A simple one-volume backpack for a metal detector and a shovel. Waterproof fabric, dimensions 870 x 270 x 120 mm.

M2

A simple and budget backpack for a metal detector and a shovel up to 85 cm long. Very light - only 395 g.
Shovel in a separate compartment with fasteners.
4 pockets - two on the top, two on the side.
Two handles for carrying in a horizontal or vertical position.
Made from waterproof ripstop fabric.

Height - 88 cm, width - 28 cm.
Color: black, green or camouflage.
There is no anatomical back, no ventilation.
M3

The family of inexpensive backpacks closes the M3 - a single-capacity from Oxford 1000D - a durable water-repellent fabric.

Unlike M1 - pockets - two on the sides and two on the front side of the backpack.

Video review:

All backpacks of the M series can accommodate any classic or similar metal detectors: minelab, garret, deus, x-terra, tesoro, fisher, makro, bounty, golden mask - and the list goes on. If only dismantled or folded, like in golden masks, the bar was not longer than 850 mm.

Scout

A backpack, very reminiscent of the two-volume “bags” of the M series. The configuration of the tube and pockets is slightly different, but not fundamentally. Just like in the M series, the empty tube of the backpack is not able to stick up cheerfully - accordingly, it falls back and reduces the vertical dimension of the empty backpack. So that the tube does not hang out, two fastexes are provided - folded and fastened.

Fabric - Oxford 600D. The manufacturer classified the dimensions - they are not listed on the website, but the height and width of the backpack does not differ from the M series.

Needle

The backpack is similar to the M series, but has a reinforced back with ventilation elements. The straps are also reinforced and equipped with mesh.

The fabric is durable 600 Oxford. The colors are different - olive, black, various camouflage. An empty backpack weighs 1 kg.

A separate compartment for a shovel, pockets are made flush with the "facade" of the backpack.

Side pockets with elastic bands, no flaps. The manufacturer suggests that two two-liter drinking systems will be located there.

Dimensions 850x280x200 mm - a reel up to 11 inches in a smaller size will fit without problems, any three-knee rod - too.

The thickness of 200 mm means enough space for accessories, personal items and food.

This backpack is practically a Mercedes among Zhiguli. Firstly, it is built on the basis of an adjustable unloading-belt system. It can be customized to the subtleties and nuances. A two-volume tube with three sewn front pockets and two removable side pockets is hung on the RPS.

All free surfaces of the backpack and RPS are lined with M.O.L.L.E. On the belt, these straps are occupied by complete pouches - a very convenient solution.

There are drawstrings, carrying handles, D-shaped buckles on the straps - you can hang quick-release things on them - a knife in a sheath, a compass, a radio station. Chest jumper with an elastic insert.

Material - thousandth and six hundredth cordura, nylon with a density of 600 and 420 den.

The weight of an empty backpack is 3 kilograms, which is not surprising.

A distinctive feature of the backpack is a rather hard bottom measuring 20 x 30 cm. In addition, the walls and back are duplicated with 10 mm insulating inserts to protect the contents. Quality accessories included. Yeti costs decent money, but x digger pays for good reason - the protection of the contents of this backpack is on top.

Backpack Garrett

There are two models of Garrett branded backpacks on the market. Both of them are the simplest bag with two straps, but one has mesh side pockets, and the second has pockets for small items made inside the tube.

Backpacks are relatively small, the vertical dimension of the “pocketless” is 65 cm.

In addition to the metal detector itself, you can pour a little small things and push in a small shovel.

XP Detectors Signature Backpack

An interesting model that is unlike other backpacks. It has a semi-rigid back with ventilation, reinforced straps and an original entrance to the main tube under the knapsack cover, expandable with two zippers.

The vertical dimension is 760 mm, the width of the tube is 320 mm, and two patch side pockets add another 100 mm to the horizontal dimension.

The backpack looks more like a very elongated satchel than the usual “carrot” familiar to us from the models considered.

Backpack for CTX

Another satchel in our review is a branded backpack for the CTX-3030 or "Zozo", as it was dubbed by the comedians.

Outstanding backpack. It is issued vertically - 110 cm! Width is also decent - 38 cm or 15 inches.

Zozo himself and a normal-sized shovel will fit in such a backpack.

In addition to shoulder straps, the backpack has a waist belt that can be removed. The belt is wide, not just a fastex sling, often useless.

There is a considerable field of M.O.L.L.E on the facade of the backpack - you can add pouches and covers to your taste.

But the main feature is that almost the entire back of the backpack from the inside of the tube is a continuous field of M.O.L.L.E. We hang the pouches inside the backpack, skip the attachment straps for equipment - in general, we customize the rich inner world to our liking.

Oxford fabric 600D/2000PU.

The conclusion is simple - there are enough backpacks for diggers on the market (we have not mentioned all of them) - specialized and universal.

A backpack should be selected according to the tasks, according to your style and budget. Simple backpacks-cases are suitable for transportation in a car, but for long hikes with a detector, you still need good backpack or a knapsack backpack - it's not worth saving here.

Tip: when choosing a backpack, provide extra space in it. They took off the fleece - you need to put it away somewhere. They removed the pinpointer in the holster from the belt - where is it?

Below we will consider the necessary things that will not lie idle in a digger's backpack. Of course, you can do without them. But with them it is more convenient, faster, more efficient.

Pinpointer

This is a small metal detector that only works in ALL METALL mode. It has very small dimensions, small detection depth and small capture. It is a small grip that allows you to search for metal literally by “poke method”, using the device as a school pointer - “pointer” (pointer). The word "pin" means a pin, a needle. And it reflects the essence - the search is carried out on the point of a needle.

It is enough to watch a few videos from the cops, where people use pinpointers, and where they do not. And the difference in favor of acquisition becomes apparent.

power bank

Or a set of batteries. If you have a metal detector such as Nokta Anfibio or Invenio, their batteries can, in principle, be charged using a power bank. If you have Tesoro Vaquero, take one more crown. Even for the Golden Mask, you can put 10 AA batteries in your backpack - everything is better than returning from a search only because of a dead power supply.

It is even strange to remind about the need to protect the main working body of a metal detector. Stubble, clods of earth, stones, rebar - this is not a complete list of dangers for a reel on a dig. Decent, durable and lightweight protection is not a luxury, but a means of preserving equipment.

We continue to consider the useful equipment of a treasure hunter and today we will pay attention to the backpack. There are a lot of varieties and models and it will not be easy to choose. In this article I will try to give some tips on choosing a backpack for your metal detector.

So which one to take?

The first and important value is color and spaciousness. Why not convenience for the digger - you ask? I answer - a cop with a metal detector on this moment is on the verge of a foul, that is, it seems like it’s possible to dig, but they can always cling and solder archaeological intelligence to you.

So, in my opinion, the ideal backpack for a cop is like this:

Completely "camouflage" so that no one sees. And if they see you, they will never guess what is in the backpack.

Well, we continue:

Therefore, we take a backpack so that the shovel is completely hidden in it, that is, models when the shovel is attached with straps to the backpack, but does not close in any way. And if you consider that 90 percent of diggers use Fiskars, then its yellow handle is visible from a kilometer away. And the very fact that the shovel is visible will attract attention. Now we don’t need attention, the less people know that we are going to dig with a metal detector, the better.

Also note that there is a spacer between the compartments for the shovel and for the MD, so that the shovel does not hit the fragile parts of the detector when being carried. Although I personally always wrap the electronic unit separately, I use either polyethylene with air inserts for this (you know, many people like to burst them with their fingers), or I wrap the unit in rags / rags. So, the first thing is to hide the shovel (or make a camouflage cover specially for the shovel). By the way, especially for "fiscars" manufacturers produce covers for both the cutting part and the entire shovel. At prices - in the region of 200-300 rubles.

Next is the color of the backpack itself. If you buy, then take “camouflage” or “khaki”, with such a color you will not be seen in the field (many people dig right with a backpack, because sometimes it is dangerous to leave things unattended, especially if you are digging in a new place and there is a possibility of the appearance of “local "). That is why I also recommend “camouflaging” the yellow fiskar handle, buy a can of paint and paint it in dark color. If you use ICQ, then paint them too, otherwise the “secret” can be seen from a kilometer away with a yellow electronic unit 🙂

In terms of size, so that you can immediately dig in a backpack, we can recommend a height of 90 cm and a width of 25-20 cm. For the main compartments - there are options with 2 and 3 main compartments, of course, 3 is better, but if you take a minimum of , then 2 - it is both smaller and slightly lighter.

Well, now you can pay attention to convenience. By the way, many people go to dig in cars, so there’s nothing to worry about in terms of backpack indicators, but at least take an ordinary tourist one. But if you ride a bike / bus / on foot, then convenience plays important role, because your back will instantly let you know that you bought a shitty backpack. Therefore, advice - if you buy in a store, then immediately check it there, and ask to put your model of a metal detector in a backpack immediately with a shovel, put it on your back and walk around the store, lean to the left, right, forward. And if you feel that you are comfortable, then you should take it. If there is any discomfort, try another model. They all look the same, but they feel different on the back.

Garters for a tourist rug - let them be, because sometimes we go digging and overnight. Lie down by the fire on the rug, let the stories go over a cup of tea - this is an indispensable attribute of any trip to nature.

Capacity:

So we got to her, dear. What do you take with you to the dig? A device, a shovel, definitely, then a thermos, a snack (sandwiches or a thermos with food), a bottle of water, a first aid kit, a flashlight, a knife, an ax, a camera, etc. ", such a small bag, where everything a tourist needs at once lies - all the small things listed and much more - cords, fish hooks, fishing line, survival kits, first aid kit, matches, salt, high-calorie bars, etc.). This small survival pouch can also be put all in our backpack. You never know what can happen - get lost, get lost, etc. This kit could save your life.

An excellent option is the "Yeti" model, a lot of pouches, compartments, pockets. And you can always unfasten the extra side pouches. It costs about 2500-3000 rubles. In the photo below:

As you can see, you can take a lot of things, it is on the basis of this that you choose a backpack. If you take a lot of things, then pay attention to models with side pockets, a lot of small things will fit there. Pockets are not only on the side, but also on the back, immediately on top of the shovel compartment. Such options are also suitable for those who like to take “everything you need and even more” to dig.

I think it's not worth talking about the quality of the material, you already understand that. The stronger the fabric, the longer your backpack will last. Look carefully at the "firmware" of all the details so that there are no protruding loops and threads. Everything should be neat and of high quality. now more and more often you can see on sale models of Cordura fabric with a strength of 1000 den, this is really a lot, that is, the backpack turns out to be strong and reliable.

On average, prices for normal models range from 1000 to 2500 rubles. Popular models, not particularly fancy, but tested, cost from 800 to 1200 rubles. For example, a simple and convenient open model "Pathfinder" from the manufacturer of the same name costs only 550 rubles:

If you take the model a little higher to hide the shovel, it will cost 750 rubles. Budget backpacks.

If you need more compartments and pockets, then it will come out a little more expensive. Although if you have a familiar seamstress, then she can sew for you to order purely according to your requirements - in my opinion, this is also an excellent option, and it will turn out cheaper)) And so cooler models cost 2-4 thousand rubles. For example:

Model "Cayman" worth about 2200 rubles:

Or a shortened "version" of the open type, the Leshy model, costing around 2,500 rubles:

The Leshy and Cayman models can be bought in Ukraine at the metallodetektor.com.ua store, I actually took the photo from them. Comfortable and high quality models. "Yeti" is definitely sold in Russia, ask in specialized stores selling metal detectors.

In general, look, decide, now there are such times that there is no way at all without a backpack. And one more thing - in the spring, when buying a new metal detector, you will always be presented with an elegant backpack in any store, just ask)) Good luck detecting.

On the last warm autumn day, the mushroom picker went to the forest. From the equipment, only a large backpack and a knife. I got lost safely, and in the evening frosts hit ... The mushroom picker was not at a loss, he cut two small holes in the bottom of the backpack, two more on the sides, stuffed it with dry grass, and put it on himself. Survived the night. A large backpack helped him.

For me personally, a large backpack is needed only in two cases. Or you have to walk several kilometers to the cop point. Or I'm going to cop in someone else's car. In both cases, you must have everything with you. Nobody wants to go back to the car. Moreover, in the second case, the two of us will have to return to the car, me and the owner of the car.

And if the backpack is large, it should start with a shovel. Shortened bayonet Fiskars fits with the head. There is a separate strap for attaching a shovel.

What is the best way to place a shovel in a backpack? Before, I used to carry the shovel blade down. He came up with various devices so that the blade would pierce the bottom of the backpack - wooden ones, from a rubber hose, just wrap it with clothes.

At some point, I got tired, and began to immerse the shovel with the blade up. Such an armored back for the head. What if the hunters shoot in the back, even though the head remains intact))

When I was poor and greedy, I went to detect with two metal detectors - ICQ and Proshka. The Garrett AT PRO is an excellent metal detector, but I only had a large coil for the Garrett ACE 250. Greed did not allow me to come to detect a hundred kilometers away, see good finds, and not finish the point to the maximum. I was ready to carry an extra metal detector with me. And I had to carry only the second coil, because of poverty I did not buy more.

Tale from life. One digger got to the dig by public transport. Big backpack, rush hour good words passengers in the back. A digger arrived, opened his backpack, took out a metal detector, and… the armrest was broken. It has long been written in the rules of detecting that the armrest of a metal detector begins to break even in a backpack.

I probably have the simplest requirements for a backpack. So that the shovel fits inside (there are backpacks in which the shovel is outside). Inside there are more universal mounts. Preferably a place for a couple of detectors. Plus, free space for other equipment.

Definitely external pockets. By the way, it is in this pocket, if desired, that the second sapper shovel (Christmas tree) is placed. And it turns out in fact - one backpack, two metal detectors, two shovels. Grab and run))

Tale from life. The digger bought a large backpack. He loved him very much. Reinforced the bottom and straps. Inside, I sewed additional compartments and mounts for everything that he only had. Even the drinking system was in this backpack (following the example of cycling backpacks). Waterproof compartment for documents, money, and phone. A digger's dream... The day came when this backpack was stolen from him. Along with all the good stuff. A large backpack is good, but trying to fit absolutely everything in it is not worth it.

And for me personally, at least one horizontal strap is required on the backpack - to cling to a pin and a knife. The pinpointer can also be placed on a vertical strap, but in this version it dangles a lot, it is better on a horizontal one.

Did you hold two hundred E2 dimes in your hands at the same time? The pleasure is still something, not everyone will keep it)) A story from life. The digger picked up a treasure of nickels. I stuffed my backpack with coins, picked it up and ... the bottom of the backpack fell out. And it gets better. I stuffed my backpack with coins, but they do not end. Are you ready for such happiness?

On a large backpack, side handles are a must. On both sides, can be carried by two.

And most importantly for a big backpack... I'm on the spot. He took out a shovel, took out a metal detector. And now I don't need a big backpack. The side braces and height reduction are a real plus.

Why did the mushroom picker cut two small holes in the bottom of his backpack? For the eyes, of course. Keeping your head warm is just as important as your torso. Side holes for hands. Can you imagine what this mushroom picker looked like?))

All about backpacks. When they stuff a backpack with coins, but they don’t run out - (who haven’t seen, check out the photo, this is not given to every digger).

P.S. Pay attention ➨ ➨ ➨ Bomb theme - . Take a look, you won't regret it.

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