12 Best Metal Detecting Gear Accessories You Must Have!

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If you’ve just bought your first metal detector, you may be eager to get out and start coin shooting. No one is going to stop you from giving it a go, but your hunt may not be as productive as you expect it to be without additional gear.

While you may not need everything on this list, they are convenient items for many hobbyists. Having a dedicated metal detecting toolbox with all the extras is just one way to be prepared for any and every hunt you pursue.

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Our Top Metal Detecting Accessories

This is a comprehensive list of the must-have gear you need for metal detecting. Consider them carefully as they come in different sizes, materials, and quality. It can quickly add up in cost, so set aside a specific budget to invest in additional gear or buy one item at a time in order of priority.

1. Headphones

Headphones make a big difference in metal detecting. First off, any way in which you can make metal detecting more private without annoying those around you is always a good thing. Secondly, you can hear signals better by cutting outside noise and interference from people, birds, wind, traffic, etc. Thirdly, the audio quality is improved so you can clearly hear the type of signal response or how weak it may be. Hearing faint signals that you wouldn’t otherwise pickup without headphones may prove to be well worth it.

Metal detector headphones come in different sizes and capabilities. Look for volume control if the detector lacks this feature. Wireless may be a convenient option. Underwater headphones are a must-have for those going chest deep or deeper into water.

Recommended headphones:

Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones KIT Metal Detectors

2. Handheld Pinpointer

This isn’t a must-have for everyone as a metal detector may have an electronic pinpoint feature built in. However, handheld versions are fast, precise, and convenient to use. Some of the best pinpointers are within the $100-$200 price range and are made by the same manufacturers that make metal detectors. There are many benefits to having a pinpointer that includes fast and easy target recovery, dig smaller holes, and avoid damage to the target.

Pinpointers to seek out:

3. Pouch, Sacks, Bags

Where are you going to keep your finds while you’re detecting? Don’t rely solely on your pockets as your finds can vary in size from gold flakes to large caches or old artifacts. You may want to think about how your pouch or bag remains connected to your person. The popular method is a pouch that attaches to your utility belt. Additionally, think about the type of material and its dependability and function. For example, a mesh pouch with small holes is best suited for beach hunting as it lets sand and water pass through while retaining your find.

Pouches to check out:

Garrett Camo Digger's Pouch

This 10" deep zippered bag secures with its own belt

4. Scoop & Digging Tools

You may end up with multiple types of digging tools in your toolbox, so don’t fear excess. You will need different tools for different terrains and what is required to comply with regulations for hunting in that specific area. For example, some parks may only allow picks for ensuring the smallest holes and least disruption to the ground. The beach requires a sand scoop for letting sand and water pass through, and a long-handled one is best. Hand diggers do a great job for many terrains from parks to rivers. Do a little research on what is required for your prospective site.

We dig these digging tools:

5. Searchcoil Covers

If your metal detector came without a coil cover, you may want to think about buying one for each searchcoil you own. They protect the coil from excessive or faster normal wear and tear and other potential damage from searching in rugged terrain. A coil cover is a lot cheaper to buy than a replacement searchcoil. Think about it.

Look for specific make and model covers to match your searchcoil here!

6. Cover-Ups

These are cover-ups for the control box. Not all control boxes are waterproof or even weather-resistant. If water leaks inside or makes contact with connections, it can cause electrical damage to the components inside. A cover up is an important, inexpensive accessory to protect your detector from rain, overspray from hunting around water, and from muddy and wet fingers.

You can buy specific make and model Rain & Dust Covers for your detector here!

7. Extra Batteries & Chargers

Don’t be a fool by forgetting to bring along spare batteries or the chargers needed to refuel rechargeable and built-in batteries in the detectors. If you have spares on you, you can keep hunting and finding good stuff. If you don’t, it means packing up early or leaving the site to find a store to buy new batteries. If you’re hunting in a remote location or you’re on a detecting trip, finding new juice may not be such an easy thing to do.

Looking for something specific? Search for batteries and chargers/cables from multiple manufacturers online. Here are some product examples:

8. Carry Bags & Backpacks

You’ll need a bag to haul your metal detector and other gear around. While a backpack may be convenient for its shoulder-wearing fit, breaking down the detector into parts is not as convenient. However, many detectors are collapsible to compact sizes, and this may be a good option for traveling or when your prospective site is a while away on foot.

A carry bag allows you to simply retract the length, put it in, and zip it up. If you’re starting your hunt from where you leave your parked car, you don’t even have to take the bag anywhere. Simply get detecting.

Choose your style of sack:

9. Fanny Packs & Utility Belts

Whether you’re a vest-wearing kind of hobbyist or you prefer to call a fanny pack a utility belt, the concept is the same behind these types of accessories – keep your finds and equipment together. Not to mention, you can also keep your wallet, keys, and switched-off cellphone in separate pouches too. There are many different types of belts and accessory pouches, so feel free to customize, look for stylish designs, and experiment with different types of closures from zippers to Velcro and snaps buttons.

Stylish yet functional fanny packs:

10. Harnesses & Mounts

If your detector is unusually heavy or you plan on hunting for long periods of time, you should seriously consider a chest harness or hip mount. With a chest harness, the detector weight is distributed around the shoulders and back to take the weight off your swinging arm. The hip mount works the same way by distributing weight around the legs and belt. Either type of accessory can help extend hunting time and improve technique due to proper body positioning when detecting.

Mount your way over to these suggestions:

11. Extra Searchcoils

Known as accessory coils, you can purchase different sizes and shapes depending on the application and circumstances of your hunt. You may want to consider a sniper coil that is no larger than 6” for its ability to maneuver in and around tight and rocky terrain. They may also do better with mineralized ground. Larger searchcoils cover more ground and have the greatest depth detection.

There’s also the shape of the searchcoil. While concentric coils may be easier to pinpoint with, DD searchcoils offer better target separation and are often waterproof. As your skills develop and you become experienced in detecting in various terrains, you’ll soon see the advantage of buying accessory coils.

Look for a specific coil or search by manufacturer and model type here!

12. Other Must-Have Metal Detecting Accessories

These things that can be easily packed into a bag and kept in the car, on your person, or in a backpack. While they may be small bits and bobs, they’re essential for safety, health, and use for practical metal detection applications in the field.

Water & Snacks: Stay hydrated and nourished, especially when detecting for long hours or in compromising weather and terrain.

Sunscreen & Hats: It’s likely you’ll enjoy getting a tan, but no one enjoys the aftermath of a sunburn. Even when it’s cloudy out, be sure to cover up.

Raincoats, Gloves & Warm Jackets: The weather may unexpectedly turn on you and while it’s not safe to hunt during a storm, it may be worthwhile to get back to it once it’s let up. Easier digging and possibly better target detection are benefits of metal detecting after it’s rained.

First Aid Kit & Bug Spray: This is self-explanatory. You never know when Band-Aids and a little Neosporin can save the day. Digging around in the earth and hiking around rocks can prove to be hazardous to skin and flesh.

Multi-Tool, Flashlight & Whistle: Lost track of time? Don’t get caught in the dark or even lost in the woods without having a few essentials like a pocketknife or Leatherman, a whistle, and a flashlight. You should also have a phone with GPS or a compass and map of your prospective location. Always tell somewhere where’s you’re going and when to expect your return.

Toothbrush & Paintbrush: A toothbrush for cleaning off targets found in mud and soil, and a paintbrush to brush off sand and other debris when hunting at the beach or similar locations. Small, extremely advantageous, and highly underestimated.

Other cleaning tools to think about: Gold Digger Ugly Box Electrolysis Kit

Magnets & Magnifiers: Magnets can be attached to your digging scoop to catch ferrous targets especially when you’re hunting underwater where you can’t see what you’re picking up. Magnifiers also help with seeing details on a newly-found target that may be hard to read due to small print or corrosion.

Need a small, inexpensive magnifier? Check out the Carson 5x Slideout LED Magnifier.

Underwater Gear: If you’re searching a shipwreck and diving deep below, you’ll need to do additional research into the specialty gear you’ll need to be successful. Some things to think about – wet suits, weight belts, non-buoyant coils, and underwater metal detector, etc.

Specialty Gold Kits: From gold panning kits to bottle snifters, there are many different types of accessories that are most appropriate for a gold prospector. Research into accessories needed, the terrain and conditions, and a gold metal detector is key to success.

Not sure where to start? The Garrett Deluxe Gold Trap Gold Panning Kit might help.

Be Prepared with the Right Gear

This may be a lengthy list of accessories, but they’re all necessary in their own way. With only a few or a lot of them, your hunt will be much more productive, and you’ll develop correct technique and skills that makes detection easier and more enjoyable. It’s one thing to have the right detector and get a hit, but it’s another thing to find the target’s exact location, dig it up, examine it, and pocket it. Repeat process, have a snack, and start again. You may find your pockets are spilling with goods.

Oh, that’s right, you have pouches on your fanny pack, remember?

Good thing you are well prepared!

Our Must-Have Metal Detecting Gear & Accessories