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The best metal detector for hiking should be lightweight and foldable or easy to disassemble so that it fits inside the backpack. I think the bounty hunter 4 is the best affordable option. The lightweight is important so that you do not get tired when swinging a heavy detector for many miles.
Why the bounty hunter 4 is the best?
If you are going for a hike, not for treasure hunting, the bounty hunter is the best affordable option.
This means that you can get better devices with more functionalities but they will be much more expensive.
Considering that, usually, you will not find gold, treasure chests or valuable relics in hiking trail, going for an expensive more accurate detector is a waste of money.
If you want to find objects with higher value like gold and relics, go to abandoned gold mines or abandoned historical towns, in that case investing to buy a high priced detector may be a good idea.
The stem’s length of the bounty hunter 4 is adjustable by simply pushing the button on the stem’s lower part and sliding back and forth the upper part of the stem.
You can disassemble this metal detector easily. You only need to pull out the coil’s plug from the control housing and disconnect the upper and lower stems. That way you can put the detector in your backpack and go hiking.
The bounty hunter has a needle type indicator. But you can work your way without even looking at it.
Below it, you will find the low battery indicator, which flashes when the battery is low. It would have been better to have a battery gauge that tells exactly in real time the status of the battery.
The controls are simplistic: you have two knobs two adjust the sensitivity and the discrimination and button to choose between three modes: All metal, disc and tone. At this price tag, do not expect it to be very accurate.
If you want a better device, the Garrett ACE 300 may be good for you. It has more functionalities. But it’s more expensive. But if your goal is to buy a metal detector just for hiking, the bounty hunter is an affordable choice.
It has an onboard speaker and ¼ inches headphone jack. The headphone extends the battery life. You certainly want your batteries to live longer in a long hike.
Tips for using the metal detector while hiking
To be able to use the metal detector efficiently while hiking, you have to walk slowly and keep swinging it in such a way that the swings overlap…
That way you will not miss anything. Walk upright in a comfortable posture and keep your arm relaxed at your side.
People may sit to take breaks near the hiking trails especially under trees. They may be seeking some shade, protection from the rain enjoying the view or just having a picnic.
This is a good spot where you may find some lost coins. Also, people may sit on rocks, check near them. Another good spot is along the creeks.
Always ask permission before you go metal detecting in a hiking trail. In some of them, you may not be allowed to do that…
In others, you are allowed to use your metal detector and dig holes but you have to keep everything you find in its place. If you are doing it for fun, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Every hiking trail has its own law and regulations. Always, remember to fill the holes you dig.
If the soil is wet, it will be easier to dig and the detector will be able to find deeper objects. So wait for some rain to go hiking and metal detecting. Wait a day or two so that the soil dries a little bit. It will be easier to walk that way.
In addition to the metal detector, you need other gadgets like a digging tool, pinpointer, food, first aid…
Wear comfortable shoes.
Take everything you need and nothing else. Do not overload yourself.
Use a stick to check holes for snakes.
Use headphones to make the batteries last longer and take with you some spare batteries.
Get some information about the hiking trail you want to visit. This website may help you https://www.trails.com/
Check the weather few hours before going for a hike. You will be prepared for emergencies. If you find that the weather will be very bad, simply postpone hiking.
Go out in groups. This has many advantages: you can learn new tricks from experienced hikers or teach beginners.
You can distribute loads for heavy hiking equipment. If you have some troubles, you will have someone that can help you.
Respect the rules of hiking trail. Do not through trash and do not contaminate the water.
And tell someone who is not on the hike when he should expect you to go back home.
If he hears nothing from you after few hours, he should call for help.
Don’t forget to carry an emergency device to call assistance by satellite if you have any problem.
Hiking benefits
Hiking has many benefits for your mental and physical health. I will list some of them.
Hiking increases your fitness. You can burn a lot of calories and lose a lot of fat depending on the weight of your backpack, the degree of incline of the trail and the temperature.
Carrying a heavy backpack and climbing a hill in the summer will definitely let you get rid of the extra weight.
Trekking will help have stronger muscles especially the lower part of the body. And with you Swinging a metal detector, your hands muscles will be stronger too.
Hiking trails are softer than asphalt and concrete. This good for your ankles, knees and joints.
Hiking let you control diabetes. Doctors always tell their patients to have a walk since it lowers glucose level.
It also helps with high blood pressure and cholesterol. Thus reducing the risk of having a heart attack.
You get a chance to connect with nature and to stray away from the stress of the city.
Trekking will help you to increase creativity, attention span and happiness level.
If you choose to go hiking in a group (this is recommended), you get a chance to socialize after being the whole week imprisoned in your office and facing a boring computer screen.