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    Published: May 16, 2024 by Stephanie Gravalese · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    The Best Tools for Foraging

    When it comes to foraging, it is good to have the right tools. You should know that many people go out into the wild with a knife, but you will also need a backpack, a water bottle, a compass, and maps, to name a few. Know your area before you head out because each spot is different, and you need to know what you are dealing with. This guide to foraging tools will get you started.

    JLA06907

    Foraging is one of the best ways to get free food, but it's no good if you don't have the tools to do it! So here are the tools you'll need for a successful foraging mission.

    • Foraging knife
    • A good pair of boots
    • A good compass
    • Map of the area
    • GPS device (optional)

    You will need one or two additional items to harvest mushrooms. These items include a mushroom guidebook, a foraging pouch, and tweezers.

    A basket or backpack

    person in a pale yellow shirt with a picnic basket foraging in a green space
    image credit: jayana la fontaine // jayanalafotos

    You'll leave this behind when you start running around like a madman looking for food, but it's handy to have on hand, just in case. A backpack is probably better; baskets are hard to carry long distances. 

    Rope

    Again, this will be left behind once you start running around like a crazy man looking out of desperation, but it can be helpful as a makeshift belt or backpack strap if your own straps break or fall off.

    Foraging is one of the best ways to get free food, but it's no good if you don't have the tools to do it! So here are the tools you'll need for a successful foraging mission.

    No matter what you set out to forage, some essential tools will help you bring home your bounty. You may not need all of these for every trip, but they are things you should consider bringing along:

    Bring your bag and bucket

    Foraging is an excellent way to reduce waste but it can also create waste. Bringing your bag and bucket will keep your trash from filling up someone else's trash can and overflowing into the street.

    A knife

    You'll need a knife if you pick anything more substantial than berries. Ensure you use it safely before heading out on your first mission!

    A book, app or website with pictures of local plants 

    person taking a photo with their cellphone with their right hand
    image credit: jayana la fontaine // jayalalafotos

    It's helpful to have photos to ensure your pick is safe to eat. See Foraging Books & Apps for more information.

    Bottles of water and/or bug spray. 

    You'll be outside, so make sure that you stay hydrated and protected against bugs when you're out foraging. 

    When picking out which foraging tools to use, decide whether to use a simple pocket knife, multi-tool or a more heavy-duty blade will best serve you.

    Foraging for Berries

    person holding basket with black raspberries standing in a green blackberry bushes
    image credit: stephanie gravalese // slow living kitchen

    When searching for berries, some tools will help you find more than others. For example, a bucket and a trowel are necessary to collect fruit and vegetables such as apples and carrots. A basket is also needed because it can carry more than a bucket. Also, wear gloves so that the thorns on the plants do not hurt your hands.

    Baskets can harvest mushrooms and other food types in the forest, such as berries and nuts.

    When looking for the best tools for foraging

    First, you want to make sure that you're buying high-quality products. Otherwise, they need to work better. People should also ensure they buy products suitable for the foods they intend to search for. 

    Budget, of course, is also a factor. Look at all the potential items you're interested in and see which will cost less. Then, you can easily compare prices between different items and determine which saves you more money overall.

    Hand Trowel

    Trowels are used to dig. They are perfect for finding tubers and bulbs. You can use them to dig through the soil to see if there are any roots or bulbs in the ground. Another tool that is used is the umbrella shelter. It is beneficial when it rains because it keeps you dry and warm. Also, bring rain gear to keep you dry and warm when it rains.

    More Foraging

    • JLA07019
      Foraging Basics and Safety Tips
    • person a bunch of wild onions with left hand. The background is hundreds of foraged wild garlic heads, cloves and leaves
      Beginner's Guide to Identifying Wild Edibles
    • JLA07155
      The Ultimate Guide to Foraging Tools and Gear
    • JLA07192
      Must-Have Mushroom Foraging Tools for Success in the Field

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    Hey there, I'm Stephanie! I'm a food + culture writer, photographer and recipe developer.

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