Gold Panning Kits, Classifiers and Sluice Boxes for Beginners
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USGS calls the gold pan “versatile, efficient, inexpensive and portable,” and panning pairs well with a gold detector. Here's the science from USGS, the gear by listing, and the federal rules. We haven't tested these kits.
Why panning works (USGS)
- Pure gold has a specific gravity of 19.3; gold in deposits is 16 to 18; the waste rock is about 2.5. USGS says that difference lets gold be concentrated by gravity using a pan, rocker or sluicebox.
- USGS calls the gold pan versatile, efficient, inexpensive and portable, and says an experienced panner can recover 80 percent of minerals heavier than quartz.
- Gold in streams is often concentrated on or near bedrock, and fine gold collects where the current slackens. Prospectors also look for "black sands," mostly magnetite.
We couldn't find an official step-by-step for the panning motion or classifying gravel, so follow the instructions that come with your kit.
Starter kits
Garrett's Complete kit has a 14 inch Gold Trap pan, a 14 inch sifter, a 10 inch backpacker pan, a Gold Guzzler bottle and two vials, with 90-degree riffles, per the listing. The Deluxe 9-piece kit includes four pans (one is a 15 inch SuperSluice), a classifier, a snuffer bottle, vials, tweezers and a magnifier, per the listing.
Garrett Complete Gold Pan Kit (14 in.)
- 14 in. Gold Trap pan, 14 in. sifter, 10 in. backpacker pan, per the listing
- Gold Guzzler bottle and 2 vials
- Green pans with 90-degree riffles
Garrett Deluxe Gold Pan Kit (9-piece)
- 4 gold pans including a 15 in. SuperSluice, per the listing
- Classifier, snuffer bottle, vials, tweezers and magnifier
- Green pans
The SE 11-piece kit lists 8, 10 and 14 inch dual-riffle pans, two sieves, a snuffer bottle, a magnetic black sand separator pen, tweezers, a scoop and vials.
SE 11-Piece Gold Panning Kit
- 8, 10 and 14 in. pans with dual riffles, per the listing
- 2 sifting sieves, snuffer bottle, vials
- Magnetic separator pen; magnified tweezers; scoop
Classifier
A classifier screens out larger rocks before panning. SE's 13.25 inch stackable classifier has a stainless 1/2 inch mesh, per the listing.
SE 13.25 in. Stackable Classifier, 1/2 in. Mesh
- Stainless steel 1/2 in. mesh sieve, per the listing
- Stacks with SE's other classifiers
Sluice box
USGS notes that partly closing a sluicebox's bottom end slows the water and helps trap heavy particles. The VEVOR kit lists a 50 inch folding aluminum sluice with miner's moss plus 22 more pieces including pans, classifier screens and a magnet.
VEVOR 50 in. Sluice Box Gold Panning Kit
- 50 in. folding aluminum sluice with miner's moss, per the listing
- 23 pieces: 2 pans, 2 classifier screens, magnet, snuffer bottles, vials, scoop and more
- Carry bag with shoulder straps
Where you can pan
- BLM: 43 CFR 3809.5 counts hand panning and non-motorized sluicing as casual use. BLM Nevada's own guidance is stricter: it says sluicing, dredging and commercial mining require permits there. Rules differ by state office, so check with the local BLM field office and follow the stricter rule.
- Forest Service: most national forests are open to recreational panning, but some eastern forests require a letter of authorization and some wilderness areas are closed.
- Mining claims: BLM Alaska says you need a claimant's permission to pan on an existing claim; BLM Nevada says minerals on claims belong to the claim holder.
- No motors: BLM Alaska's Dalton Highway guide says motorized equipment isn't allowed there.
More in metal detecting laws.
This isn't legal advice. Rules vary by agency and location, so confirm with the land manager before you dig or pan.
Building your own kit
Rather pick the pieces yourself? Start with a good pan. The SE 14 inch pan has deep riffles plus micro riffles, and Garrett's 15 inch SuperSluice pan has twin riffles and a deep throat, per their listings. Add a classifier to screen out rocks.
SE 14 in. Dual-Riffle Gold Pan
- 14 in. green plastic pan, per the listing
- Deep 1/4 in. riffles plus micro riffles
- Listed as rust-proof and safe to use with a magnet
Garrett SuperSluice Gold Pan, 15 in.
- 15 in. pan with twin 1/2 in. riffles, per the listing
- Deep throat funnel
- Listed to trap fine gold up to 1 oz. nuggets
6-Piece Classifier Set with 12 in. Pan
- Five classifiers: 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/12 and 1/20 in. mesh, per the listing
- 12 in. dual-riffle pan
- Classifiers sit on a 5-gallon bucket (bucket not included)
Next steps: learn the motion in how to pan for gold, decide between a pan or a sluice, compare sluice boxes, see the small prospecting tools worth carrying, and read where to find gold before you go.
FAQ
How does panning work?
Gold is far denser than the rock around it, so it sinks.
Where can I pan?
Much BLM and Forest Service land, with limits; not on others' claims without permission.
Where does gold collect?
Near bedrock and where the current slows, per USGS.