Venturing into the deep woods in search of Sasquatch is not your average camping trip. It’s a multi-day expedition into some of the most remote and unforgiving terrain on the continent. Success, and more importantly safety, depends on having the right gear to handle everything from scent control to satellite communication. You need equipment that is as rugged and reliable as the legend itself.
This isn’t about casual observation; it’s about serious field research. You must be prepared for sudden weather changes, navigate without cell service, document potential evidence, and maintain a stealthy presence for days on end. The wrong gear can mean a missed opportunity or a dangerous situation. The right gear, however, can make the difference between a fruitless trek and a historic encounter.
Essential Gear for Your Bigfoot Expedition
- Ozonics HR230 Scent Eliminator | Ozone Generator for Hunting
- Midland GXT1000VP4 GMRS Two-Way Radio (50-Channel, Long Range)
- Garmin GPSMAP 66i, GPS Handheld and Satellite Communicator
- TETON Sports LEEF Ultralight Mummy Sleeping Bag
- Goal Zero Nomad 10, Foldable Monocrystalline 10 Watt Solar Panel
- Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10×42 Binoculars
- Garmin 010-02258-10 GPSMAP 64sx, Handheld GPS
- Garmin inReach Mini 2, Lightweight Satellite Communicator
- Osprey Atmos AG 65L Men’s Backpacking Backpack
- Bushnell Trophy Trail Camera 20MP
Ozonics HR230 Scent Eliminator | Ozone Generator for Hunting
Bigfoot is famously elusive, and many researchers believe a keen sense of smell is a primary defense mechanism. The Ozonics HR230 is a critical tool for neutralizing your human scent, giving you a significant stealth advantage. It works by generating ozone, which molecularly transforms and eliminates odor particles, making you virtually undetectable downwind.
This unit is built for field use, featuring a rechargeable battery and a tree-mounting system for easy setup in your observation area. With Standard and Boost modes for active hunting and a DRiWASH mode for treating your gear at camp, it offers comprehensive odor control. Trusted by half a million hunters, this technology is a game-changer for anyone needing to remain undetected in the wild.
Midland GXT1000VP4 GMRS Two-Way Radio
When your team is spread out across a vast, cell-signal-free forest, reliable communication is non-negotiable. The Midland GXT1000VP4 GMRS two-way radios provide a robust solution for keeping in contact with your expedition members. These radios are weather-resistant, ensuring they can handle the rain and moisture common in Sasquatch habitats.
With 50 GMRS channels, 142 privacy codes, and an impressive maximum range, these walkie-talkies help your team coordinate movements and share findings instantly. Features like hands-free operation and NOAA weather alerts add to their utility, keeping you informed and connected even when you’re miles from base camp.
Garmin GPSMAP 66i Handheld and Satellite Communicator
Getting lost is not an option. The Garmin GPSMAP 66i combines a high-sensitivity GPS with a global satellite communicator, ensuring you can navigate and make contact from anywhere on the planet. Its large, sunlight-readable display is perfect for viewing detailed TopoActive maps in bright conditions.
Beyond navigation, its most critical feature is the ability to trigger an interactive SOS to a 24/7 search and rescue center via the Iridium satellite network. You can also send and receive two-way messages to keep your home team updated on your progress and safety, providing peace of mind for extended forays into the wilderness.
TETON Sports LEEF Ultralight Mummy Sleeping Bag
A successful expedition requires rest, and that means a good night’s sleep in potentially cold and damp conditions. The TETON Sports LEEF sleeping bag is designed for comfort without the bulk, making it an ideal choice for backpacking into remote areas. Its roomier mummy shape allows for easier movement than traditional restrictive mummy bags.
Despite its comfort-focused design, it remains lightweight and packs down small with the included compression sack. This efficient insulation system ensures you stay warm through chilly mountain nights without being weighed down by a heavy, cumbersome sleeping bag during the day’s hikes.
Goal Zero Nomad 10 Solar Panel
Modern cryptid hunting relies on electronics, from cameras to GPS devices, all of which need power. The Goal Zero Nomad 10 provides a reliable, off-grid charging solution. This 10-watt, foldable solar panel is highly efficient and features a built-in USB port, perfect for keeping your essential small devices charged.
Weighing just over a pound, it’s easy to pack. You can hook it to your backpack while hiking to harvest power from the sun, or use its 180-degree adjustable kickstand to position it perfectly at camp. This versatility guarantees your communication and documentation gear remains operational throughout your journey.
Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10×42 Binoculars
Scanning dense forests and vast clearings requires optics that are both powerful and clear. The Vortex Diamondback HD binoculars, with 10x magnification and 42mm objective lenses, offer exceptional resolution and color fidelity. This allows you to identify movement and detail at a great distance, which is crucial for observing from a discreet vantage point.
Fully multi-coated lenses ensure bright, clear images even in low-light conditions at dawn and dusk—prime activity times for many nocturnal creatures. With a waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction, these binoculars are built to withstand the rigors of the field, backed by a fantastic unlimited warranty.
Garmin GPSMAP 64sx Handheld GPS
For reliable, dedicated navigation without a satellite subscription, the Garmin GPSMAP 64sx is a workhorse. Its rugged, water-resistant design and button-based operation are easy to use with gloves on. It comes preloaded with TopoActive maps, providing detailed information on trails, terrain, and waterways.
The device uses multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) for superior accuracy in heavy cover, and it includes a reliable 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. This combination of features helps you mark potential evidence sites, navigate back to camp, and never lose your bearing.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator
When you need to travel ultra-light but cannot compromise on safety, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is the answer. This compact and lightweight device provides global two-way messaging and interactive SOS capabilities via the Iridium satellite network, independent of cell service.
You can share your location with family and colleagues in near-real-time and use the TracBack feature to navigate your exact route back to your starting point. Its small size makes it easy to carry at all times, ensuring you are never without a lifeline, even on short, solo scouting trips away from base camp.
Osprey Atmos AG 65L Men’s Backpacking Backpack
Carrying all your specialized gear requires a backpack that is both high-capacity and incredibly comfortable. The Osprey Atmos AG 65L is designed to carry heavy loads with exceptional stability and ventilation. Its Anti-Gravity suspension system conforms to your body, distributing weight evenly.
Features like a floating top lid, multiple access points, and an included rain cover make organization and weather protection simple. A well-designed pack like this reduces fatigue, allowing you to focus on your surroundings and cover more ground in your search.
Bushnell Trophy Trail Camera 20MP
Passive evidence gathering is a cornerstone of cryptid research. The Bushnell Trophy Trail Camera allows you to monitor game trails, remote clearings, and potential activity hotspots 24/7. With a 20MP sensor, it captures high-resolution images and video, providing clear documentation of any movement.
Its rugged, weatherproof housing protects it from the elements and curious wildlife. By setting up multiple cameras around your area of operation, you can cover a much larger territory and collect data even when you are back at camp resting or investigating another location.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in Your Sasquatch Expedition Gear
Getting your kit ready for a Sasquatch expedition is a different beast than packing for a regular camping trip. You are not just preparing for the elements; you are preparing for the possibility of an encounter with an elusive, intelligent creature. The gear you choose needs to be reliable, durable, and serve a very specific purpose. Here is my breakdown of what to look for when assembling your top 10 cryptid hunting essentials for a Sasquatch expedition.
First and foremost, your sensory equipment is your lifeline. For a thermal imaging monocular or scope, do not just look at the price tag. Pay close attention to the resolution and the thermal sensor core. A higher resolution means you will get a clearer image, which is the difference between spotting a heat signature that is a Sasquatch and one that is just a bear. Look for a model with at least 320×240 resolution. Battery life is another huge factor. The last thing you want is for your thermal to die right as something big moves in the shadows. Get a model with a long battery life and always, always carry spare batteries or a high-capacity power bank.
When it comes to your trail cameras, you want stealth and reliability. Look for cameras with a no-glow infrared flash. A red-glow flash might as well be a beacon telling every animal (and potentially, the subject of your search) that it is there. A no-glow flash is virtually invisible. Also, consider trigger speed and recovery time. A slow camera will only capture a blur as something fast-moving passes by. You want the fastest trigger speed you can afford. For audio, your digital audio recorder should have a high-quality, external microphone jack. The built-in mics are rarely good enough to pick up subtle, distant vocalizations. Pair it with a sensitive shotgun mic for the best chance of capturing those mysterious wood knocks or howls.
Your personal gear needs to be tough. Your backpack should be a sturdy, internal-frame model with a capacity of at least 50 liters. It needs to comfortably carry all your specialized equipment without failing. For footwear, this is not the place to skimp. Look for waterproof, insulated boots with excellent ankle support and a rugged, grippy sole. You will be traversing uneven, often wet terrain for miles. Finally, your base layers should be merino wool or a synthetic blend that wicks moisture. Cotton is a recipe for hypothermia once you sweat and the temperature drops. Every piece of gear should be chosen with the mindset of surviving the environment and maximizing your chances of documenting the unknown.
FAQ
Is a thermal scope really necessary, or can I just use a good flashlight?
While a powerful flashlight is useful for scanning immediate areas and potentially catching eye-shine, a thermal scope is a game-changer. Sasquatch are primarily reported as nocturnal. A thermal device allows you to see heat signatures through foliage and in complete darkness, giving you a massive advantage. A flashlight only illuminates what is directly in its beam and announces your presence for miles. For serious observation, thermal is the way to go.
How many trail cameras should I bring on an expedition?
I never go out with fewer than four, and I usually take six to eight if I can. The strategy is to create a perimeter or grid in a high-activity area. By placing multiple cameras, you increase your chances of capturing something from different angles, and if one fails or gets triggered by a deer, you have backups. Remember to bring extra SD cards and lithium batteries for them, as cold weather drains standard batteries quickly.
What is the most important piece of safety gear for this kind of trip?
This is a tough one, but my top pick is a reliable satellite messenger or personal locator beacon (PLB). You are often going to be far outside of cell service. If you have an accident, get lost, or even have a truly startling encounter, the ability to call for help is non-negotiable. Before you even think about your cryptid hunting gadgets, make sure you have a way to summon rescue. A solid first-aid kit and bear spray are also absolute must-haves for any Sasquatch expedition.
Can I use my smartphone for photos and audio recording?
You can, but you should not rely on it as your primary tool. Smartphone microphones are not sensitive enough to pick up distant sounds clearly, and their zoom capabilities are digital, not optical, meaning your photos of a distant figure will be grainy and pixelated. A dedicated DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens and a separate digital audio recorder will provide evidence of a quality that is taken much more seriously.
What should I do if I actually see a Sasquatch?
The number one rule is do not run. Running can trigger a predator-prey response. Stay calm and do not make any aggressive moves. If you have your camera, start recording video immediately—even if it is just on your phone. Try to steady yourself against a tree to reduce shake. Take mental notes of its size, posture, and movements. The goal is to document the encounter, not to provoke an interaction. Your safety is the top priority.