Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal investigator or a first-time ghost hunter, having the right gear is crucial to your success—and safety—when exploring haunted locations. But not all ghost hunting equipment requires fancy gadgets and expensive tools. This article breaks it down for you, highlighting both the essential items you can’t leave home without and the advanced tools that can enhance your investigation on a budget.
In this ghost hunting equipment list, we’ll cover two sections: “Essential Equipment” for the baseline gear you need, and “Advanced Equipment” for those looking to expand their toolkit with more high-tech gadgets. So, if you’re preparing for your next (or first) ghost hunt, keep reading for everything you need to ensure your trip is successful.
Essential Ghost Hunting Equipment List (Baseline)
This is the bread and butter of your ghost hunting kit. If you’re just starting out, or if you’re looking for a solid baseline to ensure you’re prepared, these are the must-have items you should never leave behind.
1. Flashlight (Torch)
Navigating dark, potentially dangerous environments without a reliable flashlight is a risk you don’t want to take. A high-lumen flashlight with adjustable brightness is ideal for ensuring you can see your surroundings clearly.
- Tip: Bring extra batteries and consider using a headlamp for hands-free navigation in tight spaces.
- Recommended Gear: Tactical flashlights with multiple brightness settings, such as the Maglite LED.
2. Camera
Although your phone’s camera is handy, a proper digital camera is ideal for capturing high-resolution images, especially in low-light conditions.
- Tip: Look for a camera with night vision or infrared capabilities to capture evidence that your eyes might miss.
- Recommended Gear: A Sony Alpha a7 III mirrorless camera with a low-light lens.
3. EVP Recorder (Electronic Voice Phenomena Recorder)
Capturing mysterious voices that aren’t heard during the investigation is one of the most exciting aspects of ghost hunting. An EVP recorder, which picks up sounds beyond normal human hearing, is a critical tool for collecting paranormal evidence.
- Tip: Use the recorder in quiet areas and review the audio afterward for any unexplained voices or sounds.
- Recommended Gear: Olympus EVP Recorder with USB and LIVE Listening.
4. Walkie Talkies
When investigating larger locations or splitting up into teams, clear communication is essential. Walkie talkies allow you to stay in contact with other investigators without relying on a phone signal, which can be spotty in remote or abandoned areas. They also allow for instant communication, which is crucial if something unusual occurs that you need to share with the group immediately.
- Tip: Look for long-range walkie talkies with good battery life, especially if you’re investigating vast or multi-level locations.
- Recommended Gear: The Midland X-Talker T71VP3 offers up to 38 miles of range and has hands-free capabilities.
5. Comfortable and Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Ghost hunts can last for hours, and weather conditions may vary. Dress comfortably with layered clothing for temperature changes, and wear sturdy shoes for rough terrain. A waterproof jacket is also essential if there’s any chance of rain. Also black attire is a popular one among the paranormal investigation community.
- Tip: Wear moisture-wicking layers in cold or damp locations, and pack a beanie and gloves for cooler nights.
Related Article: 8 Helpful Tips For Beginner Ghost Hunters
6. Notepad and Pen
Old-school, but effective. A notepad is great for recording your observations and time-stamping events during your investigation. It helps you keep track of any strange occurrences or sensations.
- Tip: Jot down times, weather conditions, and any sudden temperature changes or noises you experience.
7. First-Aid Kit
A ghost hunter should always be prepared for the unexpected. A basic first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers ensures minor injuries won’t interrupt your investigation.
- Tip: Give the first-aid kit to the most reliable member of the group. Or you can leave the first-aid kit in a special location that everyone knows.
8. Water and Snacks
Investigations can be lengthy, and many haunted locations are remote. Pack water and snacks to keep your energy up, especially if you’re on an overnight hunt.
- Tip: Avoid sugary drinks, and instead bring high-energy snacks like protein bars or trail mix.
9. Smartphone
A phone is not a must have, but it provides backup emergency communication in case your walkie talkies fail. It also provides extra lighting and a built-in camera and audio recorder for capturing evidence.
- Tip: Make sure your team all have phones. This is just encase you get lost in larger locations like Asylums, Hospitals or Hotels.
Advanced Ghost Hunting Equipment List (Extra Gadgets)
Once you’ve got your essential gear locked in, you may want to add some advanced tools to your ghost hunting equipment list to enhance your paranormal investigation experience. Now it’s your opportunity to be more like The Ghostbusters! This advanced equipment for ghost hunting offers more high-tech features, but you will probably need a thicker wallet. These gadgets are perfect for more seasoned hunters or those ready to invest a little more into their investigations.
1. EMF Meter (Electromagnetic Field Meter)
An EMF meter detects electromagnetic field fluctuations, which may indicate the presence of paranormal energy. These meters are a staple for any serious ghost hunter.
- What it Does: Measures changes in electromagnetic fields that could be caused by spirits manifesting energy.
- How to Use It: Move the meter slowly through rooms to detect any spikes in EMF levels, particularly in areas where paranormal activity is rumored.
- Recommended Gear: Rook EMF Meter with Sound from Ghost Stop.
2. Night Vision Camcorder
For documenting investigations in low-light conditions, a night vision camcorder is invaluable. These devices are designed to capture video footage in the dark, providing visual evidence of ghostly activity.
- What it Does: Records in total darkness using infrared light, making it ideal for spotting shadow figures or light anomalies.
- How to Use It: Set up the camcorder in a static position or use it as a handheld device to record during your exploration.
- Recommended Gear: The Canon VIXIA HF G50 with night vision capabilities.
3. Spirit Box (Ghost Box)
A spirit box is a device that sweeps through radio frequencies, creating white noise that spirits can manipulate to form words. This tool offers a unique way to capture real-time EVP responses.
- What it Does: Scans radio frequencies, allowing entities to “speak” through white noise.
- How to Use It: Turn on the spirit box and ask questions. Listen carefully for words or phrases that seem like direct responses.
- Recommended Gear: SBox Ghost Scanner + Recorder from Ghost Stop.
Must read article: Vintage Ghost Hunting Equipment & Methods Still Used
4. Thermal Imaging Camera
A thermal camera detects temperature variations, showing hot or cold spots that could indicate ghostly presences. Spirits are often believed to create these temperature anomalies.
- What it Does: Displays heat signatures, making it possible to spot temperature fluctuations that could be linked to paranormal activity.
- How to Use It: Sweep the camera around the room to spot sudden drops or increases in temperature.
- Recommended Gear: The FLIR ONE Pro, which attaches to smartphones and provides an affordable thermal imaging solution.
5. Motion Sensors
Motion sensors detect any physical movement in a space, making them a useful tool when monitoring areas where spirits might be active. Place them in key spots and monitor for any unexplained movement.
- What it Does: Detects movement and alerts you when something or someone moves through a room or hallway.
- How to Use It: Place sensors in high-activity areas, such as doorways or narrow hallways, and leave them to detect any movement.
- Recommended Gear: GS2 Laser Grid System from Ghost Stop.
6. Full-Spectrum Camera
A full-spectrum camera detects ultraviolet and infrared light, enabling you to capture visual evidence of paranormal phenomena that might not be visible to the naked eye.
- What it Does: Captures images across the entire light spectrum, including UV and IR light, to detect anomalies like orbs or shadow figures.
- How to Use It: Take photos in suspected haunted areas and review the images for anomalies you didn’t see during the investigation.
- Recommended Gear: The GhostPro Full-Spectrum Camera is specifically designed for paranormal investigators.
7. Phasm Light
The Phasm Light is a versatile tool for lighting and detecting movement in dark environments. It’s an advanced alternative to standard lighting gear, combining a high-intensity beam with the ability to detect anomalies.
- What it Does: Illuminates dark areas while also detecting any fluctuations in light intensity that could be caused by paranormal activity.
- How to Use It: Set up the light in a static position and observe any sudden changes in brightness or movement detected by the light’s sensors.
- Recommended Gear: Phasm Light from Ghost Stop.
8. BooBuddy Jr. EMF Trigger Bear (Bonus ‘Fun’ Equipment)
Looking for a paranormal sidekick? The BooBuddy Jr. EMF Bear blends an EMF meter with a cuddly exterior, making it a must-have for ghost hunters. Simply switch it on, place it where you suspect a presence, and let BooBuddy do its thing. This is a fun item to add to your ghost hunting equipment list.
- What it Does: This compact teddy bear is more than just a cute companion—it’s an EMF meter designed to detect shifts in electromagnetic energy. When a spirit triggers a change, BooBuddy’s paws light up, with one paw indicating a mild response and both paws signaling a stronger spike.
- How to Use It: Place BooBuddy in a suspected haunted spot and switch it on. If it lights up, the bear is picking up on energy changes. Be sure to set a camera nearby to record any responses to your EVP questions.
- Recommended Gear: The official BooBuddy Jr. EMF Trigger Bear from Ghost Stop.
Final Thoughts
Equipping yourself with the right ghost hunting tools is essential for both safety and successful paranormal investigation. Whether you’re just starting with the essentials—like flashlights, EVP recorders, and comfortable clothing—or ready to dive into the world of advanced ghost hunting gear, this ghost hunting equipment list covers everything you need.
Remember, while high-tech gadgets can enhance your investigation, they aren’t a guarantee of ghostly encounters. Sometimes, the most profound paranormal experiences come from trusting your senses and staying aware of your environment. So, gear up, stay safe, and happy hunting!
Ghost Hunting Equipment FAQ
Ghost hunting equipment can be purchased from specialized paranormal equipment stores online, such as GhostStop, which offers a wide range of tools from beginner to advanced levels. You can also find basic items, like flashlights and cameras, on popular e-commerce sites like Amazon. For a more curated selection, some paranormal investigation groups or ghost hunting forums recommend trustworthy sellers for serious investigators.
Popular paranormal TV shows like Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures use a combination of high-end and basic equipment. Common tools include EMF meters, night vision cameras, spirit boxes, and thermal imaging cameras. They also tend to use digital voice recorders for EVP sessions and laser grids to detect movement in haunted locations. While these shows may use top-tier versions of the equipment, budget-friendly alternatives are often just as effective for personal investigations.
No, you don’t need high-tech ghost hunting gear to experience or document paranormal activity. Many investigators have had success with basic tools like flashlights, cameras, and EVP recorders. Advanced equipment helps provide more concrete evidence and greater documentation but isn’t required for a successful ghost hunt.
Yes, some retailers sell pre-assembled ghost hunting kits specifically designed for beginners. These kits often include an EMF meter, flashlight, EVP recorder, and basic instructions on how to use the equipment during your investigation. GhostStop and other specialized retailers offer various kits depending on your budget and interest level.
While ghost hunting apps can be fun and useful in a pinch, they’re often less reliable than dedicated tools like physical EMF meters and EVP recorders. Apps use the phone’s built-in sensors, which may not be as sensitive or accurate as specialized equipment. However, for beginner ghost hunters or casual investigations, some apps can provide some fun to the experience.
