A brief list of tools a geologist needs in the field with a short comment, a link to the manufacturer and individual links to Amazon for price comparisons HAMMERS Most geologists pick their hammer among a variety of choices offered by the Estwing company. The most common types of hammer a geologist chooses from are: The Rock Pick with a Pointed Tip   The #1 choice of geologists world wide (recommended) The Rock Pick with a Chisel Edge   The same as above, but with a chisel edge The Leather Rock Pick with a Pointed Tip   As the first one, with a leather handle COMPASSES Most geologists in the United States (and the rest of the world) make their choice of compass out of the professional catalog of the Brunton company. Here is a selection of their most popular compasses: The GEO Pocket Transit                     top level, professional features The International Pocket Transit   high level, used by most geologists (for geology majors) The Conventional Pocket Transit   high level, used by most geologists The 8099 PRO                                       medium level (a good instrument for beginners) The Cadet Training Compass           a relatively cheap, basic compass with no clinometers   hammers: Rock Pick with a Pointed Tip Last Updated  •  May 2, 2011 This is the hammer I, and most geologists, own My hammer of choice: click here for more details Back to Top   hammers: Rock Pick with a Chisel Edge Last Updated  •  May 2, 2011 If you need a chisel edge rather than a pointed tip A good alternative: click here for more details Back to Top   hammers: Leather Rock Pick with a Pointed Tip Last Updated  •  May 2, 2011 A hammer with a firmer grip A pointed tip with a leather grip: click here for more details Back to Top   compasses: GEO Pocket Transit Last Updated  •  May 2, 2011 This compass has several high-level features that most geologists would not use in full A high-end professional choice: click here for more detail Back to Top   compasses: International Pocket Transit Last Updated  •  May 2, 2011 This is the compass of choice for the field geologists, with 0-360 degrees scale. The field geologist's choice: click here for more detail Back to Top   compasses: Conventional Pocket Transit Last Updated  •  May 2, 2011 This compass is the same as the previous one, only it is divided with 0-90 degrees quadrants scale A more traditional, but still valid choice: click here for more detail Back to Top   compasses: 8099 PRO Last Updated  •  May 2, 2011 This compass offers the main features a beginning field geologist needs It can be useful to learn how to map but if you intend to pursue a professional career in geology you will need a superior choice. A good value for beginning geologists click here for more detail Back to Top   compasses: Cadet Training Compass Last Updated  •  May 2, 2011 This compass, as its name suggests, can be used to learn the basics and for orienteering but it is not advisable for geologic mapping A tool for absolute beginners (not recommended) click here for more detail Back to Top Back to Top | Back to Home Page © Alessandro Grippo, 1994-2011 Los Angeles, California last updated: May 2, 2011