10 Essential foraging tools you can get used at thrift stores,estatesales, and garage/yard sales

Foraging can be expensive. Quality, forager-specific books aren't cheap, but are essential, as they can save your life. You're not likely to find good foraging books used, but most of the other gear you need can be picked up for a few dollars -- if you're patient, and keep your eye out!

My $3 thrifted backpack has held up for quite a while

1. Backpack

A good quality backpack is one of the most essential foraging tools. It's the easiest way to carry your finds through the woods, over rough terrain. It should have comfortable straps, ideally padded, and be a good size for your body. Lots of pockets and pouches for organization are also a plus.

I picked this one up at a church rummage sale for $3. It's perfect because it's durable, has several compartments, so I can store tools in one, and edible finds in another, and it's not too large. As a short woman, bulky backpacks can shift around a lot, especially when overfilled.

Of course, a great haul will more than fill this bag up, which is why I keep 2 canvas grocery bags inside. On a good day, I come out with one in each hand, filled with mushrooms!

Best place to find: garage sales, thrift stores, rummage sales, church/community sales

This large basket would be $15 at a craft store,
but thrifted for only $1

2. Large basket with a handle

Baskets are considered a must-have for a mushroom enthusiast, many guided forays will require that you have one. Many mushrooms squish easily, and the safest way to store them, in-tact, for identification is laid out flat in the bottom of a large basket. For your own connivence, get one with a handle.

In addition to mushroom hunting, I like my basket for walks to through the neighborhood, or to the local park - anyplace that doesn't really require the backpack. Wild herbs and smaller plants and edible flowers (think wood sorrel, young nettles) are better kept in a basket, where they don't run the risk of crushing or bruising.

Best place to find: thrift stores, rummage sales, estate sales, church/community sales