The weather here in the UK can sometimes be challenging! As I write this in early July the rain is torrential, but it isn’t cold. The grass is loving it but I’m not as keen so let’s just take a moment to look back at what was a very typical day out detecting the this uncertain English weather for one of my detecting friends.
It was one of those quintessential British days – the sky a patchwork of grey clouds threatening rain at any moment. But as any dedicated detectorist knows, the weather waits for no one, especially when you’ve got permission for a promising new site.
I remember setting out that morning, my breath visible in the crisp autumn air. The field I was heading to was reputed to have Roman connections, and the farmer had just ploughed it the week before. Perfect timing, I thought, if only the weather would cooperate.
As I trudged across the muddy field, my boots sinking slightly with each step, I was grateful for my investment in proper footwear. These weren’t just any old wellies, mind you. They were neoprene-lined boots designed specifically for detectorists, keeping my feet warm and dry even in the boggy British countryside. I’d learned the hard way that regular walking boots just don’t cut it when you’re spending hours in wet fields. There’s nothing worse than squelchy socks halfway through a promising day of detecting.
I’d barely been detecting for an hour when the heavens opened up. The light drizzle quickly turned into a proper downpour, the kind that seems to come at you sideways. This is where my waterproof detector really proved its worth. It was a Minelab Equinox 800, a bit of an investment, but worth every penny on days like this. While other detectors might have given up the ghost, mine kept on ticking, unbothered by the British weather doing its worst.
I’ve seen too many fellow detectorists have to call it a day when their non-waterproof detectors start playing up in the rain. It’s heartbreaking to have to pack up just when the soil is getting nice and damp – often the best time for finding those elusive deep signals. With my Equinox, I knew I could keep going regardless of what the skies threw at me.
As the rain continued to fall, I was thankful for my detecting jacket. It wasn’t just waterproof; it was breathable too, preventing that clammy feeling you get when you’re working hard in regular waterproofs. The deep pockets were perfect for stashing my finds pouch and other bits and bobs, keeping everything dry and within easy reach. I’d even treated myself to some waterproof gloves this season, which were proving their worth as I swiped my wet fringe out of my eyes.
Despite the weather, I was determined to make the most of my day out. That’s when I heard it – that sweet, high tone that makes every detectorist’s heart skip a beat. I knelt down, not minding the mud thanks to my waterproof trousers, and started to dig.
My pinpointer, also waterproof (sensing a theme here?), helped me locate the target precisely in the wet soil. As I carefully extracted a small, round object from the earth, I couldn’t help but grin. There, caked in mud but unmistakable, was a Roman coin.
As I stood there, rain dripping off the brim of my waterproof hat, coin in hand, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of triumph. Not just over finding the coin, but over the weather itself. With the right gear, even the famous British weather couldn’t stop a determined detectorist.
The rest of the day continued in much the same vein – periods of rain interspersed with brief sunny spells, that magical British combination that can’t seem to make up its mind. By the time I trudged back to my car, I was tired but satisfied. My finds pouch was heavier, my clothes were muddy, but thanks to my essential wet-weather gear, I was still warm and dry underneath.
As I packed away my equipment into my car, I reflected on the day. The British weather might be unpredictable, but with the right preparation and gear, it doesn’t have to put a damper on your detecting. From waterproof detectors to proper boots, breathable jackets to rain-resistant hats, having the right equipment can make all the difference between a miserable, soggy day and a successful hunt.
It wasn’t always like this, though. I remember when I first started detecting, armed with nothing but enthusiasm and a pair of old trainers. I’d come home soaked to the bone, my socks squelching with every step, and my detector playing up after a light shower. It was a steep learning curve, but one that every British detectorist has to go through.
Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my kit to handle whatever the British weather throws at me. It’s not just about staying dry, it’s about being comfortable enough to keep detecting for hours on end. After all, you never know when that next amazing find is just a sweep away.
Take my detecting bag, for instance. It’s not just any old backpack. It’s a purpose-built, waterproof bag with compartments for all my gear. There’s a special padded section for my detector when it’s broken down, separate pockets for my digger and pinpointer, and even a built-in rain cover for extra protection. It means I can keep all my gear organized and dry, even when I’m caught in a sudden downpour.
And let’s not forget the importance of layers. The British weather is notorious for its rapid changes, and I’ve learned to dress accordingly. A good base layer wicks away sweat when you’re working hard, while a fleece provides warmth without bulk. Top it off with that waterproof, breathable jacket, and you’re ready for anything.
One piece of kit that’s often overlooked is a good pair of detecting headphones. Not only do they help you hear those faint signals, but a waterproof pair can make all the difference on a rainy day. There’s nothing worse than having to pack up because your headphones have started crackling in the damp.
As I drove home that evening, the Roman coin safely tucked away in my finds pouch, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Not just because of the find, though that was certainly a highlight. No, it was the knowledge that I’d conquered the elements, that I’d been out there making discoveries while others might have stayed at home, put off by a bit of rain.
That’s the thing about metal detecting in Britain. The weather is as much a part of the experience as the history beneath our feet. It’s a challenge, certainly, but one that can be overcome with the right attitude and the right gear. And when you do overcome it, when you’re out there in the wind and the rain, unearthing history piece by piece, there’s no feeling quite like it.
So next time you’re tempted to call off a detecting trip because of a little rain (or a lot of rain, as the case may be), remember: with the right gear, you can battle the British weather and come out on top. After all, some of the best finds come on the worst weather days. And isn’t that what makes this hobby so exciting?
As I settled in for the evening, cleaning my finds and recording the day’s discoveries, I smiled to myself. Tomorrow’s forecast was for more rain, with a chance of sleet. Perfect detecting weather, I thought. I couldn’t wait to get out there again.
