For a paranormal researcher, equipment is a must. Good equipment means a better chance of capturing reliable evidence, and reliable evidence is necessary to prove or even debunk a potential haunting. Here is a list of basic equipment that any ghost hunter should have, plus some fancy-dancy pieces of equipment that I’m drooling over until I get my hands on them.
Notebook and pen/pencil: Never underestimate the power of old-school equipment. This is good for keeping track of personal experiences that you can’t capture on film, and for recording equipment readings. Also, it doesn’t hurt to take momentary breaks during a hunt to reflect on what you’re feeling or thinking and to journal a bit.
Measuring tape: This allows you to get a feel for room dimensions and distances relating to any paranormal sightings you may experience. Taking room dimensions before starting an investigation can also help during the evidence review process.
Flashlight: LED lights are my personal fave. Be sure to pack plenty of extra batteries, because there’s nothing less useful than a dead flashlight. Plus, some say that paranormal activity has the potential to drain batteries, as the spirits may pull energy from the surroundings to manifest. It’s not a proven fact, but a few spare batteries don’t take up much room. Better safe than sorry! I usually bring along a crank-light, but find that the awful noise mine makes is just too much for me to handle when I’m in investigation mode.
Digital camera: I use a small Canon, which takes some good pictures. I’m sure some investigators use fancier cameras, but most any digital camera will do. Some researchers prefer 35 mm cameras over digital, because digital photos are easier to tamper with. If you go digital, spare batteries are always a good idea!
Camcorder: I don’t have one, so I tend to use the video feature on my digital camera if I need to. But camcorders are great for capturing extended periods of the investigation, and make it easy to review evidence once the investigation aspect is over.
Digital recorder: These are much easier to deal with than tape recorders, and produce less machine-created background noise. Digital recorders are often used to capture EVPs, and can also be useful in documenting events of the investigation. I have two small Sony’s that work rather well, didn’t cost an arm and a leg, and have USB capabilities that allow me to easily transfer files from device to my computer for backup and review.
Digital thermometer: Temperature changes (especially dramatic cooling) can be associated with paranormal activity. Digital thermometers help monitor such changes, and can help identify “cold spots” associated with manifestations. Besides being easier to read than traditional mercury thermometers, digital ones are more accurate. This is on my wish list…
EMF meter: This, too, is on my wish list. EMF meters measure Electromagnetic Frequency. A high EMF reading can be associated with paranormal activity, or more natural causes like power lines or electrical equipment. By finding a location’s “baseline” reading, it’s easier to find potentially natural causes, or watch for possibly paranormal spikes.
Thermal camcorder: Besides the really cool tie-dye-looking effect, these ultra-spiffy cameras capture temperature changes visually, making it easy to identify even slight temperature changes or sudden cold spots.
These relatively common pieces of equipment are regularly used in paranormal investigations. You may already have some of them lying around, so preparing for an investigation really isn’t all that difficult! Happy hunting!
The Helpful Haunt 