Want to get into ghost hunting and wondering where to even start with gear? To really kick off your paranormal investigations, you should figure out what kind of equipment suits your needs and budget, because there are tons of options out there, from simple, everyday items you might already own to specialized gadgets seen on TV. Whether you’re a curious beginner or looking to upgrade your setup, you’ve got a few solid avenues for picking up ghost hunting equipment, mostly online, but also some unexpected places in person. You might be surprised how much you can do with a basic flashlight, a good digital voice recorder, and even your smartphone to start. It’s not about breaking the bank, but rather strategically acquiring the tools that’ll help you capture those elusive encounters.
The Big Online Retailers: Your First Stop for Basic Gear
Let’s be real, for most things these days, your first thought is probably Amazon, and for good reason! It’s a fantastic starting point for pretty much all your essential ghost hunting equipment, especially if you’re just dipping your toes into the paranormal world. Think about it: you can find everything from sturdy flashlights to reliable digital voice recorders without ever leaving your couch.
You’ll definitely want a decent digital voice recorder for capturing Electronic Voice Phenomena EVPs. These are often the easiest and most common pieces of evidence people find. My go-to trick? Just leave it running in a quiet room, ask some questions, and give plenty of time for a response. Later, you can listen back with headphones for any whispers or sounds you missed. You can grab good entry-level recorders for around $25-$40, and even older models work great.
Next up, an EMF meter. These gadgets are designed to detect fluctuations in electromagnetic fields, which many paranormal enthusiasts believe indicate spirit presence. The K2 style EMF reader is a popular choice among beginners because it’s usually pretty affordable, often around $20. Just a heads-up, though, these meters can be sensitive to regular electronics, so always be mindful of your surroundings. Some people even recommend higher quality meters like the MEL, Trifield, or Rook for more reliable readings.
And of course, don’t forget a really good flashlight. Seriously, this isn’t just for seeing in the dark. it’s a safety essential and can even be used as a trigger object for “flashlight sessions” where spirits are supposedly able to manipulate the light. Aim for something with at least 2,000-3,000 lumens, or even higher for excellent illumination. You can find solid options on Amazon for $10-$60.
Another everyday item that gets a paranormal upgrade? Cameras! A good video camera, especially one with night vision infrared, or IR, is super helpful for documenting your investigations. You can find budget-friendly camcorders or action cameras on Amazon that include IR capabilities. If you already have a modern smartphone, its camera can certainly pull double duty for photos and videos, though dedicated cameras might offer better low-light performance.
Beyond Amazon, general electronics stores like Best Buy or even big box stores like Walmart might carry some of these basic electronics. Walmart, for example, lists various EMF meters and motion-activated cat balls that some ghost hunters use as trigger objects. The key is to look for versatile equipment that serves a practical purpose first, and then consider its potential for paranormal investigation.
Specialty Paranormal Shops: Dedicated Gear for Serious Investigators
If you’re ready to step up your game beyond the basics and get some really specialized ghost hunting equipment, then online paranormal shops are where it’s at. These stores cater specifically to ghost hunters and often carry the professional-grade gear you see on TV shows.
One of the most well-known names in the paranormal equipment world is GhostStop. They offer a huge selection, from beginner kits to professional setups, including EMF meters, full-spectrum cameras, EVP recorders, spirit boxes, and even custom-built items. Many Reddit users specifically recommend GhostStop for their quality and selection. They even put together themed ghost hunting kits to save you time and money, like their Beginner Ghost Hunting Kit or Spirit Box Ghost Hunting Kit.
Another reputable online store is The GhostHunter Store, which prides itself on being one of the original paranormal one-stop shops. They boast a large selection of equipment, and their gear has been featured on many popular TV shows like Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures. You can find items like spirit boxes, REM-Pods, thermal imaging cameras, and various communication devices there.
Ghost Hunters Equipment by GHOST AUGUSTINE is another excellent option, especially if you’re looking for unique or advanced tools like the Kinect SLS Camera or specialized paranormal podcast boxes. They also offer ghost tours, which means they use and stand by the equipment they sell.
Then there’s Vortex Ghost Gear, known for custom-built equipment since 2005. If you’re looking for something unique or incredibly durable, they craft top-tier products like the Trigger Prop Dogs & Cats, Static Dome, and various infrared lights.
Many of these specialty stores also offer bundle deals or kits, which can be a great way to get a comprehensive set of tools at a slightly reduced price compared to buying everything individually. For instance, a Beginner Ghost Hunting Kit might include an EMF meter, an EVP recorder, and a flashlight, giving you a solid foundation to start with.
Local Finds: Hunting for Gear Near Me
While most serious ghost hunting equipment is found online, you might be surprised by what you can find locally if you know where to look. When people search for “where to buy ghost hunting equipment near me” or “hunting supplies near me,” they’re usually hoping for a quick find.
- Novelty or Halloween Stores: Around Halloween, some seasonal stores might carry basic, toy-like paranormal gadgets. While these often aren’t professional-grade, they can be fun for casual investigations or for younger enthusiasts. You might even find cheap UV flashlights or dowsing rods.
- Electronics Stores: For some of the more general items like digital voice recorders, decent flashlights, or even basic cameras, a local electronics store is a good bet. Think places that sell home security cameras. some of these might have night vision capabilities that can be repurposed for ghost hunting.
- Surplus or Spy Supply Stores: Sometimes, stores that specialize in spy equipment or surplus electronics, like Metro Spy Supply, will carry items that double as ghost hunting gear, such as smartphone thermal imaging cameras or handheld EMF detectors. These stores are often niche, so a quick online search for “spy supply near me” might point you in the right direction.
- Ghost Tour Gift Shops: If you’re ever visiting a historically haunted city or taking a ghost tour, check out their gift shops. Places like St. Charles Ghost Tours or Ghost Hunters Equipment by GHOST AUGUSTINE, which also runs tours, often sell equipment right on site. This gives you the unique opportunity to see the gear in person and even ask experienced guides about their recommendations.
Remember that “hunting supplies near me” might bring up traditional hunting and fishing stores, which won’t carry paranormal gear. Instead, focus on electronics, novelty, or specialized tourism-related shops.
The Budget-Friendly and DIY Route: Free Ghost Hunting Equipment?
Let’s face it, not everyone has hundreds of dollars to drop on high-tech gear. And that’s totally okay! You can actually get started with some incredibly effective tools without spending much, if anything at all. When people ask “where can I get free ghost hunting equipment,” the answer often lies in their pockets or around their house.
Your smartphone is a powerhouse of basic ghost hunting tools. It has a camera for photos and videos, a voice recorder for EVPs, and even sensor apps that can measure temperature, humidity, and light. Some apps even claim to detect EMF, although you should take those with a grain of salt and cross-reference them with dedicated EMF meters if you can. Just make sure your phone is in airplane mode during investigations to minimize interference.
Everyday items can also be repurposed:
- Flashlights: You probably already own one!
- Thermometers: A regular digital thermometer can help detect those mysterious cold spots.
- Notebook and Pen: Essential for jotting down observations, times, and personal experiences. This is arguably one of the most important and cheapest tools you can have.
- Dowsing Rods: While their scientific validity is debated, simple dowsing rods made from bent coat hangers can be a fun and inexpensive way to experiment with energy detection.
For the crafty among you, DIY ghost hunting equipment is a real thing! You can build your own basic EMF detectors with a compass, copper wire, and an audio amplifier. Some enthusiasts even construct budget-friendly REM Pods or temperature alarms using inexpensive electronics kits. A Reddit user mentioned that a REM Pod is essentially a junior Theremin kit, which can be bought for much less than a commercial REM Pod. Another common DIY item mentioned on Reddit is modifying cat toys with motion-sensing lights to use as trigger objects, which can be bought for around $11 for a set of four.
The idea here is to start simple. As many experienced ghost hunters on Reddit suggest, you don’t need to drop a ton of cash to start. Focus on good recording devices and documentation first, and then build up your specialized gear over time if you feel it’s necessary.
Essential Ghost Hunting Equipment to Consider
No matter where you buy it, here’s a quick rundown of the must-have ghost hunting gear you’ll want to think about for your paranormal investigations:
- Digital Voice Recorder: This is crucial for capturing EVPs, those disembodied voices or sounds not heard at the time of recording. They’re relatively inexpensive and can be found on Amazon or at any electronics store. A good option is an Olympus VN-541PC Digital Voice Recorder or similar.
- EMF Meter: Used to detect fluctuations in electromagnetic fields, which are believed by some to indicate spirit activity. You can find various models, from basic K2 meters to more advanced TriField meters, on Amazon or specialty stores.
- Flashlight: Not just for illumination, but for safety and as a potential communication tool. Get a bright, durable one. Consider a NITECORE CI6 Chameleon LED Flashlight with Infrared Light for versatility.
- Camera Still & Video: For visual evidence. Night vision IR or full-spectrum cameras are particularly useful for seeing in low-light conditions. Look for camcorders with IR capability, like those available on Amazon.
- Infrared Thermometer: For detecting cold spots, which some theories suggest are signs of paranormal energy absorption. You can find these easily on Amazon or at hardware stores.
- Notebook and Pen: Old school but indispensable for logging observations, questions, and responses in real-time.
- Extra Batteries: Electronic devices chew through batteries, especially in cold environments. Always, always pack spares.
- Optional but Popular:
- Spirit Box Ghost Box: This device rapidly scans radio frequencies, creating white noise that some believe spirits can manipulate to form words. Models like the P-SB7 or SBox are popular. You can find them on Amazon or specialty sites like GhostStop.
- REM Pod: This uses an electromagnetic field to detect changes in its environment, often lighting up or beeping if something passes through it. They can be pricier, but DIY options exist.
- SLS Camera Structured Light Sensor Camera: Often adapted from Xbox Kinect cameras, these project a grid of infrared dots and can allegedly detect stick-figure-like forms of entities invisible to the naked eye. Specialty stores like Ghost Hunters Equipment by GHOST AUGUSTINE sell these.
- Motion Sensors/Trigger Objects: Simple devices or even motion-activated cat balls that light up or make noise when movement is detected, providing a trigger for potential activity.
While the “scientific legitimacy” of much of this equipment is often debated among skeptics and the wider scientific community, many paranormal investigators find these tools valuable for documenting experiences and attempting to interact with the unseen. The key is to approach it with an open mind, document everything thoroughly, and be aware of potential false positives from the environment or electronic interference.
Ultimately, where you buy your ghost hunting equipment will depend on your budget, your level of experience, and what kind of investigations you want to do. Whether it’s a quick Amazon order, a visit to a specialized online store, or a clever DIY project, the world of paranormal investigation is open to everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the absolute must-have items for a beginner ghost hunter?
For anyone just starting out, the absolute must-haves are a reliable digital voice recorder for EVPs, a good quality flashlight for safety and basic interaction, and a notebook with a pen to meticulously document all your experiences and observations. You might also want to add a basic EMF meter, like a K2, which is fairly inexpensive and widely used by beginners. Don’t forget extra batteries for everything!
Can I really use my smartphone for ghost hunting equipment?
Absolutely! Your smartphone is surprisingly versatile for basic ghost hunting. It has a high-quality camera for photos and videos, a voice recorder for EVPs, and you can download various sensor apps that claim to detect temperature, humidity, or even EMF fluctuations. Just remember to put your phone in airplane mode during an investigation to minimize any electromagnetic interference it might cause, which could give you false readings on other equipment.
Are there any physical stores where I can buy ghost hunting equipment near me?
Finding dedicated “ghost hunting equipment stores near me” can be a bit tricky, as most specialized gear is sold online. However, you might find some luck in novelty or Halloween-themed shops around seasonal holidays, or general electronics stores for items like digital recorders and flashlights. If you’re near a city known for its paranormal history, like St. Augustine, Florida, you might find physical shops associated with ghost tours that sell equipment, such as Ghost Hunters Equipment by GHOST AUGUSTINE. You could also check “spy supply stores near me” for some crossover tech.
Is expensive ghost hunting equipment more effective than cheaper options?
Not necessarily! Many seasoned ghost hunters, and even discussions on Reddit, suggest that a lot of the highly specialized, expensive gear can be overpriced and doesn’t always provide more reliable evidence than basic tools. Often, the interpretation of the data from these devices is more crucial than the device itself. Some popular items like REM Pods can even be built with inexpensive electronics kits for a fraction of the commercial cost. Focusing on solid recording, clear documentation, and your own sensory experiences is often more valuable than a pile of pricey gadgets. Wondershare recoverit what is it
What’s a Spirit Box, and where do people usually buy them?
A Spirit Box, also known as a Ghost Box, is a device that rapidly scans through radio frequencies, creating a sweep of white noise. The theory is that spirits can manipulate this white noise to form words or even short phrases, allowing for direct communication. These are some of the more specialized pieces of equipment. People typically buy them from dedicated paranormal equipment websites like GhostStop, The GhostHunter Store, or Ghost Hunters Equipment by GHOST AUGUSTINE. You can also find various models, such as the P-SB7 or SBox, on large online retailers like Amazon or eBay.
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