💡 Universal Considerations
- •Check local regulations — many areas prohibit motorized equipment
- •Shallow rivers and creeks work best with compact sluices
- •Fine gold requires matting designed for flour gold recovery
Sluice Comparison
We've ranked these based on portability and efficiency for backcountry trips.
Gold Genie Pocket Sluice
$45-65 USD
Pros
- Ultra-portable
- Great for beginners
- Works in shallow water
Cons
- • Low capacity
- • Not for heavy gravel
Backpacker Pro 24" Sluice
$80-120 USD
Pros
- Good balance of size/weight
- Folds flat
- Removable riffles
Cons
- • Needs moderate flow
- • Plastic can crack in cold
Keene A51 Mini Sluice
$150-200 USD
Pros
- Professional quality
- Aluminium construction
- Proven design
Cons
- • Heavier
- • More expensive
DIY Sluice (Build Your Own)
$20-50 USD
Pros
- Custom size
- Cheap
- Satisfaction of building
Cons
- • Requires tools
- • Trial and error
What Size Sluice Do You Need?
For most recreational fossicking areas, a 24-30 inch sluice is ideal. Longer sluices (48"+) are overkill for shallow creeks and harder to position correctly in the flow.
If you're hiking into remote spots, weight matters. A folding plastic sluice or even just a gold pan might be more practical than lugging aluminium sheeting.
DIY Sluice Tips
Building your own sluice is affordable and satisfying.
- Aluminium gutter sections (perfect width, cheap at hardware stores)
- Miners moss or ribbed rubber matting for riffles
- Expanded metal mesh for classifying
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