So I'm not sure if this is a dumb thread but, I have seen a few threads here and there about things that are nice to bring or for just in case situations but I don't think I have seen any on things that you should not bring. Usually I have been more tailoring what I bring based on where I am going, and don't mind leaving stuff in my car. But was curious on things that are just not practical or smart to take with.

I was doing a little bit of research on this myself for both of the states I explore in and was surprised at the differences on what I should bring in each state based on laws.
Example: I go between CA and NV. In NV it is the law to Identify yourself when stopped by police. It is also considered criminal intent to have any lockpicks on you which can make getting caught a whole lot worse. Neither of these are the case in CA

Anything that can be construed as a burglary tool. If you do have to bring it, ditch it at the slightest hint of trouble. Also make sure to look up your local laws- in MO for example, even gloves and a flashlight can be considered burglary tools if the cops want them to be.

I've heard too many stories of people getting arrested because they thought they could sneak past the cops with their tools so they wouldn't have to buy new ones. It's cheaper to replace $70 worth of tools than it is to pay $7000 in legal bills.

As someone who has a flashlight, pocket knife, and sometimes a pair of gloves in my camera bag, that is not something I would have considered to count as tools but it makes sense. I will definitely do more research for my states, thank you!!

Posted by TobaColwyn As someone who has a flashlight, pocket knife, and sometimes a pair of gloves in my camera bag, that is not something I would have considered to count as tools but it makes sense. I will definitely do more research for my states, thank you!!

One of the problems is that LEOs have a great deal of discretion in what they want to identify as a 'burglary tool'. Obviously in Nevada you don't want to have lock picks in your possession since that's called out in the NRS. Anything that looks like a pry bar or hacksaw would also be a non-starter. In the event of getting detained by police, your actual activity will determine a lot of the outcome. If you are walking out with a backpack full of items obviously from the site, then anything in your possession could be considered a burglary tool. On the other hand if you are lugging around a camera bag with lenses and a tripod over your shoulder, that's less likely. You may get tagged for trespassing, but probably not breaking and entering. Pretty big difference.

A lot of my mine exploring friends like to take along a battery powered angle grinder with a stack of cut-off blades. I just can't bring myself to do that. It pretty well guarantees an arrest if you get caught. I worked for a law enforcement agency for 30 years and now work as a consultant. An arrest would assure that I would lose my security clearance and job. I can probably talk my way out of trespassing charge, but absolutely not if I get caught cutting my way into a gated mine. That would be a federal charge....

Common sense is your best tool.

Abby Normal

Posted by Aran Anything that can be construed as a burglary tool. If you do have to bring it, ditch it at the slightest hint of trouble. Also make sure to look up your local laws- in MO for example, even gloves and a flashlight can be considered burglary tools if the cops want them to be. I've heard too many stories of people getting arrested because they thought they could sneak past the cops with their tools so they wouldn't have to buy new ones. It's cheaper to replace $70 worth of tools than it is to pay $7000 in legal bills.

Same in Australia - going equipped to steal.

Honestly even if you don't use it, I feel like bringing an actual camera makes a good alibi that you are not stealing or anything, and can maybe even be used to explain away possibly questionable items

also recommend staying away from spray paint and other tagging tools like paint markers and whatnot. while you probably wont go to jail for carrying it, getting convicted does count as defacement of property which also wont send you to jail but can get you pretty hefty fines (~$500-$2000) depending what state youre in and the degree of damage and depending on the owner of the property

just looks suspicious af overall

The most obvious answer is a weapon of any kind. A big knife, gun, taser, pepper spray, etc. I remember one guy here talking about how he considered making a pipe pistol to carry with him, and he was talked out of it pretty quickly.