The Tide Is Out

What’s In My Tide Pooling Bag? 10 Tide Pooling Essentials

Just like any other outdoor hobby, tide pooling has gear that will make your trip to the rocky shores much more enjoyable. If you’re going to the tide pools purposefully, it’s a good idea to have a bag packed so you are prepared for your adventure. However, you should know that these things are not necessary for tide pooling; any beach goer can explore the rocks at low tide with nothing more than curiosity and a keen eye

There are lots of variations to what people like to bring and use at the tide pools, and these are just my essentials. Sometimes I have more or less depending on where I am going or what I am looking for, but these items will do you well whenever and wherever you are visiting the tide pools.

1. Essentials: Phone, Keys, ID, Backpack, etc. These are no-brainers. Don’t make the mistake of leaving these at home because you’re afraid they’ll fall in the water. Having a phone on you is particularly important for safety. I also always bring a backpack when I tide pool for holding gear; a pack like this one that has a hip belt does well as it doesn’t slide off your back while bending over.
2. Water bottle: Navigating rocky pools can be tiring and chances are high you’ll be there during the day, so make sure to stay hydrated
3. Camera: Whether your are using just a smartphone, an underwater camera or a DSLR, don’t forget to bring it. You might also want to bring a small bag to put your larger camera in when you’re not using it. 
4. Beach Essentials: If you need it for walking on the beach, you’ll probably need it at the tide pools. Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen/sun protection are essential when visiting the tide pools during the day, but make sure not to put sunscreen on your hands or feet as the chemicals can be harmful to animals 
5. Towels: Usually, I carry a small hand towel in my backpack for drying off my underwater camera, but I also keep a full size towel in the car to brush off my feet and/or sit on in my car if I got wet. 
6. Snacks: While not technically essential, it’s a good idea to bring a couple snacks if you’re going to gone a while, just in case. 
7. Extra Camera Batteries, Memory Cards, and Battery Pack: I always pack extra batteries for my camera and usually have an extra memory card as well. It’s also a good idea to bring a battery pack and cord for your phone, in case you forgot to charge it. 
8. Flash Light or Headlamp: Even during the day, a flash light or headlamp can be very helpful for peering under rocks and boulders. You’ll be surprised how many animals live permanently in these locations or retreat there at low tide. 
9. Small First Aid Kit: Good to have anywhere you go, a first aid kit comes in handy at the tide pools for cuts, bruises, and scrapes. Also useful for helping others who may not be as prepared as you are. 
10. Field Guide: I don’t always bring a field guide as books seem too cumbersome and shorter guides don’t often ID animals I’m not already familiar with, but a water proof, fold-out guide like this one can be very useful to the beginner tide pooler.