Railfans, like myself, frequently organize prearranged railfan outings. However, there are occasions when spontaneous railfanning trips arise. I have meticulously assembled all the essentials in my trusty backpack over the past few years. This way, whenever a heritage unit is scheduled to pass by, I can swiftly grab my backpack and camera bag, ensuring that I am fully prepared to embark on an exciting railfanning adventure at a moment’s notice.
When choosing a backpack, it’s important to consider the number of compartments it has for your gear. I suggest looking for one that includes two deep external water bottle pockets. These pockets are not only perfect for carrying water bottles but they can also be used to hold your scanner. Additionally, investing in a quality water bottle is a good idea. Opting for a backpack with two spacious compartments will make it easier for you to stay organized. Many backpacks come with a front compartment designed for storing a notepad and a few pens. Personally, I prefer L.L. Bean backpacks due to their durability, weatherproof fabric, and strong stitching.
Now, what to put into the backpack? I would recommend a good pair of binoculars with a carrying case included. Those outdoor stores often have sales on them. I found binoculars handy for looking at the signals or to see what was coming down the tracks.
Looking to go railfanning with your buddies? Talkabout (FRS Radios), an affordable two-way radio, is a smart choice. These compact radios are budget-friendly and usually run on AA batteries. They operate on the 22 FRS (Family Radio Service) UHF 462 and 467 MHz channels, which are consistent across various FRS two-way radio brands. This makes it convenient to connect with fellow railfans. The best part? You don’t need an FCC license for these radios, and they can cover a distance of up to one mile, depending on the terrain.
Carrying talkabouts and a scanner in most cases both require AA batteries. So it would be ideal to carry extra batteries. I have found that wholesale club stores seem to have the best battery prices, and their brand batteries are great. If you don’t have any railfanning trips planned for a while, I recommend removing the battery from your scanner and talkabouts. If these batteries leak, it won’t damage your radios. I would also recommend carrying a power brick for your cellphone as well.
I would also recommend investing in a half-inch binder. I often print off part of the railroad timetables for lines that I railfan and store them inside the binder to reference when I’m out railfanning. This is handy while learning the landmarks and mileposts of the lines you railfan.
Other things worth mentioning are sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and bug spray. I would place all these things into a freezer ziplock bag just in case they leak.
