Ghost Hunting Equipment: Must Have Accessories

I'm sure you have all realized by now that I'm a bit of a tech geek and gadget hoarder. Being a paranormal investigator and bigfoot researcher only adds to this. I love my equipment.

Most people know about the basic ghost hunting equipment like night vision camera, flashlight, voice recorder, KII meter, and even thermometer. However, some of my favorite gear is the gadgets that add to the functionality of my general equipment. I'm going to go over my favorites here.

1. Lights

There are all kinds of lights to use during a paranormal investigation. There are flashlights, color filter flashlights, spot lights, black lights, and IR lights. They all have their own purpose and should be used accordingly. 

Flashlights may seem obvious to see where you are going, but some people use the ones with twist off and on to get answers from entities. Color filter flashlights can help your eyes adjust better and even make the light not as harsh on cameras. I have seen black lights been used in experiments, and I have conducted some of my own, so they are definitely a fun addition. IR lights have a specific function in a paranormal investigation- an external one can help extend the range of your night vision camera. 

2. Tripods, Monopods & Selfie Sticks

I have many different tripods- I have standard ones, table top ones, laser grid holders, gorilla pods, and more. I also have several monopods and selfie sticks for different purposes, as well as attachments for both so I can attach whatever equipment I want and just have one hand full of gear. This also allows me to set up a tripod with a camera and external IR light for a better range- a camera bracket helps that. 

I do have a favorite selfie stick- the Alezan selfie stick allows me to use my camera, phone, or go pro with different accessories so that I can accomplish what I need to. See my review here. (giveaway here)

3. Power

Power is a very important part of paranormal investigations- we always need to make sure our equipment is charged, have backup batteries, and a way to charge on the go. There are many different battery packs on the market that will allow you to charge anything via USB. There are also solar chargers that can help with this. I have recently bout some adapters that will allow me to use a 9volt battery to in place of a dc adapter- great for old buildings with no power and outside investigations. I use it on a security camera and ir lights. 

4. Tape, Bungees, Etc. 

This may seem odd, but you should always have a supply of these items on hand. I have had to use bungee cords to attach items to tripods, to fix tripods in a pinch, and even help with command central. Tape is great for measuring, holding down cords, emergency fixings, and even for documenting anomalies like items moving. Gaffer's tape is the best option. It is what photographers use and is a matte black so that you do not have the shine in a photo or video

Other items to include are screwdrivers, measuring tapes, and a first aid kit. 

5. Phones and Tablets

I love using my phone and tablet on paranormal investigations. I actually use my old LG Optimus L90 with some paranormal apps to measure different things, take photos and videos, and record evps. I use the old one because I do not have to worry about getting calls during an investigation. There are all kinds of apps to add to the functionality of phones and tablets during investigations. Some of these include vibration sensor, ghost meters, echovox, spirit boxes, emf detectors, etc. There are even apps from T.A.P.S. I will actually be testing and reviewing some of these soon.

I Must Be Hallucinating & A Special Discount

Did you guys know that I'm a columnist for I Must Be Hallucinating? Well, I am and I enjoy writing about all the weird stuff that catches my attention and draws me in. There are articles about cryptids, zombies, vampires, werewolves, aliens, and more. There are so many interesting articles, and the other authors are so interesting that I'm sure you can get lost in the site for days, just like I do.

My first article featured a "cryptid" that I investigated, along with the journey of getting to the bottom of it. You can find more here:
Things Are Not What They Appear: Do Your Research Before a Wild Duck Hunt
I Must Be hallucinating even has a shop with some pretty cool items that I'm sure will draw you in. Guess what?! You can get a 10% discount, if you enter PARASASS at the checkout!

Welcome To My Paranormal World

For a few years now, my personal blog, The Palmetto Queen has been home to all  blog posts, although it didn't start out that way. It is supposed to be for organizing, parenting, and homeschool. However, my paranormal and tech posts have taken over.

Now, my tech posts will be here. I will gradually move those over here and new ones will be posted on both for a while. Please bear with me while I get this in order.

World's Best Headlamp: #MyLifeAfterDark #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received a product to review. All opinions are my own.

I have had a bit going on in the family for the past few weeks. I've been struggling to keep up, and basically getting things done at the deadline. I apologize for this- which is the reason there have been many posts in one day, but none on other days- just keeping my head above water.

Before the chaos ensued, I had been working quite diligently on my book (that will be released one day) The Paranormal Sass: My Life, After Dark. I'm hoping to have it ready by the end of the year, but just in case I don't, I've decided to bring something special to all you amazing readers of The Palmetto Queen. Because I know many of you do follow my paranormal journey, I am starting a new series: #MyLifeAfterDark (To tweet or share, please use #MyLifeAfterDark and #ParaSass). This series will feature my favorite gear, highlights of my adventures (soon, you will see the amazing gift my son received from one of the guys of Finding Bigfoot), and even tips for keeping sane with so much insanity. Basically, my life as a paranormal rock star. This series will hopefully coincide with my new site (Which is where one would go to book me or chat with me). This series, and new site, will highlight my experiences with CSPRI Inc, The Carolina Cryptid Crew, Paralina, and Ghost Hunters United (psst- I'm now half owner). It should be interesting. Those of you who like to follow my paranormal journey should get your fill.

The first installment of this series will highlight my new favorite piece of gear. The SportsTek Headlamp is now attached to me for all of my after dark adventures.

By the way, yes that is Tbomb's hand. He always wants my new gear!

This headlamp is a 4-in-1 solution for lighting problems.

• Headlamp
• Spotlight
• Bike light
• Belt lamp

Everything you need for these functions is included in the box. The light comes attached to the headlamp strap, but is held on with a clip. Because of this, it easily attaches to a belt, the battery pack (for use as a spotlight) and to the bike mount. 

In my experience, the bike mount adapters (for anything) can also be used on mic stands, tripods, and mono-pods. This is even more functionality for me, especially when I am filming for Paralina. When positioned correctly, it can light what you are filming without the beam showing up. 

Of all the features of this light, which they are all amazing, I do have one favorite. The belt clip is beyond amazing. While I'm not a big belt person, I do find myself wearing one during bigfoot expeditions to help keep my hands as free as possible. Huge win for this light. In addition to that, I can clip it on my backpack strap so that it is higher up and also added rotation to the light. The light swivels, but on my strap, it can swivel further. 

The external battery pack is one thing that keeps this light working so well in so many different functions. It takes 4 AAs. I like this because I do not have to have appropriate charging items with me at all times. I always keep a good many brand new batteries on me, but I use rechargeable batteries when possible. I make sure I have the extras and my USB battery charger and I'm good to go! 

My second favorite feature is the ability to use it as a spotlight or desk light. The way this works is really cool- just attach the clips of the battery pack (which serves as the base) and the light together and you have a free standing light. I like this for setting up equipment, filling out paperwork before an investigation or expedition, and having a little light around command central when we need it. See what I mean?! There is no where you can't use this light. If you needed to, you could use it as a flashlight this way too, but why would you want to when it does all of these cool things.
If these features aren't enough, we haven't even covered the actual light yet. Check out these amazing features:

• Water resistant
• CERTIFIED CREE XP-R3220 Lumens
• Zoomable
• Premium grade
• Fits helmet/ hard hat
• LED light
• 688 Foot distance
• Click for on/off
• Adjustable elastic strap
• Swivels up/ down
• Strobe functionality. 
• Sturdy construction- engineered from high-strength aerospace aluminum alloy & glass-filled ABS polymer. 
• Read about the guarantee and more on Amazon 
• That  is a lot of features!

Guess what?! That's not even all. When you order through Amazon, you get a free bonus. You will receive an email containing a free e-book "Surviving The Wild Outdoors." This book features survival skills that can be used during any life-threatening or survival situation. Let's face it, most of us could benefit from skills like this. 

I honestly cannot think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from this light!!! 

The SportsTek company is a family owned business in New Jersey that is dedicated to providing the best gear to all the outdoors people of the world. I cannot wait to see what they offer next! 

I will definitely be using this light on my next expedition, follow me on Instagram to see how it goes! 

Would you like one of your very own? Comment below and tell me how you would use this amazing head lamp! The winner will be chosen  October 8th. Good luck! 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

What I've Been Up To- No, I didn't get kidnapped by Bigfoot

As most of you know, I'm part of a paranormal team that has recently launched a cryptid branch. Well, The Carolina Society for Paranormal Research and Investigation and The Carolina Cryptid Crew have been keeping me on my feet. Paralina is doing a good job of picking up any slack they leave. I love this team!

We have had our hands full with planning events, doing the events, and making sure they run smoothly.

The Carolina Cryptid Crew is still in full swing and going like a whirlwind. We have a meet and greet this coming Saturday in Seneca- y'all should definitely come out.

If you've been wondering why I do all this. Why I am so passionate about it and why I am determined to see the team succeed- Then read this book. This is our story. This is a true story, sometimes hard to believe, but true. This is the power that drives me. Written by Melissa D. George and Brandon Hudgens. Prologue by Dennis Carroll. Introduction by me. 

As always, there is always something going on with us and I would like some input from you all. Would you like to hear more about my paranormal adventures and this rock star life?