Cryptid Hunting on a Budget: DIY Tools and Affordable Tracking Gear

Feb 11

For many cryptid enthusiasts, the idea of tracking Bigfoot, the Florida Skunk Ape, the Ohio Grassman, or the California Wild Man is an adventure filled with mystery and excitement. However, many beginners are deterred by the high cost of professional cryptid hunting gear, such as thermal cameras, night vision scopes, and trail cameras.

But the truth is, you don’t need expensive gadgets to track cryptids. Many veteran Bigfoot hunters and Sasquatch researchers have successfully documented sightings, collected evidence, and conducted investigations using DIY tools and budget-friendly alternatives.

If you're looking to explore cryptid gear without spending a fortune, this guide will show you how to create a low-cost cryptid hunting kit with DIY tools, everyday household items, and affordable alternatives to expensive tracking equipment.

1. Building a Budget-Friendly Cryptid Hunting Kit

Before heading out into the field, every cryptid hunter needs a basic toolkit. While high-end gear can be useful, many essential tools can be homemade, repurposed, or bought at discount prices.

Essential Gear for Cryptid Hunting on a Budget

A good cryptid hunting kit should include:

✔️ A durable backpack – Can be an old hiking bag or a military surplus pack.
✔️ Waterproof storage bags – Ziploc bags or grocery bags work in a pinch.
✔️ A flashlight and extra batteries – Dollar store LED flashlights are cheap and effective.
✔️ Binoculars or a DIY scope – Second-hand binoculars can be found for a few dollars.
✔️ A notebook and pen – Logging observations is essential for cryptid research and evidence collection.
✔️ A whistle or emergency alert device – Useful for signaling in the wilderness.
✔️ Snacks and water – Cryptid hunting can be a long adventure, so stay hydrated!

2. DIY and Budget Alternatives to High-End Cryptid Hunting Equipment

DIY Flashlights & Headlamps

Since Bigfoot and other cryptids are often spotted at night, good lighting is essential. Instead of investing in expensive tactical flashlights, try:

Repurposing cheap LED flashlights – Many discount stores sell ultra-bright LED flashlights for under $5.
DIY rechargeable flashlight packs – Attach a small power bank to a basic LED light for long-lasting illumination.
Make a DIY headlamp – Strap a flashlight to a baseball cap using Velcro or zip ties.

Budget Night Vision Alternatives

Professional night vision cameras are extremely expensive, but DIY methods can work surprisingly well:

Use an old camcorder with night vision mode – Many second-hand camcorders have infrared settings.
Attach a cheap infrared filter to a phone camera – Many online retailers sell IR filters for under $10.
DIY infrared flashlight – Attach a red or green filter to a standard flashlight to improve low-light visibility.

Affordable Thermal Detection for Cryptid Hunters

Expensive thermal cameras are often used in professional cryptid research, but there are ways to create a DIY heat detection system:

Use a cheap temperature gun – Infrared thermometers detect heat variations.
DIY heat-sensitive paper – Some craft stores sell thermochromic paper that changes color based on temperature.
Low-cost thermal phone attachments – Budget versions of thermal imaging attachments exist for smartphones.

3. Budget-Friendly Audio Recording for Cryptid Evidence

DIY Parabolic Microphone

A parabolic microphone can capture distant sounds, such as Bigfoot calls, Florida Skunk Ape growls, or unexplained howls. Instead of purchasing a professional setup:

Find a plastic dish or an old satellite dish – This acts as the sound reflector.
Attach a cheap microphone – A simple lavalier mic works well.
Plug it into your phone or recorder – Use an app like Easy Voice Recorder to capture and amplify sounds.

Using Old Smartphones as Audio Recorders

Instead of spending money on a digital audio recorder, consider:

Downloading a free sound amplification app – Apps like Parabolic Listening Device turn a smartphone into a powerful listening tool.
Attaching a DIY windscreen – Use a sock or foam to minimize wind noise in recordings.
Repurposing old headphones with a mic – Most wired headphones have built-in microphones that can be used for recording.

4. Budget Trail Cameras & Motion Sensors for Cryptid Tracking

Low-Cost Trail Camera Alternatives

Cryptid researchers often rely on motion-activated trail cameras, but high-end models can be expensive. Instead, try:

Buying second-hand trail cameras – Many hunters sell old models for cheap.
Using an old smartphone as a motion-activated camera – Apps like Alfred Security turn phones into surveillance cameras.
Repurposing a baby monitor with night vision – Many older baby monitors have infrared night vision capabilities.

DIY Motion Detectors

Instead of buying expensive motion sensor alarms, build your own:

Glow stick tripwires – A simple glow stick attached to fishing line can act as an alert system.
Tin can alarms – Stack empty cans with pebbles inside; if disturbed, they create a loud noise.
Laser tripwires – Use a dollar-store laser pointer, a mirror, and a small light sensor for a budget alarm system.

5. DIY Cryptid Tracking & Evidence Collection

Homemade Plaster for Casting Bigfoot Footprints

Finding Bigfoot footprints is one of the most exciting parts of cryptid hunting. Instead of buying expensive casting kits:

Mix flour, water, and cornstarch – This creates a cheap, biodegradable casting material.
Use dental plaster – Often found at craft stores, it sets quickly and is budget-friendly.
Carry a pocket-sized ruler – Documenting footprint size with a cheap tape measure adds credibility.

DIY Tracking Markers

Expensive field marking flags can be replaced with:

Bright-colored yarn or biodegradable tape – Easily visible and won’t harm the environment.
Homemade glow-in-the-dark paint – Mark trees or rocks without harming nature.

6. DIY Camouflage & Scent Masking for Cryptid Hunting

Budget-Friendly Camouflage Techniques

Instead of buying expensive camouflage gear:

DIY ghillie suit – Attach burlap strips to an old jacket and pants.
Mud and natural cover – Rubbing mud or leaves on clothing blends well into the environment.

DIY Scent Masking for Cryptid Tracking

Many believe cryptids can detect human scents, so hunters use scent-masking sprays. Instead of buying them:

DIY scent eliminator spray – Mix water, baking soda, and essential oils (like pine or cedar).
Use smoke to mask scent – Sitting near a campfire naturally disguises human odors.

7. Free and Low-Cost Cryptid Research Resources

Joining Cryptid Hunting Communities

Instead of buying expensive books or online courses, look for:

Local cryptozoology groups – Many groups allow members to share equipment and research findings.
Online cryptid research forums – Websites like the BFRO (Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization) provide free real Bigfoot sightings reports.

Using Public Libraries for Cryptid Research

Many cryptozoology books and folklore records can be found for free in public libraries.

Start Hunting Cryptids Without Breaking the Bank

Cryptid hunting doesn’t have to be expensive. By repurposing everyday items, using DIY tools, and tapping into free resources, you can start your journey into cryptozoology with minimal cost.

So grab your homemade gear, hit the trails, and start tracking Bigfoot, the Florida Skunk Ape, or the Ohio Grassman—without spending a fortune!