The most basic items needed for fossil collecting are your eyes, hands, and a bit of curiosity. However, a few pieces of additional equipment will come in handy for serious collecting, since many fossils require some effort to extract. The basic tools include a geology hammer or mason's hammer, cold chisel and safety goggles.
Most collectors prefer one with a chisel-like rear section.
Some collectors carry their hammer in a leather belt holder, which can be purchased from hardware and tool suppliers. It is wise to get both a small and large size, to accommodate different rock types. You also should gather some material for wrapping and carrying fossils. Newspaper, paper towels, and bathroom tissue work well as wrapping materials, which can be held together with tape or rubber bands. Use paper towels or bathroom tissue to wrap delicate specimens, and newspaper or aluminum foil for sturdier fossils.