Field herping tools

[RAD House]

I was wondering what all you experienced fielder herpers recommend as nessecary equipment? I am looking at a stump ripper/field hook but is this nessecary over a normal snake hook? I would rather not flip with my hands. I would love to hear all of your opinions.

[MDT]

"Stump ripper" field hook for the win.
Stump Ripper | Animal Equipment by Stoney (http://www.aestoney.com/stumpripper.html)

I've had mine since the late 1970's when they were sold by a company called Fuhrman Diversified. The titanium is indestructible (and I've tried)....

[Bandit]

I currently have two hooks and a set of tongs/grabber. I have a small hook that I keep in my bag that' I'll use for smaller venomous snakes and a standard 40" hook that I'll use for larger venomous individuals. I only really use the tongs when I'm herping certain areas - such as boardwalks that are raised well above the water/ground that I may want to bring a snake up for pictures, but don't want to jump down there.

However it should be mentioned that I'm much more hands on. If it's not venomous, I don't use the hook. I use my larger hook to flip smaller things, but I just use my hands to flip heavier things. If I had to narrow it down to one tool, I'd choose the 40" tong and leave it at that. If you want something to flip heavy logs and things of that sort, go with the stump ripper.