Peggy, Probably the best thing to carry with you to probe down in the ground would be a coat hanger. It is lightweight, and you could easily carry it anywhere...and it could also be used for a weapon..Ha!Ha! No really, you could bend it up in a small bundle & even carry it in your purse. In case anyone saw you, it would not look as if you were planning to dig someone up. I have been told that you can tell the gender of the one buried in a grave by using a coat hanger..sorta the same theory as hunting for water. Only you country people out there will know what I mean about finding water. I have not tried it yet, but I intend to. I have unsuccessfully been looking for my gg granddad's grave, and I still believe that he is buried with or beside my gg grandmother in an unmarked grave. If the rod really works, I would tell me it there was indeed a male buried there. At this point, I am willing to try anything!! Just a suggestion.. Joan Broach Morris