Short answer: choose the size by sample type and volume. Small 15×20 cm for geochemistry and splits, 30×40 cm for half core and grab samples, 40×50 and 45×55 cm for large channel samples and cuttings.
Sizes and sample types
- 15×20 cm: soil and stream sediment samples, splits, duplicates.
- 30×40 cm: half core, grab samples.
- 40×50 cm: large core samples, channel samples.
- 45×55 cm: cuttings and large samples.
Why cloth
Cloth lets moisture out, so samples dry during storage and transport, and the bag does not tear on sharp rock fragments.
Labelling
A sample number printed on the bag does not rub off or get lost like tags and marker pen. This speeds up sample reception at the lab.
How many bags to order
Divide planned metres by the sampling interval and add 10–15% for QC samples and spare. For example, 5,000 m at a 1 m interval needs about 5,700 bags.
Prices and stock on the geological sample bags page.