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The list below is
of gear that you should have for field school. Most of the gear
would be great to have, but keep in mind that gear costs can add
up. So, if this is the only time that you will be using this stuff
we recommend staying as cheap as you can and only buying the most
necessary items. Also, try to ask some of your friends or relatives
if they have any gear that you can borrow. It is a six-week course,
so try to keep comfort in mind. If you are uncomfortable it may
affect the experience. After a full day in the field, there will
be a lot of camp time, as well as on the weekends, so make sure
to bring forms of entertainment, such as books or crossword puzzles
or games. If you have any questions, concerns, or need help with
anything, please contact Micah or Nathan and we will be more than
happy to help!
Personal Gear List:
Camp Gear
* Backpack or Duffle: This should be something that you can pack
all your stuff in for the whole six weeks. We will be limited
on space in vehicles, so keep it to a duffle or backpack with
the most necessary items.
*Tent: If you are interested in having space in your tent, a 4
person tent would probably be best. 2 person tents are also an
option, just with a little less room to maneuver. Cosco, Target,
Sports Authority and Big Five all have pretty cheap tents ($60-$80).
Don’t skimp too much on this, it is going to be your home
for 6 weeks.
*Ground Cloth for Tent: a cheap plastic tarp works fine.
*Sleeping Pad: Thin foam mats may be fine for the weekend backpacking
trip, but you might want something thicker for 6 weeks in the
field. You can double up foam mats or maybe consider an air mattress
(no bigger than single bed size if you’d like to fit more
than just the mattress in your tent).
*Sleeping Bag: You don’t need a super cold-weather one but
make sure you have something that will keep you warm. Nighttime
temperatures will likely be in the low 50s.
*Pillow: You can purchase a smaller camping one or just bring
a regular size one. Not a must have, but it will make you a lot
more comfortable.
*Flashlight or Head-lamp. Headlamps work best since they are hands
free.
*Mug: A good multiuse mug for hot and cold beverages.
*2 Water Bottles: At least 1-quart sized each. Nalgene’s
work best, but anything that holds water that you can carry around
will work.
Clothing
General Notes: In terms of clothing, working in these conditions
creates the problematic situation of protection from sun, vegetation,
work conditions etc. while at the same time attempting to be comfortable
with the temperature. Strong work pants (such as jeans, Dickies,
Carharts) are recommended as well as long sleeve shirts (especially
for survey work) to protect from the sun and vegetation but in
some circumstances it may be possible to work in shorts and t-shirts.
It is most efficient to have layers for cool mornings and hot
days as well as more comfortable camp clothes for off duty hours.
Socks, t-shirts, and underwear are three things to bring plenty
of…and remember, everything will be getting extremely dirty
and worn out.
Field Clothes:
*Pants: Old jeans and khakis work well in the field. Comfortable
pants make a huge difference in the field. If you have to purchase
some cheap jeans, workpants, etc., try a store like Walmart, Kmart,
or the thrift store.
*Shirts: Same idea here as with the pants. Old t-shirts/tank tops
work best, as the potential to re-wear after field school is low.
Remember, the days will be hot, so stick to materials that breathe
well.
*Socks: The type of socks are really up to you, you don’t
necessarily need thick wool ones, but it wouldn’t hurt to
have some quality pairs. Try to bring a week’s worth of
socks.
*Shoes: Old tennis shoes work out great. Hiking boots are fine
and can protect your feet if you plan to go on hikes and for survey
work. The key is comfort, there is nothing worse than hurt feet.
While working we will need to be wearing closed-toe shoes.
*Hat: A hat of some sort will protect you from the sun and help
to keep you cooler during those hot days. A bandana works well
for this, too. Straw hats, baseball hats, cowboy hats, etc.
*Top Layers: A good windbreaker which is nice and light will help
out a lot. Fleece is light and warm and fairly cheap. Cotton Sweatshirts
are o.k., too, just make sure you will be warm if the nights get
cool.
*Rain Gear: A good set of raingear is important if it rains. Any
hardware store should have a 2 or 3 piece set of raingear for
under $20. You may look like a fisherman but you will be toasty
warm and dry when it rains. We may also use raingear if we wet-screen.
Camp Clothing:
Bring a couple changes of clothes that will be comfortable when
we are hanging out at camp after work. Temperatures will vary
from hot and sunny to cool and foggy, so bring some comfortable
clothes with that in mind. In the evening in may start to get
cooler, so having a zip-up sweatshirt or windbreaker might be
nice.
Field Gear:
The first items listed are required. Items in the second list
are optional. Most of this stuff is optional. Make sure to label
all your gear (a personal symbol you can write on it works well).
Required Gear:
*Pointy Trowel: A Marshaltown size 5 trowel is the standard model
people go for. Look for it with masonry equipment at a hardware
store, NOT in garden supplies.
*5m Metric Tape: Make sure it is Metric! It’s okay if it
has standard and metric.
*Line Level: Plastic is fine, should cost about $2.
*Paint Brush: Nice to have at least one, used is fine.
*Field Bag: People do different things here, most common is just
an old school backpack. An electrician’s bag or tool bag
can also be handy. Just make sure you have something that you
can put all of your stuff in.
*Lunch Box or Bag: Have something reusable so that we minimize
trash.
*Sharpie Pen: Black, fine point.
*Pencils: Mechanical or regular.Bring lots of cheap ones, they
get lost.
*A bound field journal: The 6x8inch ones (composition book) with
the black and white cover that most school bookstores sell is
fine.
*Leather Gloves
Optional but recommended Gear:
*Work/gardening gloves
*Flat-nosed Trowel: Great for edging, if you are going to get
one optional piece of equipment get this.
*Toothbrush: Great for cleaning off artifacts.
*Compass: If you are going to buy a compass make sure it is declination
adjustable. If it is not you are out of luck. A good Silva compass
it the best.
*Clipboard
Required General Gear:
*Sunglasses
*Sunscreen: It will be sunny and hot! Make sure to bring lots
of sunscreen, sunburns are the worst!
*Aloe Vera/Sunburn Cream: Just in case, this will make your life
much better if you do get a sunburn.
*Swimsuit
*Towel
*Camp Chair
*Bug Spray
*Sandals or Flip Flops
*Personal Medications
*Personal Toiletries
Optional General Gear:
*Cooler
*Cards or other games
*personal music player
*Batteries for everything
*Books to Read
*Gum / Candy / Snack you really like for personal consumption
* Earplugs
