CAVING TRIP CHECKLIST
YOU must
carry your own gear.
Think small, durable,
and lightweight – because caving will trash, ruin, and destroy anything you
bring with you.
You
will need TWO
sets of clothes (1) caving clothes, and (2) a complete change of clothes
and shoes for the ride home. Avoid cotton clothing for your “cave clothes” (wet
cotton is cold against the skin and causes hypothermia.) Polypro, nylon, acrylic, synthetics, and wool
will keep you warmer underground.
! Leave your “after cave” change of
clothes in the car for the ride home.
CLOTHING: Bring to change into or wear into the cave:
o
Sturdy hiking boots with deep lug soles and ankle support
o
Thermal underwear
o
Coveralls, with thermal underwear underneath… if you do not
have coveralls, then wear layered clothing (sweatshirt/sweater) over your
thermals, and an “outer layer” of jeans or pants and a windbreaker or jacket.
o
Two pairs of Wool or Synthetic socks – no cotton.
o
Knee Pads (optional, but highly recommended)
o
Leather-palmed or gardening gloves
o
Hair tie back (if you have long hair)
o
Bandana (optional)
o
Approved helmet with a non-hanging chin strap and helmet
mounted light (BRG has extra helmets available for the
first trip or two; after that you need to buy your own.)
o
Cave pack – absolutely necessary! Choose a pack with adjustable straps that
will hold ALL the equipment listed below. A lightweight “day pack” or kid’s school backpack will work. So will military surplus packs. This is your survival pack; its contents will
help you survive underground for 24-48 hours if you become separated from your
group, lost, hurt, or trapped.
In the Cave Pack, you
must have:
o
Four to Eight alkaline batteries for the primary electric
light system.
o
Small flashlight with new
batteries.
o
Candle and matches (store in a waterproof bag)
o
Unbreakable plastic water bottle. No glass or cans!
o
Extra ziplock bags
o
Small (palm sized) first aid kit (optional, recommended)
o
Small pocketknife or multi-use tool
o
One large (30gal) plastic trash or leaf bag.
o
Food: trail mix, granola or power bars, ”junk
food” are best. Choose high energy food
that does not need to be refrigerated, can be “mashed” and can be eaten cold.
Remember,
- Cave Softly and Safely with landowner
permission
- If you bring it
into the cave, you must bring it out
-
Leave
no trace
-
Take
nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time (NSS
motto)
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