Equipment
Helmet: A helmet equipped with a chin strap and
mounted with your primary source of light is essential.
Lights: Bring at least 3 sources of light with spare
bulbs and batteries. The entire trip should be able to be done
with any one of these lights.
Clothing: Wear warm clothes, such as synthetic fleece for
insulation. One-piece coveralls add an extra layer for warmth
over your other clothes.
Footwear: Sturdy boots will help support your feet over
rough cave floors and keep you feet warm. Consider waterproof if
water is anticipated.
Gloves: Will protect your hands and provide warmth, even
cheap leather work gloves will help make your trip more
comfortable than none.
First Aid Kit: A personal size for each person, and a
main kit to be left near entrance on short trips, or carried for
longer trips.
Food: Carry high-energy food sufficient for the length of
the trip. It is wise to carry some extra in case the trip takes
longer than expected. Caving trips are hard on everything so
pack durable foods. Bananas and sandwiches get crushed during a
trip but bagels and power bars usually do fine.
Other Equipment: Put everything into a sturdy pack. Many
cavers use military surplus packs, etc. for durability and low
cost. Containers for hydration and equipment are available. Any
clothing that goes on a cave trip is likely to be soiled and
torn beyond normal day-to-day use. Carry a large trash bag in
your pack. It can be used for emergency warmth or carrying dirty
cave clothes home.