Field Equipment

Geological Equipment

Rock Hammer and holster -- get a good quality hammer that will be comfortable to use and that will last a long time.

Hand Lens -- Hastings triplets are very good quality but expensive ($35); you can get by with a   $6.00 lens from the bookstore.  10X magnification is a good choice.

Field notebooks -- you will probably need 4 or 5 notebooks; "Rite in the Rain" type is best.

Pencils -- 0.5mm mechanical pencils are fine.  Bring 3H or 4H lead to avoid smears.  If you bring regular pencils, don't forget a pencil sharpener or sandpaper.  Bring lots of extras!, these are  easy to lose.

Erasers -- Pelikan T20 (Yellow) is good for ink; Eberhard Faber 52S50 is good for pencil.

Permanent Ink Pens -- for making maps.  Pigma Micron Pens are best (about $3 each).  At least three sizes needed

Felt marking pen -- waterproof; Sharpies are best.  You may want fine tip pens in more than one color for marking on acetate overlays, as well as a coarser point for marking rock specimens

Correction fluid (white out) -- for correcting errors in paper or on maps.

Map case -- some suitable method for protecting and carrying maps and air photos in the field.  Ask folks who have been to field camp for suggestions.

Daypack -- for canteens, lunch, rocks, etc.

6" clear plastic ruler - w/cm.

Plastic triangle -- 8", either 45° or 30° (optional)

Protractor -- get a small, good quality one for plotting strikes and dips in the field (A ruler-protractor combo is nice)

Colored pencils -- minimum of 12 colors, medium or soft; thin lead type is better than fat lead type.

Canteens -- at least enough for 3 quarts of water. Camelback type bags work well but bring a repair kit or extra bags for the inevitable leaks!.

Compton's book, Geology in the Field -- REQUIRED

General textbooks -- such as a structure book and stratigraphy book, may be useful to you.

Knife -- pocket knife or Leatherman.

Boots -- well broken in; Vibram soles are best; an extra pair of boots or heavy hiking shoes is advisable; extra laces.  Rubber mud boots are nice if it gets rainy/snowy.

Heavy socks -- at least a week's supply.  Avoid all cotton; synthetic/cotton blends are best

Extra shoes or sandals -- for around camp

Hat -- A must for protection from the sun

Chapstick, sunscreen, good quality skin lotion -- it will be hot and dry part of the time we are in camp.  Dry skin can be painful, especially for the hands

Personal Equipment --necessities as well as optional "comforts"

Clothing suggestions: long, tough pants, such as Levis, are best in some areas; shorts are adequate for some of the terrain we will be mapping. There will be lots of sun and daytime temps. may be over 90's toward the end of camp.  However, it may snow early on and can be very cold, so bring clothes for extremes. 

Security for personal items is each individual's responsibility; you may consider whether you really want to bring expensive digital cameras, laptops, binoculars, etc. to a fairly rigorous, hot, dusty environment.  In general, we recommend not bringing expensive, fragile stuff.  Field camp is a tough place to keep things clean and safe.

Tent -- bring a rope and some steel stakes - it will get windy.  Avoid flimsy tents or tents with fiberglass poles, they can break.  If you bring a tent with fiberglass poles, bring a pole repair kit.

Folding cot, foam pad or air mattress -- whatever you will be comfortable sleeping on (this is for six weeks, folks!)

Rain gear -- Rain or snow could definitely happen.  If fact, plan on it!

Folding chair -- inexpensive and light

Flashlight -- and some extra batteries

Cup, bowl, plate, plastic drinking glass, eating utensils -- Camp has a limited supply of these

Tupperware or similar sandwich box -- if you don't like metamorphic sandwiches or mashed peanut-butter and jelly goo balls.

Sleeping bag -- night temperatures may vary from 15 degrees to 75 degrees (F).

Clothes -- jacket, and personal items necessary to keep you happy and comfortable for six weeks; it may get quite cold, so be sure to bring plenty of layers to keep you comfortable.

Pocket Hand Warmers -- Very nice to keep hands warm if we get really cold temps

Ice chest --(optional); you cannot use camp refrigerators or coolers for personal goodies!

Stationary and stamps -- (optional)

Cracked heel lotion -- Cracked heels are painful and take a long time to heal

First aid kit --Personal-size; include some moleskins for blisters (optional)

Insect repellant -- there will be ticks, some mosquitoes, and possibly no see 'ums

Sewing kit -- for repairs; duct tape is also useful (optional)

Health and car insurance cards -- You did get health insurance, didn't you?

Extra car keys -- if you bring your car

Sunglasses -- one or two extras are a good idea

Spare contact lenses or glasses -- if you wear them

Money -- for laundry, etc.; we cannot cash personal checks!!

Camera and film -- a cheap one with 100-speed film works fine (optiona)

Biodegradable soap and shampoo -- towels too

You may want to bring softballs, frisbees, playing cards, etc.  We don't work all the time.

THINGS NOT TO BRING (ABSOLUTELY!!):

GUNS

PETS

ROCK CLIMBING EQUIPMENT

FIREWORKS