Essential Caving Gear
by Nathaniel Bluedorn, Copyright September 7, 2006, all rights reserved. 336 views
The most difficult thing for new cavers is overcoming their fear of tight spaces. I overcame my fear when a friend went through a tight spot and exclaimed about the interesting formations on the other side. Curiosity overcame claustrophobia.
Another difficult thing is finding gear. This seems more difficult than it really is. All the caving gear listed below can be purchased inexpensively at farm supply stores and sporting goods stores. More expensive but durable gear can be purchased from these online retailers who service the caving community.
Essential Caving Gear
* Three sources of light. A source of light is anything with which you’d be willing to navigate a cave. If one flashlight or headlamp goes out, you need backups. Headlamps are very useful because they free up both your hands. You can get a good LED headlamp at most sporting goods stores.
* Extra batteries. If you plan to be in the cave more than two hours, it is best to bring backup batteries. You may choose to stay in the cave longer than you planed and batteries come in handy.
* Safety helmet with a chinstrap. We may be crawling though some spots and we often hit our head against the cave ceiling. If you’ve ever stood up and hit your head against a sharp stalagmite poking down at you, you’d appreciate how important a helmet is. The chinstrap is needed to keep the helmet on your head if you trip. Many building supply stores and farm stores sell construction helmets that work well. Bicycle helmets also work. Helmets designed for adventure sports can be more comfortable and durable, but they are expensive.
* Boots or shoes with tread and ankle support. Good tread is needed to keep you from slipping on wet surfaces. Ankle support means that the shoe or boot protects the area of your Achilles tendon. This will protect your ankle if you step into a crack and it will keep your feet from getting tired. Your feet may get wet.
* Gloves. Sometimes our hands get muddy or wet, and it’s nice to keep them clean. Also, gloves protect the stalagmites and stalactites from the oils on your hands. If you touch a cave formation, the oils can cause it to change shape over many years. We want to preserve cave formations for future generations to enjoy.
* Light jacket or overalls. You will be getting dirty, possibly very dirty. Caves are about 55 degrees year round with 100% humidity, so your cloths need to be light and warm, but not too warm. Shorts aren’t warm enough and you will get your knees scratched up.
* Smile.
Non-Essential Caving Gear
* Kneepads. This is optional. Some caves require a lot of crawling over gravel and stones. This can be hard on your knees. Kneepads are a comfort issue when exploring large caves. They are not necessary.
* Hip pack or backpack. You may wish to carry food and water and backup batteries in a small backpack. These need to be durable because you may be dragging them over rocks and in mud.
Online Caving Gear Suppliers
* http://www.karstsports.com
* http://www.caves.org/imo/frames1.htm
If you want advice on how to purchase inexpensive equipment, contact Nathaniel Bluedorn (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)). He loves giving advice.
Comments
1 • Quentin Cooper • December 18, 2008 • 8:58 AM
This seems to have been written by people who have caved only once in their life or read about it in an armchair. What about the main thing warm clothes (be it a wetsuit or neo-fleece). Gloves completely unimportant as I have caved without them for 20 years and never wished I’d brought them. What about a survey of the cave? Going with someone experienced? Leaving a CALL OUT? that not feature in your essentials? Incase people ahave an accident in a cave then nobody knows about it….come on guys….