What does it take to prepare for a cave trip? Your first trip, and every trip thereafter, will help you figure out what you need to do to get ready. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Talk With Your Trip Leader and Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before every trip, check in with the trip leader. Good communication keeps everyone safe and prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Who is coming?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Share important info with the leader: allergies, medical conditions, phobias (like claustrophobia), or anything else that could affect the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How many are coming?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Leaders may set group size limits to protect caves, respect landowners, or manage safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What are we doing?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask about cave conditions: wet or dry? vertical or horizontal?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Know the expected trip length so you can pack the right gear and food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When and where?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Confirm the meeting spot (signout location vs. cave entrance). Miscommunication wastes valuable time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re running late, notify the leader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you know:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n ETA: when you should be out of the cave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Callout time: when rescue is called if you don\u2019t return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Share your ETA with someone you talk to daily (parent, roommate, etc.), so they don\u2019t panic if you\u2019re out of touch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Required Equipment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Helmet:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Required for safety. The club provides loaner helmets for beginners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lighting:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n – Bring 3 independent light sources (headlamp + backups).<\/p>\n\n\n\n – Carry extra batteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clothing:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n – Base layer: Synthetic (like workout tights); avoid cotton since it traps moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n – Outer \u201cmud layer\u201d: Durable, long-sleeved synthetic top + abrasion-resistant pants. Jeans are acceptable with a good base layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n – Warmth: Caves are ~54\u00b0F; bring an extra fleece for breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n – Gloves: Nitrile-dipped gardening gloves (cheap and effective.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n – Knee pads: Essential for crawling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n – Socks: Wool hiking socks work best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Footwear:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n – Closed-toe shoes with ankle support. Expect mud and water. Many cavers prefer rubber boots (PVC\/Wellies).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pack:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Use an old backpack or a cheap 20L drybag (it will get muddy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inside your pack:<\/p>\n\n\n\n – Food & water<\/p>\n\n\n\n – Extra warm layer (fleece)<\/p>\n\n\n\n – Personal medication<\/p>\n\n\n\n – Candle, lighter, and trash bag (emergency supplies)<\/p>\n\n\n\n – Spare light and batteries<\/p>\n\n\n\n **Helmets and one source of light are available in the club equipment to borrow for those that do not have them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional Recommended Equipment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Duct Tape: It’s a good idea to put a bunch of Duct Tape around your water bottle – the stuff can come in handy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Food: Candy bars, granola bars, pop tarts, or whatever else lights your fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tampons: chicks dig a dude that packs these. Also good for bullet wounds and nose bleeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Webbing: 20 to 30 feet of 1 inch tubular webbing (also called sling) is useful for belays, handlines, arm rappels, and climbing harnesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional Considerations<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The list of other handy things to have is endless: a watch, a camera, water purification, toilet paper. . . . Talk to more experienced cavers like your trip leader for ideas!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
club\u2019s safety chair so that the issue can be addressed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n