First Caving Trip
What to Bring?
Information about the clothing and equipment suitable for people going on their first caving trips.
You can use clothing and equipment you already have, or is cheap and can be used for other purposes.
The caves we are go to are excellent for beginners.
They have streams in them, so you may get wet, and involve some scrambling, clambering, and crawling. You are never far from the entrance and can come out at any time.
We sometimes have lunch and a brew outside.
| Helmet:
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Helmet (caving, climbing, bike, kayak), must have a chin strap.
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| Light:
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Head light (LED recommended), small hand torch (LED recommended), spare bulbs (if not LED) and alkaline batteries.
Torch can be attached to helmet with duct tape or (better) cable ties.
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Caving
Clothing:
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- Top layer
- Overalls. Alternatively parka, or long sleeved top & trousers, track pants, or overtrousers.
- Underneath
- Polypropylene long johns, polypropylene top. Thin balaclava (so it fits under your helmet). Under your overalls polypropylene or pile are a must. Do not wear cotton.
- Travelling
- Warm for afterwards. Change of clothing for travelling, you won't want to wear your caving clothes after caving for anything else until cleaned.
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| Gloves:
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Save your hands, the cave, and your good tramping gloves, by bringing clean gardening gloves (heavy long rubber recommended). Polypro gloves may assist in keeping your hands warm in the rubber gloves.
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| Footwear:
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Gumboots or tramping boots or running shoes. You will get wet feet. Gaiters or puttees are useful to keep the dirt out. Wet suit booties can help keep your feet warm.
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| Pack:
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A small day pack or large bum bag, to carry food, drink, spare lights, and spare piece of clothing. Don't bring a good one, as it will get dirty and worn.
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| Optional:
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Compass, Topographical map , Road map, knee pads (recommended)
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| Towels and plastic bags:
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Dry off with the towels, dirty clothes and footwear in the bags.
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