What should I bring?

We will be living in a field camp for the duration of the field school session. For some of you, this will be a new experience, and for most of you, this will be longest camping trip of your life. I have spent many years of my life living in archaeological field camps and have narrowed down my list of field equipment to a set of key items. The list is not intended to be exhaustive, but will cover the basic things I will be bringing to the field this summer. Please note that items in the highlighted portion of the list ARE required.

Digging equipment

ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO GET EACH OF THESE ITEMS

  • Marshalltown brand masonry trowel (The brand is important, I think, and Marshalltown is the best get a size 5 or 6 diamond-shaped trowel.  These can be purchased at most hardware stores (e.g., Home Depot, ACE), just ask).
  • a metal file (get a "bastard file", yes, it's actually called that) for sharpening your metal trowel
  • pencils, pens, eraser, small ruler, plastic protractor
  • wooden sculpting tool for excavating bone, shell, and other fragile items (or, you can just get a pair of wooden chopsticks, or sharpen a wooden dowel or hardwood stick to a point)
  • new (i.e., unused) small synthetic fiber paint brush (2" width)
  • a pair of work gloves (leather ones are better than the rubber covered cotton gloves)
  • a small case to carry your digging items

Clothing

  • shorts and long pants
  • swim trunks
  • short sleeved and long-sleeved shirts (I like the UV resistant thin cloth shirts for hot weather)
  • hooded sweatshirt
  • water sandals
  • rain jacket (you never know)
  • large brimmed hat (baseball hats don't prevent sunburn on ears and neck areas very well) and a baseball hat
  • bandanna (all purpose use, especially good for covering scorched neck area)
  • bring two or three shirts and a couple pairs of shorts/pants that will only be worn as work clothes (digging is dirty work, so I will wear these clothes throughout the week and change after work)
  • tennis shoes for working at the site (smooth soled shoes are best)
  • hiking boots (for, well, hiking)
  • sunglasses (I don't buy expensive ones, since they usually get trashed each summer)

Things to leave at home

  • fireworks
  • Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia
  • weapons (e.g., overly large knives, firearms (including handguns))
  • boom boxes
  • metal detectors
  • pets
  • t-shirts, hats, or other clothing with controversial/offensive messages
  • offensive board games (e.g. Cards Against Humanity)