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
- 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
Things that will be provided
- refrigerators
- propane stoves and ovens
- dish washing station
- drinking water
- restroom facilities
- cooking utensils, pots, pans, etc.
- garbage station
Camping
- tent (bigger is better)
- tarp for groundcloth (keeps tent dry and protects against sharp sticks, rocks)
- tarp for rain cover on tent
- cordage and bungee cords to secure tent and rain cover
- sleeping bag and pillow
- sleeping pad (foam, thermarest, etc.) or cot (I prefer a cot and the thickest pad I can get)
- small light for reading (headlamps work well)
- small flashlight for walking at night
- a paperback book or two
- folding chair (I like the ones that have a drink holder in the arm rest)
- plastic box with lid (Rubbermaid boxes work well)
- 1 liter water bottle (Nalgene, or metal water bottle)
- travel mug with lid (for coffee, tea)
- folding pocket knife with useful items (e.g., blade, can opener, scissors)
- sun screen (SPF 15-30)
- lotion for dry skin and soothing sunburn
- over the counter medicine for stomach and digestion problems
- prescription medications (if needed)
- aspirin or other over the counter pain killer
- bathroom kit (shampoo, soap, washrag, toothbrush, toothpaste, small mirror, etc.)
- ear plugs (sometimes, the snoring neighbor keeps me awake)
- alarm clock
- small backpack
- small plastic boxes with lids for lunch (e.g., Tupperware type containers)
- mess kit for meals: one each plate, bowl, fork, spoon, cup (fewer things to wash)
- clothes line and clothes pins
- Solar shower (optional). Bring a 5 gallon plastic bag-style solar shower for your own use. We'll provide privacy shelters in which you will use your solar shower. You can also use a bucket and cup to clean up.
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)