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.
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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 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)
