Caving Equipment
LIGHT: One of the best and most economical sources of light is the carbide lamp. Bottles of water and of carbide, and a small kit of repair parts are needed to keep one going. A plastic bag or other sealed container is needed for the spent carbide. The other best source of light is a miner's electric lamp. It is easier to use and it has a brighter, albeit narrower, beam. However, one is expensive. Sturdy, preferably waterproof, flashlights (at least two fresh alkaline C cells) make good secondary light sources. Ideally, one should have three good independent sources of light, any one of which could be used as a primary light source.
HELMET: The hard-hat not only protects your head, but it also carries your lamp, leaving both hands free at all times. (You might want to try taping your flashlight onto the side with duct tape.) Get one that fits properly, as a loose hard-hat is more of a hindrance than a help. The hard-hat should also have a secure chinstrap. Whitewater boating helmets are suitable protection, but do not have a lamp mounting bracket.
FOOT GEAR: Best are high-top lug-sole hiking boots for their ankle support and traction. Sneakers are adequate, but any hard-sole shoe or boot is sure to cause an injury. Note that your shoes will get very muddy. Given the choice between wearing expensive hiking boots or sneakers, I would wear the sneakers on my first trip. Wear wool socks for warmth.
CLOTHES: Rugged long-sleeve clothing should be worn. Coveralls are nice. Your outer layer will get very dirty and might get ripped up, so don't wear anything good. Wisconsin caves are 45 to 50 degrees. People have died from hypothermia at warmer temperatures. Dress warmly, but don't restrict circulation or movement. Wool and synthetics are best because they insulate even when wet. Also, bring a complete change of clothing, including shoes, for the trip home. Otherwise, you may end up wearing a blanket, if there is one.
TRASH BAG: Mandatory for your muddy clothes. Folded up in your pocket or helmet, it makes a handy emergency exposure suit for inside the cave.
FOOD: Normally we will not eat in the cave. You might want to take in some small bit of food for extra energy or emergencies. I like chewy granola bars or gorp. Sandwiches turn to mush without some protection.
DRINKING WATER: Not needed for short trips, but essential for longer ones. Do not drink water from the cave. It is often polluted with fertilizer, herbicides, animal droppings, etc.
CAVE PACK: Optional for Hoofer beginner trips. Don't expect things to stay in your pockets. I use an army surplus butt pack on a shoulder strap. Make sure that the pack seals tightly. Also consider that it might get muddy and ripped.
GLOVES: Recommended, but not essential. I wear leather-palmed work gloves. If you are planning to bring a camera, wear gloves to keep your hands clean.
KNEE PADS: Not essential, but many people swear by them. The hard rubber gardening variety is cumbersome, while the wrestling type is not bad. They should not be too tight because circulation problems or painful bruising will result. Don't forget that they could get very muddy.
CAMERA: If you have never been caving before, leave your camera behind. Small inexpensive automatic cameras work well enough. I rarely take a camera into a cave I have never seen before; I would rather spend my time exploring, not lugging a camera about. I have a good 35mm SLR, and keep it in a padded waterproof 50 cal. ammo box.
