A quick checklist for caving
HEAD PROTECTION
Your second and third light source can be hand held flashlights, candles, chemical cyalume sticks, etc.. You will need an extra bulb and batteries for EACH electric lamp you carry. If you are using three flashlights, then you need three complete extra sets of batteries and bulbs. Don't forget extra matches for your candles and put them in a waterproof case.
(The following list contains suggested items you should have to go caving. Some of the items are mandatory, no exceptions. Some items are suggested and others are for your information.)
You must have and wear a helmet. This can be a hardhat, bicycle or football helmet, baseball batters hat, etc.. Most safety supply houses have hardhats starting at $6.00. The helmet needs a chin strap, which can be bought or made.
LIGHTS
You must have and carry three (3) sources of light. A primary light and two backup lights. The primary light is generally a battery_powered electric lamp or a carbide_fueled acetylene lamp. It is advisable that your primary light be helmet mounted. Most electric lamps have a elastic strap of some sort that allows you to mount it to your helmet. Most carbide lamps require a mounting bracket be installed on your helmet. Remember, you will need your hands free while caving, that is why it is not recommended that a hand_held flashlight of some sort be used for your primary light source. (Some people try taking a flashlight and duct-taping it to their helmet. This does not usually work. Remember, the main reason you wear a helmet is to protect your head when you accidentally bang into something. With your light taped to your helmet and you hit your head on something, the flashlight usually will be ripped off or damaged.)
GLOVES
You must wear gloves. The surfaces in caves can and will cut and tear up unprotected hands! This is especially true if you are new to caving because your not very proficient in a cave yet. Usually the cloth gloves, cheap garden type, will suffice. It is suggested that you bring two pair.
GARBAGE BAGS
You should bring a minimum of two garbage bags. Four would be the best. One of the bags you should stuff up into the top of your helmet. Another one should be in your pack. (Packs are discussed farther down this sheet.) There are several reasons for garbage bags. As stated before, caves are typically cold and wet. If for some reason you become chilled or end up getting stuck in a cave for an extended period of time, a garbage bag can be worn like a sweatshirt and will tend to retain body heat and help warm you up. You can even put a candle, carbide light, or other heat source under the bag and let the rising heat warm you up. Another reason for a garbage bag is for garbage. Help the environment and the cave. If you see trash, pick it up, please. Everything you take into a cave must be brought back out. Sometimes other people do not do that and leave trash! After you get out of the cave, another bag can be used to put your muddy and wet clothes in. This is especially nice if your riding in someone's vehicle that will not want to get it all muddy and trashed out.
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