Anthropology

We will be living in a field camp for the duration of the field school's eight-week 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 nearly four 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.

Camping

• tent
• 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
• 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-mark your box for clear identification among others when stacked on the truck)
• 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
• asprin 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

Clothing

• shorts and long pants
• swim trunks
• short sleeved and long sleeved shirts (I like the UV resistant thin cloth shirts designed 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
• bandana (all purpose use, especially good for covering scorched neck area)
• I 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)

For fun

• frisbee
• camera
• running shoes
• fishing pole (you'll have to get a fishing license)
• snorkel and mask
• geology hammer
• GPS receiver

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 (just smile and ignore the hardware store help that tells you that sharpening a masonry trowel is crazy)
• 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 (1" or 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

• propane refrigerators
• propane stoves and ovens
• dish washing station
• drinking water
• restroom facilities
• solar showers
• cooking utensils, pots, pans, etc.
• garbage station

Things to leave at home

• fireworks
• drugs and drug paraphernalia (prescription medications okay with written doctor's note)
• weapons (e.g., overly large knives, firearms (including handguns))
• boom boxes
• metal detectors
• pets
• t-shirts, hats, or other clothing with controversial/offensive messages