Caving Kit List 

 

CLOTHES (e.g., trousers, underwear, t-shirt, socks)

Recommended 2 sets one for caving the other to change into if you get wet or excessively dirty.

DO NOT BRING JEANS TO CAVE IN!!!!!!

(When wet they get cold, heavy and chafe, they also take ages to dry)

BRING WHITE STUFF AT YOU OWN RISK

(Water in caves is often a bit muddy and can dye white clothes a permanent brown)

A FLEECE to cave in

Fleeces are ideal to cave in as they are warm and drain relatively quickly when wet.

THERMALS to cave in

Very good for keeping you warm in wet caves. (A cheap set can be made with any tight fitting top e.g. modern rugby tops and a pair of thick tights (yes even for the blokes) looks silly? yes Warm? Definitely.

WELLINGTON BOOTS (gum boots) to cave in

Wellies are quite simply the best footwear to cave in as they keep your feet dry (unless the water is very deep, protect the shin area and grip well underground.

GLOVES (marigold washing up gloves) to cave in

A controversial one this (some cavers like gloves some don’t) but good for keeping your hands warm they are cheap and can be god-send so you might as well bring them

HAT to cave in

A woolly hat/balaclava is good for keeping warm underground. People with long hair should bring something to tie it back e.g. hair bands, buff e.t.c.

Medication

If you carry medication and have a spare bring it along just in case one breaks or gets lost.  Your instructor will be carrying a bag with waterproof drum to carry any special medication.