HELLO! I'M NEW

[mossman]

I New to this so any info would always be welcome. I go on my first trip Feb 23.

I was told what to bring but I never realized all the options for headlamps, bags, etc... So I need a little help. What kind of headlamp? good but cost effective. I know those things don't usually go hand and hand but this is my first trip and don't want to break the bank when I don't how often I will get to go.

What bag? The first few trips should be dry caving.

Any other suggestions would be great. Be specific because I have no knowledge in this area.

[hoosierdaddy]

I know a lot of cavers will shy away from answering such a 'general' post, shall we say... so I'll try to dive in.

First things first: PLEASE tell me you're going caving for the first time with someone experienced. If so, they should be an excellent resource for recommendations. If not, please don't go.


Helmet, helmet, helmet... need I say more? One with a decent chin strap, so you don't lose it at the wrong time.

As far as lights are concerned, it really comes down to preference over cost, especially when you're getting started. Rule of thumb is that you need AT LEAST 3 reliable light sources carried with you. Beyond that, the cost of L.E.D.s and have dropped so much that you can a decent beginner's head lamp for very little money (say, $30-50).

As far as a pack is concerned, if all you're doing is dry caving at first, again, no need to go all out on an easy first trip. If a significant amount of crawling is expected, you might need something more durable than a light daypack, which would be just fine for a walking-only trip. I knew a caver who went on trips for decades with an old army medic pack he bought from a surplus store.

A lightweight set of knee and elbow pads are always nice for the unexpected crawl...

A pair of durable shoes with knobby soles. I prefer high-lace boots, because of better ankle protection.


And last, and--by far--the most important. Someone at home who knows EXACTLY where you are going, and when you are expected to return.


Good luck!


-Dean

[mossman]

Yes I am going with an experienced caver. He told me what to buy generically speaking. When you actually start looking there are just to many options. I was just looking for opinions. brand,type,etc...

I understand That I an new to this but I expected the exact opposite reaction. I figured people with knowledge would want to share it. Everyone has to start somewhere.

I appreciate your info. I will take everything you have said very seriously.

Thanks Again
Clint

[Brian Roebuck]

Hi Clint,

Welcome to the forum. Experienced cavers always preach safety to beginners. We hate having to rescue people or hear about them hurting themselves in caves so don't take hoosierdaddy's comments the wrong way.

If you just want to try out caving you might be able to borrow equipment from a local club (especially if the caver you are going with belongs to one). If not I suggest going to WalMart etc and try one of the LED lamps there that can be worn over a hardhat or helmet. Some are quite inexpensive and do a good job of being reliable, head mounted, and bright. Do carry a bit of extra gear such as water, snacks, extra lights, batteries, maybe a polypro long sleeve shirt, knee pads, etc. remember to have clothes to change into after the trip for your ride home. Cavers started out years ago with blue jeans, army surplus bags, combat boots, and carbide lights and did fine. Modern LED lights are cheaper and very reliable. Your boots should be able to get traction in deep mud (lug soles) and support your ankles (they are easy to twist in caves). Wear gloves too to avoid touching formations (you can ruin them that way) and scrapes etc. A helmet is great. One with a chin strap will keep it on your head if you fall. Rocks hurt! Avoid trying to hurt them back with your head - wear a helmet. I started out with a construction helmet fitted with an elastic waistband (underwear has some good elastic BTW) and a cheap light mounted to the helmet. It worked for many trips but was fragile. I could only dream of the great lights you can buy cheaply at WalMart these days!

You will slime your clothes. Long sleeves are good for scrape and elbow protection but can be too warm for some cavers. If you carry a variety of clothing or dress in layers you can find what works well for you. You may not get thirsty in the 100% humidity of a cave but do remember to drink water or gatoraide frequently as you go along. Dehydration can make your muscles cramp up or worse.

Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. If they call for a rescue and you are simply overdue somebody (you) may get stuck with a hefty bill for rescue folks time. Just like Boy Scouts always preach - prepare for your trip well and you will have a good time and be safe.

BTW places like REI have all sorts of lights for sale that are a bit better quality than WalMart stuff. Some of the prices aren't too bad either. Look for LEDs that have straps for wearing on helmets (or heads if not used in caves), use inexpensive batteries like AAA's etc, and have a decent waterproof capability for the light and the battery pack. princeton Tec makes some nice ones and they are guaranteed well too. Petzl makes lots of good caving lights suitable for beginners and up as well.

[mossman]

Thanks again!! You guys have a great help.

[Tony Anders]

Welcome to the world of the unknown. Glad to see more people taking a responsible approach to caving. Meaning asking instead of just flying into it. Like Dr. B said, Caving can be very very dangerous and easy to get hurt. Take your time... Look then look again before traversing around in the passage ways...
Again as Dr B said Wal-mart has several good lights, My boys use the energizer red/clear LED light. Lightweight and runs for days ....

I use the Black Diamond I found at Campmor.... Not as battery freindly, but cast a better spot light.. I have a Black diamond moonbeam as well, I believe that is what it is. It is an led and I don't think I have changed the batteries in it but 2 times...

I guess I take more lights than I should but I have a backup headlamp and two other hand lights plus a half dozen glow sticks. I hope between all those I can get out if need be.... don't forget batteries and be sure to take extra batteries and make sure they are fit the lights you have...


If your close to southeast Kentucky.. Give us a shout, we are always looking for people to take on our explorations.

See ya around, in the underground...

[mossman]

I live in Georgia but if I am ever in Kentucky I will look you up.
Thanks Tony

[Azurerana]

Those Energizer white/red LEDs with 4 positions are GREAT! to start with for the price. I went with a church group for two weeks last year. They had Petzl Elios helmets (they also have a ropes course at the camp) and those Energizer lights the kids had rocked.

It's tempting to take everything and the kitchen sink, but if you're just starting out, you don't need to be a pack animal. For in-cave trips under 5 hours, helmet/chinstrap, 3-4 lights (two which can go on the helmet, two which can be handheld) spare batteries, a pint of water, energy snack (gorp/peanut M&Ms, something like that), gloves, boots,maybe a clean handkerchief in a ziplock, and a folded trash bag (to wear if you get too cold) all in the smallest back or sidepack possible is all you need. Make sure one of your spare lights is easily available (in outside pack pocket, or attached securely to a belt loop and in your pocket, or on a pop-apart cord around your neck.)

It will take caving a time or two to figure out what works/doesn't work in terms of keeping warm or cool, so don't fret that. The job is to survive, not necessarily to be comfortable at the beginning, hence the reason there are 'beginner' trips...they are to work the packing bugs out.

Have fun! (Go slow and look at everything...you'll never forget the first few times you cave.)

[mossman]

It's this saturday can't wait. Got my helmet / hardhat, two headlamps, two small flashlights and I am going to get some kind of bag tonight. So I will try to take some pics and post them when i get back.

I will make sure I pack a couple of trash bags because I know my friends will forget.

[Brian Roebuck]

mossman said:

It's this saturday can't wait. Got my helmet / hardhat, two headlamps, two small flashlights and I am going to get some kind of bag tonight. So I will try to take some pics and post them when i get back.

I will make sure I pack a couple of trash bags because I know my friends will forget.

It sounds like you are good to go! Don't forget to carry all your gear to the trip. many of us have driven off and left things at home such as helmets, lights, etc! Ask me how I know he he.

Eat a good dinner Friday evening to have energy for Saturday. Carry some food along and remember to sip water etc along the way on your trip. Let the guide(s) know how you are doing as you go along too. Sometimes experienced cavers expect too much from new recruits. I know you'll enjoy the trip. Please post your experiences here and share them!

Have fun.

[galt]

Mossman:

I hope it goes well and welcome. I'm a newbie to this site and not experienced like these other guys, but I'd love to show my cave sometime. Last weekend, Graveleye (active on this site) and his wife came with my daughter and me to our cave in Rockmart, Polk County, Georgia, which is about 45 minutes from Atlanta. The name is White River Cave. It's a good beginner cave - takes around 2-3 hours to explore with hundreds of bats.

Let me know it you're interested after your first experience.

- Mason a/k/a Galt