Kit List

This list is as a basic list of what you will need for a caving weekend leaving Friday night returning Sunday night. Download a copy.

"Normal" Clothes (e.g. trousers, underwear, t-shirt, socks)

Recommended 2 sets for caving (one for each trip) and one for the hut. (You could get away with two sets, one set for caving and one for the hut, relying on the drying room - though it should be noted that the term drying room is a misnomer. It just makes things marginally less wet.)

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

(When wet they get cold, heavy and chafe, they also take ages to dry)(Fine for the hut though.)

BRING WHITE STUFF AT YOU OWN RISK

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

WARM STUFF FOR THE HUT

Caving huts can vary wildly in temperature (also good to keep warm on the way to the pub)

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. The club has a good selection which it is happy to lend out but please email to request them as unless you were born with 3 size 9 left feet we may not have any in your size (particularly true for small/large sizes)

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

Sleeping bag

To sleep in.

Torch

So you can find your way to your bunk/ back from the pub (we provide lights for caving)

Wash kit (Tooth brush, soap, deodorant e.tc.)

To wash with. Don’t bother with beatifying stuff (hair straighteners/ make up/ hair gel) many cavers don’t even bother to shower after a trip, merely washing will make you look like a god/goddess compared to the other muddy and smelly cavers.

Towel

To dry off with / avoid flashing everyone when getting changed

MONEY

Money for the pub and to buy Friday dinner and any drinks you want for the party at the hut.

BEER/DRINKS

There will normally be quite a few drinks had Friday and Saturday night. We normally stop on the way at a supermarket. Even if you don’t drink alcohol it will probably be worth bringing some coke/ squash to quench your thirst.

Missing something? The club has some spare kit it can lend (particularly wellies) and many older members also have kit they can lend, Send us an email.

IF WE ARE CAMPING (we try to avoid this but some times it is necessary) Please Bring:

Roll Mat

A length of foam mat to keep you of the tent floor and hence much warmer.

OPTIONAL KIT (if you have it please bring it):

Any personal caving kit

Wetsuit

Some caves have some great if cold swimming opportunities. Chances of using one is slim but swimming in crystal clear pools deep underground is worth the effort of packing it.

Furry /Thermal under suit

A giant adult sized fleece baby grow. Known universally by cavers as furries they are also sometimes used by sailors and divers under dry suits. These are the crème de la crème of caving insulation and many cavers’ first purchases. They can be very expensive so if yours is a non-caving one for use under a dry suit you use it at your own risk.