Personal Equipment Requirements

CLIMBING HELMET
 UIAA or CE approved mountaineering style helmet with a three or four point suspension, and a non-elastic chinstrap          

THREE SOURCES OF LIGHT
 All must be capable of allowing you to exit the cave. At least two should be electric and two should be helmet-mountable.

BOOTS       
Sturdy, rubber soled 
          

RUGGED CLOTHING (see clothing note below)                                 

SIX LOCKING CARABINERS  
These must be independent of your ascending or descending systems
                                      

DESCENT DEVICE  Any of the following four devices are acceptable:      

   1. A standard rack           
2. A three-bar Micro rack with a hyper-bar (4 bars total)                                  
3. A Bobbin with an off-set "safety" carabiner  
4. A ''Rescue Eight'' with ears  
                                           

SEWN SEAT HARNESS             

ASCENDING SYSTEM
Must be a complete working system with at least twopoints of gripping attachment connected to the users seat harness support point.
1. An additional mechanical ascender or prusik must be available for crossing knots, etc.
2. One of the system’s ascenders must be functional as a Quick Attachment Safety (QAS)
for work positioning and fall prevention.

 

GLOVES

    Must have leather palms and full fingers

 

WET SUIT

    Required for Level 3 only

 

WATER BOTTLES

    Two quarts recommended

 

SMALL, PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT

    Optional, but recommended

 

SMALL, HEAVY-DUTY PACK     

    Used to carry personal gear around underground

 

2 - 20 FT PIECES OF 1-INCH TUBULAR WEBBING  

 

 

Environment/Area/Caves/Clothing

Daily high temperatures in early May can be expected to average 70 to 80 °F (21 to 27 °C).  Elevations in the area range from 900 to 2000 feet above sea level.  Be prepared to hike to caves through vegetated areas with poison-ivy and mosquitoes. Long pants, short sleeve shirts, hats, sunscreen, sturdy boots, and plenty of water are recommended for comfort and safety during outdoor activities.

Cave temperatures average 56-57 °F (17 °C) and are frequently wet and muddy. Rugged clothing (caving coveralls or caving pants), kneepads, sturdy boots, and leather gloves are recommended.

 

 

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