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, non-marking            

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 or safety carabiner  
4. A “Rescue Eight” with ears                                              

ASCENDING SYSTEM
Must be a complete working system with at least twopoints of gripping attachment above the center of gravity
1. An additional 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)
3. Frog system users must incorporate a cow’s tail

GLOVES

    Must have leather palms and full fingers

WET SUIT

    Required for Level 3, optional for Levels 1 and 2

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