Field Gear Essentials

Working in the field requires specific gear. Most jobs will give you a list of what you need once you have been given a job offer. These lists usually tell you what will be provided for you and what items you must bring yourself. I do not recommend buying these items before getting a job, however, buying all of this at once can be overwhelming. Many of these items are universal for all field jobs while others are very specific. You can determine what items may be needed for the kinds of field jobs that you are interested in by reading job descriptions. This list is to provide you with an idea of what money may be required even before volunteering, taking a field class, or an internship. These jobs may require you to reach into your pocket long before you can get a paying field job. I collected my gear from REI, Any Mountain, Amazon, and Walmart. REI is an extremely helpful source because their staff are knowledgeable and can really help you figure out the best product for your needs.

Binoculars
Headlamp (with bright, low, and red light settings)
Reusable Water Bottle(s)
Camping Stove with Fuel
Tent
Sleeping Bag
Ground Pad
30L or smaller Backpack for Day Use
60L Backpack for Backpacking
Waterproof Digital Watch with Stopwatch/Timer/Light/Alarm
Quick Drying Towel(s)
Waterproof Hiking Boots/Shoes
Rain Boots
Sandals/Flip Flops
Day Shoe for Time Off
Rain Jacket
Rain Pants

Umbrella
Pack Cover
Sunblock
Anti-itch Cream
Deet/Insect Repellent
First Aid Kit with antibiotics, Imodiumum, Band-Aids
Emergency Blanket
Whistle
Sunglasses
Extra Pair of Prescription Glasses
Lens Wipes
Long Thin Field Pants
Long Thin Field Shirts
Non cotton T-shirts/Long Sleeves
Thermal Pants/Shirts
Down Jacket/Vest
Outer Shell Jacket
Warm Hat
Baseball Cap
Sun Hat
Sunblock

Aloe
Rite in the Rain or Regular Notebook(s)
Pens/Pencils
Compass
Nonperishable Foods such as Canned Soup, Pastas, Oatmeal
Energy/Granola Bars
Book(s)
Headphones/iPod
Moisture Wicking /Hiking Socks
Bedding
Toiletries
This is a basic list of gear that I have accumulated. Many of it will be specific to different types of field jobs, such as warm or cool weather clothes.
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