Essential Kit
What equipment do you really need on an archaeology dig?
Many first-time archaeologists worry about what to take with them on their first dig. All sorts of fears about looking cool or stupid, arrogant or idiotic roll through your brain in the weeks running up to the first day on site.
Firstly, all digs are different, so each will have its own requirements. Therefore asking questions is necessary and welcome. Anyone who doesn't answer or makes you feel bad about asking is no true archaeologist. Ask your contact if shorts are a good idea? If you need to bring your own trowel? if kneepads are necessary? If you need any vaccinations? Since in some sites the answer to all of these is yes and at others the answer is no, you cannot be expected to know in advance can you?
On to my personal list of things I will always take with me on a dig:
- Trowel
- Kneeling pad or industrial kneepads.
- Roughneck thermos flask (because they don't have breakable glass in them) full of coffee.
- Large brimmed hat - vital.
- Waterproofs (otherwise it WILL rain all day)
- Sunglasses
- Suntan cream
- Jumper or fleece
- Heavy workboots (preferably steel toecapped)
- Small pocket notebook
- Spare pens and pencils (h3 or harder) - you wouldn't believe how many pens go missing on a dig. Someday some future archaeologist will dig them all up and write a thesis on them.
- I-Pod or other personal stereo (relaxing music works best).
As for clothes, I usually wear shorts no matter what the weather. Long trousers just get muddy, dirty and wet. Besides, I have great looking knees!
Chris Brown ©2002, updated -2010