/fieldwork-packing-list

A list of things to bring when undertaking biological fieldwork

GNU General Public License v2.0GPL-2.0

Fieldwork Packing List

A list of things to bring when undertaking biological fieldwork. Contributions by Christina, Kenny, and Erin.

Clothes

  • Work Shirts

Items you won't mind getting ruined. Consider men's dress shirts with tank top or t-shirt underneath.

  • Work Pants

  • Socks

SmartWool, etc.

  • Shoes and Boots

You can buy Wellingtons/rainboots in the field in lieu of fancy hiking boots, which might be smart in very wet conditions.

  • Hats

With brim if you're pale and will be in sunny areas

  • Bandanas

Popular especially among rainforest folks

  • Unmentionables

  • Fancy Clothes

Wrinkle-proof

  • Swimwear

  • Rain jacket

  • Flip flops

Buy in-country

Shelter and Bedding

  • Sleeping bag

  • Sleeping bag liner

  • Pillow

  • Heavy blanket

Acquire in-country if needed. Can be quite inexpensive.

  • Mosquito net

Insecticide-treated

  • Tent

  • Air mattress

Therma-Rest, etc.

Bath

  • Towel

  • Toothbrush

  • Shampoo

Biodegradable and concentrated, like Dr. Bronner's

  • Laundry detergent

Biodegradable and concentrated, like Dr. Bronner's. Consider a bar instead.

Computers and Other Electronics

  • Computer

  • Chargers

  • USB Jump Drive

  • External Harddrive

  • Power adapter

  • Travel adapter

  • Cell phone

Unlocked GSM phone

  • SIM card

Purchase in-country

  • Satellite phone

  • GPS

See "Research Gear"

  • Rechargeable batteries

  • Solar charger, inverter

  • Watch

Packs

  • Backpack

  • Day pack

  • Dry bags

  • Ziplocs

  • Garbage bag

To hold dirty clothes, line pack, etc.

  • Plastic rice bags

Purchase in-country, surprisingly useful.

  • Straps and carabiners

Medicine and Health

  • Sunscreen

Loses effectiveness after three years.

  • Anti-malaria prophylaxis

Commonly prescribed: Malarone, Doxycycline, Mefloquine (Lariam). Less common: Chloroquine, Deltaprim

  • Antidiarrhoeal

Cipro, Immodium, rehydration salts, Pepto-Bismol...

  • First aid kit

Bandaids, moleskin, Fever reducer, pain killer. Remember Tylenol is paracetamol outside of the U.S. (Mnemonic: "Why is there no Tylenol in the jungle? Because the parrots eat them all.") Benadryl (check if legal, seriously illegal in Zambia for instance), Epi-Pens if needed Albendazole (de-wormer) acquired in-country Antibiotic cream, alcohol wipes Sterile emergency travel surgery kit. Expensive, but maybe worth it in some locales. See this for example.

  • Bug spray

DEET, Permethrin to treat clothes

  • Water purification Iodine tablets, UV purification/filtration systems

  • Evacuation insurance

Not expensive but potentially life-saving. Good to have medivac insurance from a specialist company even if your regular insurance says it covers evacuation. Companies include MEDEX and there are also subscription based services if you travel internationally regularly.

  • Probiotics

Especially if on antibiotics for malaria prophylaxis

  • Tampons, pads

  • Birth control, condoms, emergency birth control

Doxycycline and cipro can render birth control ineffective.

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Toilet paper

Acquire in-country

  • Tissues

Acquire in-country

Documents and Financial Concerns

  • Passport

Check that it is valid. Beware, some countries will not grant a visa if your passport is due to expire within a certain window. Make sure there are at least two empty visa pages prior to traveling, or apply for additional pages.

  • Yellow fever certificate

Required for entrance into certain countries.

  • Visa

May not be necessary depending on country. May be possible to acquire at airport, though price may vary. Consider a multi-entry visa if applicable or a tourist visa, if the stay in country is short term.

  • Photocopies of passport

  • Passport photos

Color, 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), with head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (between 25 and 35 mm) from chin to the top of the head, with plain white or off-white background.

  • Permits

Research permit, sample collection permits, import and export permits

  • Folder for storing papers

  • Money belt

  • Cash

U.S. bills can be traded in virtually all countries. Some countries may not be willing to trade older U.S. bills (i.e., will only trade certain series) due to counterfeiting concerns. After conversion, break into smaller bills before leaving urban areas.

  • Credit cards

Notify bank beforehand

  • Receipt book

Food and Drink

  • Water bottle

  • Energy bars

  • Snacks

Favorite candy, powdered hot chocolate

  • Powdered drinks

Gatorade, Crystal Light, etc.

  • Utensils and flatware

  • Jerry can for water

Buy in-country. Label and never fill with gasoline.

  • Spices

Tools and Research Gear

  • Multi-purpose tool

  • Headlamp

  • Flashlight

  • Compass

  • Notebooks

  • Dictaphone

  • GPS

  • Binoculars

  • Camera

Plus SD cards, batteries, cables.

  • Pens and notebooks

Consider Rite In Rain waterproof supplies

  • Sharpies

  • Nitrile gloves

Niceties

  • eReader

  • Music player and headphones