Clothing and Field Gear

Orientation

Field studies require different clothes than you would use for ordinary travel.

• • What is carried should be absolutely minimized: small size and light weight are the goals.

  • Transported gear should emphasize travel comfort, wise use of time, and safety.

  • Contingency planning should permeate all aspects of travel.

The kinds of field clothing and support gear are constantly changing, as are the requirements of the field studies.

There are a number of general considerations that apply to all of your clothing and field gear.

• • Minimizes bulk and weight

  • Promotes multiple use (e.g., shoes that work in the field as well as in meetings)

  • Utilizes of a good packing system and components that pack well

  • Consists of items that are easy maintenance (e.g., can be washed and dried easily)

  • Builds on components that are highly functional (opposite = "fancy")

Some complexity is added when there are special conditions that must be accommodated.

• Stressful climates (e.g., ice & snow, heavy rain, strong wind)

• Formal situations

• Multiple-Climates (e.g., cold and hot in the same trip)

• Long duration

The result is that every item of clothing and supporting gear must be selected carefully. Each must be evaluated on its own terms, as well as how well it fits into an overall system.

Skill/Behavioral Levels

Novice

• Brings mostly what is asked by someone else.

• Shows no significant concern for how items are transported.

• Does little maintenance (e.g., cleaning, repairing).

• Stores things haphazardly and allows items to get lost.

• Brings unneeded or inappropriate items, often to great excess.

• Shows little regard for other people's gear.

• Provides no special concern for mission-critical items.

• Creates disorder that impacts other people.

• Fails to be prepared when it is time to move.

• Requires the assistance of other people to function in new areas.

• Lacks knowledge of the environmental conditions that will be experienced.

Advanced Beginner

• Brings many of the correct components.

• Carries all items in ways that are convenient and safe.

• Shows sufficient organization that items are unlikely to get lost.

• Maintains most things so that they are ready when needed.

• Provides special attention to mission-critical items.

• Respects other people's gear.

• Functions independently in new areas.

• Knows the general environmental conditions that will be experienced.

Competent

• Brings the correct components, both in kind and amount.

• Minimizes the number of items through maintenance and multiple use.

• Acquires new items that increase reliability and efficiency.

• Helps other people improve their carrying and use of gear.

• Provides pro-active maintenance of gear.

• Uses gear that is reliable, safe and efficient.

• Offers backup support for other people.

• Monitors the environmental conditions ahead of time.

Proficient

• Repairs a wide variety of gear.

• Knows where to obtain critical items in any environment.

• Organizes groups of people so they can meet new challenges.

• Maintains a current knowledge of the appropriate technologies.

• Improvises seamlessly.

Expert

• Envisions correct solutions to the challenges of new places.

• Creates new gear.

• Defines new conditions and challenges for travel and gear.