Do you want to know the best fieldwork packing essentials that every Environmental Science Student must have? These are the tried and tested pieces of gear that you need to know about!!!
Fieldwork is one of the best parts of being an environmental science student. You may currently be like me when I first got the standard university field gear lists. A little confused on what gear you actually need to have and bring for your fieldwork. As an environmental science student myself, I’m excited to give you the top fieldwork packing essentials that my classmates and I swear by, to keep us warm, dry and safe while in the field.
You are going to learn about all of the best things you need to pack for a fieldtrip. From thermals, to waterproof pants, gloves and more.
After learning about all of these fieldwork packing essentials, you are going to be extra prepared when going out in the elements on your fieldtrips.
This post is all about the best fieldtrip essentials every environmental science student should know about.
The 11 Best Fieldwork Packing Essentials
1. Waterproof Raincoat
A waterproof raincoat is the most important piece of clothing when packing for your fieldwork. This will keep you warm and dry from the wind and rain. Even if its not meant to rain on your fieldtrip, I would still recommend bringing it. As it is another layer and keeps the wind out.
I bought my Macpac raincoat before I started university. It has been on all of my fieldtrips for the past 4 years and has been great. But if you have a long torso like me. I would recommend getting a slightly longer raincoat which goes past your bum. As you can get quite cold from rain dripping down your lower back. I would also recommend getting a raincoat with the highest waterproof rating you can find. Fieldwork days are long and you want to stay dry all day.
2. Waterproof Pants
I didn’t have waterproof pants until the end of last year. But they are a game changer! In the past on fieldtrips, I sometimes would have to slide down muddy banks or go into dense bush and I would find my legs becoming wet, scratched, and cold. But with my waterproof pants on my legs stay dry, safe and warm.
3. Thermals
These thermals are my favourite!!! My mum bought me these thermals for Christmas a couple of years ago. Even though I feel like Violet Beauregarde when I’m wearing them, I don’t mind as they keep me lovely and warm on fieldtrips. I would recommend wearing thermal top and bottoms and then having a spare pair in your bag as well.
4. Beanie
You loose lots of heat through your head especially on cold, wet or windy fieldtrips. So a beanie is a must have item. It is also small and doesn’t take up much space, so there is no excuse not to take one. I would recommend getting a beanie without the cute bobble on the top (I still need to do this!). Because the bobble restricts the hood on your raincoat from covering your head fully. Remember its better to be less fashionable rather than to be cold and wet.
5. Cap
A cap is ideal for all types of fieldwork. Obviously for hot days it keeps the sun out of your eyes. But also in the rain it can be ideal for keeping water from dripping down your face. While also keeping your head warm (but less so than the beanie).
6. Warm Jacket
For overtop of your thermals but underneath your raincoat, there is nothing better than a warm, dry and snuggly jacket!! I just bought this one from Macpac. It is fleeced lined with thumb holes and I wear it everywhere now. I love this jacket so much!!
7. Waterproof Tramping Boots
I didn’t start out having tramping boots. But once I got them I noticed such a big difference. Having waterproof tramping boots which fit properly, and have good grip is game changing. When you are in the field you want to be able to focus on what you are studying. Not about whether you may or may not slide down the bank you are on. Which is what happened to me when I only had trail running shoes on for one fieldtrip. I recently saved up to buy these boots which I’ve used on multiple trips now and they are amazing. Especially for girlies with wide feet like me.
8. Tramping Socks
Having warm tramping socks which don’t give you blisters is the best. They may cost a bit more but the quality is amazing. There is nothing worse than getting blisters on the way back to the car and having to hobble back. So highly recommend investing in some today!!
9. Day Pack
Now you need something to hold all of your equipment, food, water, spare clothes and sunscreen. This is why having a good size day pack, which is comfortable is a game changer. I don’t have a specific tramping day pack. However I just use my school bag which I find works perfectly (As long as you don’t mind it getting a bit dirty). But if you would like to invest in a proper day pack I would recommend this one from Macpac which many of my classmates have.
10. Day Pack Cover
If you don’t have a bag which is waterproof already (like me) and/or you want to protect your bag from rain and mud. A pack cover is the way to go. I have this day pack cover from Macpac, which has the added benefit of being bright red. So no one is going to lose sight of me in the bush!
11. Waterproof Gloves
On my Christmas list was this pair of these waterproof gloves. I wanted these as I remember one fieldtrip where we were in subalpine conditions. It was sunny one minute then bucketing down the next. My hands were freezing and I could hardly write notes down. So that is why I got these gloves they are wind and water resistant and have leather grips on the palm and fingers so I can still take notes. I would highly recommend these to finish off your fieldtrip packing prep.
Bonus Spare Clothes Bag
Once you get back to the car after fieldwork you will probably be a mix of muddy, sweaty and soggy. So I always love to bring a change of clothes and a few extras. Which I leave in the car to get changed into. Because there is nothing worse than driving two or more hours in wet smelly clothes.
What I keep in my spare clothes bag
- Towel
- Underwear, bra and warm socks (sometimes I skip the bra as its more comfy for me)
- Crocs or other slip on shoes
- Trackpants
- Cotton top or thermal top
- Warm jacket
- Deodorant
- Water bottle
- Favourite Snacks (a reward for getting the work done, I usually have some chocolate to share with the others in the car)
You will thank me later having those to get into on the ride home. Share this with your classmates, as you don’t want them to be wet and smelly in the same car as you!
This post was all about the best fieldwork packing essentials to help you be as prepared as you can be when going out into the wilderness!
Thank you for reading!!!
If you liked this post check out the posts below. Let me know in the comments about your favourite fieldtrip experience. Share this with a friend so everyone can come home warm, dry and safe from your amazing fieldtrips!!!
Georgia xoxo
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