Philadelphia Grotto

Recommended Caving Equipment

Your selection of caving equipment is your responsibility and is a very personal decision.  It is recommended that you seek further information and instruction prior to caving (see the below links for more information.)  This list is generally considered to be the minimum requirements for safe caving, and cavers will not be permitted on grotto trips without  this equipment.

Remember, no cotton! – Cotton provides NO warmth if you get wet! Wet cotton makes you very vulnerable to hypothermia – the old saying is “cotton kills!”

Required Equipment:

1.Helmet

– UIAA or CE approved climbing style helmet with a three or four point suspension, and a non-elastic chinstrap. (The grotto has extra hemets that members can borrow. Be sure to ask ahead of time if you need to use one)


2.Primary Light

(helmet mounted)

– This should be a reliable light source and you will need both hands free when traveling in a cave. Remember to bring extra batteries or spare carbide. (Members can borrow a headlamp from the Grotto, consider bringing extra new batteries.)


3.Backup Light Sources

– All together, you should have THREE sources of light that are bright enough to exit the cave. TWO of your light sources should be mounted on your helmet.


4.Sturdy Boots

– Hiking boots with decent treads are suitable. Sturdy boots help prevent ankle sprains and thick treads will give you secure footing in mud. Your boots are likely to get wet and could wear out quickly – many cavers use rubber rain boots found at tractor supply and other stores.


5.Old Rugged Clothing

– Thrift stores are your friend! Durable synthetic clothing is recommended because it will keep you warm even when wet. Coveralls are preferred by many cavers as they don’t come untucked.

Also check with your trip leader regarding cave conditions so you can choose suitable clothing. Also consider the outside conditions as well – will you be hiking 2 miles in 10 degree weather? Will you be scrambling up long hills in 95 degree weather?


6.Warm Base Layers

– Synthetic or wool underlayers. Fleece is an option for colder caves… or if you get cold easily. Consider bringing an extra synthetic or wool layer – You may get chilly when taking long breaks or in case the trip is colder then you anticipated.


7.Warm Socks

– Thick wool socks will keep you warm even if they get wet. Alternatively, some synthetic socks are an option as well.***NO COTTON!!***


8.Sturdy Gloves

– Cheap rubber gardening gloves are what most cavers use. Find a pair that fits well and is snug on your fingers. You will need to be able to climb rocks with them on. Additionally, neoprene divers gloves for very wet caves.

***Leather work gloves become useless after they get wet.***


9.Small Backpack

– A small pack that can travel in a cave with you.***Beware!*** Caves are not nice to gear… Your pack may get wet and dirty and a possibilty that it could get ripped. Bring a bag that you don’t mind abusing.


10.Water

– A minimum 1 liter of water or more.


11.Food/Snacks

– High energy/non crushable snacks. Energy bars, granola, trail mix are excellent options. Remember to pack extra snacks in case the trip runs longer then planned.


13.Empty Water Bottle

– Nature calls “#1” – Trips often last a few hours; with no immidiate way to exit the cave. You may need to “fill” this at somepoint and it is impolite to leave “anything” in the cave. (wide mouth bottles are preferable)


14.Plastic Garbage Bag

– This can be left in the car or at the cave entrance, it should be big enough to hold your wet dirty caving gear after the trip. In an emergency, it can be used in-cave as a “heat tent.”


15.Change of Clothes

– Clean clothes to change into after the trip… this is especially important if you are carpooling in someone else’s car.


16.Small First Aid Kit

– Your kit should be able to manage blisters, headaches, small cuts, dirt in your contact lenses, loose bowels, etc. Coordinate with your trip leader to ensure that the group has the resources necessary to handle larger problems.


17.Group First Aid Kit

(one needed per group)

– The kit should be able to manage sprains, lacerations, simple fractures, etc. Tailor this kit to the trip.

For example: 5 experienced cavers camping in a cave for 3 days will have different needs; compared to a shorter 1 hour trip with 20 scouts. Keep it small so you take it into the cave. The grotto has a kit for trip leaders to borrow.

Optional Equipment:

– Knee and Elbow pads – highly recommended!
– 1″ climbers webbing – 30 feet or so – many possible uses in-cave
– Cave map and compass
– Watch
– Whistle
– Warm hat – one that fits under your helmet
– Balaclava – these really keep you warm!
– Camera
– Large first aid kit – A large kit in your car or by the cave entrance to handle more serious incidents.   Send two experienced cavers out to call for help and to bring needed supplies to the incident scene.

DO NOT bring anything into a cave that you do not wish to get wet or mud covered. Cave mud is very difficult to remove and will not wash completely out of most fabrics. DO bring a garbage bag to hold your dirty caving clothes in for the ride home.

More Information

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