How to Pack for Caving

Plan the division of carrying labor in advance. If your cave is some distance from roads and civilization, you will probably need to hike in and camp there. Furthermore, no one should ever cave alone, so there will be a party of at least two involved. Talk to your partner(s) and divide who is carrying what part of the camping kit.

Decide with your partner(s) who will carry specific parts of the kit that only one, or at most two members of the group need to have. This part of the kit includes a hammer, climbing irons and a map of the cave (if one exists).

Assemble your caving kit. This will consist of at least your helmet, helmet lamp, knee pads, caving jump suit, back-up flashlight, extra batteries and glowsticks. It may also include rock-climbing gear like ropes, carabiners and a repelling harness. The latter gear depends on the cave and the ambitions of the caving trip.

Pack your tower backpack or rucksack. If this is a day caving trip, then all you need is your caving gear, a water bottle and a snack. A good plan in the event of a combined caving-camping trip is to pack your caving gear into the bottom of the pack. This equipment will not be needed until after camp is set, so it should be the last set of items you get to after arriving at the site.

Weigh your pack. A seasoned trekker and caver ought to know how much he can carry on a trek. A novice should draw the line at 50 lbs.