Best/most important summer fieldwork items?
Ask A Biologist Monday 4/24/23
Answers from Biologists:
Deet.
A decent hat.
Anti-itch cream for those inevitable bug bites.
Eye protection.
Technu for encounters with poison ivy/oak.
Eye protection.
Polarized wraparound sunglasses. Glare destroys you.
Kula cloth for folks who squat when they pee.
Make sure your spare tire has air and is structurally sound.
Tick repellent. Ensure your clothes are soaked in permethrin, use deet, or other approved repellents.
Chapstick.
Hats.
Infinite socks.
Neon flagging tape for keys and phones.
Big dumb hat. Good for sun, good for rain.
Wide brimmed hat.
Buff/bandana.
Sun gloves.
A good mosquito and biting insect protection system.
Sun gloves. A game changer.
A packable rain poncho. Finishing a day of fieldwork while soaked is the worst.
Quality pair of sunglasses. The eye strain is real on a bright day.
Cooling buffs and ice paces to use for palmar cooling.
Snake boots or snake gaiters. They can be hot but better safe than sorry.
M&Ms. Little sugar boost that doesn’t melt all over the place like other candy.
An extra pair of socks. Switching to clean socks at lunch time is a morale boost.
If you’re in an exposed area (esp. desert)-sun hoodie.
Snacks, snacks, and more snacks.
Dermatone for sun/wind protection.
Permethrin wash-in for clothing as bug repellent.
Snacks. And backup snacks.
Headlamp. If my day runs long, I don’t want to be headed back to the truck in the dark.
Seconding sunscreen/sun protective clothing (Bio diagnosed w/skin cancer at 28).
Mouthwash. I always get something disgusting in my mouth by accident.
Tall, non-synthetic socks to tuck your pants into (love smart wool).
A tick key.
So much insect repellent. I prefer Picaridin since it’s DEET-free.
A well stocked first aid kit-duct tape and some tweezers (especially in the desert_.
Mosquito net/hat.
Comfy boots/shoes. Nothing ruins a long day like getting blisters or skin rubbed raw halfway through.
Sunscreen.
Snacks.
Bug repellent.
Some candy or a cookie. The extra dopamine can really help on a tough field day.
Sunglasses. Especially if working on the water.
Multi tool that’s easily accessible. Never know when you’ll need it.
5 gallon water cooler to refill your water bottle throughout the day.
Bug spray and calamine lotion.
Appropriate footwear and clothing items for your environment.
Appropriate ways to carry gear.
Bug jacket for the wetlands.
Sunscreen chapstick.
A wide brimmed hat that covers the back of your neck. Sun protection is important.
Electrolyte packets to toss in water bottles. Gotta stay hydrated.
Powdered gatorade in addition to water. Restore those salts you sweat out.
Tick protection-permethrin treated clothes, spray, long socks).
Lightweight white long sleeve shirt.
Insulating water bottle.
Wet bandana on back of neck.
Freeze your extra water at the beginning of the day so it stays cold.
Comfy shoes and rubber boots for wet days.
DEET.
Hat.
Insulated water bottle.
Extra water, especially if it ends up being a longer day in the field than expected.
Liquid IV. If you’re covering a lot of ground, you need more than water.
Extra underwear and socks.
