Fieldwork Gear Checklist for Geology Students
Fieldwork is a foundational part of geology education. Whether you're heading out for your first day trip or preparing for a multi-day field course, being properly equipped ensures your safety, comfort, and success in the field.
This checklist outlines the recommended and essential gear that undergraduate geology students should bring on department-led field trips. While specific trips may require additional items, this list provides a solid baseline for most day trips and field exercises.
Field Gear
- Daypack or backpack
- Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
- Work pants (durable; jeans are acceptable)
- Long sleeve shirt (sun and abrasion protection)
- Hat (sun protection)
- Water bottle or hydration system (2L minimum recommended)
- Lunch and snacks (in reusable containers)
- Raincoat and/or warm layer
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
Safety & Hygiene
- Personal medications
- Personal first aid kit (e.g., band-aids, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes)
- Outdoor bathroom kit (toilet paper, ziplock bags, hand sanitizer, etc.)
Note: Some sites may have pit toilets; others may not.
Field Tools
- Field notebook ("Rite in the Rain" recommended)
- Pencils and erasers (bring extras!)
- Clipboard or mapboard
- Rulers and colored pencils
- Hand lens
- Pocket knife or multitool (optional)
Questions?
Contact Eduardo Alatorre-Acevedo at ealatorre at ucdavis.edu.