Northern Great Basin Prehistory Project
Archaeological Field School
2018 Summer Session
Field School Equipment
Having the right equipment is essential for doing archaeological field work. Below you will find sections on:
Personal Equipment
The project area can be hot and dry and full of plants that grab at skin and clothing. At other times, it can be windy and cold or stormy. Clothes and bedding suitable to a wide range of conditions are recommended. Here is a list of suggested items:
Rimrock Draw Excavation in Progress
- Sturdy Tent
- Bedding - sleeping bag, pillow and extra blanket(s) (in addition to a sleeping bag and extra blanket(s) many students choose to have a sleep mat or cot)
- Sunshower - 3-5 gallon capacity
- towels/washcloths/soap
- personal toiletries
- backpack - for day use (or functional equivalent)
- wide-brimmed hat
- sunscreen - at least SPF 25
- bug spray
- sunglasses
- pocketknife
- clothing for 2 weeks - Laundromats are available in a small town 50 miles from camp. Note: clothing for a variety of weather conditions is recommended. Since night temperatures are often cold, warm clothing to sleep in is essential.
- canteens - you will need to carry at least 3 quarts
- field notebook and pencils
- personal entertainment - books, cards, Frisbees, music, sketchpad, camera, spending money, personal ice chest, folding chair, games
Field school students leave directly from a predetermined location on the meeting date, so everything must be brought at that time. Students pack a lunch and snacks on the first day to eat on the way to field school camp. Private vehicles should be filled with gas and ready to travel.
Required Archaeological Field School Equipment
Upon acceptance, students are responsible for purchasing these items before field school.
| Item | Approx. Cost |
| Marshalltown Masonry Trowel (6" x 2¾") | $6.50 |
| Stanley Line Level (metal) | $4.00 |
| Stanley Powerlock Tape (5 m x ¾") MUST BE METRIC! |
$11.50 |
| Paintbrush (2-3") | $3.00 |
| Whiskbroom | $7.00 |
| Forceps | $5.00 |
| Hand Lens or Loupe (10x) - optional | $6.00 |
| Clipboard | $2.00 |
| Sharpies (2 @ $1.25) | $2.50 |
| Mechanical Pencil and Lead (0.7 mm) | $1.50 |
| Plastic Tool Box - optional | $6.00 |
| Work Gloves - optional | $4.00 |
| Total: | $59.00 |
| without optionals: | $43.00 |