WSU Archaeological Field School

Below is a list of required and recommended items to bring with you to the field school.

NOTE: THIS LIST WILL BE UPDATED FOR THE 2023 FIELD SCHOOL Please wait to purchase any new equipment until we distribute the final list, which will be sent to students after acceptance into the program.

Field Equipment and Supplies (all field equipment is required unless otherwise stated)

• Marshalltown brand masonry trowel, pointed, 4-inch or 5-inch size
• Retractable metric measuring tape (5 m or longer)
• Synthetic brushes of various sizes. We recommend at least one 1-inch paint brush and one 4-inch paint brush (unused).
• Wooden sculpting tools or bamboo picks (wooden chopsticks will suffice)
• Nylon string
• 3-inch line level
• Work gloves (garden or leather)
• Compass: please select from either the Suunto M-3 or Suunto MC 2 brand and models. We highly recommend the Suunto MC 2 because it includes a mirror.
• Pens, pencils, sharpies (they get lost easily, so bring many)
• Notebook
• Grid paper
• metal-edge ruler (metric on one long-edge and imperial on the other)
• Box/case/bag to carry your excavation tools in
• Backpack to carry larger gear in (can be the same bag that you use for your excavation tools)
• Hydration pack and/or water bottles
• “Bastard cut” hand file (optional)
• Whisk broom, hand broom, and dustpan (optional)
• Small root clippers (optional)
• Knee pads or pad to kneel on (optional)

Camping Gear

• Tent
• Ground cloth for tent
• Sleeping pad or cot
• Sleeping bag and pillow
• 5-gallon solar shower
• Head lamp and/or flashlight
• Multi-tool
• Tarp to protect tent during inclement weather (optional but recommended)
• Cordage and bungee cords to secure tent (optional but recommended)
• Folding chair (optional but recommended)

Clothing, Footwear, and Accessories

• Comfortable, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and short-sleeved shirts
• Comfortable, loose-fitting long pants and shorts (pants are required while surveying)
• Rain jacket/rain gear (it doesn’t rain much in June and July in the field school area, but it’s good to be prepared)
• Hooded sweatshirt or fleece jacket (for cool mornings and nights)
• Hat (we highly recommend brimmed hats since they offer the most protection from the sun)
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Tennis shoes
• Flat bottomed shoes for excavation
• Sunglasses
• Bandannas (optional but recommended—they help to protect you from the sun, wind, and dust, and also help to manage sweat)

For clothing and safety tips on working outdoors in warm climates, see this OSHA fact sheet: https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/working_outdoors.pdf

Personal Items

• SPF 30+ sunscreen
• Bathroom kit (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
• Shower towel
• Flip flops or similar shower shoes
• Any over the counter or prescription medication that you may need
• Bug spray
• Tecnu to treat poison ivy and poison oak
• Meal mess kit (fork, spoon, plate, bowl, cup)
• Travel mug for coffee, tea, etc.

Other Optional Items to Consider Bringing

• Your preferred snacks and food items (we will provide meals and snacks, but food options might be limited)
• Books
• Games
• Fishing pole, tackle, fishing license (optional)
• Personal cooler
• Binoculars for viewing wildlife
• Swimwear and water shoes or sandals
• Laundry bag
• Solar charger for your electronic devices (you will have access to electricity)