Spelunking Equipment

The period between the 15th and 17th centuries was known as the Age of Exploration or Age of Discovery, and was marked by an interest in the unknown. Exploration was not limited to this time however. Far earlier, people such as the Mongols had ventured across all of Asia and into Europe. Throughout the history of American cowboys and into present times, people have felt the itch to investigate the unknown.

Today, the surface of the earth has been mapped virtually in its entirety. Even if new portions of the earth need to be mapped or charted, land and sea exploration has been rendered largely obsolete by the advent of aerial and satellite photography. However, what lies below the ground or deep in the ocean is another story. Scientists know more about the surface of the moon than the floor of the ocean or the earth five miles below your shoes.

Exploring caves is in some ways the final frontier. Caving or spelunking is the sport of exploring caves. Serious cavers consider spelunking to refer to cave explorers who are inexperienced or who use sub-par gear. Proper spelunking equipment is essential for safety and to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience. Unlike other sports, a failure in spelunking equipment can often mean a difference in life or death.

Essentials for spelunking include a hard hat, lights and ropes. Proper clothing is necessary. Avoid cotton clothing, since it tends to snag on things and is not very effective in keeping you warm when damp. Most caves are cool and damp, so this is important. For head protection, a hard hat or climbing helmet is ideal. Get one that meets ANSI standards for caving or mountaineering. Traditionally, cavers used carbide lamps which burned oxyacetylene. These are becoming phased out in favor of halogen or more recently, LED lamps.