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notepad, graph paper, and pencils
You will want to be able to keep good notes,
record your findings, and draw layouts of what you see. Pocket sized
notepads are most convenient when you're hands are full.
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watch (with sweep second hand)
First you may want to know what time it is
but more importantly, you can't record that you saw something for 12 seconds
if you don't have a watch...
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flashlight (small pocket size)
Your personal visual enhancement. The
mini-maglite is great in this role. Just enough light that you can see
where you are going.
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flashlight (large lantern size)
More for group use and recording your
notes. A large camp lantern such as the Coleman is a blessing when you
need to see what you are doing...
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measuring tape (retractable)
Your standard household retractable tape
measure for seeing how big or small things are...
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camera (35mm high speed film)
A 35mm SLR will give you much more control of
your picture but you must be skilled in using it first. If f:2.8 has
no meaning to you then stick with a simple point and shoot. Make sure
your camera can use the faster speeds of film though -- it's better to use
no flash.
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camera (Polaroid or instant film)
Nothing beats instant gratification!
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camera (digital)
A digital camera can image some things that a
film camera can not. Unfortunately, a digital can only store so many
images at high quality and those memory cards are expensive. Think
about bringing a laptop along to store images in...
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camera (VHS video)
Makes later review of your observations even
easier. If nothing else, it records the events of the exploration.
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extra film and video tape
35mm film in the range of 400 - 800 ASA is
good for available light photography. 1600 ASA black and white can get
expensive but is great after dark. Infrared film has shown some
amazing images but is exceedingly expensive to purchase and process.
Black and White film does produce images with better contrast than color
film. There is a Kodak and Ilford black and white film that can be
processed C-41 (like color) so that your 1-hour lab can develop it for
you...
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digital thermometer (quick reading adjustments)
Many folks report "cold spots" or
"hot spots" in the vicinity of paranormal activity. The only
way to quantify that "feeling" is to measure the
temperature. A fast reading thermometer is the best way... An
infrared thermal scanner is a good tool if you have the extra cash -- they
let you check temperature from a distance.
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extra batteries for every piece of electronics on hand
Nothing is worse than having dead equipment
when you need it. Many folks have experienced unusual draining of
their batteries when on an outing.
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personal first aid kit
BE PREPARED!
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cell phone
"Who ya
gonna call?" Hopefully you will not need to call 911 but just in
case...
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FRS radios for group communication
These little radios are getting very
inexpensive now -- remember the kid's Walkie-Talkie? Just like it only
for grown-ups... Not much more disconcerting than becoming separated
from the group and getting lost in the woods...
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Motion Detectors
Radio Shack has a great selection of all
manner of motion sensors. You can even wire one into a video or film
camera...
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baggies (assorted sizes)
Soil samples, unidentified goo, your exposed
film, rain protection for your electronics... baggies are good!
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a compass (which is only useful if you know how to use it)
Not just for when you are lost but also for
recording direction on your notes. Are you in the south side of the
cemetery or the west? They're only useful if you know how to read
one...
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maps
I hate being lost! Always have a recent road
map of the area. Historic maps are available online and at the library
and can provide some great insight into reports you receive from
others. I've never heard anyone say "I wish I didn't have so many
maps..."
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water and snacks
Nothing worse than having to leave before you
are ready because somebody got hungry...
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Toilet Tissue
Just a little in your first aid kit.
All public porta-johns are not well stocked and sometimes you have to [well;
you know...]
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Warm weather and cold weather clothes (so you can be comfortable)
Weather sometimes changes. Come
prepared to "wrap-up" or "dress down". Always have
a jacket available even when you think it is going to be warm. Have
some shoes/boots suitable for walking and some clothes suitable for
"the woods" and "damp basements"...
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Identification and cash
When the deputy sheriff shows up and
wants to know why you are in the cemetery at midnight he is going to want to
see some ID -- don't have to fumble around looking for it. Cash is for
those vending machines and gas stations; your Visa and ATM cards don't work
everywhere.
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Specific Scientific Gear
There are times when you will want to determine some fact. Let's say
that you want to know the salinity of a soil sample. In these cases
you will need specific equipment for the purpose. We can only assume
that if you know how to conduct a soil sample then you know what equipment
you will need...
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