Michigan Tech
EAST AFRICA FIELD CAMP
Antenna 2010 Field Camp v 1.4 2/21/10
EQUIPMENT LIST
Laptop Computer Need either a PC or a Mac that can run PC programs.
Camera Digiatal is best, say 6 Magapixels. Note: "waterproof to 30 feet" is really not adequate if you plan on diving in Mombassa. Get a good plastic external housing for your camera.
Field Boots. Very important. Boots should be durable and comfortable (and broken-in). For example, Red Wing Irish Setter low-cuts are fine both in and out of the field; they provide good traction in the field and are light enough to wear around Nairobi. Sneakers and/or sandals will be handy as well "booties" if you are going on the reef trip.
Hat. Very important. This is primarily for protection from the sun (and/or rain). Bring a hat with a wide brim to cover your forehead and nose. Remember we are essentially on the Equator.
Day-Pack. A small to medium-sized pack snacks, camera, rain gear, etc., while in the field. Can double for carry-on on plane.
Utility Belt. Leather, army surplus, etc., for carrying hammer, Brunton, and other stuff. Get one narrow enough to fit the belt loop of a Brunton case.
Canteens. Optional. We will provide bottled water in 1 L bottles. We do not want students filling canteens or plastic bottles with tap water or sharing water.
Geologic Hammer. Optional. The "hard rock" type with one pointed and one blunt end is the most versatile. May be confiscated at airport though.
Hand Lens. One with 10X magnification is a good all-around lens.
Field Notebook(s). Various types will do, but the notebook should be small (to fit in back pants pocket or day pack) and should have a stiff cover to provide a rigid writing surface. Some have alternate grid and lined page patterns to facilitate both sketching and note-taking. A typical handy size is about 7-1/2" by 4-3/4".
Wrist or Pocket Watch. Bring one so you are in the right place at the right time.
Safety Glasses. You should never hammer on a rock without eye protection. Prescription glasses (if normally worn) or sun glasses afford some protection but can be damaged. Seriously consider bringing a pair of safety goggles for outcrop use.
Sun Block (Sun Screen). This is a "must" item. Something around SPF 15 or higher is usually recommended. Staff uses SPF 50. Can be purchased in Nairobi or Mombassa.
First Aid Kit Important. Bring Band-Aids, “Tuff-skin” or equivalent. Also, aspirin, cold tablets, allergy medicine and whatever medications you need. First-aid kits can be purchased in Nairobi.You can supplement it with your personal stuff. Remember to get malaria prophylactics (doctor’s prescription needed in USA but canbe purchased without one in Nairobi).
Flashlight You will find a small flashlight handy (indispensable?) for intermittent power failures, walking places at night (dark at 6:00 p.m. in Kenya), and is some of the camps outside Nairobi. Can be purchased in Nairobi.
Tent Do not bring one.
Hydration Pac Do not bring. Bulky and unnecessary.
Sleeping bag Optional. A light-weight sleeping bag might come in handy
CLOTHES
Necessary
2-3 pairs field pants (long leg)
1-2pairs field shorts
3-4 field shirts - short sleeve
5-6 pair field socks
1 light-weight jacket - water repellent
personal items
Laundry can be sent out daily (except weekends) at the Woodmere Apartments (only option, no laundromats in most of Kenya!) at reasonable cost and fine service.
In general dress in Kenya is "safari informal" and you will not need to dress up. Best advice is to pack light and plan on pickng up disposable items and sundries in Nairobi. Again, please pack in soft duffel bags, without wheels, that you can lift and carry short distances. One large bag to check, one small bag to carry on.
Note: you can buy just about any cosmetics, including shampoos, conditioners, etc. in Nairobi. I know this is a field camp, but some students have come to grief with TSA confiscating toiletries. Don't bother to bring large bottles of stuff.