What You Need in Your Archaeology Field Bag

The spring semester is over, and many anthropology majors are entering the world of cultural resource management (CRM) for the first time. Most CRM companies will have many of the tools you’ll need to get the job done (flagging tape, nails, string, and first aid kits). However, you’ll need to bring your own basic items in your archaeology field bag to ensure you have a comfortable and successful experience as an archaeology technician. 

Here are a few basic items you’ll need to create an archaeology field bag. 

1. Backpack

You won’t always be in the nicest environmental conditions, so you want a backpack that is sturdy and will last you through the season. I also recommend buying a bright color. If you’re out in the dessert and decide to set your bag down while you survey the parameter, a sage green or brown bag can easily be lost. 

2. Hiking boots (Men’s/Women’s)

CRM work is often accompanied with miles of surveying. You want a pair of boots that are comfortable and sturdy. Some form of ankle support can also be a plus.

3. Pants with pockets (Men’s/Women’s)

It is not unusual for your clothing to snag on branches or to get worn out from hours of digging, so wearing a tough pair of pants is recommended. You will also have many random things, like notebooks and pens, you’ll want to keep on hand, so a pair of pants with lots of pockets is a must. 

As a side note for those on a budget, I have worn nurse scrubs in the field. You can find cheap ones that have multiple pockets for about $15 at Walmart. However, they might not last you very long and you can’t wear a belt with them, but they are loose and comfortable.

4. Hat

You will be digging in direct sunlight. Bring a hat to help protect your face from harsh sunburn. 

5. Sunscreen

For the same reason as the hat, you will want to do what you can to prevent sunburn. 

6. Bandana

A bandana will not only help protect your neck and face from the sun, but you will likely use it to cover your mouth and nose while screening. 

7. Gloves

Unless you like having thick calluses on your hands, get a pair of gloves that will help make digging and screening a bit easier. 

8. Water bottles

Make sure to hydrate while out in the field! You will likely need more than one bottle. Clear water bottles will not keep your water cool for long, so make sure to get one that will. 

Another trick is to freeze a bottle so when lunch time comes around you have ice cold water.

9. Notebook

Notebooks are always handy, not only to write down important information, but for retaining new information you’ve learned from your peers. 

10. Pens, pencils, & Sharpies

Of course, you’ll need pens and pencils to write notes, BUT make sure to have a few sharpies on hand. You will need them to label your artifact bags. 

11. Clipboard

There will be paperwork and it’s not easy to fill out when you do not have access to a flat, hard surface. 

12. First aid kit

Going out to the middle of nowhere to survey and dig holes is going to increase your risk of injury (big and small). Make sure to have a basic first aid kit for emergencies. 

Include some pain reliever and allergy medicine in that kit. 

Don’t forget to bring any prescribed medication, such as an inhaler!

13. Tape measure

The CRM company should have a few measuring tapes for their techs to use, but sometimes it can become extremely inconvenient to share. 

Keep your own measuring tape in your bag and ensure it is marked with meters (not just feet). 

14. Swiss army knife

What can I say about a Swiss army knife. In generally, they are just hand to use for random tasks. 

15. Trowel

Marshalltown trowel is one of (if not the) most popular brand of trowels among archaeologists. Your CRM company should have trowels for you to use, but having your own means you always have one on hand and you will be more comfortable using the same one at every dig. 

16. Compass

A compass will come in handy when either surveying long distances or when digging. As for digging, you will need to identify whether your unit is in a north/south direction, this is where your compass will come in.

Silver Ranger and Sunnto are some of the more popular brands.

17. Wet Ones

You will be having lunch out in the field. Your hands will be extremely dirty. Having Wet Ones or baby wipes are useful in reducing the amount of dirty you consume at lunch time. 

18. Tissue

A packet of tissue is useful for a couple of reasons. If your allergies kick in you’ll need to blow your nose. 

Also, there won’t always be a restroom available, and you may need to utilize a bush…

19. Snacks

Besides your lunch, make sure to also bring snacks. Being an archaeology technician is a very physically demanding job and you will get hungry. Sometimes your lunch is not enough to get you through the day. 

Extra items for your archaeology field bag:

• Chapstick
• Ziplock bags
• Sunglasses
• Hand sanitizer
• Electrolyte packets/tablets
• Poncho
• Bungie-cord
• Flagging

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Do you have any must haves in your archaeology field bag that we haven’t included in this list? Let us know!

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