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The earth is full of secret worlds waiting for you to discover them. Cave systems contain dazzling gems, water systems and more, but you won’t reach them if you don’t have the right spelunking gear. Check out everything you need to know about underground adventuring to stay safe and have fun during your upcoming spelunking trip.
Things You Should Know Before Spelunking
Spelunking is an activity where people explore cave systems of different levels and difficulties. It can be a lighthearted afternoon excursion on a camping trip or a full-day experience. Before you plan a spelunking adventure, keep a few important things in mind:
- Spelunking tours organize their experiences by difficulty, so opt for beginner tours if this is your first time.
- Cave systems are cold and dark. Dress warmly and with the proper gear before you arrive.
- There’s always some risk to spelunking, so stay focused during your experience.
Experts define spelunking as an extreme sport because it’s physically demanding. If you’re booking a spelunking tour, read through the descriptions for each package. You can match your current skills with the difficulty level that’s best for you and still get the dazzling experience you want.
What Is Spelunking vs. Caving?
People often compare spelunking vs. caving because they’re very similar. Spelunking requires exploring underground cave systems with or without a group. People do it for the limited-time adrenaline rush.
Caving turns spelunking into a serious hobby. People prepare with similar gear but often have to apply for a permit to explore caves by themselves. They plan their adventures in known and unknown caves. They might also spend their time underground collecting samples for biological research or studying rock formations if they’re into geology.
Sometimes, caving also involves diving into underground water systems. It depends on each caver’s interests. Spelunking is often more of a tourist activity in national parks, so you likely won’t get to go underwater unless you book an experience with a high difficulty level.
Essential Spelunking Gear
When you’re ready to experience a spelunking trip, prepare yourself with the best gear. You’ll have everything you need to stay safe and comfortable while having fun.
1. Sturdy Helmet
You might not need a carbon fiber helmet underground, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a helmet that looks awesome. This helmet is rock solid and comes with two liners to give your head the exact amount of cushioning you’re looking for. It might also become your favorite part of your spelunking gear because it resembles the same style that professional skateboarders wear.
2. Bright Headlamp
Beginner spelunking tours often involve walking through a cave where a team has already installed lighting. Most other tours don’t have lamps or string lights along the walls. Bring a bright headlamp, just in case. You can strap it on your helmet, so it’s a hands-free tool while you explore what nature has to offer.
It’s crucial to remember that you won’t need a headlamp for every spelunking excursion. Check the information for each potential tour you’re considering. They’ll describe the experience and note the lighting for anyone who has limited vision. You can always bring it as an option if you get a backpack.
3. Slim Backpack
A hiking backpack needs to have features like trekking pole attachments and exterior pockets. Spelunking backpacks should be slim. This model doesn’t have exterior straps that could snag on rocks and waterproof fabric.
Think of all the water draining into the soil after it rains. You may have to jump over underground drivers or walls covered in trickling water, which could soak your things if your backpack isn’t waterproof.
4. Trusty Flashlights
Although wearing a headlamp is important, it’s always smart to have backup plans during a spelunking trip. Carry two mini flashlights in your backpack while you’re underground. If your headlamp dies or one flashlight doesn’t work, you’ll always have a lightweight light source ready to go.
Make a note for yourself to replace the batteries in these flashlights and test them before you leave home. You’ll never get caught in a dark cave without a secondary light on standby.
5. Mini First-Aid Kit
Accidents happen while you’re spelunking. If you trip and scrape your knee or cut your hand on jagged rocks, you’ll need a bandage to continue. Keep a mini first-aid kit in your backpack for those moments. No matter which spelunking gear you bring on your trip, you’ll know you’re going to be fine if you accidentally hurt yourself.
6. Waterproof GoPro
Capture every moment underground with a GoPro. They’re waterproof and work well in low lighting. You could even attach it to your helmet, chest or backpack strap if you get a matching mounting strap separately.
Not sure if you’ll go spelunking more than once? You can always use your GoPro to give yourself legal protection by installing it as a dash cam in your car. They’re helpful on any vacation or even in your daily life.
7. Fleece-Lined Water-Resistant Jacket
If you’ve ever been in someone’s basement or crawlspace, you know it’s automatically a few degrees colder than the weather outside. Caves are also colder than the weather above ground, but the temperature drop is more dramatic.
Wear at least a light, fleece-lined jacket that’s waterproof to retain some heat. You could also wear more of a winter jacket, depending on where you go spelunking and how deep you’ll go.
8. Ankle-High Waterproof Boots
Comparing spelunking vs. caving is important, but you’ll need hiking boots with a good grip for either kind of adventure. These ankle boots do just that while utilizing waterproof fabric. You won’t need to worry about slipping too easily or ending your day with extra sore feet due to a lack of arch support.
Have Fun Adventuring With Your Spelunking Gear
Ready to go spelunking? Invest in gear you’ll use during every adventure to arrive ready for anything. You’ll stay warm and safe no matter which difficulty you try. Don’t forget to save memories through videos or photos. You never know what beautiful rock formations or crystals you’ll find underground.
