|
How you carry your field tools can make a difference in the quality of
work you do |
|
Toolbox |
Bad
Would you carry your field tools in a box? No!
Toolboxes are fine for some specialized gear, but here it's an example of
extreme impracticality. This would be a real pain to carry
into the woods or onto an outcrop. |
Geologist wearing a backpack.
© 2002 Reuben Johnson |
Better
When all gear is buried in a backpack, we're often too lazy to pull it out if
needed for only a moment, and instead tend to estimate things or convince
ourselves the observation isn't that important.
Backpacks are better suited for carrying samples, your lunch, water, extra
clothing, etc. |
Geologist wearing a field vest.
© 2002 Reuben Johnson |
Better still, but too hot!
Field vests make your gear accessible, but
why wear an extra layer of
clothing around your torso when it's 95°F and you're working hard!?!
This puts you at increased risk for
heat
exhaustion and worse,
heat stroke.
Unlike a tool belt, field vests get sweaty and stinky and will have to be
unpacked to be washed.
Further, vests don't
always fit over
multiple clothing layers when working in very cold weather and
their cotton fabric makes for poor insulation. |
Geologist wearing a tool belt and pack.
© 2000 Reuben Johnson |
Ideal Combination
The ideal combination is a tool
belt and back pack.
When
gear is readily
accessible from a tool belt, we tend to make far more use of it.
Consequently, our observations are more detailed, accurate, and greater
in quantity and quality. It also saves space in
the backpack for carrying
rock
samples,
water, a
big lunch,
extra clothing, etc.
As an added advantage, you'll never need to unpack or pack a tool belt so it'll
always be ready to grab & go at a moment's notice, and it'll always
fit over your clothing. |
|
Coming soon... The field tool belt! |
|
