ANTHROPOLOGY/LINGUISTICS FIELD CHECKLIST
(Version of 12/8/2005)

James A. Fox, Ph.D.
Assoc. Prof., Dept. of Anthropological Sciences
Stanford University


The following items are suggestions only. Obviously, no one will take all or even most of them along, you'd need a big truck. What you take depends on your project, finances, transportation, and style. The double check-off column is there so you can check off what you think you should bring, then check off those items as you pack them. I greatly appreciate suggestions sent to me (jim.fox@stanford.edu) by persons who have had field experience.

Contents:

time-sensitive
__ __ visa -- some countries take months to get these done
__ __ passport -- can require a month depending on how applied for, last-minute applications are difficult
__ __ vehicle permits & insurance; can be a big hassle at the border if you have to do it there
__ __ new equipment should be bought far enough in advance to allow testing & return to dealer for repairs or changes
__ __ new software should be bought far enough in advance to allow testing & downloading of bug fixes
__ __ polio vaccination should be complete
__ __ tetanus vaccination should be current
__ __ typhoid (oral) should be current
__ __ malaria medication, often to be begun before trip to make sure that there are no side effects; check with your doctor for type of medication (mosquitos are developing resistance)
__ __ Hepatitis A vaccine, or gamma globulin, often to be begun before trip
__ __ Hepatitis B vaccine
__ __ rabies vaccine (now oral, expensive but painless -- use where dog/rodent/bat bites are a big risk -- and, don't pet dogs in the field, they're often semi-wild and not the harmless pet you're used to)
__ __ yellow fever vaccination
__ __ post trip & contact info at home; revise from field if needed
__ __ give trip & contact info at office; revise from field if needed
__ __ network account established, working, and payment through field period arranged
__ __ web email account and forwarding of other email to it arranged
documents & info to bring
__ __ passport, put info down and store separately:
name __________________________________
number ________________________________
issue place _____________________________
issue date ______________________________
expiration date __________________________
__ __ xeroxed copy of i.d. page in passport (store separately, makes replacing lost passport much easier)
__ __ tourist card or visa
__ __ extra copies of passport-size photos, for local i.d.'s (police, library cards, etc.)
__ __ health/vaccination record for each person, w blood type & serious allergies noted
__ __ airline and other tickets or vouchers
__ __ airline/travel club numbers and id's
club name i.d.
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
__ __ driver's license (one that won't expire while you're in the field)
__ __ vehicle registration
__ __ vehicle rental documents
__ __ vehicle insurance documents
__ __ spare vehicle keys (keep 1 in emergency container outside vehicle)
__ __ student/faculty id card (can get you into places, and good for discounts)
__ __ business cards (often exchanged abroad)
__ __ health insurance card(s), with contact information
__ __ notarized child's permission to travel, from other parent if traveling with only one parent
__ __ family, home, work, school photos (people are interested in your background)
__ __ list of important addresses
__ __ telephone and networking dial-in information
__ __ this checklist, for improving it with new ideas, & for written info filled in
money
__ __ cash (take bills in good condition, some foreign sellers will not accept ratty bills)
__ __ foreign cash from previous trips
__ __ travelers' checks (less necessary these days with availability of ATM's)
__ __ ordinary checks (will you have to pay bills from the field, or give money to US nationals abroad?)
__ __ credit cards, along with a separate list of the account numbers and telephone numbers of the issuers
__ __ ATM card w/ international membership (Cirrus, Star, Plus, etc.)
__ __ extra ATM card in case one doesn't scan properly (store separately)
__ __ telephone card (with booklet giving local dial-in numbers)
__ __ local telephone debit card from previous trips, if it has any unused portion
__ __ other debit cards
__ __ wire transfer discount cards (Western Union, MoneyGram, etc.)
handy items - keep them handy! (e.g., hand baggage)
__ __ chapstick
__ __ sunblock
__ __ pre-moistened towelettes
__ __ matches (for sealing cord, sterilizing needles, etc.) [forbidden aboard planes in hand baggage]
__ __ gum or hard candy (for plane cabin pressure changes)
__ __ decongestant (if you have a cold, this helps w plane cabin pressure changes)
packs & luggage
__ __ briefcase
__ __ computer daypack
__ __ duffel bag
__ __ backpack
__ __ locking suitcase(s) (use combination locks suitable for airline inspection, keys too easy to lose)
__ __ baggage tags (insert your business cards)
__ __ exterior straps for weak luggage
__ __ bright-colored shoelaces or other markers for easy i.d. of baggage at airports
__ __ safety wallet or belt (e.g., for chest, front pocket, waist)
health & first aid
__ __ small waterproof bag for emergency items
__ __ large waterproof bag for the rest
__ __ alcohol in soft-plastic bottle (usually available locally)
__ __ alcohol wipes
__ __ ankle wrap (for sprains)
__ __ antibacterial ointment for wounds
__ __ antibiotics for stomach flu (prescription)
__ __ antibiotics for upper respiratory infections (prescription)
__ __ anti-itch gel or cream for bites, irritating plants (Rhuligel, Caldecort, Calamine lotion)
__ __ aspirin or Tylenol
__ __ bandaids (assortment)
__ __ Betadine (iodine+soap, for disinfecting wounds) in soft plastic bottle
__ __ Betadine wipes (iodine+soap, for disinfecting wounds) more convenient than bottle but also hard to find and more expensive
__ __ book or booklet on general first aid
__ __ books on health from The Hesperian Foundation, 1919 Addison Street, Suite 304, Berkeley, CA 94704, tel: (510) 845-1447; fax: (510) 845-9141; e-mail: hesperian@igc.org; web site: www.hesperian.org. Many of these are available in Spanish, Portuguese, and French. See the web site for translations, other books, newsletters, and to order:
__ __ Where there is no doctor, revised 1992, updated 1998, ISBN: 0-942364-15-5, translations available
__ __ Helping health workers learn, updated 1995, ISBN: 0-942364-10-4, (Strategies for effective community involvement, good companion to Where there is no doctor)
__ __ Disabled village children, updated 1996, ISBN: 0-942364-06-6
__ __ Where women have no doctor, 1997, ISBN: 0-942364-25-2
__ __ A book for midwives, 1995, ISBN: 0-942364-22-8
__ __ Where there is no dentist, ISBN: 0-942364-05-2
__ __ butterfly sutures
__ __ codeine-based pain medication (prescription)
__ __ compresses (for stopping bleeding)
__ __ decongestant tablets (keep some handy on plane)
__ __ epinephrine bee-sting kit for anaphylactic shock caused by allergies to bee, wasp, insect venom (prescription; Epi-Pen is single-injection non-refrigerated, Anakit 2-injection refrigerated; a 2nd injection is nice to have available, so 1 Anakit or 2 Epi-Pens)
__ __ flagyl for giardia (usually available locally)
__ __ gauze pads (assortment, 2"-4")
__ __ gauze roll (self-adhesive is nice)
__ __ Imodium (when you have to stop the diarrhea right now)
__ __ Kanka (or other canker-sore treatment)
__ __ knee wrap (for sprains/pain)
__ __ malaria treatment (prescription, type depends on area)
__ __ moleskin (for blisters)
__ __ motion sickness tablets or patches
__ __ Motrin (for menstrual cramps)
__ __ Newskin (for hard-to-bandage wounds, especially coral-inflicted, as in snorkeling & diving accidents)
__ __ Pepto Bismol in soft-plastic bottle (for initial treatment of diarrhea; it's very mild but contains aspirin-type chemicals)
__ __ scissors (collapsible, available at camping/hiking stores)
__ __ sewing kit (needle, when sterilized, can be used for splinters)
__ __ snakebite kit
__ __ single-edged razor blade in safety holder
__ __ Sting-Eze (for pain relief of stings)
__ __ tape (cloth, for bandaging -- wide, not less than 1/2")
__ __ triangular bandage (for making sling)
__ __ tweezers (make sure they're good ones)
__ __ Tylenol tablets (aches & pains)
__ __ wart remover (Duofilm or Compound W; local people may be interested in using yours, once they find out it works, consider a second bottle)
electronic, general
__ __ battery charger that recharges the sizes you use
__ __ rechargeable batteries (AAA, AA, C, D) of brand that matches your recharger; if you can stick to one size, the charger can be smaller
__ __ plug converters (3-prong to 2-prong, 2-prong asymmetric to 2-prong symmetric, etc. -- available in travel or luggage shops)
__ __ transformers for the voltages of the equipment you have (typical need: US 110-volt to 220) - contact your equipment manufacturer
__ __ spray can of compressed air, or soft brush, for cleaning of computer, camera, recorder, etc.
computers
__ __ pda for scheduling and light data entry
__ __ notebook computer
__ __ mains power supply with transformer
__ __ internal batteries
__ __ auto battery power supply
__ __ printer
__ __ high density floppy diskettes
__ __ diskette labels
__ __ high-capacity removable storage & backup device (Zip, Superdrive, CD's, DVD's, USB drives, etc.)
__ __ cartridges or cds for same
__ __ instruction manuals for all equipment
__ __ copies of receipts for all expensive equipment (proving it's yours at customs, etc.)
__ __ cable for transferring data to another computer (e.g., via Laplink)
__ __ modem & telephone cord
__ __ instruction manuals for all equipment you take
__ __ modem-to-computer connector (serial cable or PCMCIA connector)
__ __ acoustic coupler for communicating by modem over lines w/out jacks
__ __ CAT-V cable for network connections
software
__ __ anti-virus program
__ __ anti-spyware program
__ __ word processor
__ __ spreadsheet
__ __ database
__ __ graphical database
__ __ graphics
__ __ audio editor
__ __ communications
__ __ data transfer
__ __ web browser
__ __ instruction manuals for all programs
__ __ other (add your own, e.g., astronomy, animal/plant/encyclopedic, special database)
__ __ __________________________________________________________
__ __ __________________________________________________________
__ __ __________________________________________________________
__ __ __________________________________________________________
audio equipment
__ __ tape, mini-disc, cd, or solid-state recorder or player
__ __ external microphone (stereo if needed) -- may need battery!
__ __ headphones
__ __ second set of headphones with t-connector so others can listen in
__ __ batteries for recorder and microphone
__ __ blank tapes, md's, cd's, storage cards (rule of thumb -- 60-90 minutes' worth per day of fieldwork) -- make sure tape or disc quality matches the abilities of your recorder; for tapes, use 60-minute tapes where possible (they're thicker & resist print-through), but take some 90- and 120-minute tapes for long events when you can't change tapes easily. [remember to label all tapes & their containers as they are used, & take out write-protect tab when the each tape is complete; make back-ups & store separately]
__ __ head-cleaning materials (denatured alcohol & cotton swab sticks)
__ __ radio, if your recorder doesn't have one (consider short-wave); radio should have appropriate jacks if you plan to record programs such as local language broadcasts
__ __ portable cd player, Ipod, MP3 player
__ __ tapes, mini-discs, cds, storage cards for your own and others' entertainment
__ __ cable to connect recorder, radio, or CD player to computer or another system
photography
35 mm -- (good for high-quality images, lots of technical equipment and local support available)
__ __ camera
__ __ lenses -- normal (50mm 1.8 or 1.4), zoom, macro, telephoto (for birds, etc., you basically need something bigger than 300 mm & tripod or monopod)
__ __ filters (skylight filters on all lenses for protection; polarizing filter for telephoto; 80B lens for macro to allow use of daylight film with photofloods)
__ __ flash
__ __ batteries for camera
__ __ batteries for flash
__ __ film (slide film is best for later instructional use and digitizing; slow ISO has best resolution but is limited to well-lighted situations; fast ISO compromises resolution but has more light-gathering ability; films differ in colors they emphasize, and in type of processing; print film is good for local processing and sharing, pasting into field notes, etc.)
__ __ instant camera and film (for sharing on the spot; demand for such pictures is high, beware of cost)
digital -- good for immediate image displayed, use on computer, incorporation into database, computerized field notes, printability, etc.; resolution is now improving; if possible, go for 4-megapixel camera or better
__ __ storage media for digital camera, to be off-loaded to computer from time to time
video -- invaluable for interactional studies, conversations, events, processes, sharing with local people
__ __ video camera (digital is best, esp. w image-stabilization)
__ __ external microphone for better sound recording (may need its own battery)
__ __ cable to VCR (audio & video)
__ __ cable to tv (splitter -- for old-fashioned tv's) (for sharing work with others)
__ __ cable to tv (co-ax) (for sharing work with others)
__ __ cable to battery charger
__ __ battery charger w cable to mains
__ __ battery discharger (if your camera battery needs complete discharge before charging)
__ __ videotapes (take more if Hi-8; re-using tapes is often a problem because one doesn't know what data can be safely erased. Rule of thumb: 1 hour of tape for every 2 days; more if project is video-intensive.)
__ __ tripod (a very stable one, made for video)
for all photographic equipment
__ __ connection to computer if applicable
__ __ lens cleaning tissues or kit
__ __ can of compressed air for cleaning
__ __ instruction manuals
secretarial
__ __ data slips (if you're not computerized yet, or as backup)
__ __ boxes to hold data slips
__ __ date stamp (available locally), for stamping slips & notebook pages
__ __ notebook(s)
__ __ envelopes & stationery
__ __ ink pad & ink
__ __ rubber bands
__ __ paper clips
__ __ paper clamps, various sizes
__ __ pens
__ __ pencils (usually #2, test to make sure they write right)
__ __ pencil sharpener (cheap plastic, non-motorized)
__ __ erasers (if not on pencils)
__ __ zip-lock baggies (sandwich size, useful for lots of things)
__ __ small stapler with staples
cooking & eating
__ __ utensil kit
__ __ Sierra cup or mug
__ __ peanut butter in soft-plastic container
__ __ crackers
__ __ favorite snacks not locally available (e.g., nuts)
__ __ tea bags, fruit tea bags, Postum, etc. (coffee usually available locally)
__ __ paper or foil packages of salt, pepper, honey, ketchup, salsa, soy sauce, mustard, etc., saved from restaurants
__ __ multi-vitamins
__ __ sugar substitute if you want one
__ __ powder for making water palatable (e.g., Crystal Lite, Tang, Kool-Ade); sugarfree often not available locally
water treatment
__ __ water filter (e.g., First Need) (for daily use if you can't boil water) (bottled water is increasingly available), for protection against E. coli, dysentery, giardia, leptosporosis, hepatitis, flukes, worms, etc. -- read esp. ch. 12 ("Prevention") of Where there is no doctor (see above under first aid)
__ __ water purification kit using iodine crystals (e.g., Polar Pure) (not for daily use, only for hikes, etc.)
__ __ water bags or other large containers (for treating & storing treated water)
__ __ plastic squirt-type water bottles or canteens
light
__ __ flashlight (keep one at bedside, one small one in daypack)
__ __ batteries for same (see under electronic)
__ __ candles in safe burner (consider 100-hour candle w moveable wick)
__ __ tent candle
__ __ glow sticks (make fun gifts, too)
__ __ laser pointer, with batteries
optical
__ __ glasses in case
__ __ sunglasses in case
__ __ contact lenses w/ cleaning kit
__ __ glasses & contact lens prescriptions (for replacing if lost or damaged)
__ __ extra set of glasses or contacts
__ __ binoculars
__ __ telescope
__ __ night-vision binoculars (esp. for animal-watching)
insect problems
for body
__ __ insect repellent (waterproof, high-Deet, at least 20% for sand flies (e.g., on tropical beaches))
__ __ spray type for convenience, soft-plastic bottle type for quantity
__ __ insect repellent (mild), or skin oil like Avon's Skin-so-soft
__ __ sulphur powder (douse to protect against chiggers)
__ __ louse comb
__ __ delousing shampoo
__ __ Quell or lindane (for scabies; usually available locally)
for area
__ __ room fogger (leave room while fogger activated)
__ __ spray (if used in bedding, make sure it is safe & that you're not allergic to it)
__ __ citronella candles
__ __ room coil (smoky)
__ __ plug-in repellent (heating element activates repellent)
hiking, day use
__ __ knife (Swiss Army, etc.) or leatherman [ship in luggage compartment, not in hand baggage]
__ __ water bottle (local plastic bottled water can substitute)
__ __ boots (as light as possible but taking load into consideration)
__ __ hiking socks
sleeping
__ __ hammock w ropes, all in a bag
__ __ sleeping bag
__ __ mosquito netting especially made for hammock
__ __ mosquito netting especially made for sleeping bag or bed
__ __ pillow w pillowcase(s)
__ __ light blanket
__ __ sandals
__ __ flashlight w batteries
__ __ earplugs (also for swimming)
toiletries & cleaning
__ __ soap, in a plastic case
__ __ shampoo, tightly closed, wrapped in plastic bag to prevent leaks during travel
__ __ deodorant, tightly closed, wrapped in plastic bag to prevent leaks during travel
__ __ razor
__ __ blades
__ __ shaving cream or gel, wrapped in plastic bag to prevent leaks during travel
__ __ toothbrush
__ __ toothpaste, wrapped in plastic bag to prevent leaks during travel
__ __ dental floss
__ __ nailclipper (finger- & toe-)
__ __ Kleenex or other tissue
__ __ toilet paper (available locally)
__ __ female hygiene items: tampons, pads, etc. (find out what's available locally)
__ __ hangers
__ __ hand mirror
__ __ sink & bathtub stoppers
__ __ towels
__ __ washcloths, esp. for bucket baths
__ __ detergent in tight case (available locally, but maybe not case)
__ __ net bag or laundry bag
__ __ plastic wash basin (usually obtainable locally)
__ __ plastic bucket (usually obtainable locally
__ __ paper towels for vehicle
__ __ glass cleaner for vehicle, wrapped in
__ __ plastic bag to prevent leaks during travel
clothing
for males
__ __ sport jacket
__ __ dressy shirt
__ __ tie
__ __ belt
__ __ slacks to go with jacket
__ __ dress socks
__ __ dress shoes
for females
__ __ skirts
__ __ stockings
__ __ dress shoes/heels
__ __ jewelry (obviously fake is less risky (thieves, assault))
__ __ bathing cap
for males & females
__ __ travel iron
__ __ sun/rain hat
__ __ cap that stays on tight in wind
__ __ umbrella
__ __ poncho
__ __ field shirts
__ __ field pants
__ __ field shorts
__ __ field socks
__ __ field shoes
__ __ sandals
__ __ shower/bath sandals
__ __ underwear
__ __ bathrobe, esp. if you're going to be living with a family
__ __ pajamas
__ __ swimsuit
__ __ goggles
__ __ snorkel
__ __ fins
__ __ ear plugs
__ __ ________________________________________________
__ __ ________________________________________________
maps & geography
__ __ local area topographic maps (some now available on CD-ROM, GPS players, web)
__ __ local area road maps
__ __ aerial photos
__ __ rangefinder
__ __ compass (Silva)
__ __ global positioning (GPS) receiver with manual (can be bundled with pda)
books, articles, & magazines
__ __ field methods guides
__ __ bird, animal, & plant guides (e.g., The golden book of insects, etc.)
__ __ anatomical chart
__ __ health books (see under health & first aid, above)
__ __ travel guides (see esp. Sierra Club guides)
__ __ language materials (dictionary, phrase book, verb guide, conversation lessons)
__ __ latest issue of Astronomy or Sky & Telescope (for current moon & planet positions)
__ __ star wheel (for long-term star-positions; some have planetary positions for a limited range of years)
__ __ other magazines for stimulation of discussion
__ __ entertainment reading
tools & parts
__ __ "Leatherman" (like Swiss Army knife but w pliers & screwdrivers, plus 1 knife blade) [ship in luggage compartment, not in hand baggage]
__ __ net shopping bag (Spa "sabucán", available locally)
__ __ machete (usually available locally) [ship in luggage compartment, not in hand baggage]
__ __ bee veil & gloves (working with beekeepers?)
__ __ vehicle emergency kit (flares, reflectors)
__ __ vehicle tool kit
__ __ vehicle tire kit (spare tire (2 if oddball size), jack, lug wrench)
__ __ vehicle spare parts (unless easily findable in the field: fuses, carburetor kit, fuel pump kit, water pump kit, distributor, spark plugs, bulbs)
gifts
__ __ photo prints, framed or in albums (e.g., from previous trips)
__ __ photo frames or albums
__ __ jacks sets
__ __ glow sticks (but teach proper disposal)
__ __ glow-in-the-dark necklaces, bracelets, etc.
__ __ crayons
__ __ colored pens or pencils
__ __ tablets or coloring books for coloring
__ __ pens, pencils
__ __ plastic pencil sharpeners
__ __ reading glasses, various magnifications (cheap in discount stores); these can also help your informants improve literacy & see stuff you're showing them
__ __ children's books, illustrated & in English (like Richard Scary, What do people do all day)
__ __ various small things in the catalog of The Oriental Trading Co., Omaha, NB
__ __ magazines
__ __ _______________________________________________________________
__ __ _______________________________________________________________
if you're bringing children
__ __ child's permission to travel, from other parent if traveling with only one parent
__ __ combination sunscreen & repellent (save trouble by applying both in one)
__ __ squirt-type water bottles (make treated water convenient)
__ __ sick bags (airline-type bags), for vehicle sickness
__ __ water wings, or other inflatable swimming safety device
__ __ pre-moistened towelettes or wipes
__ __ disposable diapers (often available locally) [but consider disposal issues]

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© James A. Fox, last updated 12/8/05