Jim Fox's Field Checklist

ANTHROPOLOGY/LINGUISTICS FIELD CHECKLIST
(Version of 04/13/2013)

James A. Fox, Ph.D.
Assoc. Professor of Anthropology
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:

toiletries & cleaning

clothing

maps & geography

books, articles, & magazines

tools & parts

gifts

if you're bringing children

time-sensitive

__ __ visa -- some countries take months to get these done

__ __ passport -- US passports 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 -- don't pet dogs in the field, they're often not the harmless pet you're used to)

__ __ yellow fever vaccination

__ __ post trip & contact info at home and 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 __________________________

__ __ copy or scan 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 set in emergency magnetic 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, good for conversation)

__ __ 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 vendors 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 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

__ __ Purell or other hand disinfectant

__ __ 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 money 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 or knee 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

__ __ codeine-based pain medication (prescription)

__ __ 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)

__ __ bandaids (assortment)

__ __ butterfly sutures

__ __ compresses (for stopping bleeding)

__ __ moleskin (for blisters)

__ __ knee wrap (for sprains/pain)

__ __ tape (cloth, for bandaging -- wide, not less than 1/2")

__ __ triangular bandage (for making sling)

__ __ Betadine (iodine+soap, for disinfecting wounds) in soft plastic bottle

__ __ Betadine wipes (iodine+soap, for disinfecting wounds) more convenient than bottle but hard to find and more expensive

__ __ 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)

__ __ malaria treatment (prescription, type depends on area)

__ __ 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

__ __ Sting-Eze (for pain relief of stings)

__ __ tweezers (make sure they're good ones)

__ __ single-edged razor blade in safety holder

__ __ wart medication (Duofilm or Compound W; local people may be interested in using yours, once they find out it works, consider a second bottle)

__ __ book or booklet on general first aid

__ __ the following 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

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 or tablet

__ __ mains power supply with transformer

__ __ extra internal batteries

__ __ auto battery power supply

__ __ portable printer

__ __ portable scanner (e.g., FlipPal)

__ __ 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

__ __ CAT-V cable for network connections

software

__ __ anti-virus program

__ __ anti-spyware program

__ __ word processor

__ __ spreadsheet

__ __ database

__ __ graphical database

__ __ graphics editior

__ __ 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

__ __ or solid-state recorder or player (I recommend Marantz PMD620; Oade Brothers Audio makes an upgrade for it that's worth it for sound quality)

__ __ external microphone (stereo if needed) -- may need its own battery!

__ __ headphones

__ __ second set of headphones with t-connector so others can listen in (or take a small portable speaker set)

__ __ 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

__ __ storage drives 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)

__ __ shoeboxes 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)

__ __ 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

__ __ night-vision binoculars (esp. for animal-watching)

__ __ telescope

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 hanging ropes, all in a bag

__ __ sleeping bag

__ __ mosquito netting especially made for hammock, 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), no grabbable gold, etc.)

__ __ 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 smartphone)

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

__ __ flash cards for stimulation of discussion and use with kids

__ __ 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 consultants 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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