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Trip Levels
Each field trip is assigned a level of difficulty to help you select the best trips for you.
Level 1:
These trips are the least strenuous trips offered. Many of these trips will expose you to winter weather conditions. Dressing appropriately is still important and required. Level 1 cave trips are walking trips that involve stooping, bending over and going up and down steps.
Required Equipment For Level 1 Cave Trips:
Old clothes, gloves, comfortable (broken in) shoes that cover the ankle, a good flashlight with extra batteries. For additional information on WNS visit the WNS Web Page. A Caving Equipment Checklist by the National Speleological Society.
Level 2:
These trips can expose you to the weather elements for a longer period of time. They are more strenuous and require more physical ability. Level 2 trips may last up to 3 hours in length. Level 2 caving trips visit undeveloped cave passages and offer longer periods of crawling through small, constricted passages. Extended periods of bending, stooping and on occasion belly crawling might be required. Wet conditions, which may or may not exist, can create the possibility of hypothermia.
Required Equipment For Level 2 Cave Trips:
Non-insulated coveralls or layers of old clothing including an outer layer that can be removed and bagged after your tour. Having multiple layers will allow you to adjust according to climate conditions you'll encounter both above and below ground. Boots that cover the ankles, knee pads, gloves, a hard hat with chin strap, 3 light sources with one mounted on hard hat, small pack to carry bottled water, snacks, extra batteries, and supplies. NOTE: You cannot use the same soft cave gear on multiple cave trips. For additional information on WNS visit the WNS Web Page. A Caving Equipment Checklist by the National Speleological Society.
Level 3:
All Level 3 trips have a minimum age limit of 15. These trips will offer prolonged hiking and exposure to the weather. Some of these trips take you off designated hiking trails into more difficult and rough terrain. Trips can last up to 6 hours in length. Level 3 caving trips are more strenuous and physically demanding than level two cave trips. They offer prolonged crawling and or belly crawls through small, constricted passages. Extended periods of bending, stooping and longer tighter belly crawls might be required. Wet conditions, which may or may not exist, can create the possibility of hypothermia. You must be able to fit through a 12-inch squeeze test. Level 3 cave trips will last 3-6 hours in length.
Required Equipment For Level 3 Cave Trips:
Non-insulated coveralls or layers of old clothing including an outer layer that can be removed and bagged after your tour. Having multiple layers will allow you to adjust according to climate conditions you'll encounter both above and below ground. Boots that cover the ankles, knee pads, gloves, a hard hat with chin strap, 3 light sources with one mounted on hard hat, small pack to carry bottled water, snacks, extra batteries, and supplies. NOTE: You cannot use the same soft cave gear on multiple cave trips. For additional information on WNS visit the WNS Web Page. A Caving Equipment Checklist by the National Speleological Society.
Level 4:
Level 4 trips have a minimum age limit of 15, some Level 4 trips require a minimum age of 18 and will note this in the trip description. These trips involve SPECIAL SKILLS which you will need to know before hand. Some of these trips require specific personal equipment. (See individual trip descriptions for details.) Trips can last up to 6 hours in length.