My feet are everything on an expedition. For hiking I wear the Asolo TPS 520 Gortex boots. They list for up to $250 new. But, since I intend to beat them up on rocks while I dig on my knees, I buy used pairs for $60-$70 on the internet. These

I use two types of umbrellas in the field: one for mobile shade while I hike and the other larger unit to shade my dig site. For hiking shade, I purchased a large hand held umbrella that is at lease 58-62 inches wide when opened. I attach this to my

Communication Since I am in the field alone, I need a way to communicate with my family. My regular search areas are up to 60 miles from the nearest cell phone tower and there are many areas I visit that still have no service.  In early years, I found myself

During an excavation I spend a lot of time on the ground, on my elbows, knees and hips. I quickly develop sore areas, so for comfort I pad up. Kneepads I have at least 6 types of kneepads. My favorite style are those with two adjustable straps that hook on.

When I return home from an expedition I always go through a personal debriefing. I ask myself what I wish I had taken and did not, for what do I need a backup, or of what do I need to take double next time. Each trip my list grew. I think about

I treat fossil exploration as a non-contact sport.  I am always working on conditioning. When I return from my last field trip in the fall, I set plans to work out all winter to get ready for the spring trip. If you want to go on an expedition you can’t wait until