Tags: vault // caving // cautionary tale
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Rules to live by for spelunking:

EDIT: I forgot to include a fucking light source. Preferably a waterproof one for each person, as well as a head lamp. LED lamps are cheap and bright as hell.

1.) NEVER go into a cave alone. Always take a buddy. (Or two)

2.) NEVER go into a cave without telling another person where you are/when you'll be back.

3.) ALWAYS ALWAYS (SERIOUSLY FUCKING PAY ATTENTION TO THIS ONE!) know what is down in that cave. You should never go into an uncharted cave. There could be cave-ins, dead ends, drops, wild animals, venomous snakes/spiders, flooded chambers, natural gas leaks, etc., etc. If you find an uncharted cave, you enter with extreme caution or go with some legit safety equipment and a professional. I've been in quite a few caves and you'd be amazed at how quickly things can go to shit. You get turned around so easily, especially if there are multiple passageways and panic sets in fast.

All of that aside, spelunking is a blast as long as you're not stupid. That little bit of nervous excitement you get when you don't know what's around the next turn is my guilty pleasure.

Amendment:

You forgot multiple sources of light.

Also, regarding number 3...part of the purpose of caving is exploring/mapping. Yes. It is fucking dangerous. No, not all cavers are into that aspect of caving. But the maps come from somewhere and no one is paying anyone for this shit. The cavers who explore know what they risk. They get off on it.

And I, the caver's wife, have just gotten used to shitting bricks for a couple days while the hubs is underground mapping stuff. I myself prefer alpinism. Doesn't set off my claustrophobia.

Amendment:

Find your local caving club (called a grotto) and have experienced cavers show you how to do it right.

Some rules:

• ⁠always wear a helmet
• ⁠at least three sources of lights (typically two lamps and a flashlight)
• ⁠let people who know the location of the cave know where you're going and when you should be back. Call them when you go in and get out.
• ⁠don't cave alone.
• ⁠bring a map or someone who knows the cave.

Those are pretty basic "musts." In my area, caves tend to be wet so avoiding wearing denim and cotton is recommended.

Synthetics of various types depending on the caves. Wool socks. Anything that is moisture wicking, won't rip, and doesn't restrict flexibility works well. I typically use a pair of synthetic waterproof pants (similar to those zip offs you find in outdoor stores) and an under armour like shirt. I cave in the southeast, however, and the caves here can be warmer than other parts of the country (high fifties to mid sixties year-round).

There's a lot more to this and you can find other knowledgeable people in r/caving.

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