Posted by Austtie
Hello everybody,
I'm planning on exploring a rather large Southern California mine soon and need some advice. Specifically, what gear should I bring and what dangers should I watch out for? I'm pretty much shooting in the dark here, so any help is appreciated. This particular mine may have water at points (up to two feet) and a 10+ foot latter or two; nothing too extreme that im aware of.
Things I'm willing to buy if needed:
1) boots
2) a mask
3) a helmet/hard hat
4) anything else deemed necessary
Suggestions as to specific items to buy, and where to buy them, would be great.
Thanks!
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The most important thing to take with you is common sense. Seriously. It won't protect you from every danger, but it will go a long way. If the mine is commonly explored, then it's probably reasonably safe from an air or collapse standpoint. Still, keep you eyes open and pay attention.
If no one in your group has been to this mine before and knows their way around, then pay extra attention to which way is which. Some folks always explore the leftmost drift at any split. Stop and look behind you every now and then. Things look different from the opposite direction.
Tell someone exactly where you are going and when you will be back. Call that person as soon as you exit the mine so they know that you got out OK.
I realize that you already knew all of this, but it's back to the whole common sense thing. Put the first things first.
So on to basic gear. Here is what I would take assuming that there is no vertical ascents or descents.
Helmet - I started going underground with a bicycle helmet. Looked dumb but it worked. A skateboard or snowboard helmet will work. A hardhat will work but I prefer something with a chin strap. Looking down a shaft and having your helmet tumble off leaves you without head protection and possibly without a headlamp. Add a chin strap to a hardhat and off you go. Of course a climbing helmet is the best, but cost $$.
Headlamp - It's best to have at least one light attached to your helmet so you can be hands free. I generally have a primary and backup on my helmet. This can be a flashlight securely wire tied to your helmet.
Flashlight - Even with a headlamp, a handheld light is a good addition. I keep one in my pocket and another (backup) in my backpack. I use the one in my pocket a lot when I want extra light on something.
Batteries - I carry them for every light (I make sure my helmet and handheld use the same battery). Practice changing batteries in complete darkness a couple of times. You'll probably never have to do this, but you never know.
Gloves - Anything to cover your hands. Lots of nails and things that want to poke into your skin.
Water - If I need to explain this one, you better stay at home. 
Snack - You will probably be underground longer than you expect since it's so darn cool down there.
Camera - If you feel like dragging one along.
Dust mask - Some mines have a lot of fine silt that gets kicked up. I personally don't like them but some folks always wear one.
On the topic of lights. You don't have to spend a ton, but keep in mind that when you are underground your light becomes life support equipment. No different than a regulator for a scuba diver or a parachute for a sky diver. We regularly go places that you would never get out of without light. Cheap lights are fine in most situations, but the deeper you get into a mine the more your life depends on it working perfectly. I won't go underground without three.
I wrote a magazine article for Dezert Magazine. On page 42 is The Call of Darkness. http://www.dezertm...M04/index.html#/2/
You can see some of my mine photos at: http://www.asolidf...ines/mine_home.htm
Abby Normal
[last edit 5/1/2013 10:28 AM by Abby Normal - edited 2 times]
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