Marine Ecology Travel Checklist:

Travel as light as possible: you should have one large soft dufflebag for the clothing and gear you take into the field. DO NOT bring hard suitcases. You will need more clothing for warm than for cold weather. Avoid nylon, polyester, and acrylics; they are too hot. Use light all-cotton or blends that are mostly cotton. Athletic, sports and outdoors clothes that are meant to breathe and dry fast work well. Most of your clothing will get muddy and receive rough treatment. Plan on keeping aside one set of clothes for relaxation, so you can change into something comfortable when you come in, sweaty and muddy, from the field. Do not bring expensive watches, jewelry or electronics. Bed linens are provided at Duke Marine Lab.

Packed field bag (provided by Kendra) marked with something distinctive (e.g., ribbon, patch, pin)

Credit Card (one with fraud protection and ATM access code)

Cash ($100-150), for meals and other miscellaneous items

Closed-toed shoes that can get dirty and muddy and will dry relatively quickly

Rubber boots

Flip-flops or sandals or similar (for lounging/slipping on quickly)

Waterproof windbreaker with hood

Fleece jacket

3 pair convertible pants (avoid jeans)

5 pairs underwear

5 pairs socks

3 bras

2 tank tops (loungewear and sleep wear)

1 long-sleeved button-down shirt

1 long-sleeved t-shirt

4 short-sleeved t-shirts (at least one for lounge/sleepwear)

Lounging shorts/sleepwear

Yoga pants

Practical bathing suit

Bathing wrap

Bandana/handkerchief

Rain/sun hat (foldable)

2 thin towels

Collapsible water bottle

LED Headlamp and extra batteries

Empty jump drive

Camera

Laptop

Field journals (for transfer from field notebook)

Swiss Army Knife or Multi-Tool

Toiletries (avoid perfumed products as much as possible, bring travel-sized amounts):

Shampoo
Small amount of laundry detergent
Grooming kit (nail clippers, tweezers, razors, etc.)
Contact solution
Deodorant
Tampons if necessary
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Eyeglasses
Extra pair of contacts
Ibuprofen
Anti-Diarrheal
First aid (bandaid, antiobiotic cream, itch cream, etc.)
Benadryl if you’re sensitive
Moleskins
Prescription medication
Cheap sunglasses
Cheap watch
Sunscreen / Insect spray
Brush or comb
Skin/hand lotion
Hair bands
Tissue packs
Q-Tips