Equipment & Access

Suggested Equipment

Helmet with chinstrap
Waterproof headlamp with extra batteries
Soft knee pads
Elbow pads
Sturdy cave clothing or cave suit (Landjoff, AV, or MDTE)
Warm (wool or synthetic, not cotton) underlayers
Gloves
Water and snacks
Dry bag/in-cave bag
Two more independent light sources
First aid kit
Map and compass
Backpack for carrying gear
Short rope or webbing for minor climbs
Complete change of clothes including shoes for when you exit

Vertical Gear

Appropriate length of rope (static rope suitable for caving, usually 11mm thick and abrasion resistant - PMI)
Frog climbing system (ascenders, chest harness, foot loops, cows tail)
Descending rack or rappel device
Carabiners (locking and non-locking)
Harness with maillon (caving-specific harness preferred)
Rope protectors (to prevent abrasion on sharp edges)
Extra lengths of webbing or slings
Prusik loops (for backup and safety)
Vertical caving techniques knowledge (J-hangs, changeovers, rebelays, traversing)
Spare rope (for emergencies)

Cave Stewardship

Caving is not only about exploration and adventure; it is also about respecting and preserving the delicate environments that have formed over hundreds of thousands of years. As stewards of the land, we must protect these natural wonders to ensure they are available for future generations. Here are some key guidelines to keep in mind:

Respect Cave Life: Avoid disturbing cave wildlife and formations.
Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you bring in, including trash.
Follow Access Rules: Some caves require special access permissions. Always follow the guidelines provided by the VCA.

Seasonal Access

The VCA recommends avoiding any areas of caves or mines with hibernating bats from October through April. Winter disturbance can cause bats to wake from hibernation early and may reduce their chance of survival, which has already been compromised by White Nose Syndrome. Most caves and mines may be safely visited from May through September with no risk to bats

Gated Caves

Aeolus Bat Cave: As the most significant natural bat hibernacula in New England, Aeolus Bat Cave is currently closed until a proper management plan can be implemented. The VCA hopes for a plan that will allow limited recreational access while still ensuring this unique biological resource is protected.
Nickwackett & Chaffee Mountain Caves: These caves are now closed by landowner request. Nickwackett cave was gated in the summer of 2004.

Cave Visitation in Vermont

The best way to visit caves in Vermont is to go on a trip with experienced cavers.
To help keep caves open, abide by landowner wishes and obtain permission when visiting posted property. If caves are explicitly closed by the landowner, abide by their wishes. Careless visitors can easily jeopardize good relations.
If visiting locations you are unfamiliar with, contact the VCA about current access policies.
Respect the landowners. Leave property as you find it, shut gates behind you, pack out what you pack in, etc.
Respect the caves. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.

Conservation Practices

Caves are protected by the Federal Cave Resource Protection Act; it is illegal to harm or collect any natural features in a cave that is on State or Federal lands.
Never touch a formation; the dirt and oils from your hand will be left on it causing damage.
Leave what you find in caves or mines for future generations to enjoy such as fossils, bones, historical evidence and formations.
Cavers should leave the cave as they found it, and pack out any garbage left by careless visitors!
Never mark a cave wall with an arrow, names or dates. Use flagging or a stone pile for a trail marker, and take marking with you when you leave.
Watch your step. Avoid killing cave life such as bats, spiders, and salamanders. Don’t disturb or harass any animal you see in a cave.

Safe Caving Practices

Always have at least three independent sources of light.
Never cave alone; a minimum of three people is recommended so that if an emergency occurs, one person can stay with the injured party while the other exits to call for help.
Have a designated call-out person who knows exactly where you are going, what time you expect to return, and what to do if you do not return.
Always obtain permission to enter a posted cave.
Hypothermia is a serious risk. Dress warmly, eat high-energy food, and keep moving if you are cold.
Never attempt a vertical cave without the proper ascending and descending gear.
When moving vertically and over loose or wet rocks always use three points of contact (two feet and one hand etc).