Top products from r/ShovelBums
We found 3 product mentions on r/ShovelBums. We ranked the 2 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 3 product mentions on r/ShovelBums. We ranked the 2 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
I'm a former Texas CRMer (F32). It really will depend on what your project is and where it's located. Certain parts of Texas are very dry and others are incredibly humid.
If you can afford it before your first paycheck, I would definitely invest in a 2-3 lt hydration bladder to use in your LL Bean backpack (3 lt is better). As demosthenes83 said, you can use it later once you get a new pack. I love my camelback bladders because of the warranty, but you can pick up an off-brand at Walmart or Amazon for cheap. Depending on your project you'll be refilling this when you stop at the truck for lunch.
I would upgrade your boots as soon as you can. Especially if you'll be doing surveys. You can't work if you have an injury due to inadequate footwear. Budget around $100-$150. I really like Keen. That being said, if you are working in West Texas you will likely have to replace them frequently so don't spend too much. (I've had cacti thorns coming up through my insoles after a month surveying in a new pair of boots.)
Your Magellan shirts should be fine, at least to start out. Figure out what will work for you before you start spending money on field clothes. Most of my office gets long sleeve shirts from the Columbia Outlet. They have great deals and are perfect for summer fieldwork. Goodwill is great too. Also avoid wearing heavy pants unless you are working in dense scrub brush. Anything lightweight, long sleeved, and moisture wicking is good. You will be hot and sweaty with long sleeves, but staying covered up beats working with a sunburn for the next few days. You will sweat off your sunscreen faster than you think possible. You should also get a few Buff neck gaiters when you can (https://buffusa.com/ ). And a wide brimmed hat ASAP.
You'll want bugspray if you're working near Houston. And a pair of snake gaiters if your company doesn't provide them. We also use powdered lime (from the garden/tractor store -- dump some in an old sock and hit it over your waist/ankles/etc) to prevent chigger bites.
General advice for new CRMers -- try not to spend all your per diem out at the bar. Invest it in yourself by upgrading gear, regional books, professional organization memberships, saving for the off-season, retirement, etc. Chris Webster's Field Archaeologist's Survival Guide ( https://www.amazon.com/Field-Archaeologists-Survival-Guide-Management/dp/1611329280 ) really helped prepare me for my first job and finding the next ones. Other than that, have fun and explore!
Feel free to message me if you have any other questions!
This one isn't about CRM but a shovelbum could relate!