Wikimecum:Packing Considerations for Field Work

For many of the people reading this, this is the first time that you will be doing extensive research work in the field. As such, it is important to recognize the special considerations that being in Venice during B term brings.

While there will be a few days where you will be able to enjoy the city in not much more than a long-sleeve shirt and a pair of pants, those days are relatively few and occur mostly in the last one to two weeks in October. Once November rolls around, be prepared to face days where the temperature does not go far above 10 degrees Celsius, with wind chills of 5 degrees Celsius. When working outside in these conditions for extended periods of time, it can prove dangerous to not be properly prepared.

Clothing

The most important thing to remember is to dress WARMLY. It is far easier to roll up your sleeves if it gets warm than to try to find and purchase new winter clothing to replace what you did not bring in the first place.

Jackets

The main purpose of your jacket is twofold, first to keep you dry, then to keep you warm. Make sure you bring a good jacket that is both wind-proof and water-proof. There will be days when it will rain heavily while you are outside, and getting soaked with water will quickly rob you of your heat and put you on the fast-track to pneumonia or worse. Make sure your jacket has a hood as well, as there are days when it will simply be too windy for an umbrella.

Sweatshirts / Sweaters

These will typically be worn under your jacket, so make sure that they are not too bulky or too fragile to withstand outside work. Make sure to bring at least one sweatshirt, (a WPI branded one preferably, which can be purchased in the campus bookstore BEFORE you leave) so that you have something with a warm hood that can be used in conjunction with your jacket's hood.

Hats

Bring a warm hat (baseball caps need not apply) that can fit in your jacket pocket, you never know when the weather will suddenly become colder than you anticipated.

Scarves

It cannot hurt to bring one, provided that it is primarily functional rather than decorative. It is okay to look good, but the primary goal is to stay warm.

Gloves / Mittens

Remember to bring a set of hand garments that, like the jacket, are both warm and waterproof. Mittens are an option as well, HOWEVER, provided that they do not limit your dexterity to the point of not being able to hold a writing implement or not being able to press the buttons on whatever electronic device you may be using. If you have to take off your gloves/mittens any time you have to record any data in the field, they will become more trouble than they are worth.

Socks

Bring good, warm socks for use when out in the field. One strategy is to wear an inner set of polyester type socks, designed to wick moisture away from your feet, underneath a warm layer of wool socks.

Shoes

The absolute most important features that your shoes must have are that they are both comfortable and highly resistant to water (preferably waterproof). Even with your boat passes, your primary mode of transportation around the city will be your own two feet. In addition to the ever present puddles throughout the city, the rain and wind will conspire to get water in your shoes any way they can. Depending on your project, you may be spending your time standing in one place for hours at a time, so make sure that your shoes provide enough support to be comfortable both will moving and standing still.

Boots

The main purpose of boots in Venice is to keep your feet dry during the Aqua Alta flooding that will happen at least a couple of times while you are in Venice. They can be rather bulky and cumbersome to pack, so give serious thought to buying a pair in Venice. They are relatively easy to find, especially near the Rialto bridge area, for around 15 Euros. Pay attention to the tide reports though, so that you buy them BEFORE the flooding starts.

Misc

Hand Warmers

You may consider bringing some reusable hand warmers to Venice if your project requires you to use your hands outside for extended periods of time, such as filling out survey forms or using mechanical or electrical counters. They can be re-warmed in a microwave or barring that, in a pot of boiling water.

Umbrellas

Venice can be incredibly windy at times, so, with that in mind, either bring an umbrella that is specifically designed to work in high winds or a cheap umbrella that you do not mind parting with WHEN it breaks in the gusty wind.