A successful excavation experience requires good preplanning. University student groups, who have been involved in excavations in Syria, Jordan, and Israel, developed a list of items incorporated below that can help make your trip more enjoyable. These are merely suggestions, but they might help you decide what items you should bring with you.

Packing to Dig

For work in the field, we suggest a minimum of two (2) changes. Bring things which are sturdy, light in weight and color, and easy to launder. Since the sun is very intense, you may need to vary sleeve and pant lengths until you get into condition. Remember that loose clothing is more comfortable than close fitting, and that synthetic fibers tend to be hot. Shorts are recommended.

Basic Needs

Bedding. Hosts generally provide beds, mattresses, sheets, one pillow and one blanket per person with bedding changed weekly.

Clothesline and Clothespins. Clothespins are a necessity. You might be able to share a clothes line with someone else so you might want to arrange this with a friend in advance.

Towels and Wash Cloths. Wash cloths are not readily available in the Levant. You need to bring your towels and wash cloths with you. We suggest at least two towels.

Laundry Bags. You may want to separate various items. Some of us bring some plastic trash bags and use them as laundry bags.

Liquid Detergent. We recommend at least two medium size bottles of liquid Woolite®. Normally, there will be no washing machines or dryers available to you. You have to hand wash everything. Depending on where you stay, e.g., a hotel or kibbutz, there might be some accommodation for you to use a laundry service. Plan to wash your work clothes every day. You may find it convenient to simply get into the shower fully dressed and rinse your clothes out at that time. Throw them into a plastic bag and wash them later in the afternoon.

Sunglasses. We suggest these as a necessity to provide you with some protection from the sun and the dust at the tell.

Small Canteen or Water Container. Excavations provide water in the field, but you might find a small canteen useful, especially on field trips and weekends. For health reasons, this is strongly suggested. Some acquire a one liter bottle of water and then buy a case for it in Israel or Jordan but it is less expensive to bring your water container with you. A container for drinking water is also handy on field trips. We do not want to become dehydrated.

Utility Bag. A utility bag is a handy item to carry small items (sun lotion, glasses, Kleenex, camera and the like) to the site. As it is often dusty you will want a bag that will zip up. You may want to bring some napkins as the paper napkins provided for breakfast at an archaeological site are generally not what Americans expect.

Clothing Necessities

Work Clothing

For work in the field, we suggest a minimum of two (2) changes. Bring things which are sturdy, light in weight and color, and easy to launder. Since the sun is very intense, you may need to vary sleeve and pant lengths until you get into condition. Remember that loose clothing is more comfortable than close fitting, and that synthetic fibers tend to be hot. Shorts are recommended.

Your work clothes will get so dirty that you will likely toss them at the end of the program. We suggest three (3) outfits that you rotate. Socks take the worst beating. White socks will turn brown, or worse, by the end of the season. Some students like to wear a bandanna for protection from dust on the tell. You will do considerable kneeling, generally from four to six hours a day in a square, so you might want to consider knee pads. Consider the following:

Work Gloves are essential even for those with the toughest hands. The gloves should be sturdy but flexible, and you will probably go through two pairs. Those with leather palms and ventilated backs are ideal. You may consume one pair every two weeks.

Work Shoes should be sturdy and comfortable, provided with solid traction soles for protection and footing on rocks. Sneakers are not recommended (at work) and sandals are not suitable at all. You may drop a stone on your foot. You will probably find yourself lifting and moving rock and debris quite often, whether you are a male or female, so you might want to consider steel-toed work shoes.

Sun Hat or Head Covering is mandatory. You will not be permitted in the field without it!!! You need a cap with a brim.

Casual Clothing

Casual clothing is a necessity for after work hours and weekends. Appropriate clothing for touring is in order, but keep in mind that dress in Israel is informal. In Arab countries women need to keep themselves in modest apparel with their arms covered. Some sites require modest clothing where sleeveless shirts and shorts are not permitted. Americans have suggested dig participates need more “touring” clothes than actual “dig” clothes. Our suggestion is as follows:

1-2 pairs of jeans
3 T-shirts
1 pair sneakers
2-3 long-sleeve shirts
1 pair of shorts
1-2 pairs of slacks
1 light jacket
1-2 pairs of shoes

Dress Clothing

If you plan to attend synagogue or church moderately dressy outfits are in order. You will probably need more than one outfit. We suggest the following:

A Sweater and/or Windbreaker for it may get cold at night and you do not want to get chilled.
A Belt & Shoelaces for sure, but consider an extra belt and extra shoelaces.
Don’t forget your bathing suit for pool opportunities and for sun bathing.
A bathrobe and shower clogs are suggested for privacy and sanitary reasons.

Convenience Items

Electrical Appliances. As electrical appliances in the Levant use 220 voltage current be sure you bring the right adapters (which allow an American plug to be used in an Israeli or Jordanian electrical outlet) and transformer if you need one. Hair dryers, electrical shavers, and travel irons should be capable of using the 220 current or they will burn out almost immediately.

Plastic Ziplock Bags. You will find a small supply useful. Bring two sizes.

Alarm Clock. We suggest a battery operated alarm clock.

Camera, Film, and Extra Batteries. Not only are batteries expensive in Israel, they may not be available in some sizes. Our suggestion is to bring what you need with you.

Flashlight. A waterproof flashlight is suggested. If you visit Jerusalem your flashlight will become handy should you visit Hezekiah’s tunnel.

Pocketknife.

Small Mirror.

Small Sewing Kit and Scissors. You may need to perform minor clothing repairs.

Small Radio with Earphones. You should be able to receive a number of stations with a variety of musical programs. If you want to listen to your own kind of music bring it with you.

Cell Phone. You may be able to use your own phone in Israel. If your current cell phone is unlocked, you can put in a local Israel SIM card. For lectures and field trips you might want to use the audio recording feature of your cell phone. Some volunteers have found it helpful, particularly when they use their cell phone to keep track of their photographs. So take a few minutes before your trip to think about what you’d like to record and practice recording audio on your smartphone.

Watch. We suggest an inexpensive one as it will take a beating at the excavation.

Snacks. There are many attractive snacks for purchase in Israel and Jordan, but some people prefer to bring some of their favorites with them.