7.5 Equipment and supplies

Basically the most important piece of equipment needed for fieldwork is a microphone and some means of recording, for example a tape recorder or a flash-card recorder and some batteries. As the quality of the recorder significantly influences the quality of the recordings, it is important to consider factors such as flexibility, weight, durability and, of course, cost when purchasing equipment. Also, if possible, purchasing two recorders may come in handy, in case one breaks or is lost. A headphone to listen to the recordings is also worth an investment. A laptop is a very nice luxury, especially for transcription and storage of the data. More sophisticated projects will require a video-camera for the analysis of visual aspects, but regardless of what kind of project the fieldworker intends to conduct, bringing some kind of camera is hardly a bad idea. The researcher should be sure to test his/her equipment before going in the field so he/she knows how to operate it. Of course, bringing stationery and some office supply is also reasonable (cf. Bowern 2008: 17ff; Crowley 2007: 73-76). Moreover, it is always advisable to check the equipment regularly as noticing that the recorder's batteries have run out or that it hasn't been turned on properly during or after an interview can be very annoying (cf. Vaux 1999: 21).

In rural areas there are a few additional issues to consider. Plugs and voltage might be different, so bringing along adapters may be necessary. If there is no access to electricity whatsoever, then the fieldworker may have to bring along a generator or at least think about using solar panels to recharge his/her batteries. A sturdy, comfortable backpack, ideally waterproof, to protect the gear is also worth taking along. And if medical supply is a problem, a doctor must be consulted prior to the trip in order to stock up on things such as anti-biotics, bandages, nutritional supplements, rehydration salts and, if necessary, medicine against malaria or other exotic diseases (cf. Crowley 2007: 68, 74).

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