New to Caving
So you're interested in taking up caving? Maybe you've explored a cave or two yourself, or an obsessed friend has dragged you on a trip, or maybe you've just seen a few videos and think you'd enjoy giving it a try?
Join a Club
Well the good news is that the caving 'community' is very friendly and welcoming and usually willing to help a new victim learn. By far your best bet is to join a local caving club. Advantages include:
- Expert knowledge on suitable trips
- Clubs have lots of experience in teaching caving techniques
- You'll meet lots of interesting, experienced and often 'unusual' new people
- Depending on the club, they may be able to lend you equipment while you give it a try, so you don't have to commit to expensive gear early on
- It's a very cheap way to get into the sport - often a year's membership will cost less than a single commercial guided caving trip
The British Caving Association (BCA) has an excellent website, New To Caving, which includes a lot of the basics you'll need to know as well as contacts for finding your local caving club.
Equipment
Some of your first caving equipment investments will include:
- Wellies! There's a high chance you'll be expected to bring your own wellies for your first trips with a club, as it's hard for them to hold stocks of all the different welly sizes whereas other gear you might need can be lent to you.
- An early investment should definitely be in wetsocks. These will keep your feet toasty in your wellies even when stomping through deep water.
- A pair of Caving Kneepads is absolutely essential in most British caves, as you'll be crawling at some point on most trips.
- You'll eventually be expected to equip yourself with your own caving helmet and headlamp.
- An Oversuit, which is your main shell against the caving environment. Water resistant, wind-proof and hard wearing, this suit will keep you sliding snag-free through rough passages and at least delay getting damp! They will eventually wear out in the harsh environment of caves though, and may need replacing once every 1-3 years depending on how many times per week you cave.
- While a full tackle sack isn't needed early on, especially when caving with a club who'll have that sort of kit, you might want to invest in a personal bag which will easily hang at your waist on a belt or harness, and let you carry a drink and a few snack in on longer trips.
Take It Slow and Steady
Caving is not a race. It's important to take it slow and steady, especially when you're just starting out. Take breaks when you need to and don't be afraid to ask your guide or fellow cavers for help or advice. Pay attention to your surroundings, and be mindful of your movements to avoid accidents.
Respect the Environment
Caves are fragile environments that are home to unique ecosystems and filled with vulnerable formations. It's important to respect the environment and minimize your impact on the cave. This includes not touching formations, avoiding disturbing wildlife, and properly disposing of waste.
Below is a selection of our entry-level products that offer a cost-effective route to your own caving gear stash!
Related Products
Personal 5 Litre Caving Bag
A small 5 litre personal caving bag for carrying essentials without committing to a larger tackle sack. Good for snacks, warm layers, survey kit or small emergency items, it’s a practical choice for short trips, personal kit or lightweight underground use.
£12.09 £10.07
Landjoff Cordura Plus Caving Oversuit - Red
A tough, good-value all-round caving oversuit made from coated CORDURA 500. Reinforced in key wear areas, with adjustable cuffs, internal braces, hidden hood and internal pocket, it offers a practical balance of durability, flexibility and comfort for regular underground use.
£119.79 £122.19 £99.83
Caving Gloves (Value)
Simple economy caving gloves with a polyurethane-coated palm for basic grip and hand protection. Ideal as cheap spares, club kit, beginner gloves or backup pairs to keep in the boot.
£1.00 £0.83
ActionStash Caving Headlamp & Battery
A great-value rechargeable caving headlamp supplied with a high-capacity KeepPower 18650 battery. Bright, robust and USB-C rechargeable, it works well as either a main light or dependable backup. A practical choice for beginners, club use or anyone wanting solid performance without overspending.
£34.99 £29.16
Beaver Heavy Duty Adjustable Caving Knee Pads
Tough, adjustable kneepads designed for crawling, kneeling and general underground abuse. They stay put nicely with minimal restriction of movement. Made from heavy-duty vinyl with a thick front section, they offer good protection at a sensible price. A dependable all-round option for new and experienced cavers.
£31.49 £32.99 £26.24
Typhoon Caving Undersuit
A lightweight thermal fleece undersuit for adding warmth beneath your oversuit without too much bulk. Comfortable, easy to move in and fitted with a practical front zip and stirrups, it’s ideal for regular cavers who want a simple, dependable underlayer for cooler trips.
£43.99 £36.66
Caving Gloves (Comfort)
Comfort-focused caving gloves with a thicker nitrile coating for better durability and hand protection than basic value gloves. A sensible everyday option for crawling, scrambling, rope handling and general underground use, especially when you want cheap gloves that still feel fairly robust.
£2.29 £1.91
K2A Lightweight Oversuit (Red & Teal)
A lightweight, flexible oversuit ideal for warmer trips, vertical systems, travel and occasional caving. Made from coated Dacron with reinforced wear areas, hidden hood and external pocket, it offers great freedom of movement, though it’s less suited to constant tight, abrasive crawling.
£89.99 £74.99
Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet - Denim
A dependable caving and climbing helmet with durable ABS shell, EPS impact foam and a redesigned low-profile suspension system. The one-handed adjustment dial, comfortable chin strap and streamlined headlamp clips make it a practical, familiar choice for regular underground and above-ground use.
£47.99 £39.99
Women's Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet - Alloy
A women’s version of the trusted Black Diamond Half Dome helmet, with the same durable construction in a more tailored fit. Comfortable, adjustable and fitted with headlamp clips, it’s a dependable choice for caving, climbing and general outdoor use.
£47.99 £39.99
Fenix HM23 Headlamp
A compact AA-powered headlamp with 300 lumens, IP68 protection and a tough aluminium body. The lamp can be used as a headlamp or angle torch, with white and red light modes. A practical lightweight option for backup lighting, work use or shorter trips.
£36.99 £30.83
ArmyTek Wizard C2 Caving Headlamp
A solid 18650-powered ArmyTek headlamp with a dependable beam, rechargeable battery setup and tough construction. It’s a good mid-range choice for regular caving, offering more runtime than compact models while staying practical, comfortable and good value for underground use.
£57.99 £48.33
ArmyTek Wizard C2 Pro Caving Headlamp
A rugged, high-output rechargeable headlamp with strong battery life and excellent waterproofing. The Wizard C2 Pro gives a smooth, powerful warm beam for caving and mine exploration, with magnetic charging and a tough body. A reliable mid-range main light for regular underground use.
£69.99 £58.33
Kask Zenith
An affordable, comfortable caving helmet from Kask with plenty of adjustment, integrated headlamp clips and good ventilation. The leather-style chin strap and solid fit make it feel a bit more premium than the price suggests, sitting neatly between low-profile and taller helmet styles.
£36.99 £30.83
Fenix HM53R Headlamp
Lightweight backup or entry-level main beam, max 1200 lumens, 135h max runtime. 18350/16340 battery
£64.99 £54.16
