Hi everyone. I did some horizontal caving back in the 90's when I was in high school. I decided after a trip to Carlsbad Caverns that I would like to get back into it. I made the decision to purchase some decent equipment to get started. I bought a Princeton Apex 200 lumens headlamp, and two LED headlamps that aren't as nice for backups. I am still in the market for helmets. I value my head, but I don't want to overspend if I don't have to. I've got some big black boots I call my waffle stompers that I think will work for caving.
My biggest area of non-expertise is clothing. I have barely enough fashion sense to dress myself for everyday life, so I am a little lost as for what to wear underground. I know cotton is not a good idea, but what about jeans? Should I get polypropylene sock liners and wear wool socks over them? What about boxers and undershirts? If walmart has decent options, I'd rather go there or a website than overspend at an outdoor retail specialty store.
What do most cavers use to carry their extra gear? I've seen videos of cavers moving neck deep in water, and I wonder what happens to their extra gear. Should I purchase some little waterproof pouches that would go inside my backpack?
Look forward to meeting y'all.