Field Accessories

Field accessories for carbon project teams

Waterproof notebooks, satellite communicators, portable power, PPE and instrument transport — the practical extras that make the difference between a successful field campaign and a wasted trip.

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The practical extras that make remote carbon project fieldwork reliable — from writing in monsoon rain to communicating from a site with no mobile coverage. This list is compiled from the things project developers consistently wish they'd packed, and the things that have saved surveys from failure.

Essential
Waterproof Field Notebooks
Rite in the Rain All-Weather Field Notebooks

Writes in rain, snow and humidity — the paper doesn't disintegrate, the ink doesn't run. Standard A5 size fits in a cargo pocket. Used by environmental field teams, military surveyors and anyone who has ruined a paper notebook in the field. Available with pre-printed grid, blank and survey formats. Multiple team members using the same notebook format improves data consistency.

Writes in rain, snow, humidityPaper doesn't disintegrateCargo pocket sizedGrid, blank and survey formatsBallpoint & pencil compatible

Losing field notes to rain is more common than it should be. At £8–12 per notebook, this is the highest-value insurance on the list. Order a box rather than individual notebooks before any multi-week field campaign.

Approx. price£8–£12 each
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Safety Essential
Satellite Communicator — Lone Worker Safety
Garmin inReach Mini 2

Two-way satellite messaging and SOS anywhere on Earth, no mobile coverage required. For any team member working alone on a remote project site, this is a mandatory piece of kit — both for their safety and for your project's insurance and duty of care obligations. Pairs with your phone via Bluetooth for messaging. Subscription required (~£15/month on basic plan).

Global two-way messagingInteractive SOSGPS trackingPairs with smartphone35hr batteryIPX7 waterproof

Lone worker monitoring is a legal obligation under UK health and safety regulations for employees working in remote locations. The inReach Mini provides traceable check-in capability and emergency response — your insurer may require it for remote fieldwork.

Approx. price£300–£380 (+ subscription)
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Power Essential
Portable Power for Multi-Day Surveys
Anker 737 Power Bank 24,000mAh

100W output charges laptops as well as phones — one unit can recharge a rugged phone 4–5 times, keeping a team of two connected for a full multi-day remote survey. 24,000mAh capacity, dual USB-C and USB-A outputs, fast charge compatible. The 100W PD output also charges smaller laptops for field report work.

24,000mAh100W USB-C PDCharges laptops4-5 full phone chargesDual USB-C + USB-A

On remote sites without reliable mains power, this is often the most important piece of kit on the list. A dead phone or GPS mid-survey can cost a full day of field time. Bring two power banks on any multi-day remote campaign.

Approx. price£70–£100
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Equipment Protection
Waterproof Instrument Transport
Pelican 1510 Carry-On Case

For transporting sensitive instruments — flow meters, GPS units, cameras, data loggers — through airports, on rough roads, and in the field. IP67 rated, airtight, pressure equalising valve, and nearly indestructible in airline baggage handling. Fits as airline carry-on (within most airline size limits). Pick and pluck foam customisable to your specific instrument layout.

IP67 waterproofAirtight pressure-equalising valveAirline carry-on compliantPick-and-pluck foamIndestructible shell

Expensive instruments sent as checked baggage are routinely damaged. A Pelican case in the cabin eliminates this risk — and the waterproof seal means your instruments survive transfer in tropical rain between vehicles and boats.

Approx. price£230–£320
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Safety Equipment
PPE for Biogas and Hazardous Sites
3M Speedglas Welding/Grinding PPE Kit

For project developers working on biogas or landfill gas sites, appropriate PPE is a legal requirement in classified hazardous areas. At minimum: H2S personal gas alarm, safety glasses and appropriate gloves. For digesters and landfill gas extraction, respiratory protection may also be required. This varies by site classification — consult your site safety officer.

Site safety complianceRequired for hazardous zonesMulti-hazard protection

PPE requirements on classified hazardous sites are non-negotiable and site-specific. This listing is a reminder to check requirements before your first site visit — do not enter a classified zone without site induction and appropriate PPE confirmed.

Approx. priceVaries by site requirements
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Common questions

What's the most commonly forgotten piece of field kit?
Spare batteries and a power bank are the most common omissions that cause wasted field time. Camera batteries, GPS batteries and phone batteries all deplete faster in heat and cold. Carry twice as many as you think you need for any multi-day campaign. Waterproof notebooks are a close second — they're cheap and the difference between arriving with usable field notes and arriving with papier-mâché is significant.
Do I need a satellite communicator for remote carbon project fieldwork?
If you or your team will be working alone in areas without reliable mobile coverage, yes — both for safety and increasingly for insurance. Many professional indemnity and liability insurers now require evidence of lone worker monitoring protocols for remote fieldwork. The Garmin inReach Mini is the most practical solution and costs under £20/month on a basic plan.
What cases should I use for transporting monitoring equipment on flights?
Pelican cases are the standard for sensitive instruments. For camera equipment, a padded hardshell that fits airline carry-on dimensions prevents both theft and damage. Checked baggage handling destroys calibrated instruments — always carry flow meters, GPS units and data loggers in the cabin if possible. Declare any sealed pressure-equalising cases to airline staff before boarding if asked.

Related tools on The Carbon Workbench

Use our calculators to plan your project before you invest in field equipment.

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