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Geologists in the Field: A style Guide


Field trips have been a very bonding experience for me and my course mates. My cohort consists of about 35 geologists spending typically 2 weeks at a time on trips together and over our time everyone has established their own sense of fashion in the field. You wouldn't think that practical, comfy, and waterproof would leave much room for personality but here is a guide established by me and my friends to some notable aesthetics spotted in the field.


Me and my friends looking particularly fashionable in our hi-vis on a cold, rainy day in Arran.


1. The athletic geologist


What: Leggings/football joggers, some form of sports top and/or hoodie, normally with logo of some sports team (team stash is compulsory for this look).


Who: Typically the gym girlies and football/rugby lads


Rating:

Comfort 10/10 - Great for when you're sweaty and/or need to climb over lots of rocks

Style 2/10 - Stash is never a good look

Practicality 3/10 - Sports clothes tend to lack pockets and pockets are essential


2. The 'I do geology' geologist


What: Practical trousers usually beige and lots of pockets, some form of flannel/shirt on top also in neutral tones, a practical hat for maximum sun protection, and a practical coat of non-offensive colour with of course plenty of pockets


Who: Anyone who did geology at A-Level, usually a sign of someone who knows what is going on and who's filed sketch you are going to be jealous of


Rating:

Comfort 5/10 - Not sure flannel is good for sweaty hiking

Style 8/10 - If you can pull it off you will look cool but only works for some. You can't look the part and then have no idea what is going on.

Practicality 10/10 - Pockets, pockets, pockets!


3. The geography teacher geologist


What: Hiking trousers (bonus points if they are waterproof), waterproof jacket, backpack with lots of pockets (and is probably from osprey) and some form of wooly hat/ear warmers to keep you nice and toastie


Who: People who grew up hiking or are completely new to going outdoors. You can easily tell the difference but it is hard to explain.


Rating:

Comfort 6/10 - Waterproof trousers are objectively uncomfortable but the warmth from a wooly hat makes up for this

Style 2/10 - Do you really want to dress like a geography teacher?

Practicality 10/10 - No danger of getting cold or wet


4. The 'I'm going to wear my hi-vis vest 24/7' geologist


What: Could be anything underneath but its the neon yellow, department branded vest that steals the show. Bonus points if you then put your waterproof jacket over the top.


Who: You know who you are, if it is for practicality, laziness or style I do not know but that hi-vis vest is already on at breakfast in the morning and only comes off after dinner at night.


Ratings:

Comfort - Variable, depends on the rest of the outfit

Style 0/10 - No

Practicality 10/10 - Always safe when crossing roads


5. The 'I forgot my field gear' geologist


What: Shoes that are not hiking boots, same top everyday, no resemblance of any change from normal lecture attire.


Who: There's always one, if you don't know one its probably you.


Ratings:

Comfort 6/10 - If you wear it everyday its probably comfy but is it good when it rains?

Style 4/10 - You just look out of place

Practicality 2/10 - Buy some hiking boots



DISCLAIMER: This is all fun, everyone looks great and is more importantly warm and comfy in the field. Sorry to anyone in my year thats happens to read this but also, tag yourself!

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