okay..here goes - older newbie here

[XLIV]

Just got hired as a timber cruiser. My first job in the woods. Bottom of the ladder, I know but what the heck, I'm not too old yet.

My question is this, what gear do I need? Got alot of stuff from a lifetime of hunting..two pair of white's, and various filson stuff. What kind of pants do I need, backpack? Do modern operations use a measuring stick? Clinometer? What can I expect besides hard work?

I know this question gets asked alot..what a great forum to have all this experience at my fingertips (no pun intended).

Thanks guys..

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[Ron Scott]

Who will you be cruising timber for? Usually the agency or company will provide at least some of the gear and equipment depending upon their methods and standards that they will want you to cruise to. I asume that you have been trained and certified in cruising methods.

You may need or will want a hard hat, cruiser's vest, compass, prism, panama tube, or reliskop, diameter tape, distance measuring tape, biltmore sick, clinometer, tally sheets, pen/pencils, hip chain, and probably appropriate GPS equipment.

Good wearing boots and pants that you are comfortable in as well as the other clothes and rain gear. Snake boots or leggings may be needed if working in snake country. Don't forget insect repellant and the first aid kit.

Unless you are consulting on your own, discuss your specific personal needs with your employer first.   

[WDH]

When I started my first job as a timber cruiser, the company had their own way of doing things, complete with all the gear that was required.  Some companies use line-plot, others use prism.  In any event, no matter the method, you will need at least a 75 foot loggers tape (get one with the diameter scale on one side and the regular scale on the other side).  That is used to measure distance from the tree to determine if the tree is in or out of the plot and it is used for determining height measurements.  Also, get one of the "nails" that attach to the end of the tape so you can stick the nail in the bark of a tree and as you walk away, the tape peels out as you go, and you can easily measure distance from the tree to the plot center or to pull out a set distance to measure height.  With the diameter tape on one side of the loggers tape, it is easier and faster to measure diameter than with a regular diameter tape.  You will need a good compass too.  There are modern range finders that are real handy.  Another thing I would always have is a good set of chaps (snake chaps).  Even if there not snakes in your area, the lightweight codura leggings really protect your upper legs from brush and briars. 

XLIV, you are going to be working hard .  Cruising is very hard and important work.  Good luck.

[Riles]

I left a lot of blood out in the field on my last cruise, thanks to the briars. My management recommendation is going to include napalm... I'm thinking the best equipment to bring along is a bulldozer.

I have become a fan of the tree caliper. It's a lot faster on smaller trees than a d-tape. Grab some tecnu too, I just got my first batch of poison ivy for the year.

If you really want to be efficient, bring a buddy 

[XLIV]

thanks guys..I forgot about the technu. I live at 3500' (P.Oak doesnt grow this high)and the timber is 20 miles away. Probably a lower elevation

Ron..that's the biggest friggin deer I've ever seen (in your photos). Thanks for the pointers.

WDH - my first day is tomorrow. No prior experience in timber other than cutting firewood for 20+ years. This is gorgeous country..I'm really looking forward to it. McCloud has a lot of timber history.

Thanks again.
44

[WDH]

Let us know how it goes.

[XLIV]

hooooweeee..what a hoot.

First day just marking..lets see....8 in my prism..x 20 ..-100...3 trees..little brown on top...yikes, sprayed my face..28 inches this side 26 this side make it a 26..white fir..nope..erase..doug fir..dang..sprayed my face again..

I think I just fell in love all over again.

[WDH]

Good that you got off to a fine start.  Some days the woods are good and some days the woods are bad.  However, even a bad day in the woods is better than most days in the city..........

[Texas Ranger]

Close, but, a bad day in the woods is better than any day in the city.  Particularly Houston.