As I become more familiar with the geologist way of life, I am more amused and amazed. In some ways, geologists are as socially inept as physicists are... after all, much of their time is spent with rocks, which are not too conversational. My recent favorite is the (unspoken) Geologist's dress code. It has come about because of necessity, I mean, honestly, who on Earth (ha...ha...) would wear clothes with that many pockets for fun? I'll list 'em off...
1. You must wear clothes of a neutral color, especially brown or tan. I believe this is because it camouflages you: rocks may become nervous and flee if they see you sneaking up on them. It is best to observe them in their natural habitat. The only exception to this rule is dark red or burnt orange, although they must be earthy shades of those colors. The only exception to that rule is if your article of clothing is from the 80's and is bright pink, purple, or teal. It's even better if these clothes are made organically.
2. More pockets = more points. If you have enough, you won't even need a backpack. You need room for your notebook, your compass, pens/pencils, colored pencils, maps, keys, water bottles, camera, you name it. Vests with lotsa pockets are especially sexy.
3. If you must wear a pack, it must be some sort of hiking specific pack, such as a Camelbak Hydration Pack. If you don't have a hydration pack, it must be some other outdoorsy brand and you have to have several environmentally friendly waterbottles, like Nalgenes. Never, Ever bring a disposable water bottle into the field.
4. Wear any t-shirt you own, even if you got it 20 years ago and the fabric is so thin you might as well not bother. It helps if there is some nerdy slogan on it. The nerdier the better.
5. You must at all times be wearing something that is "fleece". This can be a hat, a shirt, or a jacket.
6. It is acceptable and encouraged to wear thick wool socks with your Chacos or Birkenstocks. The only allowed alternative to thick wool socks are Smartwool hiking socks.
7. Large floppy hats are mandatory.
8. Pants need not fit... The baggier the better! Also, if they are too short they don't drag in the mud.
9. All clothes must be of some brand such as North Face, REI, or Mountain Hardware. Similar brands will do.
10. Hair should be worn in a ponytail at all times. Never bother messing with your hair, its not worth it.
11. Regular laundering and showers are not required. In fact, the dirtier you and your clothes are, the longer you must have spent outside.
I find myself following these rules more and more... I have outdoorsy brand clothes, I have a Camelbak and Chacos, and I go to class/work without caring much about my appearance because I know no one else will care either. In fact, the longer I spend getting ready, the more I won't belong. I like this lifestyle :)
