One of the hallmarks of the professional forester is familiarity and competency with commonly used field equipment. Several of the core courses in the Forest Ecosystem Management major require you to provide your own field equipment. Most of this equipment will be required by more than one course and, if properly maintained, will serve you for many years. It is your responsibility to obtain the required equipment in advance of each course. Student discounts from Forestry Suppliers are detailed below. You are not required to purchase equipment from a specific vendor; you may also choose to purchase used equipment.
| Equipment* | Courses |
|---|---|
|
Mirrored compass (in azimuths, with adjustable declination) |
FOR 266, 308, 421 |
|
Clinometer* (with topo 1:66 and percent scales) |
FOR 266, 308, 421 |
|
75-foot Logger’s tape (with feet and DBH in tenths of inches) |
FOR 266, 308, 421 |
|
Horseshoe nail hook |
FOR 266, 421 |
|
10 BAF prism and case |
FOR 266, 421 |
|
Hard hat (ANSI Z98.1 standard, fluorescent orange) |
FOR 228**, 266, 320 |
|
Cruising vest (fluorescent orange) |
FOR 266 |
*Protective cases, although optional, are highly recommended to prolong the life of your equipment.
** FOR 228 (Elective course) requires a hard hat equipped with face shield.
Forestry Suppliers
Forestry Suppliers (1-800-647-5368; forestry-suppliers.com) offers the following discounts to Penn State students. You must use promo code A39 when placing your order with Forestry Suppliers. This promo code will give you a 10% discount on the items listed below and on any non-sale items. You will need to provide your name, billing and shipping address, and payment information with your order. These Forestry Suppliers discounts are available through January 31, 2025.
| Item # | Description | Catalog Price |
|---|---|---|
| 37185 or 37163 | Suunto® MC2D Navigator Compass with Inch Scales and USGS Scales, Azimuth | $70.00 |
| 43895 | Suunto® PM5/66PC Clinometer with Percent and Topo Scales | $195.00 |
| 39436 | Spencer® Logger’s Tape Model 975DC. Measures in feet, 10ths, 100ths on one side, and 120” diameter inches, 10ths, other side | $76.50 |
| 39341 | Spencer Horseshoe Nail (get 3) | $0.85 |
| 59026 | JIM-GEM® Rectangular Shape Prism, 10 BAF, Clear | $47.95 |
| 96010 or 96013 | JIM-GEM® “Pro” 10-Pocket Cruiser Vest, Hi-Vis Orange (Make sure your cruising vest is large enough to fit over your winter coat) | $85.95 or $81.25 |
A 10% discount will also be applied to any hard hat or field vest you order from Forestry Suppliers; remember to use the promo code A39.
Hard hats (helmets) are available in a wide range of cost, comfort, and level of protection, and can also be purchased locally from several sources. You may wish to invest in a “better” product, which, with proper care, will provide good service for many years. Choose fluorescent orange color. Note that FOR 228 (Elective Course) requires a hard hat equipped with a face shield.
| Item # | Description | Catalog Price |
|---|---|---|
| 24201 | MSA V-Gard Slotted Caps with Ratchet | $22.25 |
| 24353 | MSA V-Gard Slotted Caps | $21.95 |
| 24529 | Forester Full-Brim Aluminum Hard Hat | $54.95 |
| 24433 | Forestry Suppliers Lumberjack Hardhat System | $44.95 |
| 25093 | Oregon Pro Loggers Helmet Combo | $92.50 |
| 24128 plus 24303 | Petzl Vertex Vent Helmet plus Petzl Vizen Mesh Attachment | $99.95 + $74.95 |
