Clothing

From top to bottom, multiple layers using correct materials are essential to ensure safety, warmth and comfort even in harsh conditions. Getting used to using and adjusting clothing layers is important to keep researchers safe, especially when a lot of hiking and climbing is involved.

Headwear: Warm hats are needed for when temperatures get down and when you’re not moving around to ensure a lot of heat doesn’t escape through your head. Don’t forget sun hats, sun glasses, and sun screen are important too because of the hole in the ozone layer!

Jackets: Three jackets of different materials and weights from Extreme Cold Weather to a wind breaker can be worn in different combinations depending on conditions. Equipped with hoods, these jackets can keep you warm even on the shelter-less ice shelf. Don’t forget to remember which pockets you put stuff in because there are lots of them!

Polar Fleece Jacket and Pants: Comfortable for wearing around camp, these are made for wearing under the outer shell layers.

Gloves: Multiple types of gloves are needed in Antarctica. From heavy duty mitts for emergency situations to woollen mittens and gloves, it’s important to keep your hands warm to prevent dangers of frost bite.

Salopettes: Water-proof and wind-proof, these pants can be fitted with knee pads to help when lots of kneeling is required on the rugged rocks of the Dry Valleys.

Thermals: Underneath it all is one of the most vital layers. Polypropylene thermals both top and bottom are required as both the first layer of insulation and to carry any moisture away from the skin.

Boots: Two pairs of boots, Sorels with a water-proof rubber outer and felt liners and heavy duty but comically large Mukluks are provided for Antarctic researchers. nzTABS researchers also used their own hiking boots because of the amount of walking through rugged terrain required.