24 October 2017 Extreme Cold Weather Gear

Orientation and cold weather gear issue day complete. My computer passed inspection. My temperature was acceptable as was my flu shot back in September. Clothing has been issued and our departure set for tomorrow morning. We leave the hotel at 5:15am and will drive six miles to International Antarctic Centre and step into our gear, load up our bags and with any luck, board the C-17 awaiting our departure for the ice. You might be wondering about the gear involved. Wonder no more. Below, I will show and briefly explain the gear piece by piece!

Extreme Cold Weather gear, wall of clothing.

Down parka – for extreme cold. Worn over many layers. Insulated with goose down. Lots of pockets for all sorts of tools and the occasional granola bar! All passengers must wear this on the plane.

Down parka, Extreme Cold Weather outer wear.

Bib-overalls (snow suit) – for snow and ice conditions. Worn over many layers. Necessary for outside field work. Required for the plane ride.

Bib overalls, snowsuit – outer wear.

Polar fleece jacket and pants – to keep warm under the outer layers. Reminds me of thick comfy pants and a typical Wisconsin fall jacket. Packed in a checked luggage bag.

Fleece jacket and fleece pants – warm wear for under outer gear.

Fleece hat, neck gaiter, baklava (face mask), glove liners, leather gloves and leather mittens – to keep fingers and noses from frostbite and to avoid loss of heat from the head. Necessary for all outdoor activities. A set of gloves, a hat or face mask and neck gaiter is required for the plane ride.

Mittens, hats, gaiter, etc. – keeps the heat in!

Snow goggles and inner boot/sock liners – eye protection is a must under the harsh UV conditions and the boot liners are good at wicking sweat from socks to keep toes toasty! Eye protection is required on the plane, though liners are not. I am contemplating wearing those however as my feet are always cold...

Goggles and sock liner, necessary gear.

Thermal boots (Bunny Boots) – military issue, thickly insulated soles to keep feet further away from the cold ice. Required on the plane as well as any outdoor field work.

Thermal or "bunny" boots.

Expedition jacket – a thin version of the parka. Worn between buildings on the campus/base and on days when outside work is not extensive or it is warm, at least by Antarctica standards. This will be packed in my luggage.

Lighter expedition jacket.

Gauntlet mittens – super awesome mittens that will keep my fingers warm while driving the snowmobile. They are big enough to go over many other layers of gloves and mittens. Packed or worn on the plane as the gloves/mittens of choice.

Gauntlet mitten, good for snowmobiling!

Final luggage cannot exceed two checked bags and one boomerang bag not to exceed 85 pounds. In addition, each person may have a carry on bag that includes space for the gear that is taken off during the plane ride. There is no limit of weight for this bag, but there is a size or dimensional limit to how big this bag can be. Most people take the red bag that contained their cold weather gear, though it is not required.

ECW bags with gear ready to go for tomorrow's journey! That's a lot of luggage for only three people!

I couldn't leave New Zealand without a stop at the grocery store for a few limes and lemons, some chocolate, tea and granola bars. I hear the IT people at McMurdo enjoy treats and thought I should have a few for the people who will be taking care of this essential part of my journey.

Treats for the IT people in McMurdo!

And a final stop at a souvenir shop, possum fur gloves, birthday present to myself I guess. I heard from a wise individual that these are a must and made in New Zealand, so I found a pair to purchase. They are amazingly soft. I will find out about their warmth in a few days!

Warm possum fur and merino wool gloves!

I think I am ready. All of this gear along with my own supply of Wisconsin cold weather gear should keep me blissfully warm, at least I hope! If not, these sweet Flat Lorax pics from Claire and Maddie will certainly warm my heart!

Flat Lorax postcards for Maddie in 1st grade and Claire in HS!