The Arctic is a treacherous and unforgiving place.

With ever-shifting ice flows, impassable glaciers and freezing winds, surviving here is not exactly a walk in the park. But like anywhere on earth, Mother Nature always manages to find a way to make it work, ensuring that the Arctic is filled to the brim with fascinating wildlife…Epic by name, astounding by nature, the Arctic Circle is both figuratively – and literally – about as far off the map as destinations come. A pristine natural Eden of mighty mountain peaks, awesome glacial structures and pretty much every shade of blue known to man, this winter wonderland is often almost too beautiful to be true. Polar bears, whales, rein deers and walruses dot the ice-strewn land and seascapes, while wildflowers bloom on the inland plains, and, come the seasonal equinoxes, Aurora Borealis throws up its dazzling display of lights. Enchanting, stark and utterly removed from human civilization, the Arctic really is ‘poles apart’ from the typical travel experience.

I am starting this weekend to Arctic. Proper preparation for a trip to the Arctic is key to your enjoyment and safety. I am preparing for the last 3 months. I ordered all my Arctic gear from White Horse and from US. Please find the list that I am carrying with me.

1. Rubber Insulated Boots ( Size 9.5 M)
This is the most important item of gear;  The ground can be wet and muddy in spots or it might be necessary for us to cross streams. I ordered for comfortable pair of insulated rubber boots from a Arctic Weather Clothing Company.

2. Felt Type Liner Boot:
These are traditional rubber boots with a removable felt liner. The Brands I got is Kamik, available in Canada at Le Baron and Canadian Tire stores. These boots are less expensive but the fit is not great, so they aren’t suitable for walking long distances. 
3. A wool toque (cap):
A wool toque (cap) or fleece hat made of a material that dries easily .

4. Arctic Outfit and Gear:
Arctic Clothing: – Rated Clothing to -45* Fahrenheit – (This clothing is required to be warn at the North Pole to protect your body against the extreme cold and weather). Typical temperature is between 0* and -20* degrees Fahrenheit but wind chill may drop temperature to -40* to -65* degrees F). So this gear must be rated for -45* Fahrenheit, not less!! this gear is formerly known as EXP GEAR (EXTREME PROTECTION).

1) Parka with hood
2) Extremely Warm Boots
3) Snow Pants or a combination of shell pants and wind pants (goretex and fleece)
4) Arctic Mittons, or extremely warm ski gloves.
5) Face Protection (i.e. goggles, mask, balaclava hat, etc.)

 5. Sorel Boot:  This boot is the absolute best boot for everything, which solves the boot situation for all categories at the North Pole.

6. Insulated Pants: from www.eaglesportcenter.com

7. Gloves: Meets -45* F standard.

8. Other Arctic Gear: 

1) Sleeping Bag (Can be rated for +30* F) Tents are Heated
2) Sleeping Bag Insulation Mattress goes under sleeping bag to prevent conduction with Ice below tent.
3) Heater Packs – recommend about 20-30 of them. Keeps you and your camera warm. 1-800-423-1233
4) Ski Goggles or Glacier Glasses
5) Polypropylene Underwear – Polypropylene or silk, but not cotton. This underwear wicks sweat and moisture off your body to prevent chill. Long Johns, and long sleeve (1 or 2 Pair), with socks (2 or 3 pair).
6) 1 pair gloves, cotton or polypropylene – can be warn under big gloves or just carried with you in case you take off the big gloves to do quick tasks requiring better finger touch and skill, than that with big gloves. Never touch metal barehanded at NP.
7) Camelbak, or canteen or large mouth water bottle that you carry under your parka at all times. You must always be drinking water at all times, so prepare to carry water that won’t freeze.
8) Thermos Bottle – No glass inner lining, must be very durable.

9) Medical Supplies:

1) Nasal Spray
2) Aspirin
3) Oral Decongestant
4) Sleeping Pills – if you don’t sleep easy (Benadryl may do)
5) Stomach Medicine – if you get heartburn, diarrhea, constipation etc.
6) Chapstick, skin moisturizer.

10) Other Items:

1) Tourist money pouch – keep money on your body
2) Health Insurance card and Travel Insurance.
4) Camera- Full List in Arctic Adventure – Part 2
5) Optional; GPS, compass, small penlight
6) Diary with pen….I expect to write a diary

 

…Continue Soon – PART 2 ( Soon )