Students on Ice 2014 Antarctic Expedition Orientation Package Expedition Clothing Layering for comfort Expeditioner rule of thumb: You can always take it off but you cannot always put it on – particularly if you do not have it with you! It is important to understand the principle of layering. Layered clothing is the appropriate way to dress for your days in the Antarctic. By all accounts, weather in the Antarctic is constantly changing and anything can happen at any time. Typically, temperatures may vary between –10 degrees and +10 degrees. Layering is the concept of wearing multiple layers of clothing when it’s cold and removing items when you’re warm. There are three essential layers: underwear/base layer, insulation, and shell. These can be combined to achieve maximum warmth when needed, or used separately or in different combinations, depending on the temperature and weather conditions. Layer #1: The first part of a good layering system is your underwear/base layer. This base layer provides you with basic insulation and pulls the moisture away from your skin. Moisture against your skin can cause chills. The type of underwear you need as your first layer in the Antarctic is light-­‐to-­‐medium weight thermal top and bottoms made of synthetic fabrics. Wool and wool blend is also suitable. Cotton is a less acceptable fabric as it keeps the moisture next to your skin, instead of wicking it away. We recommend clothing made of synthetic fabrics, which can be purchased in any outdoor store. Layer #2: Insulating clothing provides additional warmth. There are two categories of fibers available—natural fibers such as wool and down, and synthetic fibers such as fleece. Down is a great insulator, lightweight and extremely warm. This is a wonderful layer for chilly Antarctic evenings. Wool is also good and has the added advantage of remaining efficient when wet (unlike down). Synthetics are widely used because they work well when wet, keep you warm, and dry quickly. Fleece is probably the most commonly used synthetic and easy to find in any outdoor store. Layer #3: You need a water-­‐proof jacket and pants. This outer layer is the final step in insulating you against the cold and wind. These layers are used to combat the elements, and in the Antarctic, the predominant element is often wind. Since your first two layers are providing your “warmth” layers, this outer layer does not need to be big and bulky. A good Goretex jacket with a hood and pants that are breathable are preferable. 10 Students on Ice 2014 Antarctic Expedition Orientation Package Clothing and Equipment Checklist It is very important that you are warm, dry and comfortable. It is especially important that you look after your head, hands and feet. The following suggested packing list will cover most of your needs. If you have any questions or concerns about what to bring please contact us at the Students on Ice office. Clothing q 1 Waterproof-­‐Breathable jacket (ie: rain jacket or waterproof shell) q 1 pair of hiking boots/shoes – For excursions on land q 1 pair comfortable running shoes or sandals -­‐ For onboard the ship. q 1 pair of rubber boots – For disembarking Zodiacs during shore landings. The boots should be waterproof, with good tread and mid-­‐calf height. We will be wearing these boots a lot so they need to be comfortable -­‐ neither be too tight nor too sloppy. Leave enough room for an extra pair of socks and a felt insole for extra warmth. q 1 pair waterproof-­‐breathable pants (ie: rain pants or waterproof outer shell – not snowpants!) q 1 Down jacket or vest (optional) q 2 Wool or fleece sweaters/shirts q 2 Thermal long-­‐sleeve underwear shirts (ie: synthetic fabrics, not cotton) q 3 Casual shirts for the ship q 1 Fleece, wool, or warmer pant of your choice q 2 Thermal long underwear pants (ie: synthetic fabrics, not cotton) q 3 pairs casual pants for the ship q 8-­‐10 pairs of underwear q 6-­‐8 pairs of socks (thick wool or synthetic) q 2 pairs of gloves and mittens. Must be warm and waterproof q 1 Cold weather hat (Wool, fleece or synthetic type) q 1 Sunhat/Baseball hat (For that bright Antarctic sun!) q 1 Bathing suit (To join the Antarctic Swim Team!) q Sleepwear/pyjamas Accessories q Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, soap/body wash, deodorant/anti-­‐
perspirant, skin cream, etc.) q Seasickness medication q Personal medications (if needed/applicable) q Small amount of laundry detergent or bar of laundry soap (for washing small items in your sink) q Sunscreen and lip balm (SP 15 or higher for both) q 1 day pack (small backpack) q 1 pair good quality sunglasses with UV protection are a necessity. We also recommend a strap (“Croakies”) to avoid losing or damaging your glasses. q Expedition Journal & writing materials q Camera, with extra memory cards, batteries and charger q Flash drives/USB memory sticks q Reusable water bottle and/or travel mug q Musical Instrument (optional) q Binoculars (optional, but recommended) q A personal item for fun photos (like a stuffed animal, cute toy, etc.) 11