 TOM RITCHIE, Expedition Leader, Top Picks & Other Essential Items
In addition to the usual things, such as binoculars, field guide books, etc., which I bring to all destinations, there are a few that I feel are specific or extra important to remember for Antarctica.
#1. I never travel to Antarctica (or the Arctic, for that matter) without my Muck Boots or some similar brand of rubber boots that are made out of neoprene material (the same stuff as wet suits). For decades, I suffered with cold feet in Antarctica and always tried to wear extra thick socks inside my thin rubber boots. This usually didn’t work very well, especially when standing in cold water, landing Zodiacs. Now, I never have cold feet anymore, and these boots are so comfortable, I even hike in them. It’s amazing it took so long for this type of boot to be developed…I sure wish I had thought of it first!
#2. Another essential item that I always have with me when I go to the polar regions is a pair of lightweight, waterproof pants to wear over my blue jeans. They are useful for two reasons…they keep you dry in rain or snow, but even more importantly they are good protection against the chilling wind.
#3. This may surprise some people, but it is imperative to bring sunscreen (or buy it on board) in order to protect one’s face and any other exposed skin from very bright reflective sunlight. Yes, the angle of the sun’s rays is low, but the reflections off snow and ice and water can cause serious sunburn. I have suffered this result numerous times, and still struggle to remember to use the stuff. Plus, one must remember the ozone layer can be somewhat reduced at the latitudes where we operate, which makes the use of sunscreen even more important.
Please view Tom's Top Picks & other Essential "What to Pack" Items on following 3 "Antarctica" pages. |
