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Lindblad Antarctica

Expedition Leader Tom Ritchie

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 Arctic Sport 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 like the Waterproof Zodiac 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, like the Aquasport SPF 30 Sunscreen with Zinc, 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.

 "Gear Up" for Polar Expeditions
 "Gear Up" for Polar Expeditions 
 "Hands, Legs & Feet" Waterproof Gear Rental
 "Hands, Legs & Feet" Waterproof Gear Rental 
 "Head to Toe" Waterproof Gear Rental
 "Head to Toe" Waterproof Gear Rental 
 "Legs & Feet" Waterproof Gear Rental
 "Legs & Feet" Waterproof Gear Rental 
 <i>Amphibian H2O®</i> Binoculars - Waterproof & Compact
 Amphibian H2O® Binoculars - Waterproof & Compact 
 <i>Arctic Sport Boots</i> - Rent or Buy
 Arctic Sport Boots - Rent or Buy 
 <i>Bushnell H2O® 8 x 42mm</i> Binoculars
 Bushnell H2O® 8 x 42mm Binoculars 
 <i>Dry Peak Ultralite Waterproof</i> Day Pack
 Dry Peak Ultralite Waterproof Day Pack 
 <i>Expedition & Walking</i> Socks by Tilley
 Expedition & Walking Socks by Tilley 
 <i>HydroSilk™ UPF</i> Rash Guard, Snorkeling, & Swimming Top
 HydroSilk™ UPF Rash Guard, Snorkeling, & Swimming Top 
 <i>HydroSkin® Paddling, Snorkeling, & Photography</i> Gloves
 HydroSkin® Paddling, Snorkeling, & Photography Gloves 
 <i>Microfleece Lined</i> Explorer Pants - Ladies
 Microfleece Lined Explorer Pants - Ladies 
 <i>Microfleece Lined</i> Explorer Pants - Mens
 Microfleece Lined Explorer Pants - Mens 
 <i>Qwik Dri</i> Midweight Thermals - Mens & Ladies
 Qwik Dri Midweight Thermals - Mens & Ladies 
 <i>Stay Dri</i> Zip Mock T - Ladies
 Stay Dri Zip Mock T - Ladies 
 <i>Stay Dri</i> Zip Mock T - Mens
 Stay Dri Zip Mock T - Mens 
 <i>Toque</i> for Colder Times
 Toque for Colder Times 
 <i>Ultralite</I> Ti Trekking Staff by LEKI™
 Ultralite Ti Trekking Staff by LEKI™ 
 <i>Waterproof Latitude</i> "3 in 1" Mitts by <i>OR</i>
 Waterproof Latitude "3 in 1" Mitts by OR 
 <i>Waterproof Whanganui</i> Sac - Cameras, Maps, MP3s
 Waterproof Whanganui Sac - Cameras, Maps, MP3s 
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