Really extreme gear?

Steven Roos

Steven Roos

Joined
Jun 29, 2002
Messages
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I'm looking for suggestions for really low temperature gear. How low? Try Antarctica low! :eek:

There is nothing concrete yet, but I'm applying for the Antarctic Scout program! :D :cool:

What kind of gear can keep me warm at those temperatures? Also, will consumer electronics function at those temperatures? How can I take pictures or video?


What about a little less extreme conditions? Any suggestions for lightweight gear for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro? Its not going to be nearly as cold, but it is very high. I'd like to save as much weight as possible.

Thanks!
 
Mountain Hardware gear is great I've found.

I've had my Ethereal FTX Parka in the Swiss Alps and it was worth every penny. I've heard the Sub Zero SL is great for colder trips.

My advice is to talk to people who have been to where you're going and find out what works and what didn't.

As for cold-resistant technology. Use Lithium-AA batteries instead of Alkaline-AA. The Li-AAs weigh less (important!) and last longer. Lithium works well down to -30C so I'm told. I tried out Li-AAs v. Duracell Ultra M3 AA batteries in Pelican StealthLites that had spent the night at -22C ~ -26C - the Lithiums were significantly better.

I suggest you have at least one Underwater Kinetics UKE 2L flashlight. It uses DL123A Lithium batteries, it's small, bright, great runtime and very light-weight.

If you go, please let us know what you decided to take with you!

Regards,

Al
 
Originally posted by Size15s
If you go, please let us know what you decided to take with you!
Click to expand...

I will!

BTW, any reason that my Surefire E2e-HA wouldn't work? It does have a metal body, but I would expect I would never be without gloves...
 
Some people would be shocked that Alastair "The SureFire Freak" Size15s doesn't suggest a SureFire first off.

Yes, the SureFire E2e would work. The reason I don't suggest is first is because the UK 2L gives you lots of runtime in a compact package. It's plastic and easy to use with gloved hands. The E2e is metal and I've found quite difficult to use with gloves (of the kind you'll need) due to the thin diameter of the body and TailCap.

I suppose the ideal SureFire to have would be an SW01 TailCap on a G2-YL with G2Z Pyrex Lens Bezel & a Lanyard.

To be honest, the UK 2L is cheap enough for you and your friends to have a couple each. They are waterproof and come in yellow bodies too. I would rather you invest in quality clothing and boots rather than flashlights like SureFires. Get good socks.

Perhaps ask at www.candlepowerforums.com which headlamp would be good for very cold conditions. Things are hard enough to do without having to hold your flashlight at the same time!

Al
 
As for a watch I would say go with a Casio G-Shock. Some have Altimiters and Barometers, Compasses and all that good stuff and some I have seen are able to withstand -20. There are MANY to choose from.
See yah.

Ryan
 
im2smrt4u,

I was at McMurdo Station in '90-91. That's the US base on McMurdo Island near the Ross Ice Shelf. I was there with the Navy's Operation Deep Freeze. While I was there I saw average daily temps range from -30f to +50f. The one medivac I worked on to the South Pole station saw surface temps of -80 at the Pole!

I'm not familiar with the Antarctic Scouts program. Could you elaborate?

As far as gear, since I was active duty, we relyed on the issue extreme cold weather gear. We wore Chippawa (sp?) insulated boots, cotton thermals (wouldn't melt in an aircraft accident), quilted pants and shirt, heavy insulated outer pants and long coat with fake-fur trim. All of this was if we were going to be out in the weather for an extended period. Most of the time we just wore our issue "SeaBee Green" uniform and our long outer coat.

I'd say it's really important to know what time of year you are going and what type of lodging you'll be in. Remeber that you will be in the Southern Hemisphere so New Year's will be the warmest time of year. If you will be living in relatively primitive conditions or if there is a chance you could be "tenting it" in a storm be sure to ALWAYS have your cold weather gear with you!

I took a Cannon 35mm SLR with me and a Cannon 35mm snapshot camera and both of them handled the cold very well. Remember that most of the time, a camera will be underneath your cold weather gear and will be relatively warm. We didn't have digital cameras then so I don't know how they'll work out.

For more up to date information, you might try contacting the Air National Guard out of New York. I understand that Operation Deep Freeze was pulled from the Navy after 40+ years and handed to them to run. They might have a website, or could provide you with contacts down there that could better answer your questions.

Good luck and enjoy the most remote place on earth!

PropellerHead :D
 
I wore Wiggy's gear in Afghanistan ans was absolutely pleased. I only make it to -16 F, but it was warm enough for me in that gear. I would guess you could easily go colder than I saw. Also, I wouldn't go anywhere without one of their sleeping bags. They are hands down the finest I'v ever seen!! Wiggy's is definetely a winner!!
 
Hello,

I spent 2 years Winter/Over in the USAP program at McMurdo. I can tell you that we were issued Carhartt Bibs and Jackets that were excellent and most likely what you'll see in the working enviroment there. The large Down Parkas were very warm as well, but the Manufacturer escapes me.
Layering was the key. I spent many hours, all day, outside and usually wore: GI Bunny Boots, Carhartt Overalls, T-Shirt, Polypro underwear, a Fleece jacket, then the Carhartt Arctic jacket or Parka. Gloves are a pain but the most important item. Also a Balaclava, and if your in summer you MUST have Sunglasses. Chances are you'll be issued top of the line gear thru the program.
As for Cameras, Manual SLR's like the Nikon FM2 work the best.
Remember that Batteries drain super fast even under your ECW gear.
Most photogs I knew used a manual camera.
I had a Casio G-Shock which never went dead and still is running on the same battery.
If your there in summer, it's not as bad as Alaska or Minnesota.

Cheers,

Errol
 
im2smrt,

I climbed Kili back in '85. Bring appropriate cold-weather gear, but don't expect the mountain to be very cold.

BTW, porters are mandatory; they are contractors to the Park Service, and you get your porter when you register to climb. So gear/food weight is not a problem. You can actually rent some gear at the Park gate.

You are wise to climb it now, if that is what you are planning--I assume you have seen the reports that the icecap is shrinking and expected to be gone in 10-20 years. :( Maybe we'll have some global cooling in the future.

You probably know that the standard route is not technically difficult, but YES, it is high, so don't take it too fast, or you will get hammered.

good luck on the climb and email if you have any questions.
 
Thanks for the great advice! It awesome to hear this from the people who have been there before me!
 
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