Packing Up and Enough!

The very day my travel to Barrow, Alaska got approved, I was ecstatic to the “Top of the World”. The only concern that everyone else, but me, had was that it would be ruthlessly cold! Having lived in the mid-west for nearly five years and survived extended Ohio winters, I was feeling confident and could not gauge the “seriousness” of the matter. I had set aside 2 hours of a lazy Friday afternoon to do my Arctic Shopping as I call it, and had hoped for fun.

Having read a six page Clothing and Layering guide for extreme weathers, I believed I knew the rules of the game. To much of my bitter amazement, the 2 hours left me befuddled and indecisive and hopeless. I realized, it was not going to be easy to stay dry and warm in the ~30 below freezing temperatures of the Arctic Winter!!! The result – an extended research on the web, understanding synthetic insulation and moisture wicking materials and the very essential talking to “the experienced”!! Nylon blend, polyester blend, Thinsulate and Gore-Tex stormed my brain while the Parka, mittens, boots and gaiters strapped me tight. If I add all the time spent, it took me about 72 hours to complete my shopping needs for clothing alone.

In addition to that, I consulted and borrowed from friends and colleagues. I was told that all the synthetics make one smell and reek after a day’s work, knowledge of which I would rather not have and that turned me paranoid. Multiple sets of similar layers, deodorant and fragrant body lotions made room in to my luggage. Despite of all of this I was nervous after I finished packing, crossed my fingers and hoped to be warm enough and not odorous. My checked baggage had hit the 44 lbs mark and I was calmed.

The layering that I used and remained comfortable for extended hours (~ 10 -11 hours) in the field is:

1. Moisture wicking polyester/spandex undergarments
2. Silk base layer 1
3. Terramer layer 2
4. Fleece Layer 3
5. Patagonia Layer 4
6. Fleece Layer 5
7. Arcteryx Outer Layer 6

The very precious and expensive Sorel boots did not work in the field for me, and I had to resort to the famous “Bunny Boots” that squeaked all day long but snugged my feet with warmth.

In addition to clothing, what I found essential to have with me was a heavy moisturizer, sunblock (SPF 45), burt’s bee lip balm, goggles, fleece face mask, fleece hat, regular cap with shades, Gatorade, ibuprofen, muscle relaxing ointment, body powder, my favorite tea, lots of chocolates and the will power to keep smiling!!!