The equipment we bring to Antarctica is based on what we have learned from previous trips, research and testing. We use what works for us, and what we trust after spending time with it in the field. In some cases we use different gear within the team, and that is how it should be. People are different, and equipment has to work for the person using it.
CLOTHING
JACKET
We use the Norrøna Arktis Jacket because it is long, roomy and easy to operate with thick mittens. The length reduces the risk of gaps between jacket and trousers, and gives better protection from wind around the hips and thighs.
The jacket has an excellent hood, which is critical in areas with strong wind. Large zippers, practical pockets and details that can be used with mittens make it easier to regulate temperature and access equipment without exposing our hands unnecessarily.
The jacket is made from Gore-Tex Pro, which provides strong protection against wind and moisture. The insulation itself comes from the layers we wear underneath and over the shell.
TROUSERS
We use the Norrøna Arktis Pants for many of the same reasons as the jacket. The trousers are robust, easy to operate with mittens and designed for demanding winter conditions.
The high cut gives good protection against wind and cold, especially in combination with a long jacket. The zipper system also makes it easier to go to the toilet without removing more clothing than necessary. That is an important detail when the temperature is low and the wind is strong.
We also use the option to insert knee pads. This gives additional protection against cold and pressure when working on our knees in camp.
BASE LAYERS FOR UPPER AND LOWER BODY
Under the shell clothing, we use products from Brynje. Our experience is that mesh base layers work extremely well on long ski expeditions because they create air space against the skin, move moisture efficiently and dry quickly if they become wet.
On the upper body, we often use the Brynje Super Thermo Zip Polo next to the skin. When needed, we add another Super Thermo shirt, a Classic Wool shirt, or both.
On the lower body, we use either Super Thermo or the Arctic Boxer, depending on temperature. The Arctic range combines mesh with wool and is therefore significantly warmer.
On the legs, we often use Super Thermo Longs, sometimes two layers if the conditions require it.
DOWN GARMENTS
An effective way to regulate temperature is to use down garments over the shell clothing. This allows us to add warmth quickly without changing the entire clothing system.
We use the Norrøna Falketind down vest and Norrøna Trollveggen down shorts. Both can be put on and taken off relatively easily, and the zippers make it possible to adjust warmth according to activity level, wind and temperature.
HEAD, HANDS & FEET
HEADWEAR
Max uses his father Henry Worsley’s old Lowe Alpine hat. The hat has been to the South Pole three times before. Now it will return to the pole once again.
Martin uses the Brynje Arctic Hat, which provides good protection against cold and wind.
SKI GOGGLES
We use Julbo Lightyear Reactiv with Superflow. The lenses adjust to the light conditions, which is useful in Antarctica where the light can be extremely bright.
The ventilation system also helps reduce fogging and icing, which can become a real problem when working hard in cold weather.
FACE PROTECTION
We use face masks from ColdAvenger to protect the face from cold, wind and strong sun.
The masks also help warm the air before we breathe it into our lungs. This can be a major advantage during hard physical work in very cold air.
MITTENS & GLOVES
Hands are individual. Some people get cold hands easily, while others stay warm. We have therefore tested different systems and found what works for each of us.
What we both have in common is that we use multiple layers, so we can regulate temperature without losing too much dexterity. The same logic runs through our entire clothing system: several layers give better control.
Max prefers thick leather gloves and pogies on the ski poles. Martin prefers thick mittens. Our system includes Norrøna Arktis mittens, leather gloves from Kinco, liner gloves from Brynje and leather mittens from Hestra.
BOOTS
We use Alfa Polar ski boots. These are warm and solid expedition boots that we know well from previous trips.
The boots have integrated gaiters that extend high up the leg and provide good protection against snow, wind and cold. On long expeditions, warm feet are critical, so we prioritise robust and well-tested boots over lighter solutions with smaller safety margins.
SKI EQUIPMENT
SKIS
We use the Børge Ousland BC skis from Åsnes. These are skis we have tested both across Greenland and during three weeks in Finnmark.
The skis are solid, very light and quite narrow. Making them ideal for trips where directional stability is important. They work well in conditions where the snow is not too deep, like in Antarctica. The skis have a poplar-wooden core to keep the weight down, and at the same time keeping them comfortable to use over long stretches of time.
SKI POLES
We use Åsnes Ingstad aluminium ski poles. Aluminium is a deliberate choice: if the poles are overloaded, they often bend instead of breaking. That gives us a better chance of field repair.
We use short poles, 135 cm. This means we do not have to lift our hands unnecessarily high with every pole stroke, which can help keep the fingers warmer.
We also bring an extra pole without a basket. It can be used to check snow bridges and assess the surface ahead of us.
SKI SKINS
We use both short and long ski skins from Åsnes / Colltex. The short skins fit straight into the skin attachment system on our skis. The long skins attach at the front of the ski and give more grip under the whole ski.
At the start of the expedition, when the pulks are heavy, we will use long skins. Later, as the pulks get lighter, we can switch to short skins to get better glide.
Our skins are a mohair/nylon mix, which gives a good balance between grip, glide and durability. That matters when the same equipment has to work every day for weeks.
CAMP EQUIPMENT
TENT
We use the Arctic 4 Polar from Barents. This is a solid expedition tent with several well-considered details. One important reason we chose this tent is that several individual components can fail without the tent necessarily becoming unusable.
The tent has dark fabric, which is an advantage in Antarctica where it is bright around the clock during the season we are travelling.
Even though we are only two people, we have chosen a tent designed for four. The weight difference compared with a smaller tent is acceptable, and the extra space has great value when the tent will function as our home, workshop and shelter for around two months.
STOVE
We have tested stoves from both MSR and Primus, and chose the MSR XGK Expedition.
This is a simple and robust stove that is well suited for expedition use. It is easy to understand, easy to operate and possible to repair in the field.
The stove is a critical part of our safety system. Without a stove, we cannot melt snow for drinking water. For that reason, we bring two stoves.
SLEEPING BAG
We use Mountain Equipment Redline down sleeping bags. They are warm, light and designed for very cold conditions.
On an expedition like this, sleep and recovery are critical. The sleeping bag therefore needs enough safety margin for us to sleep warm even after long days, low energy levels, moisture and wear.
SLEEPING MAT
We use the Mountain Equipment Aerostat Regular. These are warm and robust sleeping mats.
We prioritise durability over the lowest possible weight. A punctured sleeping mat can be difficult to repair in the field, especially because small leaks can be very hard to find without submerging the mat in water. On a long expedition, it is better to start with a solution that can take more abuse.
CHARITY PARTNERS
SPONSORS
