Gear Selection

When choosing gear for an outdoor adventure there are a few basic questions to ask yourself:

What activities will I be doing on this adventure?

What kind of weather conditions will I encounter?

What are my space/weight limitations?

Which pieces of gear can serve multiple functions?

These questions are all linked together and the first one, “What will I be doing?” seems obvious. What might not be obvious are the activities within activities.

For instance you are going on a tour to Antarctica and you have signed up for an optional trip to observe emperor penguins. This will involve a zodiac ride to and from the colony, several hours of standing around observing in potentially sub-freezing temperatures.

For this activity your clothing choices will look like this;

1. Base layers, light or mid weight to start, possibly expedition weight. These choices are standard for almost any outdoor activity.

2. Insulation layers. Expedition weight base layers could serve, something heavier like fleece or pile if temperatures warrant. Pile is often a better choice here as it is warmer and more breathable than fleece and dries quicker after becoming damp.

3. Outer waterproof layer. This might be something designed for total immersion like sailing gear. Consider the possibility of falling into the water if things go away on the zodiac rides.

   You will have limited space for equipment for this activity, probably a single bag.

   What special equipment will you need or want?

   Ten essentials

   Camera

   Binoculars or monocular.

   Crampons or traction devices for walking on ice and if using actual crampons or very aggressive traction devices a cover or case to keep the sharp points from poking holes in you gear while stored for transport.

   Ice axe or collapsible trekking poles.

   Various personal items like sunscreen, lip balm, medications, etc. (These will probably be stored in your outer layer pockets)