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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 2000-01: VUWAE 45

11 Field Equipment

11 Field Equipment

i

The field clothing issued to us by ANZ was generally of good quality and it performed well. Exceptions to this were sunglasses, and the ECW jacket and salopettes issued to one of our members (Bornholdt). His ECWs were of lightweight design, both in durability and insulation and were not adequate for the exposed conditions experienced at Allan Hills and Mt. Feather (2500 m). Since this was Bornholdt's first season in Antarctica he did not realise in Christchurch that his gear was substandard. Admittedly, this was Holme's second season and he should have checked Bornholdt's gear to ensure that it was adequate, however, a person should be able to receive gear from ANZ that performs the function for which it is issued, especially critical items like ECWs. Bornholdt was able to compensate by using other thermal gear issued by ANZ, but ECWs are supposed to be Extreme Cold Weather gear which his were clearly not. Additionally, the sunglasses issued to us were so cheap that the plastic frame cracked and broke after three days use - we appreciate that the sunglasses issued by ANZ are supplementary to those brought by individuals but they should be of sufficient quality to endure the simple act of wearing them.

ii

Our event was issued two polar tents which performed well throughout the season. Our kitchen gear was generally in good shape, except for one of the primus stoves and the sieve. We had constant difficulty with the stove as it appeared to have a partial blockage in the fuel path. The sieve we received was quite battered - half of the steel mesh was torn out from the surrounding steel ring.

iii

The 20 person-day ration box system provides adequate nutrition for persons doing physical outdoor at elevation on the edge of the polar plateau. We were pleased to note this year that the bumper bars were fresh and palatable. The Scott Base diet was excellent and we enjoyed the meals there very much - compared to our flat food in New Zealand, every meal there was a treat. The Christmas Feast was a wonderful experience that will live on in our memories.