Fire and Ice: Camping and Survival Gear in Antarctica

There’s nothing like a camping trip to experience the beauty and wonder of nature – but a camping trip to Antarctica? Can you take the blistering snow, the merciless snowstorms, and the wounding fire and ice that make up the frosty continent?

Then again, with the treat of walking with the penguins and watching the whales, seeing real glaciers and icebergs, and basking in the glory of the auroras, how could you resist?

Antarctica – or the South Pole – is warmest from November to February, where Antarctic summers can get as "hot" as -10 F. The rest of the year is the Antarctic winter, and temperatures can drop to as low as -110 F. Any camping trip will be a dangerous adventure, and will require special equipment for camping and survival gear in Antarctica.

Camping and survival gear in Antarctica will be heavy to carry and wear. This trip is not for the weak at heart.

Camping and survival gear in Antarctica include the living quarters. Some parts of Antarctica are warm enough for tents, but they can be damaged in the event of snowstorms. Some expeditions already have their own villages, where their camping and survival gear in Antarctica are stored. If you join these expeditions, you will live in a van, or a field hut.

Camping and survival gear in Antarctica also include the all important sleeping bags. This time, linings have to be made of down or synthetic fabric able to withstand temperatures as low as -30 Celsius. Some campers prefer air mattresses or sleeping pads.

The most essential camping and survival gear in Antarctica are tools. Most everything will be made of ice, and you must be equipped to pick through, snap through, and even walk through ice to stay alive. For emergency purposes, one pocket knife will be enough.

Some expeditions can provide campers with camping and survival gear in Antarctica itself. These may include harnesses, carabiners, high strength rope, shovels, and ice axes.

It is still advisable for campers to bring their own camping and survival gear in Antarctica. Take a small personal repair kit with you, and be prepared to carry it during hiking and climbing trips. Carry your own collapsible trekking poles, since you may not be sure how easy the hiking trails will be.

Arctic darkness is threatening and dangerous, and lighting equipment is a must for any camping and survival gear in Antarctica. Be sure to carry Tilley lamps, and if you have to walk out on your own, carry at least one pair of signal flares.

Perhaps the most critical camping and survival gear in Antarctica is proper clothing. Sometimes, the clothes you will wear will be heavier than the things you will carry!

Clothing in Antarctica is the only armor you will have against the cold, so every layer you have is camping and survival gear in Antarctica all its own.

The first layer should be made of long thermal underwear.

Your next layer, or insulation layer, should be made of wool or polar fleece. Such fabrics are the best for Antarctic weather as they can keep you warm even if you get wet. Do not wear cotton, as it draws heat away from your body.

The last, outer layer should protect you from wind and rain. You may wear a mountain jacket, Gore-Tex pants, and a vest or sweater.

Your extremities must be covered at all times. Thick woolen socks, sometimes of more than one layer, and expedition style boots, should guard your feet. Cover your hands with three or more layers of expedition style gloves and mittens. Shield your head with a face mask, a wool or fleece insulated hat, and a balaclava. Wind storms are especially harsh on the eyes, so have goggles ready.

As the cold is wounding, so is the Antarctic sun. The ozone layer is especially thin over the region, and you must be protected from deadly UV rays by UV-protector sunglasses.

Camping and survival gear in Antarctica will not be complete without a first aid kit. Especially important are blister care, foot powder, petroleum jelly, and 30 SPF and waterproof sunscreen and lip balm. The dry, cold weather can crack skin, especially the thin skin on your lips and the inside of your nose, so the last three items have to always be handy.

Pack a personal kit, with a toothbrush and other basic toiletries. It may be cold, but you do need to keep clean!

Expeditions will usually provide you food, but bring along a small thermos, as well as high energy bars. You may need water and instant food while hiking. You may also need to take a choofer stove along. This is a stove which burns kerosene, and which is a portable means of cooking food.

Think the rucksack is filled? Not yet! Camping and survival gear in Antarctica rest on communication equipment and guides, so be sure to carry a GPS locator, map, compass, and whistle.

Ready for the snow, glaciers, penguins, and fun? Then run along and get ready to carry your camping and survival gear in Antarctica. The icy continent is waiting for you.