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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1990-91: VUWAE 35
Miscellaneous :
Miscellaneous :
There are various comments to be made concerning equipment, logistics and safety :
- A motorcycle helmet (3/4 face) was worn for several days while travelling, but was found to be restrictive, and didn't seal well with the issue goggles.
- The polarpile neck ruff requires stretch stitching thread.page break
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- A new pair of ASICS mukluks 1eaked b1ue-gresn dye all season.
- A re-design of the salopette straps would make the garmet more versatile for toileting purposes cf. the Patagnia polarpile salopettes.
- The new DSIR carrybag develops a leak where the clear plastic covers the nametag slot. Otherwise, a good bag.
- Tent prusik cords need to be longer than current issue, and around 7mm diameter, to be effective.
- One pyramid tent (not old, but faded, and possibly used on Erebus) ripped out cloth at a guy point.
- A VE 24–clone dome tent was collapsed and broken by winds gusting over 70 kts, despite heavy poles. Try pre–curved poles to prevent canopy damage.
- Fertiliser sacks make great field gear/food containers, where rigid protection is not required. The weight of a sack compares favourably with the 181b of a food box.
- The US full–length sledge tank is faster and easier to use than the NZ short version. However, you may want to carry a short plywood floor for the tent. Also, the sledge, if left with the US tank unloaded in gusty wind, will attempt to emulate a C–130 field take off.
- Earmuffs should be available for sound protection on snowmobiles, though not all operators will wear them.
- The US tef1on frypan is superior to the NZ version.
- A coffee pot makes a good substitute for one of the NZ billies, as it has a pouring spout and a handle.
- The NZ milkshaker has still won no friends in MBL.
- The supplied clothes pegs are ineffective, and soon break.
- The NZ toaster frames are better than the US type, but need rivetting on the corners for durability.
- The weights and measures in the Field Manual need revision. Liquid volumes (eg fuel drums) should be in US or metric. The use of Imperial is confusing.
