Field Equipment

In general, the clothing and equipment issued by NZAP was of sufficient quality and performed admirably. We had problems finding the right boots for work. Neither plastic (too cold when standing still and too rigid for climbing rocks), Sorells (too flexible for climbing and crampons, and do not breathe well-sweat inside), and mukluk (poor support of ankles, and not durable) boots are ideal for our type of work. Our work requires climbing of rocks and ice, standing in one place (examining rocks) for extended periods of time. Unfortunately we can not suggest an alternative. Perhaps either a warmer plastic boot or a more supportive and durable mukluk type boot would be better. We did experience some troubles with the Primus stoves, which often do not burn cleanly and kerosene spillage is a sad fact of life. Are gas (e.g., propane) cartridge stoves a possible alternative? Waste Management Officer Thornley reports that plastic bags supplied for buckets are at least twice as large as bucket. Either smaller bags or larger buckets would be more efficient.

The food box contained plenty of food, however, many of the items were not utilised, primarily because of personal preferences of the party members. Perhaps it would be best if some input could be made by party members for their page 9 own food boxes. Simple substitutions such as pasta for mashed potatoes or peanut butter for salami would have made a difference.