Field Clothing

The issued field clothing proved to be appropriate and satisfied greatly our requirements. However, a supply of more sustainable, warm working gloves would have been appreciated.

Field Equipment

The supplied field equipment was in good shape and very reliable. Tents (polar tent and macpac, type Olympus) and sleeping kits were comfortable and appropriate for the field conditions. The repair kits for tents and kitchen gear were sufficient. The safety and rescue gear was well chosen and in good condition.

Food in the field and at Scott Base

The 20 person day ration boxes were in general well packed in terms of nutrition and quantity. Nonetheless a greater variety would have been appreciated, especially for quick lunch meals. Some of the sweet energy suppliers, such as cookies and muesli bars, and some of the page 10 soup sachets might be well replaced by 'sandwich spreads'. The calculated quantities for breakfast cereals seem somewhat low. In contrast the allocated amount of frozen meat and vegetables appeared to be rather high. Some of the box ingredients appeared to be unsuitable, such as lasagne and sponge cakes in tins for example.

The food offered at Scott Base was both: delicious and nutritious.

Specific Field equipment

The requested chain saw and fuel pump were in reasonable condition and worked reliably, The PICO hand auger, generator, and snow density kit lent from the Berg Field Center performed well. A few modifications have been carried out on the drilling system: the drilling platform has been supplied with a chicken-wire coat for safety, the core barrels have been strengthened around the extension joints and the tripot has been fitted with snow anchor feet