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

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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.