Arctic Clothing List

Mahina Expeditions Legs 1, 2, 3 & 4, 2007

 

The following gear is in addition to our Temperate Sea Bag List

We have based this list on recommendations of our 2001 Arctic and 1996 Antarctic expedition members. You may think this is extremely detailed, but we want you to be comfortable.

 

Please allow plenty of time, up to two months, to locate this gear as some items may require a special order.

 

Boots: several options ranging from $30 to $350. Make sure they are large enough for you to comfortably wear both liner socks and SealSkinz or thick fleece socks.

  1. West Marine’s 16” Offshore Boots, listed at $29.99 and $49.99 on www.westmarine.com. Least expensive, uninsulated and not very comfortable for walking ashore. Inserting a moldable inner sole, or one from running shoes helps make these boots warmer and more comfortable.
  2. Sperry Fathom boot, $169.99 at WM is comfortable and warm.
  3. Duberry Gore-Tex boots from Ireland are ridiculously expensive ($300+) but very comfortable. Available from www.team1newport.com and fine chandleries.

 

Socks: Three types needed.

  1. Lightweight liners. Wigwam Gobi Polypro Liners, #242098 from www.rei.com or similar
  2. SealSkinz Waterproof MVT Socks, #620085 from www.rei.com.  VERY IMPORTANT!
  3. REI Muir Woods Fleece Socks, #728055 from www.rei.com or similar. Two pair.

 

Gloves:Three types needed.

  1. Glove liners. REI Performance Liner Gloves, #725082 from www.rei.com or similar.
  2. SealSkinz Waterproof Gloves, #655208 from www.rei.com.  VERY IMPORTANT
  3. Neoprene waterproof gloves. Any hunting/fishing store or catalog will have several; the further up the forearm they extend, the drier you’ll be. Options include:

Comfo Grip Cold Water US Diver Glove, www.westmarine.com.

Gill Neoprene Winter Glove, #DG7670 from www.team1newport.com.

 

Long Underwear: Top and bottom. If you get cold easily, choose expedition weight. Otherwise, mid-weight should do. West Marine, REI, Patagonia all sell quality long underwear.

 

Foul Weather Gear: If you want the best, choose Musto, Henri-Lloyd or Gill. If you’re on a budget, West Marine’s Explorer Breathable Coastal Gear ($199 jacket, $149 pants) will do the job. Whatever gear you choose, it should be large enough to fit a shelled fleece jacket (from West Marine, Patagonia or other sources) under the jacket. Pants should be large enough to allow you to sit and hike comfortably with long johns and fleece pants underneath.

 

Hats: Three types needed.

  1. Any fleece stocking cap, an option is Mountain Hardware Dome Perignon Hat, #703274 from www.rei.com
  2. REI Performance Headliner (balaclava) , #725049, www.rei.com.
  3. Outdoor Research OR Rando Cap, #739815 from www.rei.com or Polartec Orca Hat from www.westmarine.com.

 

Any questions? Just email us; sailing@mahina.com