Layering

In polar climates you often oscillate between being too hot and too cold, because although there’s snow on the ground, the sun can be intense. The best way to manage this is by layering – simply add or remove items of clothing as you need.

There are three basic layers:

Base: The layer that sits next to your skin. Though 1 you need a fabric that keeps you warm, don’t forget that hiking up glaciers and jumping in and out of Zodiacs will make you sweat. You need something that moves perspiration away from your skin quickly, so you don’t get too cold when you stop. This is called ‘wicking’. Merino wool is great at this and is also naturally anti-smell, meaning you don’t need to take so many items with you as they won’t need washing. Be sure to invest in bottoms/long johns as well as tops.

Mid-layer: This is the layer 2 that goes on top of your base layer and provides insulation. Think fleeces, technical hoodies or gilets filled with down or synthetic fibres. You want something that offers a high warmth-to-weight ratio and allows freedom of movement.

Shell: This outer layer 3 is there to protect you from wind, rain and snow. A waterproof jacket will do all these things. Look for a three-layer fabric as this is not only usually the most durable, but also the most breathable, meaning you won’t get wet through condensation. Ensure the fit is loose enough to go over your mid- and base layers. On warmer days, when it’s just wind cooling your temperature, wear a shell with just a base layer – it will take away the chill but not heat you up too much.