Field Gear
(Suggested Items)
Note: You can spend a lot of money on field gear but you do not need to. This is a list of the essentials that you will need with explanation.
Rubber Boots
If you plan to use them in the future it is recommended that you
purchase a good pair of insolated boots (800g or more), make sure they
are absolutely waterproof and
that they reach your mid calf or higher. You can get an
inexpensive pair that is a little large so that you can wear several
pairs of socks. If you buy a low quality pair of boots, then bring
two pairs because they often wear out and spring leaks.
Jackets
It
is best to dress in layers. A waterproof shell (gortex or similar)
can be worn over top of a warmer jacket on cold days or by its self on
a warm day. For example, I have a water proof jacket that I almost
always where, a fleece jacket that I wear underneath, and a fleece vest
that I wear over the fleece jacket but under the rainproof
jacket. On really cold days I have a sweater that I also
wear. With the three layered jackets I can mix up what I wear
depending on the weather.
Rain Proof Jacket
It should be large enough to be worn over a winter jacket. Do not get a ponchobecause your arms will get wet.
Warm Winter Jacket (or equivalent under layers)
It
will be in the low 20's and 30's in August. It will be in the high 30's
and low 40's much of the summer. This may not seem too cold but when
you are sitting in one place during a light rain for many hours you
will be happy to have a warm jacket.
Light Jacket (or a thin layer)
For the occasional nice day.
Water Proof Pants
They do not need to be expensive. A pair that is not lined is
recommended because they will dry quickly. It is easier to wear long
underwear and a thick pair of pants for warmth. Make sure that they
have good stitching and that they are truly waterproof. If you bring two pairs you will be prepared when they rip, which they most likely will.
Long Underwear
You will want material that wicks the water away so that if you work up
a sweat walking you are not cold and wet the rest of the day. You will
want long underwear pants. For your upper body some people prefer
long or short sleeve shirts/underwear. The thickness of the
material will vary depending on the person but you will want something
wick away to keep you upper body dry. Some people overheat and
get uncomfortable with thick upper body long underwear, while others
find them very comfortable.
Thick Comfortable Socks
You
will want comfortable socks that keep your feet warm. You will
find that one good pair is much better than tying to put on multiple
pairs. I suggest a material that wicks the water away so that if
you work up a sweat walking you are not cold and wet the rest of the
day and in case you spring a small leak in your boots or step in deep
water. You want to make sure they also fit well with your
boots. Rubber boots in particular have very little
give/flexibility and the fit may depend a lot on the types of socks you
are wearing.
Head Warmer: Hat and Scarf
The
best way to keep your feet warm when you're working is to wear a good
hat. You lose most of your body heat through your head and
neck. Thus, a good hat is essential. A scarf or equivalent is
also a must. Make sure that you have awaterproof hat or hood. A hat with a big brim will also keep the sun off your face.
Fingerless & Regular Gloves
You will want to keep your hands warm while taking
measurements. Some days will be colder and wetter than others, and
on some days you will need more finger dexterity. Remember, gloves
get wet so it is good to always have a second pair that is dry. On
cold days you may want a thin pair of glove liners to wear under the
fingerless gloves; this will keep your hand warmer yet still allow
dexterity of your fingers. Find what is comfortable for
you. Numb fingers are less dexterous than fingers with some
covering, but few people can function properly with ski gloves, thus it
is important to find the happy median that works for you. You may
find a ski glove or even mitten works great for your left hand but that
you need more freedom for your right hand. Rubber gloves for
dishwashing goves also work on really wet days.
Backpack / Book bag
This will be used to carry your scarf, extra gloves, hat, binoculars, camera, lunch, water, and field equipment.
Lightweight Pants and Long-Sleeve Shirts
You will want a pair of lightweight clothing that will be cool to work in but also able to stop mosquitoes from
biting you. In Atqasuk it can get as warm as the mid 70's, but
during these days people generally wear long sleeves and head nets to
protect against mosquitoes.
Head Net
An absolute must for Atqasuk. Try several different types and decide for yourself, which is most comfortable. Black netting is strongly recommended.
Sunglasses
The sun is low on the horizon and there is often a glare.
Warm Clothes
You will probably find it best to dress in layers. It is good to
have an extra layer of clothes in your backpack for when the weather
changes. You will spend a lot of time walking and sitting on your
knees. You will generally have long underwear on, thus make sure
your clothes are comfortable. Expect them to get dirty and
abraded.
Knife/Leatherman etc.
You will be amazed how many times you may need a Swiss-Army-type knife while working in the field.
Hiking Boots
There
are some dry areas where you can hike. The field sites also have
boardwalks making it possible to take off your rubber boots and wear
something more comfortable while working. In town hiking boots are
generally desirable because it is often muddy. There is no
pavement only gravel.
Alarm clock
You will want an alarm clock for your room.
Sun protection
While
the sun is low on the horizon and of relatively low intensity you will
be outside for many hours and will want sunscreen for your face and
hands and chapstick with SPF.
Optional
Workout Clothes
There is a gym in Barrow with weights, basketball, stair machine,
swimming pool etc. You may also want a swimsuit for a plunge in
the ocean if you are really daring. You will need sneakers (not
hiking boots) to enter.
Sandals
It is nice to have a pair of sandals by the door so that when you take
off your boots you can slip on sandals and walk around the lab
comfortably. Sandals are nice because they give your feet a chance
to breath through the thick socks. Similarly, you may want a
second pair of sandals or slippers for living quarters.
Thermos Flask
It is nice to drink something warm when you are cold.
Camera and Binoculars
There are lots of animals and plants to see and photograph.
Fishing Gear
There are fish if you are interested, but it is not great fishing.
MP3 Player or Radio
You may want to listen to music while working particularly when the
mosquitoes are bad and you are working alone. A radio may be nice
to listen to in your room or in the lab.
Books
Many people take novels to read in the evenings.
Nice Clothes
It would be good to have a nice outfit to go to seminars in town,
church, or out for dinner. There are also dances in Barrow,
similar to a dance club in the lower 48. One summer George Winston
came to Barrow and several people went to the concert.
General Comments
Fleece
or wool is much better than cotton. The biggest problem you will
encounter is the balance between working up a sweat walking out to the
field site and staying warm while working. We will need to work
every day regardless of the weather conditions so make sure you are
prepared and comfortable. The project will provide bug repellent
and kneepads.
Everything you think you will need for the summer you should take with
you (batteries, toothpaste, etc). There are stores in Barrow but
they are often expensive and the selection can be very
limited. There are laundry facilities in Barrow and Atqasuk.
Barrow does not sell alcohol. It is legal to possess it
but you must bring it in yourself. We do not encourage this and
it will not be allowed in the lab. Alcohol is illegal and not allowed
in Atqasuk.
Field clothing is not always easy to find particularly when looking for
warm gear during the summer. Military surplus stores, sporting
goods stores (Dunham’s, MC Sports etc), and farm related stores
(Quality Farm and Fleet) are often more economical than true outdoors
stores (Gander Mountain, Dicks).
There are also many catalogs that you can order equipment from such as REI,Cabela's, Mountain Gear and Campmor. There
is a wide range in pricing and quality in many of the items you will
need. Everyone seems to have his or her own opinion, thus there is
no universal advice to give, but the cost is not always related to the
quality. If you have the time and are willing to send merchandise back,
it is usually worth the extra effort to order equipment from a catalog
for both quality and considerable savings.