There really is no better way to take in a new place than by exploring it on foot. With that in mind Oceanwide Expeditions offers you the chance to explore your way inland from the Polar shorelines with a wide variety of snowshoeing expeditions.
Description
Layers are your friend – you’re going to get hot as you work your way around the tundra and you’ll want to be able to shed a layer or two without losing a big percentage of your elemental protection. With that in mind we suggest:
Hiking/walking poles.
Rubber boots that are high enough to get you from the Zodiac to the shore and have a good gripping sole for the shore landings and walks. (Boots are provided on the Plancius and Ortelius, not on the Rembrandt van Rijn and Noorderlicht).
A waterproof bag (especially for cameras) – you’re likely to get splashed during the Zodiac ride from the ship to the shore.
Straps for tying snowshoes onto your back or backpack.
Ankle-high sturdy hiking boots for the actual treks and for wearing snowshoes.
Sunblock.
You might want gaiters (knee-high waterproof protection) to keep your lower legs dry while hiking.
Sunglasses.
A backpack (25 litres is a good size).
Thin under-socks (to stop blistering) and thick over-socks. (Bring some dry spares as well.)
A 1-litre water-bottle.
Thermal under-gloves (fleece finger gloves) and warm outer-gloves or mittens (you might want a spare set of these as well).
A turtle-neck or neck gaiter.
A urine-collection bottle (regulations forbid leaving human waste behind in the Antarctic). Try looking for something like a wide-opening Nalgene bottle (they sell specialised versions for ladies at outdoor shops).
Thermal underwear.
A fleece jacket or vest.
A down jacket or spare fleece jacket.
A breathable (e.g. Gore-Tex) jacket and trousers.
Trekking trousers.
A warm fleece hat.
You might also want to bring along binoculars, and a Thermos bottle.