The kit-out in the Antarctica New Zealand ‘ECW’ gear

I am now the proud (temporary) owner of as many layers of clothing as will keep me alive in -50 degree weather. It is equally reassuring and overwhelming: you begin with a long sleeve merino base layer on the top and merino longjohns on the bottom, followed by a light fleece jersey and a thick fleece jacket, light and heavy fleece pants, then outer-layer overalls which are mostly for the benefit of your legs. On top of those, you have one puffer jacket for warmth, one soft-shell jacket for wind protection, and finishing off with the biggest jacket of all that has waterproofing, extra warmth, woolen hood, wired face-framing and 12 pockets.

But that’s not all! I will also have the option of 7 types of gloves, all interchangeable with each other (especially layering) depending on what I’ll be doing when I wear them. A beanie, another beanie with ear flaps, a balaclava, a neck gater. Two types of sunglasses and 2 pairs of super warm fluffy socks. Finish all this with two options for boots.

This gear is necessary for keeping safe in the Antarctic environment, and it is compulsory to wear on the flight down there (and while you’re outside of course). Fortunately, lots of people have said it’s cold on the plane anyway and the jackets would make for a comfortable pillow.