SoloIce3 Expedition Checklist: to be completed by November 15, 2003.

Notes after modification generally indicate the reason for the change if it is simple to explain. These notes are for those just starting out on this kind of expedition to see the endless details that must be addressed well in advance.

  • Replace Hi8 video camera with digital.
    Professional videographers have advised me that Hi8 is out if the video is ever to be seriously considered as a short film. Since I recoup much of the expedition cost by selling the video, this is critical.

  • Get interview mike for DV cam.
    Professional videographers have also advised me that poor sound quality is the #1 reason that such video projects fail. Proper sound is a major step forward. I already have an external mike, but I also need an interview mike.

  • Test video gear and methods.
    Don't just 'wing it'; make the video interesting by thinking it through.

  • Second rope should be 7mm diameter, not 10mm.
    10mm is overkill based on previous experience.

  • Do not carry entire spare binding set.
    Replace spare pair with home-brewed 'jury rig'. Total binding failure is extremely unlikely.

  • Clamp down trace leaders with auto hose clamps.

  • Get real heat exchanger for stove.

  • Either design, build and test, or ditch, the steam-vent system idea.
    Most of the condensation problem I had last time had to do with inadequate ventilation of steam generated during cooking: this needs to be solved one way or another.

  • Re-evaluate cooking pot system.

  • Switch to 70% Mountain House meals and 30% home-bought staples (all dinners Mtn House, breakfast and lunch home-bought).

  • Carry Sorel boots for short outdoor work, e.g. shovelling.
    Heavy, but a major imporvement: can be put on and removed quickly, and prevent any snow entering travelling boots to be used next AM.

  • Replace liner gloves.

  • Replace mid-gloves (windstopper fleece).

  • Make backpack repairs.

  • Restock medical kit: FOOT TAPE IMPORTANT.
    Wide cloth tape to fully tape friction areas on feet prior to blister formation.

  • Better interior lighting system, e.g. KRILL lamp.
    Headlamp to be reserved for long-range work outside; wasteful inside sled-hut.

  • Get soloice.com domain.

  • Write to update all sponsors by 15 October 2003.

  • Get air ticket.

  • Make spare lobster-glove liners from extra fleece.

  • Heavier and sealable waterproof clothing bags.

  • Two spare watch batteries.

  • Better mouth vent for neoprene mask; devise replaceable 'screen' for inevitable icing-up.

  • Proper mitt-clips for shell suit cuffs.

  • New snow brush (larger, stiffer) with dustpan.
    Need a faster & more efficient way to get inevitable snow which enters sled-hut out where it belongs; on the ice cap!

  • Proper TP and urine bottle.
    Had to improvise when forgotten.

  • Repair overboots: screw to boot lugs?

  • Carry vial of oil for compass dome.
    Water vapor from breath and fog freeze to my chest-mounted marine compass, blurring the card and making it hard to read. A light coat of transparent oil should prevent this.

  • More para-cord.

  • Pre-prepared para-cord 'octopus' to secure gear to sled-hut hull.

  • Music player: tape or MP3.
    Normally I just take books on expeditions, but I also love music and this time will carry a music player with headphones.

  • Temporary cork for Thermos.

  • Make velcro watch-face protector.

  • Light tarp for pack or any other gear left outside, with pin-down loops and light snow stakes.

  • New ski poles with stronger baskets: tall, armpit-high at least.

  • Develop sat-phone report code: keep messages essentially one-way and restrict transmission time to 60 seconds per call.
    Saving battery power for emergencies is critical, and talking back-and-forth to someone on the other end normally is (a) hard to stop and (b) burns precious battery power, which must be conserved.
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