Equipment Reviews
Having spent many months in some of the most unforgiving and demanding locations in the world, Alex has begun a section dedicated to real-world and relevant reviews of expedition equipment. For professional polar expeditions, only the best, most reliable gear will do and so the reviews are comprehensively worded after periods of rigorous testing.
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MSR XGK I and II (£125)
MSR has long been synonymous with the very best in expedition stoves and the XGK has long been their flagship model. The original model has been replaced with the current model which sports a robust design and long-awaited legs which can be screwed to a stove-board. The shaker-jet design ensures that the jet is kept clear and clean at times when you really do not want to be fiddling around with tools at -30deg. Although the pumps are made largely from plastic, they are well-made and light enough so you can afford to carry spares.
The fuel line is within a solid metal arm which adds to a confidence-enhancing build quality. The stove is very easy to use, with a single fuel valve control and primes quickly, even at altitude. I have used a single stove and pump for four months in the Arctic without having to resort to a deep clean or spares parts even once.
Verdict: Excellent
Primus Omnifuel (£130)
Primus is one of the oldest names in outdoor stoves but has only recently begun to serious challenge the MSR range. The Omnifuel is Primus' top of the range expedition stove and has the added feature of being able to operate using compressed gas as well as liquid fuel. The system used is similar to the MSR XGK, even to the extent that most recent pumps are plastic in preference to their previous metals versions. This makes handling easier in cold conditions but may impact their robustness. It has an excellent stable and squat design with legs which can be easily secured to a board. There is no shaker-jet option which means regular maintenance with the slightly flimsy multi-tool in order to keep a strong burn.
The stove uses a double gas valve system, one at the pump end (the master valve) and one at the stove end (for fine control). I think this is over-complicated and adds to the number of junctions where fuel leaks can occur (which happened fairly regularly). The stove also takes considerably longer, and therefore more fuel, to prime than the MSR.
Verdict: Clever with a few flaws
Helsport Svalbard 3 (£820)
This geodesic-design tent is designed with high-winds and serious expedition use in mind. The main living area is tall and spacious, whilst not making the tent a victim in high winds. Erecting the tent is quick and easy with robust poles and well-designed pole-sleeves, almost as simple as a tunnel tent in fact. The interior is well stocked with small pockets and the divider zip is of high quality although slightly susceptible to frosting up. The porch area is spacious with ample room to cook, dig a 'cold sink' hole and store equipment.
The tent comes complete with snow valances and ski anchor loops which withstood a fair amount of abuse. Some small rips did appear in these areas after a few weeks. The strength of the Svalbard against wind is excellent. On one night where a 65mph katabatic wind hit a camp of three of these tents from 90 degrees, their most vulnerable angle, two suffered no ill effects and only one suffered a snapped pole.
Verdict: Great attention to detail and inspires confidence
Lightwave Arctic T3 (£595)
The T3 Arctic is a spacious four-pole tunnel tent from the little-known British tentmaker Lightwave. Their range is very small but have customer service excellent (spare free tent-poles arrived quickly in the post when requested). As a direct competitor to the Hilleberg tunnel tents and at a good price point, the only question is: is it as good as a Hilleberg? I believe so without reservation.
During nearly four months of brutal arctic use which included storm-force winds, it held strong and did not skip a beat. Unlike some manufacturers, snow valances are included as standard and are very robust. The interior is spacious and well thought out with high quality zips and plenty of pockets. A perfect tent for the worst polar conditions, although keep in mind that it must be pitching directly into the wind as it has (as has any tunnel tent) less resistance to side-winds than a dome tent.
Verdict: Excellent alternative to Hilleberg
Baffin Expedition/Barneo Boot (£225)
As a classic mukluk boot for polar applications and a competitor to the Sorel range, Baffin claim that their boots will insulate to -100 degrees. This soft boot with removable insulating inner will only work with flexible bindings (such as the terrible Berwyn or excellent Icetrek Flexis) or snowshoes and so standard touring bindings are not an option. Despite this, their performance is truly excellent. It is vital to use a vapour barrier liner (VBL) along with socks as this will keep the insulation dry and effective. Once these boots become wet they are very hard to dry and will quickly cause frost injury. On a 28-day Greenland spring crossing where others suffered from bad blisters in rigid Alfa boots, my feet looked as good as new at the finish line using Baffin Expeditions.
The lace system keeps the boot snug and comfortable on the foot although after a few weeks the thin ripstop collar at the top ripped on both pairs. This should not impact their effectiveness if trousers are tightened over the boots. A welcome attention would be a utility pocket as seen on the Doug Stoup model (below).
Verdict: Ideal for polar use (including sea-ice) as long as sock/VBL system is well used. Minor additions/improvements would help.
Baffin Doug Stoup Boot (£160)
Almost identical boot to the Expedition/Barneo boot (above) on the inside. The single strap to keep the boot tight however slips badly and does little to aid comfort. The pocket on the outside of the boot is very useful for a small knife and a prussic loop.
Verdict: Flawed tightening system makes it a distant second choice to more expensive Expedition/Barneo boot (above)
COMING SOON!
Clothing
Montane Extreme Smock and Salopettes
Base Layer
Icebreaker Merino Wool (150, 200, 260 weight) (from £40)
Gadgets
Silva ADC Wind
Skis and Bindings
Icetrek Flexi bindings
Fischer E109 BCX skis
Camping
Alpkit Airic (Slim, Regular and Fat)