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Polar Clothing Factfile 
Polar Clothing

Tips for Polar Exploration

Here are some tips for dealing with possible problems should you ever find yourself on a polar expedition.
  1. If you find you have to take your mittens off for any reason, make sure you keep wearing glove-liners. Fingers are very prone to getting frostbite and you wouldn't necessary notice that the first signs had started.
  2. To avoid snow blindness, a painful condition that happens when you look at the bright glare of the ice and snow without protective goggles - make sure you keep your goggles on! Symptoms of snow blindness include headaches, itchy painful eyes and even temporary blindness in extreme cases.
  3. The first signs of hypothermia may not be obvious to the sufferer as they affect the individual's behaviour and judgement. This problem can be overcome on an expedition by using a `buddy' checking system with colleagues.
  4. Make sure you have room to wiggle your toes in your boots! This helps to keep the circulation in your toes going and helps to stop frostbite from setting in.
  5. Don't worry if you have a runny nose when you are out on a polar expedition. `Snot' will freeze on contact with gloves or anoraks - so it can be brushed away as a solid!

polar clothing

Photograph British Antarctic Survey

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