Field Gear

Two Pairs of Rubber Boots
- An inexpensive pair that will allow you to wear several pairs of socks.
- Two pairs because they often wear out and spring leaks.
- You may already own or prefer to buy higher quality boots particularly for added ankle support, if so make sure they are absolutely waterproof and that they reach your mid calf or higher.

Warm Winter Jacket
- It will be in the low 20's and 30's in August. It will be in the high 30's and low 40's much of the summer. This may not seem too cold but when you are sitting in one place during a light rain for many hours you will be happy to have a warm jacket.

Two Pairs of Water Proof Trousers
- They do not need to be expensive.
- A pair that is not lined is recommended because they will dry quickly.
- It is easier to wear two pairs of pants. Make sure that they have good stitching and that they are truly waterproof. If you bring two pairs you will be prepared when they rip, which they most likely will.

Rain Proof Jacket
- It should be large enough to be worn over a winter jacket.
- Do not get a poncho because your arms will get wet.

Long Underwear and Thick Comfortable Socks
- You will want the kind that wick the water away so that if you work up a sweat walking you aren't cold and wet the rest of the day.

Light Jacket
- For the occasional nice day.

Head Warmer: Hat and Scarf
- The best way to keep your feet warm when you're working is to have a good hat and scarf.
- You lose most of your body heat through your head and neck.
- Make sure that you have a waterproof hat.
- A hat with a big brim will also keep the sun off your face.

Fingerless & Regular Gloves
- You will want to keep your hands warm while taking measures. Some days it will be colder and wetter than others, and on some days you will need more finger dexterity. Remember gloves get wet so it may be good to always have a second pair that are dry.

A Good Backpack
- This will be used to carry your scarf, extra gloves, hat, binoculars, camera, lunch, water, and field equipment.

Lightweight Pants and Long-Sleeve Shirts
- You will want a pair of lightweight clothing that will be cool to work in but also able to stop mosquitoes from biting you.
- In Atqasuk it can get as warm as the mid 70's, but during these days people generally wear long sleeves and head nets to protect against mosquitoes.

Head Net
- An absolute must particularly for Atqasuk.
- Try several different types and decide for yourself, which is most comfortable.
- Black netting is strongly recommended.

Sunglasses
- The sun is low on the horizon and there is often a glare.

Warm Clothes
- You will probably find it best to dress in layers.
- It is good to have an extra layer of clothes in your backpack for when the weather changes.

Knife/Leatherman etc.
- You will be amazed how many times you may need a Swiss-Army-type knife while working in the field.

Hiking Boots
- There are some dry areas where you can hike.
- The field sites also have boardwalks making it possible to take off your rubber boots and wear something more comfortable while working.

Optional

Workout Clothes
- There is a gym in Barrow with weights, basketball, stair machine, swimming pool etc.
- You may also want a swimsuit for a plunge in the ocean if you are really daring.

Thermos Flask
- It is nice to drink something warm when you are cold.

Camera and Binoculars
- There are plentiful amounts of wildlife and plants to see and photograph.

Fishing Gear
- There are fish if you are interested, but it is not great fishing.

Walkman and Boom Box
- You may want to listen to music while working particularly when the mosquitoes are bad and you are working alone.
- A boom box may be nice to listen to in your room or in the lab.

Books
- Many people take novels to read in the evenings.

Nice Clothes
- It would be good to have a nice outfit to go to seminars in town, church, or out for dinner.
- There are also dances in Barrow, similar to a dance club in the lower 48.
- One summer George Winston came to Barrow and several people went to the concert.

General Comments

Fleece or wool is much better than cotton. The biggest problem you will encounter is the balance between not working up a sweat walking out to the field site and staying warm while working. We will need to work every day regardless of the weather conditions so make sure you are prepared and comfortable. The project will provide bug repellent and kneepads.

Everything you think you will need for the summer you should take with you for example batteries, toothpaste, etc. There are stores in Barrow but they are often expensive and the selection can be very limited. There are laundry facilities in Barrow and Atqasuk.

Barrow does not sell alcohol. It is legal to possess it but you must bring it in yourself. We do not encourage this and it will not be allowed in the lab. Alcohol is illegal and not allowed in Atqasuk.

Field clothing is not always easy to find particularly when looking for warm gear during the summer. We recommend visiting a military surplus store as a first step (P X Foxhole Store in Lansing). Sporting goods stores (Dunham's Discount Sports, etc) and farm related stores (Quality Farm and Fleet in Lansing) are often more economical than true outdoors stores (Raupp Campfitters and Moosejaw Mountaineering in Lansing).

There are also many catalogs that you can order equipment from such as REI, Cabela's, Mountain Gear and Campmor. There is a wide range in pricing and quality in many of the items you will need. Everyone seems to have his or her own opinion, thus there is no universal advice to give, but the cost is not always related to the quality. If you have the time and willing to send merchandise back, it is usually worth the extra effort to order equipment from a catalog for both quality and considerable savings.