Polar Tents

Snow Caves

Sleeping bags

ToiletTent4
Tent4

Step-by-Step Guide: Pitching a Polar Tent and Building a Snow Shelter

Polar Tent

Step 1: Gather Equipment

  • Tent
  • Poles
  • Stakes
  • Shovel
  • Snow saw (maybe) 

Step 2: Choose a Location

  • Find a flat, sheltered spot
  • Clear the snow

Step 3: Spread Out the Tent

  • Lay the tent flat on the ground
  • Insert poles into designated slots

Step 4: Stand Up the Tent

  • Raise the tent and secure the base with stakes and snow anchors

Step 5: Secure the Tent Flaps

  • Shovel lots of snow onto and around the tent’s flaps to prevent wind from getting underneath

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches

  • Secure the tent’s guy wires for stability
  • Dont rip the tent with your spiked crampons (take them off before getting into the tent)

If you’re wondering how to get in and out of a polar tent. It is through the short tube. It is awkward and cumbersome. I am told they do that so the tent is more robust than a zip and it is easier to manage the sealing of the tent from the outside.  The imag to the top left is the dedicated Toilet tent so people have at least some privacy and are out of the cold wind.  

Snow Cave - Dome

Sleeping in a Quinzhee
Quinzhee Entrance

Step 1: Create a Snow Dome 

  • If you are a group and you are in a snowy flattened area away from crevasses and avalanche zones then put all your backpacks together into a heap. Then pile on the snow to make a thick and compressed snow dome 

Step 2: Dig an Entrance

  • Use a shovel to dig a tunnel into the snow, forming the entrance to the snow cave.
  • Remove the bags to reveal a big cavity to work with
  • Shape the inside and make bed areas above the floor. A small amount of heat will rise. The extreme cold will hug the floor like water and it is not ideal to sleep in that zone 

Step 3: Add Finishing Touches

  • Create ventilation holes if the door opening is to be mostly covered due to storm conditions 

Snow Cave - Slott

Step 1: Create a Snow Slot  

  • Another method is to dig a long deep slot/channel in the ground if the snow is deep enough.  
  • In the side walls create sleeping zones 
  • Create center chanel to enter and exit  to get out 

Step 2: Dig an Entrance

  • Cover roof using backpacks or other materials and then cover that with snow so they dont blow away.  This will also create an airtight roof. 
  • Do not sleep on the floor. Make sure trench is deep enough and wide enough to move around comfortably   

Step 3: Add Finishing Touches

  • Create ventilation holes if the door opening is to be mostly covered due to storm conditions 

Design of a Polar Tent

Design Features of a Polar Tent

  1. Shape and Structure

    • Teepee Design: Polar tents are often designed like a teepee with a pyramidal shape, which is aerodynamically stable in high winds.
    • Solid Poles: The structure is supported by solid poles, usually made of durable materials like aluminium, which are never removed, providing a stable frame.

Materials

  • Double-Layered Fabric: The tent typically has an inner and outer layer. The outer layer is made of breathable fabric to prevent condensation and maintain dryness, while the inner layer provides insulation.
  • Non-Waterproof Fabric: In Antarctica’s extremely dry climate, waterproofing isn’t necessary, so the fabric is chosen for breathability and insulation properties instead.
Robert Falcon Scott’s early 20th-century Polar tent design

Base and Anchors

  • Snow Flaps: The tent has flaps at the bottom that can be covered with snow to prevent wind from getting underneath.
  • Guy Wires and Stakes: Strong guy wires and stakes are used to anchor the tent securely to the ground, ensuring it can withstand severe winds.

Ventilation

  • Vent Holes: The tent includes ventilation holes near the top to prevent carbon monoxide buildup when cooking inside and to reduce condensation.

Entrance and Flooring

  • Easy Setup: The tent is designed to be easy to set up quickly, crucial in harsh weather conditions. The solid poles hinge at the top, simplifying the erection process.
  • Floor Covering: A waterproof floor covering is used inside the tent to keep the interior dry and comfortable.

Advantages of Polar Tents in the Antarctic

Wind Resistance

  • The teepee shape and low profile of the tent provide excellent stability against strong Antarctic winds. The aerodynamics of the design minimize wind resistance, reducing the risk of the tent being blown away.

Thermal Efficiency

  • The double-layered fabric construction provides superior insulation, retaining heat inside the tent while allowing moisture to escape. This is critical in an environment where temperatures can plummet to extreme lows.

Ease of Setup

  • The design allows for quick and easy setup, which is vital in the Antarctic where conditions can change rapidly, and prolonged exposure during setup can be dangerous.

Ventilation

  • Adequate ventilation prevents the buildup of moisture and dangerous gases like carbon monoxide, which can accumulate when cooking inside the tent. This is crucial for safety and comfort in the extreme cold.

Durability and Stability

  • The use of solid poles and strong anchoring systems ensures that the tent can withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and high winds, providing a reliable shelter.

Adaptability

  • The design allows for easy adaptation to various terrains and conditions found in the Antarctic, from flat ice plains to more rugged snow-covered landscapes. The snow flaps and guy wires enhance stability and adaptability.
Polar sleeping bag- Silver Surfer

How do you like the artist’s impression of the Silver Surfer taking a nap in the chill of an Antarctic landscape?  It is not realistic so dont try to do the same. 

Design Features of a Polar Sleeping Bag

Just to be clear about these bags. They are EXTREEM COLD weather Sleeping Bags.  You are nuts if you try to use them anywhere else.   

 

Try using the wrong sleeping bag in these conditions and you will be as cold as he is.  

Look for the temperature rating standards EN13537 or ISO 23537-1  for accurate ratings that are more genuine.  

Temperature Ratings: The EN13537 standard specifies four temperature ratings:

  • Upper Limit: The highest temperature at which a man can sleep without excessive sweating.
  • Comfort: The temperature at which a standard woman can sleep comfortably in a relaxed position.
  • Lower Limit: The lowest temperature at which a standard man can sleep in a curled position without waking due to cold.
  • Extreme: The temperature at which a standard woman can survive for six hours without risk of death from hypothermia (but with risk of frostbite).
ISO 23537-1 Standard
  • Origin: ISO 23537-1 is the international standard that replaced EN13537. It was developed to harmonize temperature rating standards globally, not just in Europe.
  • Testing Method: The ISO 23537-1 testing method is very similar to EN13537. It uses a thermal manikin dressed in a base layer, placed in a sleeping bag, and subjected to controlled environmental conditions. The key difference is that ISO 23537-1 includes more detailed guidance on the testing process to ensure greater consistency across different laboratories worldwide.
  • Temperature Ratings: Like EN13537, ISO 23537-1 provides four temperature ratings:
    • Comfort Temperature: The lower limit at which a woman can expect to sleep comfortably in a relaxed position.
    • Lower Limit Temperature: The lower limit at which a man can expect to sleep without waking due to cold.
    • Upper Limit Temperature: The upper limit at which a man can expect to sleep without sweating.
    • Extreme Temperature: The survival temperature where a woman could survive for six hours without severe hypothermia.
  • Consistency: Both EN13537 and ISO 23537-1 provide consistent testing methods, ensuring that the temperature ratings on sleeping bags are reliable and can be compared across different brands and models.
  • Safety: Understanding these ratings can help you choose a sleeping bag that will keep you safe and comfortable in specific weather conditions, particularly in extreme environments like Antarctica.
  • Consumer Confidence: These standards give consumers confidence that they are purchasing a sleeping bag that has been rigorously tested and can be trusted to perform as advertised.

Insulation

  • High-Quality Down or Synthetic Fill: Provides excellent thermal insulation while being lightweight. Down is preferred for its superior warmth-to-weight ratio, but synthetic fill can perform better in wet conditions.
  • Loft: High loft (thickness of the fill) ensures better heat retention.
  • Temperature Rating

    • Extreme Cold Rating: Should be rated for temperatures as low as -40°C or lower to ensure comfort and safety in polar conditions.
    • Comfort Rating: Indicates the lowest temperature at which the average person can sleep comfortably.

Shell Material

  • Water-Resistant and Windproof: Outer shell made of durable, water-resistant, and windproof materials like ripstop nylon or Gore-Tex to protect against harsh weather.
  • Breathable: Allows moisture to escape, preventing condensation inside the bag.

Shell Material

  • Water-Resistant and Windproof: Outer shell made of durable, water-resistant, and windproof materials like ripstop nylon or Gore-Tex to protect against harsh weather.
  • Breathable: Allows moisture to escape, preventing condensation inside the bag.
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  • Shape and Fit

    • Mummy Shape: Tapered design that is wider at the shoulders and narrower at the feet, minimizing empty space and maximizing warmth.
    • Snug Fit: Ensures close contact with the body for better heat retention, while allowing enough room for movement.
  • Hood and Collar

    • Insulated Hood: Contoured and adjustable hood to trap heat around the head and neck.
    • Draft Collar: An insulated collar around the neck area to prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from entering.
  •  

Zippers and Draft Tubes

  • Two-Way Zippers: Durable zippers that can be opened from both ends for ventilation.
  • Anti-Snag Design: Ensures smooth operation and prevents the fabric from getting caught in the zipper.
  • Draft Tubes: Insulated tubes along the zipper to block cold air
  • Foot Box

    • Insulated Foot Box: Provides extra warmth and room for the feet.
    • Anatomically Shaped: Allows natural foot position, enhancing comfort and heat retention.
  • Additional Features

    • Inner Pockets: Small pockets inside the sleeping bag for storing items like a headlamp or personal devices.
    • Compression Sack: A stuff sack with compression straps to reduce the packed size for easier transport.
    • Pad Sleeves or Straps: Keeps the sleeping bag securely attached to a sleeping pad, preventing it from slipping during the night.
  • Ideal Fill Weights for Polar Sleeping Bags

    • Down Fill: For extreme cold conditions, a high fill power (800+) is recommended, with a fill weight ranging from 900 to 1200 grams.
    • Synthetic Fill: Typically heavier than down for the same warmth, with fill weights ranging from 1050 to 2000 grams.
Western Mountaineering - Bison GWS
RAB Expedition 1400

Highly Regarded Brands and Models
Extreem Cold Weather Only

Western Mountaineering

  • Model: Bison GWS
    • Description: Known for its exceptional warmth and lightweight design, the Bison GWS features a 850+ fill power down and a Gore Windstopper shell, making it ideal for polar expeditions.
    • Fill Weight: Approximately 1050 grams.

Mountain Equipment

  • Model: Redline
    • Description: A high-performance sleeping bag designed for extreme conditions. It features 850+ fill power down and Drilite Loft outer fabric for enhanced weather resistance.
    • Fill Weight: Approximately 1300 grams.

Rab

  • Model: Expedition 1400
    • Description: Designed specifically for polar expeditions, the Expedition 1400 uses 850+ fill power European goose down and a Pertex Endurance outer fabric for durability and weather resistance.
    • Fill Weight: Approximately 1400 grams.
Snowy Owl -60
North Face Inferno
Marmot CWM Membrain

Feathered Friends

  • Model: Snowy Owl EX
    • Description: One of the warmest sleeping bags available, the Snowy Owl EX features 900+ fill power down and a waterproof/breathable shell, perfect for the harshest polar environments.-51.1 Deg C/-60Deg F
    • Fill Weight: Approximately 1360 grams.

The North Face

  • Model: Inferno -40F/-40C
    • Description: This bag combines 800 fill ProDown with a durable and weather-resistant shell, designed to withstand extreme cold conditions.
    • Fill Weight: Approximately 1060 grams.

Marmot

  • Model: Cwm MemBrain
    • Description: A robust sleeping bag with 800+ fill power down and MemBrain waterproof/breathable fabric, suitable for extreme alpine and polar conditions.
    • Fill Weight: Approximately 1315 grams.

Key Features to Look For

  • High Fill Power: Look for fill power of 800+ to ensure maximum warmth-to-weight efficiency.
  • Durable Shell: Materials like Gore-Tex, Pertex, and Drilite provide water resistance and breathability.
  • Quality Construction: Double stitching, baffles, and draft collars are essential for maintaining warmth and durability.
  • Temperature Rating: Ensure the sleeping bag is rated for -40°C or lower for polar conditions.

These brands and models are renowned for their quality, durability, and performance in extreme cold environments, making them ideal choices for polar expeditions.

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Are you are living in New Zealand like me ?.  

Then I higly recomend trying out these reputable stores for good quality outdoor gear.  

Macpac: Available both online and in physical stores across New Zealand, Macpac offers a variety of extreme cold weather sleeping bags.

Hunting & Fishing New Zealand: Another retailer with a selection of sleeping bags suitable for extreme conditions, often catering to hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Bivouac Outdoor: A retailer that stocks a range of outdoor gear, including high-end sleeping bags from brands like Sea to Summit, The North Face, and Marmot.

Fairydown: Fairydown products are available through select outdoor retailers in New Zealand and directly from their website.

Polar "Expedition" Sleeping Bags -
Synthetic

I think it was Fairydown sleeping bags we used in Antarctica, however, times have changed.  I do not have personal experience with the following but you may want to consider these options if you are going into polar conditions and don’t have a financial limit to your level of comfort. 

  • Wiggy’s Antarctic Sleeping Bags: These are highly regarded for their durability and performance in extreme cold. Wiggy’s sleeping bags use Lamilite insulation, which is known for retaining warmth even in wet conditions. They offer bags like the Hunter Antarctic and Ultima Thule models, specifically designed for sub-zero temperatures and used in various polar expeditions.

  • Snugpak Softie Antarctica: Another popular option is the Snugpak Softie Antarctica, designed for extreme performance in cold environments. This sleeping bag uses a combination of Isodry fibres and Reflectatherm fabric to keep you warm, with a temperature rating suitable for conditions as low as -30°C. Snugpak is a well-respected brand for military and expedition gear, often used in extreme environments like Antarctica.

These sleeping bags are designed with features like reinforced foot linings, draft collars, and anti-snag zippers to ensure maximum warmth and protection in severe cold. Both Wiggy’s and Snugpak products are available for purchase in New Zealand through specialized outdoor gear retailers.

These brands are trusted by professionals and adventurers alike for their reliability in the harshest climates. If you’re preparing for an Antarctic expedition, these sleeping bags would be top choices to consider.

My Favourite equipment is Macpac and Fairydown. I have used these brands of equipment over many years and they have never let me down.  They are not cheap but also not so expensive as to be unreachable.  I dont mind paying reasonable money for quality. 

Extreme "Explorers and Wanderers"
These Use Various Insulation Material

Fairydown Polar Series: This series is designed specifically for extreme cold environments, such as Antarctic expeditions. Fairydown has a long history of producing high-performance sleeping bags used by explorers and adventurers.

Fairydown Everest: A top-tier sleeping bag, renowned for its warmth and durability in extreme conditions. It’s often the choice for high-altitude expeditions and severe cold climates.

Macpac Epic 800 XP: This sleeping bag is part of Macpac’s range designed for extreme cold weather. It uses high-quality down insulation and is tailored for alpine conditions and extreme cold.

Macpac Sanctuary 1200 XP: Another excellent option, designed for sub-zero temperatures, providing maximum warmth in freezing conditions.

Sea to Summit Alpine Series: Known for their lightweight but highly insulating sleeping bags, the Alpine series includes bags designed for extreme cold, using advanced materials and insulation technology

Sea to Summit Ascent ACIII: This bag offers a balance of warmth, weight, and versatility, ideal for cold-weather adventures in New Zealand’s alpine regions.

The North Face Inferno: A popular choice for extreme cold conditions, this sleeping bag is engineered for high-altitude mountaineering and extreme environments, offering excellent insulation and protection.

The North Face Blue Kazoo: While not as extreme as the Inferno, the Blue Kazoo is a solid option for colder adventures, providing a good mix of warmth and portability.

Marmot CWM: One of the warmest sleeping bags in Marmot’s lineup, designed for extreme cold and high-altitude expeditions. It’s a favourite among serious mountaineers and polar explorers.

Marmot Col: Another excellent option for extreme cold, with high-quality down insulation and a design that minimizes heat loss.

Rab Expedition 1400: This is one of Rab’s flagship sleeping bags for extreme cold, designed for the most demanding conditions, including polar and high-altitude expeditions.

Rab Neutrino Pro 900: A slightly lighter option, but still highly effective in extreme cold conditions, offering a good balance between warmth and weight.