PRODUCT REPORT - RBH Designs Altitude Vapor Mitts
The above were used during a 14-day solo North Geographic Pole expedition in spring 2003. Conditions encountered included temperatures between -12 and -32 degrees centigrade, high winds, snow, thin ice and open water.
Pros:
- INCREDIBLE warmth!
- Durability/quality of construction
Cons:
Modifications Made:
- Additional pull tabs (knotted accessory cord)
Additional Comments:
- An extremely reassuring item of clothing to have in the sledge! The mitts actually proved TOO warm for all but the coldest days! However, they came in their own when I encountered cold hands through filming/photography/equipment repairs in the field - normally cold fingers in the high Arctic mean having to stop to re-warm them ( in armpits/crotch etc). With the Altitude Mitts, cold fingers could be "defrosted" on the move! In the future I will try using the thinner fleece liner. An indispensable item of equipment for professionals working in the world's most extreme environments - wholeheartedly recommended to future expeditions. I have no doubt that the vapor barrier system is the way ahead in these types of conditions - during my 2001 expedition ( when I encountered lower temperatures ) I had daily problems with mitts icing up. Not so with the Altitude mitts. Excellent.
PRODUCT REPORT - RBH Designs Insulator Boot LinersThe above were used during a 14-day solo North Geographic Pole expedition in spring 2003. Conditions encountered included temperatures between -12 and -32 degrees centigrade, high winds, snow, thin ice and open water.
Pros:
- Warmth
- Durability/quality of construction
- Comfort
Cons:
Modifications Made:
Additional Comments:
- Wow! I was initially concerned by the appearance of the Insulator liners - the exposed seams looked like they would cause problems during the 120+ miles of hauling a heavy sledge. I couldn't have been more wrong! They were used in conjunction with Norwegian Alfa Mordre Extreme ski boots (custom made with a wool line) - these are famous for being great ski boots, but also for not being that warm. The addition of the RBH Designs Insulator Liners transformed the boots & I skied in absolute comfort for 2 weeks. Not once did I suffer from cold toes or blisters - the two most common foot problems in the high Arctic, and the Insulator liners show no sign of wear at all. I wore them with a thin Coolmax liner and have no hesitation recommending then to future polar expeditions, or indeed to anyone looking to keep their feet warm in the most extreme conditions
