Before the expedition starts on the JOIDES Resolution, scientists and crew pack our expedition luggage and make our way to the same port city. For this expedition, it's Reykjavík, Iceland.
What would you pack for a two-month expedition at sea? Before embarking on a long voyage, it's important to consider what you'll need to pack. Remember, we will have absolutely no access to a store or mail for two months. What clothing will you need? Will you bring any fun activities? Do you have a small luxury item that brings you happiness? What would you bring? For fun, you can write your own “Explorer Packing List” and compare it with what I have packed.
For this expedition, I'll be in far northern Baffin Bay, off the west coast of Greenland. If you love geography, our expedition will take place between 72 and 75 degrees North Latitude. You can look up the coordinates in an atlas. I'll definitely be bringing warm layers of clothing, a few different jackets, hats, gloves, and boots. I don't like to be cold, so I use this gear to keep me warm. For polar explorers, dressing in non-cotton layers is really important because cotton keeps moisture close to your skin. Our bodies stay warmer when our skin is dry, so moisture (including sweat!) is your enemy in polar environments.
