::: t-09d // Preparations & Equipment – Pt. II

The worst case scenario to be considered presumably is:

  • car break-down including failure of coolant system (e.g. broken radiator and/or hoses)
  • resulting in a complete loss of engine power and coolant, and therefore loss of any heating mechanisms provided by the car
  • a remote place combined with snowy conditions, which may cause rescue times up to 48h hours
  • no mobile network coverage
  • bad weather conditions with temperatures down to -30°C

Although such a situation is hopefully unlikely, in particular break-down of the coolant system (esp. in artic conditions with extreme temperature gradients (-30°C air temp, 100°C coolant temp) and resulting fatigue) is definitely within the range of scenarios to be considered.  Rescue times should typically range between 12h to 24h, but in worst cases (road blocked by shifted snows and/or avalanches)  48h may occur.

Outdoor Equipment:

  • 3x magnesium signalling torches
  • 25 torches
  • 3x5m tarpaulin
  • Zippo + fuel + flints + wick
  • swedish fire steel
  • vaseline + cotton wool as tinder (need to check it)
  • sleeping back (extreme temperature: -28°C)
  • 2l catalytic cooking benzin + 5l standard benzin + 40l diesel
  • benzin cooker: coleman 533-700e
  • cooking gear
  • 2x LED Lenser 85 Lumen + Lithium Batteries Energizer L91 (Lithium batteries show better performance in low temperature environments, operating range: -40°C to 60°C)
  • snow shoes (e.g. to move easily to positions with good satellite reception or suitable signalling exposition)
  • Satellite Phone (Iridium, which as a LEO device should perform slightly better in mountainious regions than phones that use geo-stationary satellites)
  • food reserves with high energetic value
  • water + pot to melt snow
  • mineral tablets
  • basic medication/ first aid kit
  • Thermosflasks

 

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