By Chiara Krewer – University of Leeds

Working in a cold environment can be very challenging, especially if you have to work outside for longer periods, handling big amounts of cold seawater while being battered by wind and snow. Luckily, the British Antarctic Survey provided us with lots of good gear, perfectly made for such an extreme environment!

Depending on where we work and what we do, different layers can be combined. It starts with merino wool layers including nice thick socks. Next up comes some fleece (very cosy) and jacket no. 1. I absolutely love the down jacket, it is so warm and soft, but also so lightweight. You can even squeeze it together in a tiny ball so it can be packed in your pocket. It’s my favourite layer by far! Talking about pockets, our working trousers come with many. Enough space to carry everything we need with us, like at least two pair of gloves, pens, phones and cameras or tools. But there can be too many pockets sometimes too – you’re getting lost in it.

Jacket no. 2 is a bright orange, high-vis jacket. It may not be very stylish, but it protects us best from rain and wind. Also, while we are outside on the ice or in the snow wearing a black coat, it is very easy to look like a rock or a penguin. We wear bright colours so we are easy to identify as a non-penguin!

All layers together sometimes make me feel like the Michelin man but in the end, this is not only important to keep us warm and cosy. It is also prevents injuries like cold bites, especially on fingers and toes.