Packing for a Solo Walk to the North Pole

Ben Saunders is attempting to travel to the North Pole in record time, solo and unsupported by re-supply drops. He aims to complete the trek in less than 30 days.

He's posted his equipment list online, including the following gadgets, as well as tools like a Gargin E-trex and a Leatherman Skeletool. He's also taking a shotgun and ten cartridges for "bear safety."

• Spare GPS (exc batteries) Garmin eTrex
• Chart NOAA JNC5
• AA Cells Energizer Lithium AA 1.5v
• PDA HP iPAQ
• Argos satellite platform Telonics
• Iridium phone - battery Motorola 9505
• Digital Camera Nikon
• Video camera

Makes my little week in the woods trip seem much less daunting.

Equipment List [North.BenSaunders.com via Kottke]

[#1 posted by jjasper , March 26, 2008 11:33 AM]

No kidding about the bear safety. NASA staff who go to Devon Island in Canada all get shotgun training.

[#2 posted by Anonymous , March 26, 2008 11:38 AM]

Why does he take a PDA with him, to check if he missed some appointment?

[#3 posted by gabrielm , March 26, 2008 11:48 AM]

Like my granddaddy used to say:

"It's the eleventh bear that you need to worry about!"

No, but seriously - I would love a total on the weight he will be carrying. As someone with long distance trekking experience (albeit in less harsh climates) the packed weight of these items seems like the major concern. I know that other trans-arctic trekkers have pulled items on sleds.

[#4 posted by dargaud , March 26, 2008 3:13 PM]

If you are into equipment lists, my wife has put up some for our own outdoor use in various situations (from WE car trip to climbing Everest).

[#5 posted by a random John , March 28, 2008 10:07 AM]

Has bear spray been considered as an option? Might actually be more effective in certain circumstances. Relevant article and research:
http://www.sltrib.com//ci_8699976