The difference between a polar expedition and other expeditions
is that you don’t have fixed camps and must carry everything
with you. In addition it’s a cold and bumpy ride. Laptops are
simply out of the question, at least if you are going
unsupported. Wearable computing is heavy and complicated.
As the technology must be extremely light, your best option is a
small digital camera, a satellite phone, a personal digital
assistant (PDA) and a smart power solution. The main difference
between the poles is the absence of sun at the North Pole, as
compared to the bountiful sunlight in the South. Highly
efficient solar panels are an excellent choice for the South,
whilst battery packs are most suitable for the North Pole.
Technology and satellite systems (Iridium) are thus the same but
power supply differs.
Check the Contact setup for everything you need to send
pictures, dispatches and video from the trek. Make sure that you
test all gear well in time before departure! Extreme technology
screws up almost always and it does so in the least expected
ways. And you will too. The only way to get through all worst
case scenarios’ while still off the ice is relentless
preparation.