On April 6th the
ultimate test of Baffin’s boot technology began and was pushed to the limit in the most radical
environment. These boots were worn by Paul, polar explorer Doug Stoup and a small team of adventurers
on a trek to the Geographic North Pole. Baffin’s footwear was used on Doug's previous expeditions
but now Paul has decided to take product field testing into his own hands (or feet for that matter.)
The boot the team was wearing was designed by Paul in cooperation with Doug and was named after him.
It is a rugged boot created with 1600 denier nylon and a -100°C/-148°F lining system able to withstand
the -50°C conditions the crew has faced.
Paul’s focus was not only to arrive at the Geographic North Pole and test his product first hand, but also to raise money for the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario to assist in the continuum of children’s cancer care in Ontario.
trip itinerary
The team met
up in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway and flew to floating Borneo Ice Station at 89N.
From there the team trekked the remaining distance to the North Pole, covering approximately 115 km
over 10 days. They journeyed over rough icy surfaces with pressure ridges and leads - cracks or rivers
that appear in the arctic ice pack. The team carried everything required for the expedition in sledges
that were harnessed to their backs and pulled along as they trekked. They trudged through the ice and
snow for approximately seven hours a day, and each night (although it is light 24 hours a day) set up camp.
Nights were spent in tents on the ice and meals prepared on a portable stove using freeze dried food
packages and melted snow.
The team successfully reached GPS 89.999N at approximately 3:25 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2006. They arrived at the geographic North Pole on schedule despite numerous pressure ridges and leads, as well as fast drifting ice that moved against their direction. Visit the Top of the World for Charity 2006 North Pole Expedition website for more expedition details.
