Field Equipment
We maintain some common-use field equipment. Much of it is located in our garage space and the equipment storage rooms located at the Abisko Scientific Research Station. There are check-out white boards located in each of the storage locations where you can "check-out" the equipment.
Important information:
Check the integrity and functioning of all equipment BEFORE you go in the field. CIRC staff do not provide this service.
Much of our equipment was purchased for teaching. This means that courses have priority over individual researchers, unless arrangements are made well in advance.
CIRC does not provide this equipment for personal use.
In general there are times that external researchers can be given access to some equipment with expressed permission from Keith Larson.
Return all equipment to its original location and report any repairs that need to be made as soon as possible.
It is your responsibility to make sure the damaged or lost equipment is repaired or replaced. Equipment does not last forever and we expect to need to replace and repair it periodically!
Contact Keith Larson keith.larson@umu.se if you have any questions. Note this list of equipment is not complete and is regularly updated!
Equipment Available
Winter Field Equipment
Mountain sledge (Fjällpulkan Xcountry 144, Xplorer 168 & Xplorer 188)
We have three pulkas in different sizes all with the same shackles, perfect for transporting bulky packing with skis or snowshoes.
Xcountry 144: lighter sledge 144cm long pack volume 285l new 2020
Xplorer 168: robust sledge 168cm long pack volume 350l new 2020
Xplorer 188: robust sledge 188cm long pack volume 440l
Snowshoes TSL
There are 15 pairs of snowshoes that work for most shoe sizes (about 36-47), used with regular winter boots.
They are constantly maintained but check the functionality before you go out.
Ice auger Mora Ice 150mm
Quantity: 2
Ice auger with a diameter of 150mm and an ice thickness capacity up to 160 cm.
Can be used by hand or with a powerdrill (then you need an adapter that is in the ice drill box in the CIRC garage); extra inserts is found in the same box.
When using a screwdriver, a separate extension needs to be mounted on ice thicker than 1.1m
SAFETY NOTE! When transporting, always mount the ice auger cover, never leave the ice drill lying on the ice unprotected, always drill it down a few turns after use.
Ice auger Mora Laser 200mm
There are three drills and two fuel-powered two-stroke engines.
Used with pre-mixed Alkylate petrol- 2% oil as ASPEN 2 (which is cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternative).
Works on ice up to 1.1m thick, extender is available for thicker ice.
SAFETY NOTE! When transporting, always mount the ice auger cover, never leave the ice drill lying on the ice unprotected, always drill it down a few turns after use.
Ice saw Laxström
Quantity: 2 (2,5kg)
To be used, ice must be pre-drilled with an ice auger to be able to saw; works effectively up to 75 cm ice thickness.
SAFTY NOTE! that it is very sharp and should be stored packed away when not in use. Wearing sturdy gloves is preferable when handling the saw.
Windsack hilleberg 2 Bivouac bag
Very good to bring with you to minimize exposure to bad weather, especially during the colder months or during longer excursions. Weight 460g
Pitching instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8UGzTs6LMA
Ice spike
Quantity: 2
There are two Ice spikes to control the thickness of the ice.
Muckboot Arctic and Viking Arctic winter boots
Quantity: 14 pairs
Isolated winter boots, with thick socks you are warm enough in most conditions.
Note! Before returning the boots make sure they are dry for the next user. Shoe dryer is found in the CIRC field storage indoors.
Summer Field Equipment
Rubber boots (Viking Unisex)
Rubber boot with patterned sole, more stable than traditional rubber boot model and adapted for hiking.
Pack frame Tatonka
Quantity: 4
Has a sturdy carrying system that can be adjusted to suit everyone.
There are load straps to attach the load, in the marked box in the field storage.
We have 2x 40l and 2x 20l waterproof packing bags that can be used in combination to store extra clothes and equipment.
Backpack 125l Norröna
Quantity: 2
Best back support for heavy packing with enormous capacity, has many straps on the outside that can be fastened to the most awkward objects.
Ruttner water sampler -HydroX
Quantity: 2
Simpler water sampler 1.7l capacity 20m marked line 1 meter inclement.
Made of polycarbonate plastic with closing mechanics in aluminum integrated thermometer.
Hilleberg Nammatj 3GT tent
A four-season tent for three people with a big vestibule . Weight 4 kg
A strong tent, but it is getting older so one should avoid very weather-exposed terrain.
Pitching instruction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQjoxtWbjqc&t=1s
Hilleberg Atlas tent
A large group of tents with an inner height of about 2m can be used with or without inner tent to use as a base camp or field lab.
It is a stable tent but has large panels that catches wind so should be considered when choosing tent location.
The outer tent weighs 11kg and the inner tent about 5kg.
Pitching instruction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgCLc26b1BQ
Zodiac cadet roll-up
Quantity: 4
We have several sizes in varying condition all are functional but one lacks a seat and the smallest 200cm heals in a lite water.
The boats are not suitable for longer trips larger lakes and are heavy to row in strong winds. There is the ability to mount a boat engine if you bring your own, Max 3-4 HP.
Always check functionality before exclusion and make sure you have the right pump and adapter nozzle.
Even though they are bulky the boats can be carried on a backpack frame.
Sizes:
1 PCE 200cm weight 20kg 2 person,
2 PEC 230cm weight 23kg 2-3 person
1 PCE 270cm weight 29kg 3 person
Safety note! Always use adequate safety equipment lifejacket rescue overalls at colder temperatures.
Kimpel 330 Angler aluminium boat
Quantity: 6 Condition Good
Booked (not available) 2022
Very stable boat with flat bottom for smaller to middle sized lakes.
Weighs only 45kg and can easily be pulled or carried shorter distances by two persons I mountain terrain.
Perfect when you need more equipment in the boat or/and methods that require flat surfaces and stability
Chain and locks are available to leave at lakes.
L: 3,30m W: 1,16m Max load capacity: 220kg
We have oars for the boats but there is the possibility to mount a boat engine if you bring your own, Max 6 HP.
Safety note! Always use adequate safety equipment – lifejacket, rescue overalls at colder temperatures.
H/H Three seasonal Workwear
Warming clothing with insulation suitable for work during spring, winter and autumn. Is classified according to EN343: 2019 which means that they are water and wind tight and have acceptable breathability.
The men's version is overalls and women's version in jacket and hinge pants separately.
Sizes and numbers:
H/H overalls 1xC52 (L), 2xC50 (M+), 2xC48 (M), 2xC46 (S), 1xC44 (S).
H/H Jacket 2xM/M, 2xS/P, hinge pants 2xC38, 1xC42, 1xC40
Ski / hiking poles
Kicknet
Quantity: 2
Standard kick net total length approx. 180 cm, handle can be unscrewed
Mesh size 500 μm
Ekman graber
Quantity: 2 pec
Older standard Ekman grabber 5 kg with 0,025 kvm cut surface.
Alpacka caribu
Caribu Packraft is very small and lightweight (meant for one person), perfect for sampling ponds and small lakes when less extensive sampling is done in remote places. (water sampling / logger check up).
Weigt: 2,3kg + paddle
The boat does not require a traditional pump and is filled with an inflation bag.
Safty note! This boat is made for pack rafting and is paddled kayak style, therefore slow on flat waters and drifts fast in the wind - user experience is preferable. Always use adequate safety equipment – lifejacket, rescue overalls at colder temperatures.
Contact Karl or Keith before use.
For more information https://www.alpackaraft.com/products/caribou
Alpacka explorer 42
Explorer 42 is a medium-sized packraft which is suitable for two people with less packing/equipment.
Can be paddled by one or two people with a convertable paddle from canoe to kayak style.
Weigt: 3.6kg + paddle
Safty note! This boat is made for pack rafting and is paddled kayak/kano style, therefore slow on flat waters and drifts fast in the wind - user experience is preferable. Always use adequate safety equipment – lifejacket, rescue overalls at colder temperatures.
Contact Karl or Keith before use.
For more information: https://www.alpackaraft.com/products/explorer-42
Lifejacket inflatable- Baltic compact 100
Quantity: 6
A self-inflating life jacket which does react to increasing pressure, so it can withstand rain. In case the automatic inflation fails, there is a manual activator strap on the lower right side.
Safety note! In order for the life jacket to function optimally, shall the safety strap that runs between the legs also be tightened.
Aquascope
Quantity: 1
Standard aquascope, height: 600mm diameter: 335mm
Metal detector
Quantity : 1
Model: X-Terra 705
rescueline
Quantity: 5
First Aid
There are personal smaller first aid kits in green packaging and larger group kits in the waist bag.
Always replace used items with new from stock box, control checklist that the kit is complete.
Found in the CIRC office opposite to the field storage.
Navigation Equipment
Maps and compass
We have a few mountain maps of different regions and scales.
BD6 Abisko-Kebnekaise-Narvik, scale 1:100 000 6:pcs
BD3 Rensjön-Pulsujärvi, scale 1:100000 2:pcs
BD4 Kiruna Fjällkartan, scale 1:100000 2:pcs
Kebnekaise, Abisko och Riksgränsen 1:50 000 2:pcs
There are two types of compasses - aiming compass with mirror and standard model.
You will find them in the indoor field store.
Note! Map and compass can be good to have even if you have GPS for a better map to terrain perception, or if the batteries run out.
Quick guide on how to use a compass https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/guides/beginners-guide-to-using-a-compass/
GPS
Quantity: 6
We have different models, the new Garmin Gpsmap 66sr has higher positioning precision with multiband technology 4 pcs. There are also 2 older Garmin 64st.
They all have highly detailed topo pro maps installed.
The newer model has a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts at least 24 hours during active use.
Note! before returning the device, it must be charged and cleaned from your data that you want to save.
How to use: https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/gpsmap66s_st/EN-US/GPSMAP_66s_st_sr_OM_EN-US.pdf
