How heavy is your sled? - I really hoping to keep the starting weight below 130kg, although it might be as high as 145 kg. Pulling this uphill at the start, when the sled’s at its heaviest will be interesting.

How many sets of underwear are you taking? - Two. In the compromise between weight and hygiene, I’m afraid weight has to be the most important. However, I may have up to 6 pairs of socks, so things won’t be all that bad

I want to do something like this. How do I get started? - What I did was to read everything there was to read, from previous explorers journals to scientific papers to try to understand the environment, physical demands, logistical issues, etc. Then, when sufficiently educated so as to sound credible, I approached polar experts for recommendations of individuals who might be able to help me. I ended up with Jason de Carteret, whose business Voyage Concepts organises many polar expeditions. Jason’s advice, connections, experience and infrastructure have turned an impossible logistical nightmare into something approaching organisation.

If you want to do this entirely on your own, I’d say allow 3 to 4 years minimum if you have to work at the same time, or 2 to 3 if you can devote your life to it. I have a full time job and a young family and realistically this adventure would never have happened if I’d tried to do it alone.

Oh yes, and start saving!