Neos Trekkers and Polar Explorers - A Great Combination

Polar Explorers Guide Keith Heger and trip participants showing off their NEOS gear.

2008-07-03 00:04:01 - A 21-Day Crossing of the Greenland Icecap by Polarexplorers.com was made easier with NEOS Trekkers

Rock Island, Ill. - If you have skied across Greenland, endured 36-hour snowstorms and survived 50-mph winds, you probably would appreciate warm, dry feet. There is a group of adventurers led by Polar Explorers just back from an arctic expedition who thank their NEOS Trekker overboots for keeping their feet comfortable and safe for 25 days in a row.

The 10-member skiing party included two guides, two dog sled drivers and an international contingent of six travelers from Germany, China, Greece, Russia and the United States. They all successfully traveled 310 miles and they all wore NEOS Trekkers to control the challenging environment.

Expedition leader Keith Heger of the Polar Explorers travel group in Wilmette, Ill., said, 'The Trekkers were outstanding. The weather conditions ranged from drippy freezing during the day to -5° F at night. We wore skis through the day, but during chores and meals in the morning and at night, we depended on the Trekkers to protect and comfort our feet. The down booties just couldn't do it alone.'

The 26 sled dogs carried the gear, including the 10 pairs of Trekkers, each day. 'The lightweight design made it easy on the dogs,' said Heger. 'A pair weighs only two pounds, but they are very durable and dependable. They held up to all our kicks in the snow, the wet conditions and the constant activity. The soles, stitching and glues are all weather-proof, and well tested,' he added.

'The biggest challenge came during two storms that kept us in our tents for days at a time,' he said. 'The snow was the size of silver dollars, and we had to go out in the 50-mph winds to secure our tents, so I was very glad to have my Trekkers. The wind took your breath and frequently knocked you down, but I never worried about my feet. '

A strong work ethic prevailed for the travel team, but there were fun moments in the cooking tent each night, according to Heger. He said, 'They all loved the outdoors and were expecting challenges, but a great cooperative spirit emerged from the start. We had I-Pods, cards, books and satellite phones to keep us entertained while at rest, but it's a demanding trek, and we pushed ourselves hard every day.'

Good thing they all had NEOS Trekkers to make that push just a little easier! To learn more about the Greenland expedition, go to www.polarexplorers.com. To see the NEOS Trekkers Web site, go to www.overshoe.com.
ABOUT NEOS: Headquartered in Rock Island, Ill., NEOS (New England Overshoe) has been producing a high-quality line of protective overshoes since 1993. They offer overshoes for industrial applications along with casual, all-season, insulated and cleated styles. Contact:
Melissa Schreiner
309.732.4226
309.786.6923 (fax)
mschreiner@nspusa.com

ABOUT POLAR EXPLORERS
Named one of the "Best Outfitters on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure Magazine, Polar Explorers is the premier polar guiding company successfully guiding many amateur and experienced adventurers to the North and South Poles and on other Arctic adventures. For information on upcoming trips, please visit polarexplorers.com or call Annie Aggens at +001 847 256 4409 or by email at pressinfo@nwpassage.com.