Date Line:04/09
Text Next to Picture: Polar explorer Eric Larsen became only the third adventurer from the US to complete the feat of skiing to both poles when he reached the south Pole on January 3. He wore base-layer garmets with Cocona-enhanced PolarTec fiber for the entire 41-day expedition, and believes the textile technology built into the clothing helped him to stay warm, dry and safe. Article Copy: Eric Larsen is unusual; he's a polar explorer from the US. Yes, the country that sent people to the moon 40 years ago has, to date, only sent three people to both poles on skis. Eric Larsen is the third. He and his team completed their trek to the South Pole on January 3 this year, a task,Mr Larsen has admitted, made easier by base-layer garments, under the Marmot brand name, he was given to wear by Colorado-based fiber manufacturer Cocona Technology, Inc. Marmot's UpCycle base-layer products-a separate long-sleeved top and long bottoms-are made from Polartec PowerDry fabric, enhanced with Cocona natural technology to make sure it dries quickly, controls odor, provides ultraviolet protection, and gives wearers a high level of comfort. Two weeks after reaching the South Pole, Eric Larsen was safely ensconced in a Chilean hotel, and took time out to share his opinion on the garments with Coconas's chief marketing officer, Jonathan Erb. He said: "My expedition to the South Pole was a great success. Thank you so much for sending the gear. I wore the Marmot long underwear every day for the entire expedition. It took us 41 days to get to the pole. It performed flawlessly. The travel conditions are fairly difficult to manage. Temperatures are relatively warm (around -15ºC). At those temperatures, it is very easy to overheat and sweat. However, Antarctica is also a windy place where a slight breeze can drop the windchill down to -35ºC in a matter of minutes. Keeping warm and dry is a constant challenge. Also, to be caught hot and sweaty when the wind picks up can devolve quickly into a life-threatening situation. I felt that the Cocona gear was able to wick moisture quickly away from my body and kept me dry and, as a consequence, warm and safe."