The Circum-polar world has quite a few natural resources that can be used in survival situations. Contrary to popular belief there is lots of wood available. The Gulf Stream is diverted by the Labrador current south of Newfoundland. The current then heads across the Atlantic and flows all the way up to Iceland via the west coast of Europe. Along the way it picks up drift wood and deposits it on the shores of Norway, Greenland and Iceland. Willow bushes grow in profusion in all circum-polar regions. Really large ones, up to 10 feet high grow in sheltered areas with lots of sunlight. Due to erosion in summer the roots of these plants become exposed and the plant dies. The roots and plant itself dries out and is an excellent source of firewood. I have a collapsable sterno stove ( 1 lb.) that I have used quite a few times with willow wood when other fuels have run out. You can boil a quart of water in about eight minutes.<br><br>I travel a lot in the arctic. Most of the skills and resources I use in survival situations have been acquired fron the indigenous Inuit or Eskimoes who have lived in the high Arctic for several thousand years. The number one rule is always carry a good knife. Preferably one big enough to cut snow blocks if you have to make a shelter in the snow. It is very good for getting willow fuel. The second rule is bring a tarp. It can be used as a shelter. Third rule is know how to recognize the stages of hypothermia. As one of my American instructors said " It is a quiet killer. It must be recognized and treated quickly because most of the time the individual it attacks is totally unaware that its happening and can die in the company of other people without them knowing whats happening."<br><br>As the situation you seem most concerned about is hypothermia I would suggest you pack a few emergency survival bags ( 3-9 ozs each). A good 3 seasons tent ( 3-5 lbs each) with extra rope as the soil probably is not good enough to anchor the tent, you will need to anchor it using big rocks. One but preferrably 2 - 10x12 orange nylon tarps 1-2 lbs. These will serve you well if you have to camp on snow and the other one should be used as a distress signal. My experience with CASARA proves that a 10x12 orange tarp spread out on the ground, particularly on white or dark backgrounds can be seen from great distances in the air. A few large orange garbage bags are also useful as make shift rain protection and windsocks for your evac chopper.<br><br>Hope this helps a little.<br><br>Robert.l <br><br>PS Forgive the disjointed language. I got a plane to catch 5 minutes ago.<br><br>