As our most extreme gear tester, Gary Rolfe has often put Rab clothing through its paces but never more so than in March 2006. 400 miles into a trip he was over Amundsen Gulf sea ice between the Canadian Arctic communities of Paulatuk and Kugluktuk when the ice gave way.
 
 
Everything was in the water, Gary, the dogs and the sled. Trying to save the dogs from the sinking sled with unmittened hands Gary sustained fourth degree frostbite and later was expected to lose both hands. His efforts couldn’t save all of the dogs and 11 of his 12 beloved companions died.
Out of the freezing water Gary stripped off and in the unbearable cold managed to grab his dry bag of clothes. Once his Rab Vapour-rise layers and Rab Down Suit were on his core temperature started to rise. Without doubt the Down Suit saved his life.