In this unique and enthralling book, explorer and survivalist Ed Stafford curates 25 great expeditions through the lens of the kit these remarkable explorers took with them. In an environment where lack of preparation could mean certain death, the equipment carried, ridden and sailed into uncharted territories could mean the success or failure of an expedition. Was it simply a case of better provisions and preparation that helped Amundsen beat Scott to the South Pole? And how has the equipment taken to Everest changed since Hillary’s first ascent? 

The narrative also devotes 10 pages to each explorer to recount their greatest climbs or expeditions. Through carefully curated photographs and specially commissioned illustrations we can see at a glance the scale, style and complexity of the items taken into the unknown by the greatest explorers of all time, and the impact each item had on their journey. How it potentially saved a life, or was purely for comfort or entertainment, and how these objects of survival have evolved and adapted as science advances, and we plunge further into the extremes.

Conquering fears and mountains, adversity and wild jungles, each item these explorers flew, pulled or hauled played a crucial role in their ambitious and dangerous missions to find out a little more about our world. Through each of these objects, we can gain a better understanding ourselves.

Get an intimate view of these and more amazing expeditions:

• Edmund Hillary, first to climb Everest. Pajamas, and Kendall Mint Cake.
  
• Reinhold Messner, first to climb all 14 8000m peaks. Titanium ice axe, plastic boots, Gore-Tex tent, fisherman's hat, Rolex Watch.
  
• Apa Sherpa, first to climb Everest 21 times. Mobile phone, solar cookers and lights, ultra-violet steri pen, aluminium ladder. 
  
• Roald Amundsen, race to the Pole: Norwegian expedition (snowshoes, Primus stove, piano, violin, gramophone…)
• Amelia Earhart, first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean (Bendix radio direction finder, parachutes, emergency life raft, rouge…)
• Tim Slessor, first overland from London to Singapore (machetes, crowbar, typewriter, Remington dry shaver, tea…)
• Nellie Bly, around the world in 72 days (Mumm champagne, accordion, silk waterproof wrap, dark gloves…)