Polar Chief
Proven polar shelter trusted by leading national science teams worldwide
Polar Chief. Serious shelter for serious science.
The Weatherhaven Polar Chief is a field-proven polar shelter, trusted by national Antarctic programmes, world-class researchers and expedition leaders for long seasons on the ice. Designed specifically for extremely cold, dry regions, it performs reliably in high winds, drifting snow and deep sub-zero temperatures. Deployed in advanced base camps and remote science outposts across the Arctic and Antarctic, it gives teams a safe, warm, dependable base when weather turns hostile.
Engineered for brutal polar winds, deep cold, heavy snow loads
Polar Chief’s fully insulated, octagonal design minimises large flat surfaces, shedding swirling winds and managing snow drift more effectively than boxy structures. It’s purpose-built for severe polar weather, with high insulation levels that maintain comfortable working temperatures down to around −50°C when paired with suitable heating. Rugged fabrics and a reinforced frame system are designed to withstand extreme winds and heavy snow loading, keeping your camp operational when conditions deteriorate.
Key Features
Fully insulated octagonal design — performs from roughly −50 °C to sub-zero extremes.
Lightweight yet robust aluminum-frame structure with heavy-duty rip-stop outer fabric.
Breathable, moisture-managing interior liners and insulation system to reduce condensation and icing.
Quick setup: shelter can be erected by two people in ~20 minutes
Compatible with expedition heaters or stoves, thermal/insulated flooring and lighting kits for full camp comfort.
Compact packaged volume and sled / ski-plane / helicopter-sling compatible for remote logistics.
Spacious, reconfigurable interior — suitable for sleeping quarters, labs, kitchens, offices or mess halls.
Designed and hand-built in Canada by an experienced polar-logistics specialist, proven in real-world science and expedition deployments.
High-performance frame and breathable fabrics for safe polar living spaces
The shelter combines a strong, lightweight frame with advanced technical fabrics to balance strength, insulation and breathability. Hi-tech ripstop outer covers resist tearing, UV and cold cracking, while interior liners and insulation systems help control condensation—critical for equipment reliability and human comfort. The design keeps warm air in, manages moisture and reduces icing, giving you a stable, healthy interior climate for both overnight accommodation and intensive daily operations.
Comfort options: stoves, thermal floors, lighting, blackout or daylight liners
Polar Chief can be configured as a highly comfortable living and working space. Choose from insulation systems that either admit soft natural light for solar gain, or maximise thermal performance with opaque high-efficiency insulation. Pair this with polar foam or hard/soft insulated flooring, efficient stoves or heaters, and tailored electrical and lighting kits to create a warm, dry, well-lit interior optimised for cooking, sleeping, lab work or briefings.
Optimised for sled travel, small aircraft and rapid redeployment operations
With a compact packed volume, optimised weight and fast setup time (around twenty minutes with two people), Polar Chief is ideal for expedition logistics. It’s designed to move easily by sled, snow machine, or ski-equipped aircraft, minimising fuel burn and handling effort. Once on site, the shelter’s straightforward erection sequence reduces exposure time in hostile weather, enabling rapid establishment or relocation of critical camp infrastructure.
Options
RDMSS can be delivered with a variety of specially developed option, designed specifically to enhance the shelter. Here are just some options than can be provided.
High-efficiency insulation packages (thermal liners, blackout liners, daylight-admitting liners).
Heating solutions — diesel or multi-fuel stoves, chimneys, heat distribution systems.
Thermal or raised flooring systems — foam, insulated panels, removable decking.
Extended vestibule or entrance modules for snow management and gear transitions.
Integrated electrical kits — LED lighting, power distribution, cable routing.
Custom interior fit-outs — bunks, lab benches, storage racks, communications desks.
Environmental add-ons — snow skirts, storm anchors, enhanced wind-resistance hardware.
Multiple ‘Polar Safe’ colours.
Handmade in Canada, backed by decades of global polar experience support
Weatherhaven has been designing, manufacturing and supporting mobile infrastructure from its Canadian base since 1981, with deployments on all seven continents and in over 95 countries. Polar Chief benefits from this deep operational heritage and from long-term partnerships with national research organisations and polar logistics providers. Behind every shelter is a team that understands real-world polar projects—from design and integration through to field support and future redeployment.
Flexible interior layouts for kitchens, labs, offices and accommodation blocks
In many polar science camps, Endurance units serve as personal sleepers while Polar Chief becomes the beating heart of the camp—configured as a kitchen, mess, lab, comms hub or office. Its generous footprint and efficient wall geometry give you highly usable interior space, easily reconfigured with furnishings, benches, storage and equipment racks. The insulated vestibule improves access management, snow control and energy efficiency, enhancing day-to-day camp operations.
Specifications
| Specification | Polar Chief |
|---|---|
| Width | Contact for details |
| Length | Contact for details |
| Height (middle) | Contact for details |
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