Vilhjálmur Stefánsson's accomplishments are widely recognized as an explorer. He was the last explorer to discover new lands in the Arctic. He recognized the unique qualities of the Inuit culture and scientific achievements in cold weather clothing. His work as a cold weather scientist were far more important and therefore his work with the Inuit on these subjects is really his lasting legacy.
His various articles, the Basic Arctic Manual along with his work on cold weather clothing are still read today by nearly everyone studying modern wilderness survival. A knowledge of Stefánsson work is essential for anyone who plans to make a serious study of cold weather wilderness survival. If you want to explore the science of survival a good place to start is a study of Vilhjalmur Stefansson work.
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