u/AstronomerAromatic88

I'm going through the USAP PQ medical screening for an upcoming deployment to Antarctica. I've had the first dose of the 3-dose hepatitis A vaccine series, and I can get the second dose before I deploy. The third dose is scheduled for the 6-month mark, which will be after I'm already on the Ice.

Per CDC guidelines, the first dose alone provides strong protection (~95% of adults develop protective antibodies within a month). Has anyone dealt with an incomplete Hep A series during the USAP PQ process? Was having just the first two doses acceptable, or will missing the final booster cause an NPQ?

Looking for real experiences from people who've been through the UTMB PQ screening — did they flag incomplete multi-dose vaccine series, require a waiver/note for completion, or was it generally fine as long as the early doses were documented with time for immunity to develop?

Not seeking official medical advice, just community insight on how strict the process is with vaccine timing for USAP deployments. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Hey everyone,
I’m a pilot with about 80 flights under my belt and I’ve been doing a ton of mountain sledders and short flights at my local spot.

I currently fly with an Advance Boundless, which I really like—it’s comfortable, stable, has solid protection, and the reversible rucksack setup is handy.

Lately I’ve been wanting something lighter and more packable for hike & fly adventures. I’m seriously considering the AirDesign Le Slip 2 + its airbag. It looks perfect for an ultra-light kit while still offering decent protection (airbag is certified around 20-22G, which seems strong).

The main thing is I’d need a front-mounted reserve container for the Le Slip. I could transfer my existing reserve from the Boundless or pick up a new lightweight one dedicated to it.

Just curious about people’s thoughts on making this switch:
• Experiences going from a Boundless-style harness to a string harness like the Le Slip 2 for mountain/hike & fly use?
• How does the protection and real-world feel compare (especially with the front reserve)?
• Any regrets, tips, or better alternatives for someone wanting to stay relatively light but keep some safety margin?
Thanks in advance—appreciate any input from those who’ve done something similar!