The Essential Antarctica Packing List

Published March 26, 2020

Written by:

Carin Clevidence

Carin Clevidence is the author of the novel, The House on Salt Hay Road. She lives in Northampton, MA, with...

Edited by:

Jenn Sutherland-Miller

Jenn raised 4 children while traveling full-time for more than a decade– it’s called worldschooling and it’s awesome. Jenn has...

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The first time I went to Antarctica, I completely overpacked. I pictured myself shivering in a frigid wasteland. So, I added layer after layer of polar fleece to my overburdened suitcase. It nearly burst, stuffed with fleece and polypropylene, ski masks, neck gaiters, and a fleece-lined deerstalker hat.

Most of it waited out the trip in my cabin closet.

Yes, you must be prepared in the coldest and most remote landscape in the world. But unless you’re a research scientist, you’re going to Antarctica during the austral summer, December through early March (which is, of course, winter in the northern hemisphere). On the Antarctic Peninsula, the temperature averages in the thirties (Fahrenheit). Chances are you’ll be glad you brought your sunscreen.

So, what should you really pack for your cruise to Antarctica?

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Antarctica Cruise Packing List

Travel Backpack

Start with what you put it in: a travel backpack. Getting on and off of ships and navigating narrow corridors and tiny staterooms means roller bags are a liability. Travel with a carry-on-sized travel backpack, and you’ll have plenty of room to pack the essentials without sacrificing freedom of movement.

Everyday Clothes to Wear Onboard

Onboard, you’ll want to dress in comfortable clothing. Bring footwear you can slip into quickly. There are great views of wildlife and scenery from out on deck. You don’t want to risk missing a pod of orcas because you had to lace your shoes.

Start with a Carry On Packing List to make sure you’ve covered the basics.

Unless you plan to dress up, you can get away with only two pairs of shoes: waterproof boots and something comfortable to wear on board, both inside and on deck. If there’s an exercise room available and you plan to use it, bring sneakers. Otherwise, I’d avoid anything with laces.

Tidy Wear

Some ships are more formal than others. In general though, passengers on expedition cruises tend to leave the sequined ball gowns at home. Do pack something nice to wear for the Captain’s Welcome Dinner. In my family, this is known as “tidy wear.”

The last time I went, I brought a pair of lightweight flats in addition to my wellies and my onboard pull-on boots. If, like my mother, you believe that packing light trumps fashion, don’t worry. The Captain isn’t going to take offense if you show up in a nice sweater and a pair of slacks. But do change out of those rubber boots.

Parka

You’ll need one, but don’t bother to bring your own. Unless you’re a researcher, you’re going on a cruise ship. You’ll be given a parka in a bright color—usually red—because they want you to show up against the ice.

Knee High Waterproof Boots

Your boots should be good ones, preferably insulated. You’ll use them to get from the cruise ship to the uninhabited shores, riding in an inflatable landing boat.

Called by their brand name, Zodiac, these runabouts are made of a heavy-duty, rubber-like material. They carry twelve people at a time and are nearly indestructible. The Antarctic doesn’t have docks or jetties. You disembark from the Zodiac directly onto the beach, often stepping into the water. Your boots should come up at least to mid-calf. Ankle-high boots will not cut it. Trust me, you do not want wet feet.

If you choose to bring your own, don’t worry if they aren’t insulated. I wore a pair of LLBean Wellies with two pairs of warm socks, which worked fine. The pros prefer Bogs or Muck Boots.

A note on tread: Avoid rubber boots with a deep tread. Penguin guano can be hard to wash out of those little nooks and crannies.

Waterproof Pants

Zodiacs are open boats. You’ll be exposed to spray and the occasional wave. Lightweight, waterproof pants in a pull-on style are best. You can wear them over a warm insulating layer. Make sure to get good quality pants that won’t tear. Once on shore, you may want to sit on the ice while taking photographs. In some places, like Paradise Bay, you may be able to slide down a snowy hillside.

In general, you want clothes you can layer. Pull-on waterproof pants are a better choice than snow pants because you can easily take them off if they’re not needed. Also, they’re easy to clean. Depending on the weather and the time of year, penguin rookeries can be very messy. Waterproof pants are essential.

Base Layers

Pack a couple of pairs of thin, warm base layers that don’t itch. Silk, polypropylene, merino wool, whatever you prefer, or have on hand.

If you’re not sure how to pack for a winter weather trip, pack layers of good quality, quick-dry fabrics that will wick away sweat and keep you warm. The wetter you are, the faster you’ll lose body heat. Stay dry to stay warm.

Warm Socks

Pack plenty of socks. They can get wet. Cold, wet feet are not only uncomfortable, they’re dangerous. Buy quality socks if you can. We recommend merino wool socks for warmth and odor-resistance. Look for a blended material that includes nylon for durability and lycra for stretch.

A note about laundry: Some ships give you the option of a public laundry room. Others offer a laundry bag that you leave for the cabin steward. The latter is convenient but expensive. Adjust your sock and underwear allotment accordingly. Hand washing socks and underwear is another option to stretch your wardrobe and minimize what you pack.

Hat, Gloves, and Scarf

Pack:

  • Two pairs of waterproof gloves or mittens and glove liners if you like
  • A scarf or neck gaiter
  • A hat that’s warm and windproof

Your hat does not need to be a fleece-lined deerstalker. But it should cover your ears. There will be cold wind on the boat and the ice. Be prepared to stay warm.

Sunscreen

I’m serious. Pack high-SPF sunscreen and wear it. The ozone layer is at its thinnest above Antarctica, and the white snow and ice create significant glare.

antarctica-glacier

What (Else) to Pack for Antarctica

Camera

You are going to one of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. And it’s inhabited by penguins! Pack the best camera you own or can afford.

Binoculars

These are particularly useful for spotting whales and sea birds from the ship. A small, packable pair is best. If you don’t have a pair and are unsure about what to buy, check out REI’s Guide to Buying Binoculars, which includes specific advice based on use case.

Sunglasses

You’ll be visiting during the summer. The sun can be blazing on all that ice and snow. You don’t want headaches from constantly squinting, nor do you want to miss something spectacular. Sunglasses with polarized lenses are a great idea.

Backpack

For the Zodiac ride to shore, you need a lightweight daypack to store camera gear, binoculars, hats, and gloves. The last company I traveled with, A&K, gave these out with our parkas. A waterproof bag is best because Zodiacs can get wet.

Waterproof Camera Bag

This is good insurance in the event of a wet Zodiac ride. A heavy Ziploc bag works fine. Traditional expedition grade, roll-top dry bags are another option if you don’t want to invest in an expensive waterproof camera bag.

Seasickness Medication

If you’re prone to seasickness, bring whatever works. Some people swear by acupressure bands, others prefer scopalomine patches, Dramamine, or ginger. Bonine is a brand name, once per day, anti-nausea med that will not put you to sleep the way Dramamine can.

The Drake Passage between the tip of South America and the continent of Antarctica is the roughest stretch of ocean in the world. I’ve been incapacitated on crossings of the Drake and other times felt fine. Some of it depends on weather conditions and some on the ship’s stabilizers. You may get lucky and experience the Drake Lake. But come prepared for stormy seas.

Something to Read

You’ll have some days at sea. Assume that you won’t be seasick and pack a couple of good books. Some of the best adventure stories ever written take place in Antarctica. Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage, by Alfred Lansing, is a classic.

I particularly recommend The Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard for his descriptions of a sledge journey during the Antarctic winter. Put it on your Kindle, though. The book’s the size of Moby Dick.

Tortuga
Carry-On-Sized Travel Backpacks
4.7

Pack for trips of one week or more without checking a bag.

Pros:
  • Thick comfortable straps
  • Easy to organize
  • Durable, waterproof fabric
  • Backed by our Worldwide Warranty
Shop at Tortuga

Renting Gear

Some Antarctic travel companies now offer the option of renting gear. You fill out an online form, and your selections are waiting for you onboard. It’s not cheap, but it keeps you from having to haul bulky rubber boots halfway around the world. Renting is less expensive than purchasing a range of new gear that you may never use again if you live in a warmer climate.

Renting gear is one strategy for packing light and keeping your bag to just a carry on, even when you take gear-heavy, expedition-grade trips. If your Antarctic explorations are part of a larger journey, then renting might make sense for you.

Before You Go

Unless you’re a research scientist, you’ll be traveling to Antarctica during the austral summer. Temperatures on the peninsula are in the 30-40°F range. Don’t forget:

  • A parka will be provided onboard your ship.
  • Insulated waterproof boots that reach at least mid-calf
  • Waterproof pants are essential
  • Warm socks, several pair
  • Wool is best for warm base layers
  • Hat, scarf & gloves
  • Seasickness medication
  • Consider renting the gear you need

And don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses. The glare on the ice is intense.

Carin Clevidence

Carin Clevidence is the author of the novel, The House on Salt Hay Road. She lives in Northampton, MA, with her two children and travels with them whenever she can.

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