What to Pack for Antarctica: A Full Guidelines

Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation spot marked by untouched landscapes, drifting icebergs, and thriving penguin colonies. I lately returned from the “frozen continent,” touring on the inaugural Sail and Fly the Drake Passage itinerary with Nationwide Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. Whereas the expertise was extraordinary, it additionally got here with logistical challenges, together with two practically 24-hour flight routes with a number of layovers between the U.S. and South America, plus strict baggage weight limits for the one-way constitution return flight to Chile from King George Island.

As somebody who tends to overpack for cold-weather locations, I knew I needed to be further strategic and carried out intensive analysis to search out probably the most purposeful and dependable clothes, gear, and equipment to face up to demanding climate circumstances.

Packing Guidelines for Antarctica

Clothes and Footwear

Equipment

Baggage and Gear

Clothes and Footwear

Probably the most important gadgets for an Antarctic expedition are correct clothes and footwear. With out them, survival in Antarctica’s excessive circumstances could be practically unimaginable. Begin with base layers comprised of moisture-wicking supplies reminiscent of Merino wool, or go for artificial materials like polyester when you’re delicate to wool. The design of your base layers additionally issues, as options like partial zippers, U-neck collars, and thumbholes can contribute to higher consolation and performance. For moisture-wicking materials to work successfully, they have to match snugly and be in direct contact along with your pores and skin. Mid-layers, reminiscent of fleece or wool, present extra insulation, whereas a water-proof and windproof outer shell protects in opposition to harsh winds and moist circumstances. For footwear, most expedition cruises provide passengers muck boots for hire or as an inclusion to put on throughout landings on the continent however you will want footwear with good traction to put on onboard as properly.

Make sure to pack a dependable pair of flip-flops and a swimsuit for onboard facilities reminiscent of saunas and sizzling tubs, which can be found on some ships. This stuff are additionally essential when you plan to participate within the polar plunge. Moreover, most ships provide laundering providers, so plan to launder just a few gadgets throughout your journey to cut back the quantity of clothes you carry.

I selected Cotopaxi’s Fuego Hooded Down Jacket as a result of it’s heat, fashionable, and extremely light-weight. It additionally contains a well-fitted hood that helps seal out chilly air and is sustainably comprised of 100% recycled polyester. Nationwide Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions offered every passenger a signature, branded orange parka, which served as my outer layer throughout landings. Realizing I’d obtain this parka, I opted to not pack considered one of my heavy outer coats, and the Fuego jacket served as my mid-layer and was heat sufficient for brief outings on the ship’s out of doors decks. I discovered the jacket’s match to be true to dimension, and a comparable model is accessible for males. In case your ship doesn’t give you a parka, a Gore-Tex snowboarding jacket will do the trick. Remember the fact that the outer layer jacket you select have to be completely waterproof and windproof.

A base layer prime is a staple piece of clothes for any Antarctic expedition cruise. Smartwool’s model (additionally obtainable in males’s) is comprised of 100% Merino wool that’s extremely delicate and non-itchy, plus features properly in excessive environments. Its slim match, that includes a quarter-zip, makes layering straightforward and permits you to put on it comfortably below a mid-layer and outer shell with out feeling restricted. Whether or not I used to be outdoors in freezing temperatures or contained in the ship in a extra managed local weather, this base layer tailored properly and proved to be considered one of my most dependable and often worn items of clothes on the journey.

Smartwool’s basic thermal Merino base layer bottoms had been one of many unsung heroes of my Antarctic expedition (and in addition are available in males’s sizing). They stored my legs heat and dry as I transitioned between the icy outside and the comfy inside of the ship—no small feat in such excessive circumstances. The match is agency however by no means restrictive, giving me full vary of movement whether or not I used to be climbing icy terrain or climbing again into the zodiac. Moreover, Merino wool resists odors much better than artificial materials, which is a large benefit when laundry amenities are restricted. I wore this base layer each different day. It’s straightforward to layer it below insulated pants or waterproof shells, and I by no means as soon as felt overheated or clammy.

I wore a model of the Lenado pants from The North Face, however they’re typically arduous to search out in inventory. An ideal different is the Burton Summit pants. They’re made with two-layer Gore-tex, so that you’ll keep dry and cozy in moist, windy circumstances. The match is roomy sufficient to layer thermal leggings beneath, and the zippered vents come in useful whenever you’re heating up throughout issues like zodiac landings or glacier hikes. These glossy pants are available in a number of fashionable colours—as a result of who needs to put on plain black in each epic penguin picture? Realistically, most ski pants will work for Antarctica, however make sure they’re totally waterproof, not simply snow-resistant. Males can go for the Males’s Swash Gore-tex 2L Pants.

Since muck boots are required and usually obtainable to hire for Antarctic shore excursions, there’s no must pack specialised expedition footwear. Onboard the ship, you’ll be able to put on nearly any kind of shoe, however a dependable, waterproof climbing shoe like The North Face Hedgehog 3 is a great and versatile choice. Mountaineering footwear present stability for navigating slippery decks or climbing stairs when the ship is swaying, particularly whereas crossing the Drake Passage. They’re additionally good for pre- and post-cruise adventures in rugged locations reminiscent of Ushuaia, Argentina, and Torres del Paine in Chile. The North Face Hedgehog 3 has grow to be my go-to for many out of doors adventures, because of its comfy cushioning and sturdy building. The North Face sells a males’s model of the shoe as properly.

Equipment

Equipment could seem to be a minor element, however they’re simply as vital as primary clothes layers when touring to locations like Antarctica. Insulated gloves are vital for retaining your arms heat and functioning throughout zodiac landings and when dealing with gear in freezing temperatures. Search for pairs with touchscreen compatibility so you’ll be able to take photographs with out eradicating your gloves.

A thermal hat that covers your ears is essential, as a big quantity of warmth is misplaced via the pinnacle. For extra safety from biting winds and blowing snow, a balaclava or neck gaiter helps defend your face and neck, whereas sun shades with UV safety and polarized lenses scale back the extreme glare from daylight reflecting off snow and ice.

Gloves are one merchandise I can by no means appear to have sufficient of—although it is normally only one from every pair that sticks round, as the opposite inevitably goes lacking. For the expedition, I packed a pair of no-longer-available Columbia gloves which featured a thermal lining and the model’s proprietary Omni-heat expertise for enhanced warmth retention. They had been additionally touchscreen-compatible, a small however useful characteristic whenever you need to snap a photograph or examine your telephone with out peeling off your gloves within the chilly.

Nonetheless, the subsequent time I take part in an excessive, cold-weather journey, I’ll be bringing alongside a pair of heated gloves as an alternative—seems my arms simply aren’t constructed for freezing temperatures. This actual pair is subsequent on my record as they’re additionally touchscreen appropriate, however have three warmth settings for even hotter arms and maintain out the snow and wind with adjustable wrist straps.

The hat I wore in Antarctica is an previous favourite from The North Face that has been with me on numerous adventures all over the world, however sadly, it’s now not obtainable on-line. Now, I’ve found a brand new go-to: White + Warren beanies just like the Cashmere Plush Rib Beanie. This ultra-soft cashmere hat feels nice in opposition to the pores and skin, affords loads of heat, matches simply below a hood or helmet, and is gentle sufficient to stash in a pocket or daypack. The one trade-off is that it requires a bit of additional care, because it must be hand-washed or dry cleaned, however for the consolation and high quality, I discover it properly value it.

While you’re sporting muck boots, you’ve actually solely bought your socks for insulation and luxury, so that they should be each heat and moisture-wicking. I’ve discovered the Suits Gentle Ski Sock to be an glorious selection. Constructed from a high-quality Merino wool mix, they provide a cosy, over-the-calf match that stays in place with out slipping or bunching. Considerate options, such because the dynamic toe cup, which molds to the form of your foot, and the heel lock system, present added help and considerably scale back the chance of blisters when paired with well-fitted boots. The socks are additionally unisex, so that they work properly for almost anybody. After lengthy days in moist, chilly environments, having socks that carry out this properly actually makes a distinction.

One surprisingly sensible accent to pack for an Antarctic expedition is a gaiter. I extremely suggest the Buff ThermoNet Neckwear Gaiter, which is comprised of recycled supplies and could be worn a number of methods—I’ve used mine as a neck hotter, face overlaying, and at the same time as a makeshift hat. Extremely light-weight and compact, it dries rapidly and provides an additional layer of safety in opposition to biting wind and blowing snow. Light-weight and compact, the gaiter dries rapidly and supplies an added layer of safety, making it a much more sensible selection than a standard scarf. Actually, I’ve all however changed scarves with this gaiter in chilly climates. Its versatility and efficiency make it a must have merchandise on any Antarctica packing record. Better of all, it’s one-size-fits-most, so there’s no want to fret about sizing.

For my eyes, Ray-Ban’s Chromance sun shades had been a implausible selection. The polarized lenses offered higher visible distinction and sharpness whereas additionally blocking out UV rays. What I particularly appreciated was how light-weight and cozy these sun shades had been. I wore them for hours with none stress factors or irritation. Even in sturdy, chilly winds and after bodily demanding climbs on icy terrain, they by no means fogged up and supplied glorious safety from the wind and the brightness reflecting off the snow and ice. They match properly, and I by no means needed to fear about them slipping throughout energetic excursions. In addition they regarded fashionable, so I didn’t really feel like I used to be sporting cumbersome expedition gear.

Baggage and Gear

With unpredictable climate, restricted cupboard space, and the necessity to keep organized throughout landings and lengthy days at sea, the baggage and equipment you carry to Antarctica have to be rugged, dependable, and well-designed. Search for baggage comprised of sturdy, weather-resistant supplies, with sensible organizational options that allow you to separate moist and dry gadgets or entry key gadgets rapidly. Versatility can also be key, and equipment that may deal with each shipboard residing and shore excursions will make your expertise far smoother.

Bringing a waterproof backpack or dry bag is important for shielding gear, reminiscent of electronics and huge digicam lenses, from the weather. Nationwide Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions offered me with a dry bag, but when I needed to carry my very own, I’d have chosen the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L. This compact roll-top backpack is totally waterproof and really comfy to put on, because of its padded again panel and adjustable straps. 

Even when it’s not actively raining or snowing, there’s loads of moisture, sea spray, and condensation that may seep into your gear and trigger points. The beauty of investing in a high quality dry bag is that you should use it past Antarctica in quite a few situations, together with biking or climbing in damp circumstances.

If you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing small, fashionable, and tremendous helpful for landings or simply hanging out on the ship, the Cotopaxi Allpa X 1.5L Hip Pack is the proper companion. Although small in dimension, it affords simply the correct amount of house for on a regular basis necessities like your telephone, lip balm, sunscreen, and hand cream—which I discovered myself reaching for continually within the dry, polar desert local weather of Antarctica. It has waterproof material, sturdy building, and Cotopaxi’s signature vibrant colours. Its ergonomic design makes it comfy to put on both across the waist or throughout the chest, and it stays securely in place and by no means feels cumbersome, even throughout extra energetic excursions.

The Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway 70L Duffel is a reliable, high-capacity bag that simply accommodates all of your expedition gear. It’s spacious and constructed from rugged, weather-resistant supplies that may stand up to the calls for of journey journey. One among my favourite options is the outside pockets for quick-access gadgets. I additionally recognize which you can put on it as a backpack or carry it by hand, relying on what’s most handy within the second. The padded handles make it comfy to move, even when totally packed, and since it lacks the inflexible body of conventional baggage, you get extra usable house. It is also light-weight, in comparison with similar-capacity baggage, which was considered one of my prime concerns.

With its clear, fashionable look and cleverly designed compartments, the Allpa 65L curler bag made it straightforward to maintain my gear organized. I primarily used it to retailer undergarments, base layers, equipment, and another gadgets I didn’t need to half methods with. The bag was particularly helpful within the tight quarters of my cabin, the place environment friendly packing actually issues.

One factor to bear in mind is that this bag doesn’t have 360-degree wheels, which makes maneuvering via tight areas a little bit tougher. That stated, 360-degree-wheeled baggage are much less ideally suited on a swaying small ship, so this trade-off didn’t trouble me an excessive amount of.

One typically neglected however extremely helpful merchandise is a waterproof telephone case. The Nite Ize Waterproof Telephone Case stored my telephone utterly dry throughout zodiac rides and shore landings. I really like its hermetic building, lanyard, and touchscreen compatibility, which allowed me to make use of my telephone and snap fast photographs with out eradicating it. Nonetheless, since picture high quality is noticeably higher with out the case, I normally eliminated the telephone for photographs throughout landings and when circumstances allowed. I particularly appreciated the built-in attachment level, which made it straightforward to clip the case securely to my pack or jacket, retaining it accessible however out of the way in which.

I’ve lengthy been a fan of La Roche-Posay merchandise, and the Anthelios Soften-In Milk Lotion Face and Physique Sunscreen rapidly turned a part of my day by day routine. Given the lean of the Southern Hemisphere, the solar in Antarctica could be surprisingly intense, even on overcast days. Whereas I’ve used this firm’s moisturizer earlier than, this journey was my first time attempting their sunscreen. It affords broad-spectrum, high-SPF safety that holds up properly within the harsh polar circumstances.  Non-greasy and oil-free, it absorbs rapidly with out leaving a white solid, and it didn’t clog my pores, irritate my delicate pores and skin, or intervene with make-up utility. You probably have reactive pores and skin like I do, this sunscreen is certainly one to think about.

Regularly Requested Questions

What just isn’t allowed in Antarctica?

To guard Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem, the Worldwide Affiliation of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has established strict laws for journey to the continent. Amongst them are that you simply can’t carry meals or drinks ashore throughout landings to stop contamination and keep away from attracting wildlife. Moreover, all gear—particularly boots and outerwear—should endure biosecurity checks to stop the introduction of non-native species, seeds, or micro organism. This typically contains disinfecting boots and disregarding any soil or plant materials.

What’s the climate like in Antarctica?

Antarctic summers are milder than you would possibly anticipate. Through the cruise season from November via March, coastal temperatures usually vary from 20 to 40 levels Fahrenheit, although latest years have seen file highs reaching 64.9 levels Fahrenheit. The early season (November to early December) affords placing icy landscapes and the possibility to witness penguin courtship, however it additionally tends to be colder and windier. Mid-season (December via January) is the warmest and hottest time to go to, with lengthy sunlight hours, plentiful wildlife exercise, and simpler entry to touchdown websites. Late season (February to March) is superb for whale watching and normally sees fewer guests, although snow could grow to be slushier. Mid-season is the perfect time to go to for energetic wildlife and optimum climate circumstances.

Why Belief Journey + Leisure

Taryn White is a contract journey author and luxurious journey advisor, all the time on the lookout for her subsequent journey. With practically 100 nations below her belt, she has ventured to the volcanic terrain of Iceland, the otherworldly landscapes of Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats, and the frozen wilderness of Antarctica. A self-proclaimed fleece fanatic, she has a expertise for turning any packing record right into a cozy-meets-chic wardrobe for each local weather. Her favourite journey companions? Her husband and kids, who’ve been packing their very own baggage since they had been sufficiently old to decide on their favourite climbing boots.

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