Traveling to Antarctica is a dream voyage for many and usually a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The excitement and anticipation usually begin well before the actual voyage starts. Packing for a trip to Antarctica can seem daunting, especially given its reputation as one of the coldest and windiest places on Earth. It’s important to keep in mind that expedition cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula occur during the summer months in the Southern Hemisphere (early November – late March), when temperatures are relatively mild. As an expedition guide in the polar regions, I am often outside in the elements for four hours or more, enduring snow, rain, or sunshine. By following the exact principles outlined below, I manage to stay warm and comfortable. This guide will assist you in navigating what to pack for this unique adventure, ensuring you stay warm, comfortable, and prepared for the extraordinary conditions of the Antarctic.

Layering for Warmth
Dressing in layers is essential for managing moisture and maintaining warmth in Antarctica’s extreme conditions. Start with a high-quality wool base layer, which excels at wicking moisture away from the skin while providing insulation even when damp. Over this, add a fleece sweater for additional warmth and heat retention. Next, layer on a down jacket, which provides excellent thermal insulation by trapping body heat. Finally, add a waterproof and windproof outer layer to protect against the harsh Antarctic elements and prevent moisture from penetrating the inner layers. HX provides a complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket, but you will need to pack your own waterproof pants. Expedition ships like the MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen, and MS Fram feature heated bathroom floors to help dry your clothes between excursions.

Footwear
Footwear is just as critical as layering for an Antarctic expedition. HX Expeditions provides complimentary muck boots for the duration of the voyage, which guests are required to wear for landings and zodiac cruises. These boots, available in sizes ranging from EU 33 (US 2) to EU 50 (US 16) are designed to keep your feet warm and dry. If traveling with another company, check your documentation to see if you need to bring your own boots. For everyday use aboard the ship, comfortable footwear is ideal, but remember that outside decks can be slippery due to snow and ice. Shoes with good grip are essential for safe navigation on these potentially hazardous surfaces.

Keeping Extremities Warm
To maintain overall warmth, it’s crucial to keep your hands, feet, and head well-covered. Research indicates that up to 50% of body heat can be lost through an uncovered head. To prevent this, bring a warm woolen hat (or toque for Canadian readers), a scarf or buff, and waterproof gloves. Additionally, packing a few pairs of warm woolen socks will help keep your feet insulated and comfortable while exploring. Properly covering these key areas will significantly enhance your ability to stay warm in cold environments. If you’re prone to dry skin, consider bringing lip balm and skin moisturizer, as cold weather can exacerbate dryness.

Swimwear
Expedition ships have come a long way from the old research vessels that took tourists to Antarctica in the early days. Modern expedition ships often feature amenities like a pool, a jacuzzi, and a sauna to unwind after a day of exploring, so be sure to pack swimwear. Many companies also offer the opportunity to take part in a refreshing polar plunge in the cold Antarctic waters.

Protecting Against the Sun
Even in Antarctica, sun protection is important. You will likely encounter a range of weather conditions, including bright, sunny days. The intense sunlight reflecting off the water, snow, and ice can be harsh, leading to sunburns that can detract from your trip. Sunglasses with UV protection are essential to shield your eyes from the glare, while a hat will help keep you warm and protect your face from the elements. Factor 50 sunscreen is crucial for safeguarding your skin from the strong ultraviolet rays that penetrate the icy landscape. Additionally, packing a pair of ski goggles can be valuable. They offer extra protection and comfort for zodiac cruising on sunny days or during snowy or windy conditions.

Wildlife Viewing
To minimize disturbances to local wildlife, such as penguins, seals, and whales, strict industry guidelines are enforced for wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Operators are required to follow these guidelines to protect the animals. The expedition team on your cruise will work to provide the best possible wildlife viewing experiences while adhering to these regulations. Bring a good pair of binoculars to observe the animals up close without causing disruption. I find that a compact pair of Nikon 8×30 binoculars is highly effective for this purpose, whether onshore or in a zodiac.

Photography and Electronics
If you plan to take many photos during your Antarctic expedition, bring multiple memory cards or an external hard disk for additional storage. While HX Expeditions’ fleet is equipped with Starlink internet, it is better suited for sending messages and sharing a few photos rather than uploading large volumes of image files to cloud-based services like Google Drive or Dropbox. Additionally, cold weather can cause camera and phone batteries to drain faster than usual, so packing extra batteries will help ensure your devices remain functional throughout your trip.

Personal Medication
Outside of the medical care onboard the ship, there will be no access to medical facilities in Antarctica, so please ensure that you bring any prescribed medication you might need during the trip. Keep in mind that your luggage might be delayed or lost by the airline, and once your ship departs, there will be no opportunity to have your bag delivered until after you return from Antarctica. Because of this, it’s strongly recommended to keep your medication and any other essentials in your carry-on.

By carefully selecting your gear and clothing, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable Antarctic expedition. Following these packing tips will help you stay warm, protect yourself from the elements, and enhance your overall experience in this remote and breathtaking destination.