What to Pack for Antarctica: A Complete Checklist

Ultimate Antarctica Packing List — Photo:
Travel + Leisure

Packing for Antarctica isn't quite like prepping for a typical vacation. For one thing, there are no stores where you can pick up items you forgot to toss in your bag, save for your ship's gift shop (if it has one). Then there's the fact that you're traveling to the coldest and windiest destination on the planet — and an environmentally sensitive place as well. Then, on top of all that, you might even have strict baggage limits to contend with on your charter flights, so overpacking isn't really an option. But don't fret! Antarctica is worth any stress you might encounter while packing, and we're here to guide you through the process.

Packing Checklist for Antarctica

Across my five trips to Antarctica, I've learned a thing or two about what to pack for an expedition cruise. And to bolster my experience, I tapped some true pros for their advice: Trey Byus, Chief Expedition Officer at Lindblad Expeditions, and Colby Brokvist, an Antarctic expedition leader for Natural Habitat Adventures.

Before we dive into what to pack, let's address what's likely your first concern: the cold.

Fortunately, the peak Antarctic season occurs in the austral summer (November-February), when temperatures are just around freezing, though the windchill can make it feel colder. "Antarctica is not as cold as you might think during the summertime when you are traveling there," says Brokvist.

What's more, your tour operator will almost certainly be providing you a packing list, and it's a great idea to heed their suggestions. "It is hard to envision what Antarctic conditions will be like and you might feel some anxiety about what to pack," says Brokvist. "Your trip operator has the experience and makes the decision easy for you. Just pack what's on the list and leave the rest at home."

If you haven't yet received your packing list, or you're curious about what you might need to bring on an as-of-yet-unbooked Antarctic expedition, we've put together this helpful checklist for Antarctica.

And, beyond what's on this list, there's one thing you absolutely need to bring. "Antarctica is a vast expanse unlike any other with a mind of its own, so it’s important to 'pack' a sense of adventure and flexibility," says Byus.

Clothing

On this list, we're covering the essentials for outdoor wear, rather than what you'll want to wear onboard. "Pack thermal layers, mid-weight, wool, and synthetic sweaters," says Byus. "These essentials are thin, lightweight, and are really easy to use as fillers in your luggage, while taking up way less space than bulkier clothes, like larger fleeces."

As for onboard clothing, most expedition ships have a casual environment, so you can leave the tuxes and gowns at home. "A lot of guests will pack different ‘wardrobes’ for on board and ashore, but they can be much more interchangeable," adds Byus. Sweaters and light fleeces are very much common shipboard fashion choices. That said, some of the ultra-luxury cruise lines do prefer their guests to wear more "resort-style" clothing for dinner so be sure to check your exact ship's dress code.

Best Parka

Wintergreen Northern Wear Combo Anorak

PHOTO:

Wintergreen Northern Wear

View on Wintergreennorthernwear.com

Many Antarctic operators provide guests with a branded parka that they can take home as a souvenir (or donate to the crew to wear when they go ashore). But, if they don't, you'll want to buy a multi-layer parka with an outer shell and an insulation layer. Wintergreen Northern Wear's Combo Anorak hits the mark, with a Durable Water Repellent shell and a 300-weight Polartec fleece lining, plus it comes in both women’s and men’s sizing.

Best Down Jacket

REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket Women's

PHOTO:

REI Co-op

$64 at REI

Since you'll likely be receiving a parka on your trip, you don't need to wear a full-blown winter coat to travel from home to your embarkation port in South America. Opt for a packable puffer jacket, which you can also wear onboard if you find yourself cold. Plus, if you aren't receiving a parka for your tour operator, this makes for a great insulating layer beneath a waterproof hard shell (if you'd prefer to buy the parka layers separately). This puffer from REI is both warm and water repellent, plus it comes in a wide range of colors and a men’s version, too.

Best Hard Shell

Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket Women's

PHOTO:

Arcteryx

View on Arcteryx.com

A hard shell is the outermost layer of your getup, and provides your body protection from wind and water. If you already have a parka, it will likely come with its own hard shell. But if you're putting together your own gear, you'll want to make sure this is your top layer. The Arc'teryx Beta AR shell is a splurge, but a worthwhile one; it's made of waterproof and windproof GORE-TEX PRO. Find it in both women’s and men’s options.

Best Vest

Patagonia Women’s Down Sweater Vest

PHOTO:

Back Country

$137 at REI $229 at backcountry.com View on Patagonia.com

Vests are great for layering underneath parkas for additional warmth. I find myself donning a vest nearly every day between morning and afternoon excursions; it's ideal to toss on over a base layer, so you don't need to change clothes multiple times a day. Patagonia's Down Sweater Vest is a classic for men or women, with a nylon shell made from recycled fishing nets and filled with Responsible Down Standard down.

Best Fleece Jacket

Hellyhansen Women's Daybreaker Fleece Jacket

PHOTO:

Hellyhansen

View on Amazon View on Hellyhansen.com

Fleeces are another layer you might want to add to your outdoor wardrobe (though if you run hot, like me, you'll probably be fine with just your base layer and your parka). Choose a lighter fleece if you plan on layering — remember, it's going to be one layer of many, so you don't need a super thick fleece that will take up a ton of space in your bag. Helly Hansen makes this lightweight fleece with all recycled materials. Plus, it comes in a wide range of colors for men and women.

Best Base Layer Top

Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top for Women

PHOTO:

Amazon

$72 at Amazon $52 at REI View on Backcountry.com

Beyond your waterproof layers, base layers are key to staying warm in Antarctica. Pick wool or synthetic materials, as these are both insulating and moisture-wicking — and they tend to have antimicrobial properties, too, which means they can be reworn without smelling too funky. Icebreaker's 200-weight base layer is made of soft merino wool that's machine washable when it does come time for a deep clean. Shop it in a range of colors with women’s and men’s sizing.

Best Base Layer Pants

Smartwool Women's Merino 250 Baselayer Bottom

PHOTO:

Amazon

$115 at REI $115 at Nordstrom $120 at backcountry.com

Don't forget your legs — they need base layers, too! Again, wool or synthetics are your best bet both for comfort and for multiple wears. SmartWool is an expert on all things wool, and in particular, soft merino wool. The women’s and men’s thermal base layer pants are nice and thin, making them easy to wear under a mid-layer. But they're still highly insulating to keep you warm, of course.

Best Waterproof Pants

Marmot PreCip Eco Pant

PHOTO:

Backcountry

$100 at backcountry.com $100 at Zappos View on Publiclands.com

You absolutely need a pair of waterproof pants in Antarctica, as there is a significant chance you'll be getting splashed on a Zodiac (a rubber, inflatable boat that you'll be taking to get to shore). You'll likely have to wade through shallow water to get ashore, too. Pro tip: wear these pants outside your boots. If you tuck them into your boots, the water will run down them into your boots. I rented this pair for my first trip to Antarctica, then ended up buying them for subsequent trips; they're easy to slip on over your other layers, and they have a zip at the bottom to help fit them over the top of your boots. (Select sizes are also available for men as well as full-zip versions for women and for men.)

Best Fleece Pants for Women

L.L. Bean PrimaLoft ThermaStretch Fleece Pants Mid-Rise

PHOTO:

L L Bean

View on L.L.Bean

Between your base layer pants and your waterproof pants, you should don some sort of mid layer, like an athletic pant. If you run cold, choose a thicker material, like fleece. L.L. Bean makes this pair of stretchy, soft, and moisture-wicking pants — the straight cut makes them work well over a base layer, though there's also a tights version you could try, too. Because they're so soft, they'll also work well to wear without the base layer when you're onboard the ship.

Best Fleece Pants for Men

L. L. Bean Men's Mountain Fleece Pants

PHOTO:

L. L. Bean

View on L.L.Bean

Fleece pants can be particularly great when you go Zodiac cruising — that is, taking a scenic tour via a Zodiac boat in places where you can't go ashore. Since you'll be sitting the whole time, not to mention dealing with the wind, you'll probably feel colder here than on land. L.L. Bean's Mountain Fleece pants are super soft and breathable, all the while keeping you warm.

Best Swimsuit for Women

Andie The Amalfi

PHOTO:

Andie

$112 at Nordstrom $98 at andieswim.com View on Gap.com

When it's time for the polar plunge, wear a bathing suit! Don't bother wearing long sleeves or pants, as they're not going to keep you warm in the water. I recommend wearing a one-piece to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions. When you jump in the water, you're not going to be thinking about your swimsuit shifting — you're going to be thinking about how to get out as fast as possible! The T+L team particularly loves Andie's The Amalfi for its customizable features as materials, torso length, and bottom coverage can all be customized.

Best Swimsuit for Men

L.L.Bean Men's Classic Supplex Sport Shorts

PHOTO:

L.L.Bean

$40 at L.L.Bean $40 at Zappos

Men shouldn't bother donning long sleeves or pants to do the polar plunge either so regular swim trunks are just fine. According to our tests, this pair of trunks should be your go-to anytime at all "as water just rolls off." When that water is below freezing, as in the case of the polar plunge, this quick-dry function will be much appreciated.

Shoes and Accessories

There are regulations about what footwear you can wear in Antarctica, so chances are your regular snow boots or hiking boots just won't cut it. Plus, you'll likely be stepping in lots of penguin guano, which has quite the fishy odor — and you don't want to take that smell back home with you. If there's anything you should rent rather than pack, it's boots for going ashore and many expedition companies provide loaner boots to guests at no extra cost.

Then, when it comes to accessories, you'll want to pack all the usual suspects for a winter trip like a warm hat, warm gloves, and warm socks. The one thing to remember is that waterproof is always better; thanks to icy sea spray and thick, wet snow, you probably won't be very dry for very long.

Best Waterproof Boots for Women

Muck Boot Company Women's Arctic Sport II Tall Boot

PHOTO:

Muck Boot Company

$150 at Dick's View on Muckbootcompany.com View on Basspro.com

"While it may seem obvious to pack tall boots for snowy conditions, what you really want are insulated rubber boots," says Brokvist. "Antarctica has strict biosecurity protocols to keep wildlife safe from illness such as avian flu. You will be required to clean your boots after each landing and then soak them in a disinfectant wash. Rubber boots make this process quick and easy." I've worn these muck boots as rentals, and they were well-insulated and waterproof. If you have narrow feet, I'd recommend bringing wool inserts to reduce the roominess inside.

Best Waterproof Boots for Men

Bogs Classic High Men's Insulated Waterproof Boots

PHOTO:

Bogs

$135 at Nordstrom View on Bogsfootwear.com View on Dsw.com

Make sure your boots are tall, since they may end up wading through water to get ashore or trudging through deep snow. Bogs is another great brand for insulated, waterproof boots. I've also worn a women's version in Antarctica as well, and I liked the support in the sole.

Best Deck Shoes

Kizik Women's Wasatch Sand

PHOTO:

Kizik

View on Kizik.com

When you're onboard, you'll want to wear sturdy closed-toe shoes that have a good grip as conditions can get slick on deck, and you'll likely have to deal with significant swell at some point during your trip. Kizik's Wasatch does the trick with its rubber treads (which also makes them a handy shoe for hiking in your embarkation or debarkation port before or after your trip south). Even better, these are hands-free shoes that you can easily slip on and off, which is particularly helpful when you head down to the mudroom to get your boots on for an excursion. In the past, I've brought slides for easy shoe changes, but they're not the sturdiest shoe to wear onboard. This pair also comes in men’s sizing.

Best Hat

Sealskinz Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Hat

PHOTO:

REI

$35 at REI

Generally speaking, you'll want to wear a winter hat that's both warm and fairly tight-fitting, as the winds can whip hats right off your head if you're not careful. You'll get bonus points if you choose a waterproof hat, like this multi-layer one by Sealskinz. It has a foldable ear panel to keep your ears toasty, as well as an adjustable and elasticized back to make sure it fits securely.

Best Earmuffs

Outdoor Research Gore-tex Infinium Ear Band

PHOTO:

Outdoor Research

View on Outdoorresearch.com

On bright and sunny days, you might want to wear earmuffs instead of a winter hat — it can get very warm ashore, pushing 50 degrees in some cases. Plus, you can always use your parka hood for additional warmth if necessary. This earmuff headband by Outdoor Research is made with Gore-tex material that's designed to be windproof.

Best Gloves

EnergeticSky Waterproof Winter Gloves

PHOTO:

Amazon

$24 at Amazon

Waterproofing is key when it comes to gloves. When you're in a Zodiac boat, you'll likely hang onto the lines to keep yourself secure — and it's all too common for your hands to be splashed here. But something else to consider is the fact you'll probably be using a phone to take photos. These gloves are touchscreen-friendly, but they also have fingertip caps that can be removed if you need additional dexterity. One warning: there's a limit to their waterproofing. My gloves were soaked inside and out after a particularly wet day in Alaska though, to be fair, they made it through several polar trips before that without an issue.

Best Glove Liners

Burton Touchscreen Glove Liner

PHOTO:

Moosejaw

$21 at Amazon View on Moosejaw.com View on Burton.com

If your fingers get cold easily, you should pack glove liners for an additional layer of insulation. This pair by Burton is touchscreen-compatible, so you can still take photos on your phone while you're wearing them. They're also quick-drying in case they get wet.

Best Neck Gaiter

Icebreaker Unisex Merino Flexi Chute

PHOTO:

Amazon

View on Amazon View on Icebreaker.com

Gaiters are ideal for insulation around your neck, protecting you against any cold or wind that might seep in. But they're especially useful for covering your face to protect against the wind during a Zodiac ride. This one by Icebreaker is made out of soft, warm merino wool.

Best Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Women's Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks

PHOTO:

Amazon

$25 at Amazon $25 at REI $25 at darntough.com

Wool socks will keep your toes warm, so pack plenty of them and don't be afraid of doubling up if you get extra cold. "Don’t skimp on your wool socks," says Byus. "Pack plenty to keep your toes nice and warm while you’re hiking across the last great wilderness." I've worn Darn Tough socks many polar adventures, and they've always kept my feet warm. Plus, I've been able to wear them for several days before needing to give them a wash.

Best Polarized Sunglasses

Bajío Calda Sunglasses

PHOTO:

Bajio

View on Orvis.com View on Bajiosunglasses.com

"One thing a lot of travelers don’t often immediately think to pack for a trip to Antarctica is a pair of sunglasses," says Byus. "The stark, white ice and snow are hard on the eyes, especially with the bright sun shining down on the icy desert landscape." T+L tests recommend Bajío's Calda sunglasses for boating and, since you're on Zodiacs so often, you're basically boating in Antarctica. They have lightweight frames and polarized lenses to reduce the blinding glare from the snow and ice as well as the water.

Best Eyewear Retainers

Chums Slim Retainer Unisex Eyewear Keeper

PHOTO:

Amazon

$10 at REI View on Chums.com

More than a handful of people have lost their glasses or sunglasses to the Southern Ocean. Don't be one of them — don a pair of eyewear retainers to keep them attached to you. Pick one with an adjustable strap, like this one by Chums, so you can cinch your glasses to your head.

Bags

Overall, the fewer bags, the better. "Minimize the size of your baggage," says Brokvist. "Traveling to Antarctica is not easy and you'll be subjected to a variety of planes, automobiles, and tenders. Having a light and reasonably sized bag makes the process far easier."

Best Large Duffel

Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L

PHOTO:

Backcountry

$419 at backcountry.com $419 at patagonia.com $419 at evo.com

"My strong suggestion is a medium to large wheeled duffel bag," says Brokvist. "The duffel aspect makes storage easy because the bag collapses very small, and the wheeled portion makes it easy to get around airports and transition zones during travel." Patagonia's Black Hole version topped T+L rolling duffel test; not only is it very spacious, but it's also made out of a durable, weather-resistant ripstop material.

Best Checked Suitcase

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage With Spinner Wheels

PHOTO:

Amazon

$262 at Amazon

Don't have a duffel? You can use a regular suitcase instead, but make sure your accommodation has the space to store it. This Samsonite bag is our top pick for checked luggage for its durability and expandable storage system. Plus, it's more affordable than some of the trending bags on the market.

Best Dry Bag

Patagonia Guidewater Backpack

PHOTO:

Patagonia

$194 at REI $135 at backcountry.com View on Patagonia.com

By this point in the checklist, you should probably know that waterproofing is essential in Antarctica. If you're taking a bag ashore, it stands that it should be waterproof, too — especially if you're packing sensitive camera gear inside. Most dry bags are roll-top, which is a very secure method of waterproofing, but can be a bit cumbersome. This dry bag has a zipper like a traditional backpack, which makes it easier to access what's stored inside.

Best Packable Duffel

REI Co-op Roadtripper 40 Duffel

PHOTO:

REI

$50 at REI

I always take a packable bag with me on my travels for any extra goodies I might pick up along the way. If you're given a parka, you'll want to ensure you have space somewhere in your bags to take it home (unless you want to wear it the whole way back). For me, that spot is in a folding duffel, namely this lightweight, easy-to-pack bag from REI.

Gear

Choosing what gear to bring is a largely personal preference, but here are some items that we'd suggest packing for your trip to Antarctica.

Best Adaptor

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

PHOTO:

Amazon

$23 at Amazon $23 at Walmart View on Epickatech.com

Ships frequently have a variety of outlet types, so you'll want to pack an adapter to make sure you can charge up your phone and camera batteries. T+L testers rave about this universal adapter from Epicka, which has four USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, and 1 AC socket.

Best Reusable Water Bottle

HydraPak 500 ml Stow Bottle

PHOTO:

REI

$18 at Amazon $19 at REI

Some companies will give you a reusable water bottle to use on your trip and take home with you, but I prefer using a Hydrapak for shore excursions because they're easier to fit into a parka pocket. It's worth noting that, since there are no bathrooms onshore, you might want to go light on the water consumption while you're out there.

Best Binoculars

Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 10x25 Waterproof Binoculars

PHOTO:

Nocs Provisions

View on Nocsprovisions.com

Though you'll likely get up close and personal with wildlife on your trip to Antarctica, it's a good idea to bring binoculars to spot anything that's a bit farther away, whether that’s birds, seals, or whales. Most ships will have high-end binoculars that you can borrow while you're onboard. But to go ashore, I like these compact, rugged binoculars by Nocs, which can handle the extreme conditions of Antarctica. And they're small enough to — you guessed it — be put into a parka pocket.

Best Weather-resistant Camera

OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Black Underwater Camera

PHOTO:

Amazon

$500 at Amazon View on B&H Photo Video View on Omsystem.com

If you're not a pro photographer and would prefer to take an easy-to-use, point-and-shoot camera to document your trip, this one by Olympus is waterproof, so you don't have to worry about getting it wet on your excursions. It's quite pricey, however, so you might want to consider getting an earlier or refurbished model for a lower price.

Best Phone Lanyard

Doormoon Phone Lanyard

PHOTO:

Amazon

$10 at Amazon

Many guests think tossing their phone in a waterproof pouch with a lanyard is the best way to take their phone ashore. But photos never come out perfectly when you're shooting through plastic, so you'll probably end up taking your phone out of the case anyway. That's why I prefer using a phone lanyard without a waterproof case (and many smartphones have some degree of waterproofness, too). A lanyard like this one — which tucks into a standard phone case — helps prevent you from dropping a phone over the edge of a Zodiac, which did happen to another guest on one of my trips to Antarctica. To protect my phone on extra soggy days, I simply tuck it into my parka.

Best Sunscreen

EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen

PHOTO:

Amazon

$31 at Amazon $23 at Walmart $31 at skinstore.com

No, Antarctica isn't a beach vacation destination, but you'll need to pack sunscreen all the same. Thanks to all the blinding white snow, ice, and seawater that's reflecting sunlight in all directions, sunburn is a serious concern in Antarctica. This one is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and rated SPF 50 to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

Best Hand Cream

Fenty Skin Hydra’Reset Intensive Recovery Glycerin Hand Mask

PHOTO:

Sephora

$14 at Sephora View on Fentybeauty.com $14 at kohls.com

Despite the water all around you, the air is rather dry in Antarctica, so your skin will dry out quickly and the cold temperatures only exacerbate this effect. In addition to whatever facial moisturizer you use, pack some heavy-duty hand cream. This one by Fenty is designed to be used overnight as a hand mask for maximum restoration. (Some ships will provide lotion for you — but always ask ahead).

Best Non-medicated Seasickness Preventative

Sea-Band Comforting Acupressure Bands

PHOTO:

Amazon

$9 at Amazon $16 at riteaid.com

If you suffer from seasickness, consider taking over-the-counter or prescribed medications. But if you'd prefer a non-medicated option, try Sea-bands, which are bracelets that target a pressure point on your inner wrist to reportedly reduce nausea.

What to Know Before You Pack for Antarctica

Pack light

There's no need to put on a fashion show for the penguins, and multifunctional pieces are your best bet. "In the expedition environment it's typical to wear articles of clothing a few days in a row," says Brokvist. "Some ships offer laundry service, too."

Bring duplicates of anything that can get wet…or lost at sea

If you're on a ship that carries fewer than 200 people, you'll likely be going ashore twice a day, which means your clothing and gear will see a lot of use. Since you might get wet on this ride, it's best to bring duplicates of anything that might get too wet to wear twice in one day, like gloves or hats.

And if there's any item that has a chance of being lost at sea, bring a backup. "I actually recommend guests bring two pairs of sunglasses with them," says Byus. "On my first trip, I only brought one pair and sadly I lost them."

Opt for wool or synthetic layers

Wool materials are moisture-wicking, insulating, and usually anti-microbial (which means they don't develop bad odors for a while!). Cotton, on the other hand, gets wet and stays wet — it's not a good insulator.

Leave space in your bag for your parka

Many operators provide you with parkas that you can take home as a souvenir. While they're beautiful pieces of gear, they're bulky; make sure you leave space in your bag to bring them home, or prepare to wear it on the plane. Bringing a packable duffle bag can also help solve that problem.

Skip the daypack if you can

To get ashore, you'll be taking Zodiacs, which means you'll be wearing a lifejacket over your parka. I've found that tossing a backpack over one causes you to become very bulky and lose some mobility. Plus, some operators require you to also wear your lifejacket while you're walking around onshore.

Instead, I recommend making parka pockets your best friend so you don't have to deal with any extra straps. There are usually tons of pockets in a parka — certainly enough to hold a small water bottle, binoculars, and a phone or point-and-shoot camera. If you're toting your big, water-averse DSLR and suite of lenses, though, you're probably going to want to carry a bag. And, in that case, it needs to be waterproof.

Consider renting gear

Some Antarctica operators provide guests the option of renting gear, which can save space in your suitcase — and the gear will be delivered to you on the ship. "I definitely recommend renting gear you wouldn’t use regularly in your daily life back home. For instance, if you live in Florida, you likely do not need to own a pair of Antarctic-ready snow boots," says Byus. "Renting gear is also an incredibly convenient thing to do; boots take up a lot of space in your suitcase, so let us handle it and they’ll be waiting for you on board when you get here."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weather like in Antarctica?

Overall, expect standard wintry conditions in Antarctica: temperatures around freezing, occasional snow, and some sunny days. Truthfully, it's not as cold as you might expect, since you're visiting during the continent's summer months. However, the weather on the continent is highly variable and can change at a moment's notice — that's why it's always best to wear layers, allowing you to adjust to the conditions accordingly.

What clothing do cruise lines typically provide?

This varies per operator, but common gear provided to guests include parkas, waterproof pants, waterproof rubber boots, and hiking poles. While you can usually keep your parka, the other gear is simply loaned out for your use.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure contributor Stefanie Waldek is a freelance travel writer with a decade of experience who has visited Antarctica five times. For this article, she has tapped into the expertise of Antarctica specialists Trey Byus, Chief Expedition Officer at Lindblad Expeditions, and Colby Brokvist, an Antarctic expedition leader for Natural Habitat Adventures, a certified senior polar guide with the Polar Tourism Guide's Association, and author of The Professional Guide's Handbook. All product selections were based on input from the T+L team's gear tests, personal experience, and extensive research.

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Edited by

Morgan Ashley Parker