Packing for Antarctica feels overwhelming until you understand the system. I spent weeks before my December 2023 expedition researching gear, reading packing lists, and worrying about whether I would be prepared for polar conditions.
Here is what I wish someone had told me from the start: most operators provide the most important items. You do not need to invest thousands in polar gear. The packing challenge is simpler than it appears.
This guide covers everything you need to pack, what your operator will provide, and a few things I wish I had done differently.
What Your Operator Will Provide
Before you buy anything expensive, check what your operator includes. Most Antarctic expedition operators provide the two most crucial items:
Expedition parka: Nearly all operators provide a heavy, waterproof parka that handles Antarctic conditions. Many let you keep it as a souvenir. These parkas are high quality, specifically selected for polar use, and would cost several hundred dollars to purchase yourself.
Waterproof boots: Most operators loan rubber boots sized to fit over thick socks. These are essential for wet and dry zodiac landings. You wear them constantly during excursions. Bringing your own waterproof boots is unnecessary and wastes luggage space.
Some operators also provide waterproof pants, backpacks for excursions, and other gear. Check your specific operator's inclusions before packing.
Why does this matter? Because knowing what is provided means you can focus your packing on the layers underneath rather than worrying about technical outerwear. The expensive, specialized polar gear is handled.
On my trip with Atlas Ocean Voyages, the provided parka was genuinely excellent. I expected token quality and received something I would have been happy to purchase. The boots fit well over my thick socks and handled every landing condition we encountered.
The Layering System Explained
Antarctic dressing works through layers rather than a single heavy garment. This system lets you adjust to changing conditions, activity levels, and the dramatic temperature swings of Antarctic weather.
Base layer: This sits against your skin. Its job is wicking moisture away from your body. When you exert yourself hiking to a viewpoint, you sweat. If that moisture stays against your skin, you get cold. Proper base layers move moisture outward, keeping you dry.
Material matters here. Merino wool is excellent: warm, odor-resistant, and effective when damp. Synthetic materials like polyester blends also work well. Cotton is the one material to avoid. Cotton absorbs moisture and holds it against your skin, making you cold. Leave your cotton undershirts at home.
Mid layer: This is your insulation. The mid layer traps warm air around your body. Fleece jackets and pullovers work well. Down or synthetic puffy jackets provide excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. On active days, a thin fleece might be enough. On cold zodiac cruises where you sit still, you might want heavier insulation.
Outer layer: This blocks wind and water. Your operator-provided parka handles this role during landings. For ship time, you might want a lighter wind-resistant jacket.
The beauty of layering is adjustment. Starting a hike, you might shed your mid layer and carry it in your pack. Sitting in a zodiac cruising among icebergs, you might add an extra insulating layer. The same clothing works across different conditions through different combinations.
Base Layers: Your Foundation
Pack more base layers than you think you need. They are lightweight, pack small, and you will use them constantly.
Long-sleeve base layer tops: Bring 3 to 4. You will likely wear one each day, possibly changing if you get sweaty during active landings. Merino wool or synthetic. Avoid cotton.
Base layer bottoms or leggings: Bring 3 to 4. These go under your pants and provide essential warmth for your legs. Again, merino or synthetic.
Socks: Bring 5 to 7 pairs of wool or synthetic socks. Your feet are critical. Cold feet ruin everything. Thick wool hiking socks work well in the operator-provided boots. I brought extra socks and used every pair, rotating through them as some got damp from boot condensation.
The brand does not matter as much as the material. Smartwool, Icebreaker, and REI house brands all make quality base layers. Avoid cheap cotton alternatives even if they claim to be "thermal."
What I wore most: A merino wool base layer top became my uniform. I wore it under fleece during landings, on its own during warmer ship time, and layered with everything else when conditions demanded. One item, constant use.
Mid Layers: The Warmth Zone
Mid layers provide the bulk of your insulation. How many you need depends on how cold you run and what conditions you encounter.
Fleece jackets or pullovers: Bring 2 to 3. These are your workhorse mid layers. Lightweight fleece for active landings where you generate heat. Heavier fleece for sitting in zodiacs or standing still photographing wildlife.
Packable puffy jacket: Bring 1. A down or synthetic insulated jacket that compresses small is invaluable. When conditions turn cold, you layer this under your parka for serious warmth. It also works as a pillow on the ship and extra insulation if your cabin feels cold.
Fleece pants or soft shell pants: Consider 1 pair. On cold days, fleece pants under your outer layer provide leg insulation beyond what base layers alone offer. Not everyone needs these, but they saved me on a particularly bitter zodiac cruise.
Versatility matters in mid layers. Pieces that work alone or in combination give you the most options. I found myself constantly adjusting, adding and removing layers as conditions shifted throughout each day.
The mid layer I lived in: A medium-weight fleece pullover with a quarter-zip. Easy to vent when active, warm enough for most conditions when combined with the parka. I wore it probably 80 percent of the time on the ship and during landings.
Outer Layers: Your Shield
If your operator provides a parka, you are covered for landings. The provided gear handles wind, water, and serious cold.
If your operator does not provide a parka, or if you want a backup for ship time, look for something waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Gore-Tex or similar materials work well. The jacket should be large enough to layer over your mid layers.
Waterproof pants are essential for zodiac rides and wet landings. Many operators provide these. If yours does not, bring waterproof rain pants or shell pants. Every zodiac ride involves some spray, and wet landings mean stepping into water. Your legs need protection.
The importance of wind resistance cannot be overstated. Antarctic wind cuts through non-protective fabric instantly. Even on days when air temperature is reasonable, wind makes exposed skin feel bitter. Your outer layer is your shield.
On one afternoon zodiac cruise, conditions shifted from calm to windy mid-excursion. Those of us properly layered remained comfortable. A few travelers who had underestimated conditions were shivering within minutes. The right outer layer makes the difference.
Footwear Beyond the Boots
Your operator provides boots for landings, but you need footwear for ship life too.
Comfortable walking shoes: The ship interiors are warm. You will spend significant time indoors between excursions. Comfortable sneakers, lightweight hiking shoes, or similar work fine.
Slippers or cabin shoes: Your cabin becomes your refuge. Having cozy footwear to slip on makes it more comfortable. I brought cheap fleece slippers and used them constantly.
Extra socks: Worth repeating. Even with operator boots, your feet can get damp from condensation or spray. Having fresh socks available improves every outing. I changed socks probably twice daily.
Gaiters are useful but not essential. They prevent snow from entering the gap between your pants and boots. Some operators provide them. If you own them already, bring them. If not, do not buy them specifically for this trip.
Cold Weather Accessories
Your extremities lose heat fastest. Protecting hands, head, and neck matters enormously.
Hats and beanies: Bring 2 to 3. You will lose one, or one will get wet, or you will want options. A warm beanie that covers your ears is essential. A lighter option works for milder days or ship time.
Neck gaiter or balaclava: Essential for wind protection. A fleece neck gaiter that pulls up over your nose and cheeks saves you on windy days. Some people prefer a balaclava that covers the entire face with eye openings. Either works.
Gloves strategy: This is important enough to detail:
Thin liner gloves for dexterity. When photographing, you need finger mobility to operate camera controls. Thin merino or synthetic liners let you work your camera while providing some warmth.
Warm mittens or insulated gloves for general use. When you are not actively manipulating equipment, you want maximum warmth. Mittens are warmer than gloves because your fingers share heat.
Waterproof outer gloves or mittens. Zodiac spray and handling wet ropes mean your hand protection gets wet. Waterproof shells over your liners keep you dry.
Hand and toe warmers: Bring more than you think. These small heat packets slip into gloves or boots and provide hours of warmth. On cold days, they transform comfort levels. I used them almost daily and wished I had brought more.
The accessory I used most: My neck gaiter. I wore it every single excursion, pulled up over my face on windy days, down around my neck on calmer days. One simple piece of fleece made a massive difference.
Sunglasses and Eye Protection
Do not underestimate UV exposure. Snow reflects sunlight intensely, and you are at high latitude where ozone protection is reduced.
Polarized sunglasses: Essential. Not optional. The combination of snow reflection, water glare, and bright conditions strains your eyes. Polarized lenses cut glare dramatically and make viewing wildlife easier.
Backup pair: Equally essential. If you lose or break your primary sunglasses, you need an alternative. I brought two pairs and used both, switching when one got wet or fogged.
Glacier glasses: For very bright conditions, glacier glasses with side shields block light from all angles. Not strictly necessary for most Peninsula expeditions, but helpful on intensely bright days.
Prescription wearers should plan carefully. Contact lenses work fine in Antarctic conditions. If you wear glasses, consider prescription sunglasses or clip-on polarized lenses. Having a backup prescription option prevents a bad situation if something breaks.
Camera and Photography Gear
Detailed photography guidance is available in our wildlife photography tips. Here are the packing essentials:
Extra batteries: Cold drains batteries dramatically. Bring at least twice as many as you think you need. Keep spares in an inner pocket where your body heat maintains them. Swap batteries before your camera dies at a crucial moment.
Memory cards: More than you think. You will shoot thousands of images. Better to have extra cards than delete images under pressure. I filled three 128GB cards on an 11-day trip and wished I had brought a fourth.
Waterproof protection: Zodiac spray hits everything. A waterproof camera bag or dry bag protects your gear during transfers. Even rain covers help when conditions turn wet.
Lens cloths: Bring several. Salt spray, condensation from temperature changes, and penguin-adjacent debris all affect your lens. Clean cloths are constantly needed.
The gear decision I got right: Bringing a separate waterproof pouch for zodiac rides. Every transfer, my camera went into the pouch until I was stable on shore or back on the ship. Never had a spray incident.
Electronics and Power
Ships have limited outlets. Plan for charging multiple devices.
Universal power adapter: Ships may have outlets from different countries. A universal adapter handles any configuration. Some ships have USB charging available, but not always where you need it.
Portable charger or power bank: Invaluable for topping up phones and small devices when outlets are occupied or unavailable. A high-capacity charger can handle multiple phone charges.
Phone: Works well for casual photos and video, and for using ship WiFi if available. Keep it in an inner pocket to protect the battery from cold.
E-reader or tablet: Sea days want entertainment. Books work fine, but e-readers save space if you read a lot. I brought my Kindle and finished two books during Drake crossings.
Charging discipline: Develop a routine. Charge devices overnight every night. Top up during meals. Do not arrive at an excursion with a dead camera battery.
Toiletries and Personal Items
Standard travel toiletries plus a few specific considerations:
Reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen: Required by IAATO guidelines. Traditional sunscreens harm marine ecosystems. Mineral-based options protect you without damaging the environment. Apply daily even when overcast.
Lip balm with SPF: Essential. Your lips will crack and burn without protection. The combination of UV exposure, wind, and cold air dries them quickly. I applied multiple times daily.
Moisturizer: Antarctic air is surprisingly dry. Skin gets chapped and uncomfortable without help. A simple face moisturizer makes the trip more comfortable.
Personal medications: Bring enough for the entire trip plus extras for delays. Keep them in your carry-on in case checked luggage is delayed or lost.
Seasickness remedies: Options include prescription scopolamine patches, over-the-counter options like Dramamine or Bonine, and natural alternatives like ginger. Discuss with your doctor before the trip. Bring whatever works for you.
Basic first aid items: Bandaids, pain relievers, antibiotic cream. The ship has medical facilities, but minor issues are easier to handle yourself.
Clothing for Onboard
Ship life is casual. Expedition cruises are not formal affairs.
Comfortable pants: Jeans work fine onboard. Quick-dry hiking pants are versatile. Bring 2 to 3 pairs.
Sweaters and fleece: Your mid layers work for ship time too. The ship is generally warm, but you might want a light layer.
T-shirts or casual shirts: For meals and evening programs. Nothing fancy.
Swimsuit: If your ship has a hot tub, you might use it. Also required for the polar plunge if you participate.
No formal nights. No dress code beyond "clean and presentable." One of the pleasures of expedition travel is leaving that cruise ship formality behind.
What NOT to Pack
Avoid these common mistakes:
Formal wear: Not needed. Leave the suit, the dress shoes, the cocktail dress at home. No one dresses up.
Heavy jeans: Cotton takes forever to dry if wet. If you want jeans for ship time, fine, but keep them away from landings.
Cotton base layers: Worth repeating. Cotton kills in cold environments. The phrase exists for a reason. Wet cotton against your skin accelerates heat loss.
Excessive shoes: Space is limited. You need landing boots (provided), comfortable ship shoes, and maybe slippers. Three pairs maximum.
Too many "just in case" items: Pack for what you will actually do, not every possible scenario. You can survive without the fourth sweater or the fifth pair of socks. Probably.
What I brought and never used: An extra heavy fleece vest that seemed essential when packing. Never wore it once. The layers I did bring combined well enough that the vest stayed in my cabin the entire trip. Now I know better.
Luggage Considerations
How you pack matters as much as what you pack.
Soft-sided bags preferred: Many expedition ships have limited storage space. Soft bags squeeze into odd cabin corners. Hard cases sometimes do not fit.
Weight limits: Check your operator's guidelines and your airline's allowances. Flying to Ushuaia often involves connections with stricter limits than international flights.
Carry-on essentials: In case checked luggage is delayed, your carry-on should include medications, one full set of base and mid layers, camera gear, essential toiletries, and travel documents. Enough to survive the first day if needed.
Lost luggage backup: Some travelers pack a complete outfit in their travel companion's luggage. If one bag is lost, both people have enough to manage.
Biosecurity: Clean Gear Requirements
Antarctica requires clean gear. This is not optional or casual.
IAATO protocols mandate that all clothing and equipment going ashore must be clean and free of seeds, soil, and organic material. This prevents introducing invasive species to the Antarctic ecosystem.
Before your trip, inspect and clean everything: boots, gaiters, bags, tripod legs, velcro strips, pockets. Seeds lodge in surprising places. Velcro is particularly notorious for trapping plant material.
On the ship, you will attend a mandatory biosecurity briefing. Staff may inspect your gear. Take this seriously. The pristine nature of Antarctica depends on visitors not bringing contaminants.
Velcro-free clothing is preferred when possible. Seeds stick to velcro and resist removal. Not always avoidable, but worth considering.
Packing for the Drake Passage
The Drake crossing deserves specific preparation.
Seasickness remedies accessible: Pack these in your carry-on and keep them handy. If you wait until you feel sick to take medication, it is too late.
Comfortable clothes: You might spend two days primarily in your cabin or the ship's lounges. Comfort matters more than style.
Entertainment: Books, e-reader, downloaded content for your tablet. Sea days need occupation.
Items secured: Rough seas mean things move around. Secure loose items in your cabin. Keep your camera bag somewhere it will not fall.
For detailed Drake information, see our guide on crossing the Drake Passage.
The Packing Checklist Summary
Clothing - Base Layers
- 3-4 long-sleeve moisture-wicking tops
- 3-4 base layer bottoms
- 5-7 pairs wool or synthetic socks
Clothing - Mid Layers
- 2-3 fleece jackets or pullovers
- 1 packable puffy jacket
- 1 pair fleece pants (optional)
Clothing - Outer Layers
- Waterproof pants (if not operator-provided)
- Light wind jacket for ship
Accessories
- 2-3 warm hats
- 1 neck gaiter or balaclava
- Liner gloves, warm gloves, waterproof shells
- Hand and toe warmers (many)
Eyewear
- Polarized sunglasses
- Backup sunglasses
Photography
- Extra batteries (many)
- Extra memory cards
- Waterproof bag or dry bag
- Lens cloths
Electronics
- Universal power adapter
- Portable charger
- Phone
- E-reader (optional)
Toiletries
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Moisturizer
- Personal medications
- Seasickness remedies
- Basic first aid
Onboard
- 2-3 comfortable pants
- Casual shirts and sweaters
- Comfortable shoes
- Slippers
- Swimsuit
Conclusion
Packing for Antarctica is simpler than it seems once you understand the system. Your operator provides the technical outerwear. You provide the layers underneath and the accessories that protect your extremities.
Focus on quality base and mid layers in merino or synthetic materials. Bring more socks and gloves than you think you need. Pack hand warmers generously. Protect your eyes from UV. And remember that cotton is the enemy.
The trip itself will be extraordinary. The packing is just logistics to get you there comfortable and prepared.
For more on what to expect, see our complete guide to Antarctic expeditions or our guides on Antarctic weather and daily life aboard.