To main content
8665520371
Find Your Cruise Destinations Our Ships Request a Quote
  • Find a Voyage
  • Destinations
  • Our Ships
  • Special Offers
  • Excursions
  • Land Adventures
  • Get Inspired
8665520371
Search
  • Map
  • Why Cruise with Hurtigruten
  • About Hurtigruten
  • Practical Information
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Register for our Newsletter!
  • Request a Quote
  • Order Brochures
  • Press
  • Contact Us
Updating your booking
Info: We at Hurtigruten use cookies to optimize our websites for your needs. By using this website you consent to our cookie policy
Discover the untouched nature
Feel like a real explorer Photo: Marsel van Oosten Photo
  • View related cruises

Polar packing: What to bring on your trip to Antarctica

Planning a trip to the Antarctic continent and wondering what to bring? You're not alone. That's why we compiled a list of all the necessary things to bring to the most remote continent on Earth.

When you're packing for your Antarctic Expedition there's one piece of sage advice you should always carry with you: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing." (The phrase was technically coined by the Scandinavians, of course, but hey - it's just as relevant this far south of the equator). 

First things first: Despite the fact that Antarctica is cold enough to be the only uninhabitable continent on the face of the planet, you are not going to freeze while you're visiting. Think about it this way: You're visiting the warmest part of the continent during the warmest season of the year, and your proximity to the ocean (this is a cruise, after all), means the brutal temperatures of the least inhabited continent will be mitigated to some extent. 

Luckily, we provide a wind/water-resistant jacket, as well as a pair of boots, but as anyone who's ever been skiing (or sledding, or snowshoeing) knows, feeling comfortable in the cold is all about layering. Here's what you'll need to pack to stay warm and happy on your expedition - whether you're sipping a cocktail from your cabin or kayaking through chunks of cracked ice. 

The article continues after the video.

Woolen layers

The best advice we can give you about packing for Antarctica? Never underestimate the power of long underwear. Your base layer is perhaps the most important - and it's important to bring a few different sets. Thin wool is one of the best options, as it's not too tight to prevent a warm layer of air from forming around your body, but it's also ultra-insulating. Long pants or leggings, a few woolen long-sleeved tops and plenty of thin woolen socks are at the top of every "exploring Antarctica" list around. The bonus? It's really comfortable to sleep in, too. 

Fleece 

So you've got your woolen layers ready - now what? While several second layers function well over a warm base, fleece is one of the warmest and most versatile. It's a great layering piece because you can wear it on its own on warmer days, on board the ship while you're relaxing and underneath a windbreaker on the coldest days of your expedition. 

Thick socks 

Many people underestimate the power of layering your socks, but keeping your feet snug and warm will in turn keep your body warm (heat tends to escape through your limbs). Over those thin woolen socks you packed, put a thicker pair to trap even more heat. The two in combination won't be too thick to fit inside your waterproof boots, but they'll be doubly warm. 

Sunglasses 

This one might surprise you, but Antarctica can actually be a pretty sunny place (sometimes even in the middle of the night). Pair that with the endless expanse of reflective white snow, and you have a recipe for a ton of glare. While any sunglasses will be helpful, it's best to opt for polarized ones on a trip like this. An even better idea: Bring an extra pair, just in case. 

A camera (and waterproof bag)

You will undoubtedly want to take photos while you're visiting (how many people can say they've been to Antarctica?), so make sure you bring a good camera and several lenses. While regular point-and-shoot cameras work fine, the glare makes exposure and white balance tricky - and you could end up with photos that aren't so great. Whichever kind of camera you opt to bring along for the ride, make sure you have a waterproof bag, as rough waters and rides in the Zodiac mean you will likely get splashed at some point. (Plus nothing is worse that dropping your camera in the snow.)

Waterproof walking shoes with traction 

Tall, waterproof boots are crucial for exploring the mainland, but you'll want comfortable, warm walking shoes for the towns you visit farther north and the hikes you may go on in the Falkland Islands. There's likely to be ice wherever you are, though, so make sure they have good traction. 

​Underlayer gloves

​Underlayer gloves keep your hands warm in a similar way that those thin woolen socks keep your feet warm. They help trap warm air between your gloves and your hands, and they're great to have on hand (literally) when you need to do things that require a little more dexterity, like changing your camera lens. 

A face mask 

Winds in Antarctica can be intense, especially when you're cruising along the water in a Zodiac. Make sure you bring a face mask to help keep you warm - and prevent some serious wind burn. 

Sunscreen

Antarctica may be cold, but it's the highest continent on Earth and is located under a relatively thinner layer of ozone than most places. Make sure any exposed areas of your skin (most likely your face) are covered in a protective layer of sunscreen to prevent burns. 

Hat 

This one goes without saying - in such a cold climate, you're going to need a good hat that covers your ears. 

Moisturizer and lip balm

Due to Antarctica's low temperatures and high altitude, the air is pretty dry. Your skin and lips may get a little scaly, so be sure you have plenty of moisturizers on board. 

Miscellaneous:

  • When you're out on excursions, you'll need to have access to plenty of water. Traditional water bottles might not be able to handle the cold, and your water might be ice by the time you get to it. Look into getting an insulated winter water bottle to prevent this from happening.
  • Don't forget your passport! You'll need it at every stop along the way.
  • Bring along a journal so you can take notes about what happened on your vacation. Antarctica is a unique experience - you'll want to remember as many details as possible.

If you think this packing list looks a little like the one you made for your last ski vacation, you're not alone - packing for the two are actually pretty similar. Our last bit of advice? Try not to over​-pack - this is one adventure you don't want to be bogged down during!


Read more about Antarctica:

  • 9 reasons to travel to Antarctica
  • Climate change in Antarctica
  • The Antarctic History of Exploration
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Cruises
  • Similar great experiences

Related Cruises

  • Limited Availability - Please Call!

    Christmas Adventure in Antarctica 2018

    Join us for a Christmas adventure at the end of the world – in Antarctica - and celebrate the New Year with penguins, seals and whales. Enjoy the diverse wildlife and incredible beauty of the landscape with icebergs floating by. This adventure to one of Earth’s farthest corners promises much, including a guaranteed white Christmas!

    MS Midnatsol
    Departure
    December 20, 2018
    Duration
    15-days
    See cruise
  • This Ship has Sailed

    Southern Hemisphere Adventure to Antarctica - Southbound

    On this adventure you will experience South America, Patagonia, the Falkland Islands - and Antarctica. See penguins, seals and whales. Take hikes on the ice and go kayaking in among icebergs. Our extensive on-board program, excursions and activities make this a dream for any adventurer, not matter your age.

    MS Midnatsol
    Departure
    Oct 22, 2018
    Duration
    17-days
    See cruise

You may also like

  • Antarctica_13122013_358-High©Marsel-van-Oosten.jpg

    Changing Climate in Antarctica

    With the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the early 18th century, human beings have been...

  • Drake_Passage_R7D6256.jpg

    15 Interesting Facts About Antarctica

    On the southernmost tip of the planet sits one of the world's most massive and mysterious landmasses...

Hurtigruten LTD

Hurtigruten, Inc.

Phone:

8665520371
or contact a Certified Hurtigruten Specialist

Feedback: 
[email protected]

Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address:
1505 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 125, Seattle, WA 98109
  • Register for our Newsletter
  • Request a Quote
  • Order Brochures
  • Make a Payment
  • Charters and Incentives
  • Customer Loyalty Program
  • Hurtigruten US Agents Website
  • Hurtigruten Svalbard
  • Careers
  • About Hurtigruten
  • Press
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • iaato-logo.png

Search for destinations, attractions, or information

Got a promotion code?