Essential Packing Guide for Your Journey to Antarctica

Packing can sometimes be as easy as throwing a few swimsuits and some travel-sized sunscreen into a bag. If you forget something, you can often buy it at your destination.

However, when preparing for expeditions to extreme climates and remote locations, packing demands meticulous planning. Once you leave home, finding replacement items may not be an option, and lacking the proper gear can jeopardize your trip—or even pose a safety risk.

Antarctica is one such place.

After booking a December sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula as a guest of Atlas Ocean Voyages aboard the World Navigator, I received a leather folio detailing my journey, which included a thorough packing list for my Antarctica cruise.

"When embarking on an Antarctic adventure, remember to dress in layers," stated the guidebook.

Layering is essential for any outdoor activity, whether you're planning a day hike or journeying to the ends of the Earth. If you've ever prepared for a ski vacation, you likely have the essentials already. Here’s a breakdown of what I packed for my nine-night cruise in Antarctica — and what I wish I had included.

What I packed for my Antarctic trip

My past experience with winter camping helped me pack effectively for Antarctica, but if you're a novice at cold-weather trips, keep this crucial tip in mind as you compile your packing list:

When venturing off the ship in Antarctica, steer clear of moisture-retaining cotton. Opt for materials like wool, advanced Capilene, and synthetic fibers such as polyester and fleece. During the austral summer, temperatures generally hover between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, based on information from Atlas.

However, it’s the wind (being the windiest place on Earth) and the splashes you’ll encounter on a Zodiac cruise that can make it feel significantly colder.

Therefore, ensure you have an ample supply of moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics. Keep in mind that water-resistant is not the same as waterproof when selecting your outer layers and accessories.

Base layers

I brought along a couple of long-sleeve base layer tops that I cycled through during the cruise, along with a pair of long underwear (thankfully, we had the luxury of onboard laundry). I also packed standard synthetic performance leggings (think Lycra and nylon) that were perfect for lounging on the ship, fitting under waterproof layers, or using at the gym.

Midlayers

Into my suitcase went a pair of cozy fleece leggings and a snug fleece half-zip, along with several full-zip midlayers crafted from various synthetic materials and a puffy vest.

My winter camping buddies and I often say, "You can never have too many puffy jackets."

What we mean is, when you wake up in your tent feeling cold, it’s reassuring to have a warm jacket to layer over everything else.

I packed a few of these jackets: a down Mountain Hardwear jacket, a synthetic Patagonia hooded jacket, and a larger Mountain Hardwear down jacket that fits comfortably over the other two. All three can be compressed and tucked into their pockets to create a small pillow, which is ideal for camping trips or long flights.

Outer layers

I included a lightweight waterproof jacket in my packing list to serve as a shell over my down and synthetic midlayers, effectively blocking the wind and keeping my layers dry. It proved invaluable during snowy or windy conditions, allowing me to be outside watching whales swim next to the ship or listening to glaciers calving in the distance.

The cruise line provided each guest with a heavy-duty parka, so I didn’t have to worry about packing any bulky outerwear. Designed with an insulating layer and a waterproof, wind-resistant shell, the expedition parka ensures you stay warm and dry.

For your final layer, make sure to bring waterproof pants, like a rain shell. Water-resistant trekking pants simply won't cut it. I even ended up purchasing a second pair onboard after discovering a pair of Helly Hansen waterproof pants I loved. The key is that your outer layer, including your bottoms, should be as waterproof as possible.

Shoes

I didn’t have to worry about bulky boots taking up space in my suitcase, as the cruise line provided all passengers with waterproof boots for use outside the ship. This applies to all Antarctic cruises, so your main concern will be what to wear while on board. Opt for closed-toe, slip-resistant shoes.

I packed just one pair of white sneakers, my running shoes for workouts, and a pair of lightweight hiking boots that double as casual day shoes. Keep in mind that the deck can become wet and slippery, so choose your casual footwear wisely.

Accessories

I took a few hats, a fleece winter headband, two pairs of polarized sunglasses, and multiple pairs of wool and synthetic hiking socks. There were moments when I wore two pairs of socks inside my waterproof winter boots, yet my toes still felt cold.

After years of backpacking, hiking, and camping, I’ve learned this: you can never have too many socks. Trust me. My first step off the Zodiac at Half Moon Island splashed water right over my boots. Soggy feet are the worst, and there’s nothing more satisfying than slipping into a warm, dry pair of socks.

Be sure to include a pair of waterproof gloves and at least one set of glove liners in your packing list. My gloves, which are usually great for snowboarding, became soaked one day, and I regretted not investing in a better outer layer.

I also packed a balaclava (which I’ve used on especially cold snowboarding days), though I never ended up using it. There were moments when I found myself wishing I had it handy.

Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit for the polar plunge (ladies, I highly recommend a one-piece) and for relaxing in the hot tub after dinner on calm sea days.

Everything else

Antarctica is classified as a desert, meaning the air is extremely dry. By the end of the trip, my lips and hands were cracking. I was thankful I brought plenty of lip balm and a heavy-duty salve for my hands and face, as I used them quite a bit.

It’s essential to use environmentally friendly, oxybenzone-free sunscreen on your face. I frequently found myself standing under a gap in the ozone layer, squinting against the intensely bright sunlight, which was intensified by the surrounding snow and ice. You might feel cold, but sunburn is still a real threat.

Atlas suggested bringing heat packs (like HotHands hand warmers), which I remembered to pick up just before heading to the airport. I was really grateful for these, as I would toss them into the toes of my boots before heading outside. They can also be kept in your pockets to warm your hands.

Since trips to Antarctica usually involve two days of sailing through the notoriously turbulent Drake Passage each way, many advised me to pack meclizine, ginger chews, and other remedies for seasickness (including patches, bands, and various tricks to soothe queasy stomachs). I’m not typically prone to seasickness, and we had especially smooth sailing, so my tiny pharmacy remained unused.

Lastly, I brought a lightweight 18-liter REI pack with a waterproof stuff sack to carry extra layers, phone lenses, and an external battery pack (your batteries will definitely drain faster in the cold).

Binoculars were provided on the ship, so I didn’t bother bringing my own. Make sure to confirm in advance if having your own binoculars is important to you.

What I left behind when heading to Antarctica

I packed an abundance of gear for my Antarctica trip, making it hard to believe I would miss anything onboard. However, there were a few comforts I would have enjoyed if I had more space in my suitcase.

After spending a few nights on the ship, I found myself wishing for something a bit more upscale to wear for dinner, as the atmosphere is quite refined. While Antarctica cruises are generally informal (the Atlas booklet notes, "you can keep it casual and comfortable" on the World Navigator), having a little more variety in my wardrobe would have been nice. Nevertheless, I managed with leggings, one pair of jeans, and a selection of lightweight long-sleeve shirts and turtlenecks.

Having an additional vest would have helped keep me warm onboard while also adding some variety to my outfits.

Having better waterproof gloves would have been essential, and I regret not bringing a pair of glacier goggles. These specialized sunglasses shield the sides of your eyes, reduce visible light transmission, and look pretty cool. Some people opted for ski goggles instead of sunglasses, which seemed like a smart choice since they offer more face protection against the biting wind and UV rays. While ski or glacier goggles aren’t mandatory, they can greatly enhance comfort, especially for those with sensitive eyes like mine.

What I wish I had left at home

Three puffy jackets proved to be excessive, especially with the heavy-duty parka provided by Atlas (just don’t tell my camping buddies). I would have been satisfied with one or two for wearing around the ship, as I never needed them outside during Zodiac cruises or landings.

For this trip, I decided to try a couple of ShiftCam lenses for my iPhone 12 Pro: a wide-angle lens and a 60 mm telephoto lens. It felt like a perfect chance to elevate my photos without the hassle of carrying a bunch of camera gear. I wanted to truly experience Antarctica rather than focus on the technicalities of photography.

The telephoto lens became quite a nuisance. Even when perfectly aligned and free of vignetting, it still showed some chromatic aberration at the edges of the images.

The wide-angle lens performed significantly better; it captured stunning wide shots without the distortion typical of camera-wide angles. However, both lenses were cumbersome, and the photo quality didn’t improve enough to justify the hassle.

If you’re adept with a "real" camera and lenses, definitely bring yours along. If not, consider investing in a new smartphone and keeping it simple. Antarctica is breathtaking; make sure to soak it in with your own eyes.

Bottom line

Here’s the great news: My packing list for the Antarctica cruise was extensive, and I brought a lot of items. However, since nearly everything I packed was lightweight, compact, and easily stowable, I managed to fit all of it in a single 27-inch carry-on and a backpack.

The only surprise was that I ended up acquiring more items during the trip. While Antarctica isn't exactly a shopping paradise, the onboard store featured clothing from some of my favorite outdoor brands; in addition to a second pair of waterproof pants, I returned home with Atlas-branded clothes (including pajamas for the charter flight) and my expedition parka.

Even on a journey to the End of the World, it’s wise to leave a little extra space in your suitcase for flexibility.