Antarctica Packing List
Getting ready to pack for a trip to Antarctica? Setting off to the Great White Continent may seem like a considerable trek involving tons of gear and heavy, warm clothing. Well, it’s sort of true, but you don’t need as much “stuff” as you might think. Having just traveled to the polar region, I assure you that if you are looking at your current Antarctica packing list, there is an excellent chance you have too much stuff included. Following are some tips to make packing for Antarctica a breeze and to ensure you don't overpack.
Remember that most cruise lines have a charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, and as such, limit your baggage to one checked back per person, a maximum of 50 pounds. While you can carry a smaller bag and personal item, being overloaded and looking like a sherpa is no way to travel. While some of your items will vary based on the length of travel and the cruise line you are sailing with, the following is a guideline of what you need to pack for an expedition to Antarctica.
For the average 9 to 12-night expedition, you only need the following:
- Sunscreen (small tube is fine, SPF 30 or higher)
- Bathing Suit and water shoes (for hot tub and polar plunge)
- Base layer (aka long underwear) one or two sets - you aren't wearing these very long and can easily be work multiple days
- Waterproof/Windproof pants one or two pairs - same as the base layer, these are only worn a few others and easily cleaned
- Gloves
- Hat
- Scarf or neck gaiter
- Polarized sunglasses or goggles
- Camera
- Saline Nasal Spray (trust me on this one) is great to use on the plane and the ship, as it's pretty dry
- Moisturizer (unless your cruise line provides it as part of the bathroom amenities)
- Emergency medical kit of throat lozenges, antibiotics, laxatives, imodium, allergy meds with decongestant - if you have more than what will fit in a quart-size zip lock bag, you have too much stuff.
- Downy Wrinkle Releaser (a travel necessity) - not only gets rid of wrinkles but also a great way to freshen clothes to wear again
- International Power Adapter
- Non-surge power strip
If you are prone to seasickness, take a pair of Sea Bands or some non-drowsy Bonine, as the Drake’s Passage crossing can be rough. If you forget, the ship's infirmary or front desk offers complimentary seasickness tablets.
Read Related: How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise
Before my trip, I ordered the Travelon Crossbody bag with an RFID-blocking area for credit cards. This purse is the perfect size, holding all my daily essentials, including my phone and glasses. It also fits nicely into a larger bag or tote.
Clothing:
While each cruise line with expeditions to Antarctica may have slightly different dress codes, generally, the atmosphere is relaxed, with jeans being perfectly acceptable in the evenings. Typically, there is no formal or “look your best” night, which cuts down on what you need to pack, but be sure to check your cruise line’s information just in case.
Plan to re-wear things like jeans, pants, sweaters, or pullovers. A fresh tank or T-shirt underneath is likely all you need. For ease of packing and to maximize clothing options, take things that mix and match to create a new look. All cruise ships have a laundry facility onboard. Most are send-out service only, and it’s likely worth a few dollars to have a couple of crucial pieces laundered (like pants/jeans) so you can minimize overall packing. The only items I took enough of for the entire trip were socks and underwear. While shirts and pants are easy to send out to the ship laundry, these smaller items are easily “lost,” and socks are easily separated.
Tip: Put a set of clean clothes and undergarments in your carry-on bag. This will be useful if your luggage is lost/delayed or something is spilled on you during the travel day.
Additional Packing Tips:
Hiking Boots - YOU DON’T NEED HIKING BOOTS!!!! My husband and I ordered new hiking boots for our trip, lugged them to Antarctica, and never wore them. Not once. Because of the environmental sensitivities, the cruise line provides boots for all landings. You cannot wear your boots!! Save the space in your luggage and leave bulky boots at home unless you plan to hike in Patagonia or have other pre- or post-cruise plans that involve hiking.
Parkas - Ensure that your cruise line includes parkas - this will save taking a heavy jacket and save you some money from purchasing a new one. Remember that most lines let you keep the parka to take home, so leave room in the suitcase for them on the return journey.
In a worst-case scenario, if you don’t have enough clothes, you can send things out to be laundered or spray with Downy Wrinkle Releaser to freshen up things that have been worn or are wrinkled when unpacking. Another trick is to put garments in the bathroom while you shower - the steam will de-wrinkle and freshen them up.
The bottom line:
Make a list, include the essentials above, and when in doubt, leave it out!
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