Packing for Antarctica
We are all wondering what to pack to have a fun and safe Antarctica holiday. Here is the result of my research thus far!
Packing Lists
Hurtigruten has some suggested packing lists that are a good place to start reading about what you might need to bring.
https://www.hurtigruten.com/en-us/expeditions/practical-information/what-to-pack/
https://www.hurtigruten.com/expedition-practical-information/what-to-pack-expedition-cruises/
Google what to pack for an Antarctica cruise in February and you can read blog after blog with similar information on layering and not overdressing. Here, let me Google that for you – here you go, click this… Pack a couple of thin wool layers… look at fibres like merino or alpaca. You can wear the same wool layers day after day when you go ashore or out on deck, because wool resists odors for days and days. A thin wool t-shirt could also be worn in the hotter climates of our travels. You won’t need a lot of winter clothes if you choose wisely. If you have a puffy jacket that squishes down to nothing, but keeps you toasty warm, this is the perfect trip for it. Having liner gloves inside your waterproof gloves means your hands have a better chance of staying warm and dry. When you’re done with Antarctica-specific clothing, squish it all into a stuff sack so it doesn’t take up too much space in your bag, and leave it there until you get home.
Expected Weather
Weather in Antarctica in February/March: It’s not as cold as one might think. The average temperature in Antarctica in February is 1° C (34° F). When you’re ashore, we’ve read that we could have the opportunity to stay on land for up to an hour, so it’s best to dress well for the weather. That means a freezing wind (but just a little bit freezing!). We might get a little snow, but the sun can be shining and it can be very bright with the sun reflecting off the snow.
What to Wear – What to Bring
Here are some more suggestions to get properly informed before you start filling your suitcase:
Layers
Hurtigruten supplies a parka that is a wind and water-resistant OUTER SHELL. This parka can be kept when you return home.
Hurtigruten suggests the “3-layer method” for clothing.
- Layer one – moisture-wicking technical or wool base layer.
- Layer two – fleece shirt or light sweater.
- Layer three – puffy jacket.
- Outer layer – the wind and water-resistant outer shell that they provide.
Chris’ and Helen’s Layers
We will be bringing layers. For the first layer, we’ll have medium-weight alpaca or merino wool long-sleeve base layers. Chris has a pair of Smartwool tights (some things you can’t unsee) that are his long underwear. We also have alpaca socks that we’ll wear under a pair of wool socks. Alpaca is soft, moisture-wicking, and only needs to be washed every now then – yes, they don’t hold an odor!
For our mid-layers, we’ll have another medium weight shirt layer like a fleece or light hoodie (an insulating layer) and a pair of fleece-lined trekking pants that are insulated and quick-drying. We’ll also have a warm, but thin, puffy-style jacket that can scrunch up small in our luggage.
For our outer layer, we’re relying on the Hurtigruten Parka. Also, we’ll have waterproof pants – thin-shell pull-over pants. Add to this gloves (a base layer glove and a warmer outer layer glove that is waterproof), a toque, neck scrunchie for the wind, and sunglasses.
Hats and Sun
When the sun shines in Antarctica it is BRIGHT and reflects off the ice and water. Pack good sunglasses, a hat with a peak, plus a toque or something to keep your noggin warm. We have read that the inside of your nose can get sunburnt from the sun reflecting off the snow and up your schnoz! Supposedly moisturizer, chapstick and sunscreen are paramount.
Hot Hands
Supposedly Hot Hands packs are great to have and use on this trip. If you get ashore or out on the water 8-10 times, a box of 24 in your suitcase might come in hand-dy! We have not heard of any issues with customs and Hot Hands.
Boots
What about the rubber boots… Are these rubber boots insulated, or are they gumboots?
The boots have to be rinsed before and after each use (or landing) so they suggest layering moisture-wicking socks with a warmer wool sock inside the boots. They are free of charge as long as it isn’t some unusual size. We will not be able to use our own boots unless they are rubber and you are ok with them being rinsed before and after each use. We are part of keeping Antarctica as pristine as possible! We are going to leave our parkas and winter boots at home. If you’re thinking you need ice cleats for the boots, we’ve been told they are unnecessary. *Edited Nov 26, 2023
Laundry
The Hurtigruten ship does not have laundry facilities for guests to use, however, like all cruise lines, you can send the laundry out to be done by the staff, at an extra charge that will go on the room bill. This might be a good use for some of your room credit!
We tend to do a mixture of things… we use self-serve laundry facilities when available, plus bring some sheets of laundry detergent so we can handwash in our cabin or hotel room if there’s enough time to dry stuff. I would also send my laundry away.
We try to bring quick-drying clothes so if we do a little laundry in the sink, it’s dry in the next day or two at the most. Supposedly the bathroom floors in the cabins are heated!
We will be wearing socks like the Paka socks in this link. They are lighter and softer than merino wool, they have super-low water retention so they dry very fast, and bacteria can’t grow on Alpaca wool, so they never smell! They can be worn for multiple days before washing, so we will likely have only two pairs for Antarctica.
Dry Bags
Drybags, drybag backpacks and waterproof cases for phones are highly recommended for the zodiac trips ashore and for when you’re on land. I’ve read blogs where people envied other travellers who had drybag backpacks. If you got one at GeoWoodstock you are in luck! We have a few left and will put them on the website and share a private link with you if you would like to purchase one to use for the trip. Shipping isn’t cheap, but they work really well. They also fit a snorkel, mask and fins so they’ll come in useful for other vacations too!!
What Shoes should I Bring?
You can probably get away with clean tennis shoes or casual shoes that can be worn around the ship and to dinner, plus a good pair of walking or trail shoes. You don’t need to bring hiking boots for going ashore, save the space and bring warm socks for use in the provided boots.
What do I wear on the ship?
Hurtigruten says they are casual so you don’t need dressy clothes and they don’t require special clothes for the dining room. As long as people are ‘presentable’ or ‘decent’ they will be fine for dinner, even in the fine dining restaurant. If you prefer to spiff up a bit, men could bring a casual collared shirt or two, and ladies could have one nice top and slacks, or a casual dress that will work for any occasion and be used again on the other legs of our itinerary. For ladies, keep in mind that a plain top or simple dress can be dressed up with a light scarf and that will be useful again when you get to the warmer climates or are visiting religious venues.
Paraguay/Argentina/Brazil
For the folks joining us to go to Brazil, keep in mind it will likely be hot weather (Sao Paulo in March has highs of 28 and lows of 20 Celsius) but there may be bugs and rain in the jungle, so cool garments that cover the skin will be best. Think about bringing a light waterproof outer layer, and layering socks like in Antarctica but this time to prevent blisters and chaffing in the heat. By bringing lots of thin layers to Antarctica, you will be well set up for Brazil!