The Antarctica Packing List
Planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica? Don’t get buried in gear lists or marketing hype. This no-nonsense guide shows you exactly what to pack — from what you truly need on excursions to what keeps you comfortable onboard — without overspending on specialist kit you’ll never wear again. Welcome to the ultimate Antarctica gear checklist.
OFF THE SHIP
It’s not as extreme as you’d think — more ski trip than polar plunge. You don’t need cutting-edge expedition gear or specialist layers. Most quality winter or ski clothing you already own will do just fine, as long as it’s warm, waterproof, and allows you to move freely. Skip the overhyped tech — save your budget for the experience, not the wardrobe. Here’s what you’ll need once you’re off the ship.
Outer Layers
Waterproof Jacket
A waterproof and windproof outer jacket is a must and a requirement for excursions. Opt for one with room for layers underneath. A longer cut, adjustable hood, and sealed seams will keep you warm and dry.
Waterproof Trousers
A pair of fully waterproof and windproof trousers is another must. Go for sealed seams and side zips for easy boot access. They should be breathable, roomy enough for layering, and tough enough for wet landings.
Rubber Boots
Rubber boots are almost always provided by tour operators. They’re insulated, waterproof, and ideal for wet landings. Confirm sizing in advance (better to ask for a little bigger than too tight so you can get socks on).
PACKING NOTES: Your tour company may provide you with a parka jacket and trousers included in the price of the trip. If not, you can very easily rent them from your tour company or a third-party (as we did) or bring your own if you have the space.
Layers
Fleece
A warm fleece is a perfect mid-layer for Antarctica — breathable, quick-drying, and great for layering under your parka during landings or onboard downtime.
Thermal Top
A thermal base layer traps body heat and wicks moisture. Choose Merino wool or synthetic fabric because it's breathable, quick-drying and lightweight.
Thermal Trousers
It can get a bit nippy on the legs when you're on a Zodiac tour for a few hours. A thin and comfy pair of matching thermal trousers goes a long way.
Merino Socks
Thick Merino wool socks are ideal — they’re warm, breathable, and naturally odour-resistant. Pack a few pairs to rotate daily and keep your feet dry and toasty.
PACKING NOTES: Forget all the specialist and expensive gear lists. We wore a t-shirt and thermal top and bottoms for nearly every Zodiac excursion. Only once did I also wear a fleece. The only thing to not skimp on here are the socks. Get decent, thick and warm socks.
Woolly Hat
Essential for excursions — it should cover your ears, stay snug in the wind, and be made from warm, breathable material like fleece or Merino wool.
Neck Gaiter
A neck gaiter (or buff) are incredibly handy. Go for a light and thin one to keep your neck and face warm on cold Zodiac rides.
Gloves
Choose between an insulated waterproof pair, a thin pair with grip for taking photos or big mittens. Unless you're fussy, any gloves will do.
Sun Glasses
Another must. Choose polarised sunglasses with 100% UV protection for blocking intense glare from Antarctica’s snow, ice, and sea.
PACKING NOTES: A woolly hat is a must as the wind chills your ears. A neck gaiter is a great addition as you can wear it over your mouth and cheeks on cold boat rides. Sun glasses are really important too. We used our motorcycle gloves and they were a bit bulky. A thinner pair would have been fine. Or a easy slip on pair of mitts with an elastic strap so they could dangle would be great.
Extras
Dry Bag
Protect your camera from during Zodiac rides and safely store your gear.
Waterproof Phone Case
Handy if you're planning on taking photos and videos with your phone.
Water Bottle
Take a reusable water bottle for your excursions and for around the ship.
Down Jacket
This is an optional extra, some people prefer compact down jackets to fleeces.
ON THE SHIP
Comfort is key. Your ship will be heated, so heavy outerwear isn’t necessary indoors. Pack soft trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a warm jumper, and shoes with good grip for slippery surfaces. A light hoodie works well for lounging or brief outings on deck, and just pop your parka on if it gets cold on deck.
Essentials
Hoody / Jumper
Take a warm and comfortable hoody or jumper to wear in your cabin and around the ship. There's no formal dress code.
Comfortable Trousers
Tracky bottoms, jeans, cargo pants, whatever you want to keep you comfortable and warm around the ship.
Shorts / Cargo Trousers
A pair of shorts is a must, it might be cold, but it's not on the ship. So pack some comfy shorts.
Footwear
Most ships won't let you walk around in flip flops for safety reasons. Pack comfortable footwear like trainers.
T-Shirts / Shirts
Your day-to-day tops.
Slippers
Slippers or socks for the cabin.
Underwear
Pants, socks and undergarmets.
Swim Suit
For the polar plunge or hot tub.
Pyjamas
A little luxury for your cabin.
TOILETRIES
Toiletries for Antarctica should be compact and practical. The ship’s air is dry, so pack a rich moisturizer and SPF lip balm. Travel-sized essentials—shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste—are all you’ll need. Don’t forget personal medications (plus spares), seasickness remedies, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and a nail clipper.
Sunscreen
Intense UV rays reflect off snow and ice.
Lip Balm
Nothing worse than chapped lips.
Moisturiser
The ship's air is dry, pack moisturiser.
Personal Meds
Don't forget your personal meds.
Seasickness
See our Antarctica Travel Guide for info.
Toiletries
Shampoo, conditioner, body gel...
TECH
Bring a good camera with a zoom for wildlife, a wide-angle for landscapes, and extra batteries (cold drains them fast). Use a dry bag or weatherproof case to protect gear on Zodiac rides. Pack memory cards, a microfiber cloth, a power bank, and a universal adapter. Phones and point-and-shoots also work — just plan for the conditions.
DSLR
It's a once in a lifetime trip - pack a good camera.
Compact
Point and shoots are a great alternative.
Phone
Don't forget to shoot videos on your phone.
Extra Lens
A good zoom lens will make a huge difference.
GoPro Hero
You can dip your action camera off the side of your dinghy.
Protective case
Take a case even if your camera is waterproof.
Selfie stick/ tripod
Use a stick to get your camera further underwater.
Camera pouch
A protective case for your DSLR camera.
Memory cards
You'll shoot thousands of photos.
Laptop / eBook
Work, reading or editing your pics.
Travel Adapter
The all-important socket adapter.
Spare batteries
Batteries drain faster in the cold - pack spares.
Charging cables
Pack enough cables to keep your kit charged.
EXTRAS
Snacks and Sweets
We brought loads of sweets and snacks for the boat (and wine).
Ear Plugs and Eye Mask
Important if you're going to be bunking with other people in a shared cabin.
Binoculars
Not into photography? Consider packing a pair of binoculars instead.
Compression Bags
Compression bags are very handy for organising your gear and kit.
Laundry Detergent
Ship laundry services are expensive. Carry a small bag of detergent and use a compression bag for emergency washes.
Hand Warmers
We didn't use these ourselves but a lot of people had them. May be worth it if you suffer with very cold hands.
Notepad and Pen
Always worth carrying a paper and pen to jot down your thoughts and experiences from the trip. Keep an Antarctic journal.
Book or Podcasts
There's a lot of downtime on the ship. We recommend downloading podcasts on Antarctica and its explorers.
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Read more on travel in Antarctica
Thanks for checking out the Antarctica Packing List. We hope you found it useful! We recommend having a read of our Antarctica Travel Guide and Blog next for loads more tips and advice on travelling to the 7th Continent.
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