What To Pack for Your Antarctica Expedition…And What NOT To Pack
“I say beware of all enterprises that require new clothes.”
Henry David Thoreau may need been speaking a few journey to Antarctica when he mentioned this. If so, he was unsuitable. There’s no cause in any way to beware, however you definitely ought to put together!
When it involves the gear and attire that may improve your expedition to the White Continent, skiers have the sting, as they possible have a closet full of essentially the most obligatory objects. For the remainder of us, you’ll discover every part you want at sporting items shops or Amazon.
PARKA, WATERPROOF BOOTS, WALKING STICKS, BINOCULARS: Fortunately, Atlas Ocean Voyages gives the big-ticket objects throughout expeditions to Antarctica. The parka, in a extremely seen neon inexperienced, is yours to maintain and features a zip out vest, hood and ample zipped pockets, with a helpful arm pocket excellent to your suite’s key card. The Muck Boot Company waterproof boots you’ll use for landings are so heat and so waterproof that one of many first issues I did upon returning residence was order a pair.
You’ll present your measurement for each the parka and boots at time of reserving however, by no means worry: A number of sizes for individuals who miscalculated is offered on board.
BASE LAYERS: Thermal leggings and prime are very important when venturing out on Antarctica. But on my first touchdown, I wore a skinny silk thermal prime and leggings beneath a second layer of extra substantial Under Armour Base 4.0 thermals. Overkill. Unless the winds are howling and the temperatures notably frigid, the parka over the Under Armour Base 4.0 layer is enough for heat.
WATERPROOF PANTS: Surprisingly, these not solely defend you from splashes throughout zodiac rides to shore, but additionally add windproof heat. Don’t even consider looking for a flattering pair, although—sadly, even essentially the most high-end manufacturers are dishevelled and sloppy wanting. The jury remains to be out on precisely how you must put on your waterproof pants, with some preferring to tuck them into boots whereas others insist exterior of trainers is greatest. Tucked simply could be a mistake for those who’re splashed throughout a zodiac experience and water trickles down the boot, soaking your socks. Untucked will imply drenched bottoms throughout landings and gathered snow at hems throughout hikes.
STOCKING CAP: This one appears fairly simple, proper? Wrong! I found {that a} easy Merino wool stocking cap could be good and heat alone or beneath a hood however when the aspect of my face was splashed throughout a zodiac experience, I used to be left with a half-soaked hat that gave new that means to “brain freeze.” Go waterproof on this merchandise too.
NECK GAITER OR SCARF: Either of those neck heaters are tucked beneath your parka’s zipped neckline so waterproof qualities are non-compulsory.
SOCKS: Surprisingly, these needn’t be waterproof. The boots offered by World Voyager, are so completely waterproof that not a drop trickles in, even throughout landings in foot-high surf! Prior to touring, I ordered tremendous thick Merino wool socks—12 pairs, no much less—and, to accommodate the socks, I requested boots one measurement bigger than I sometimes put on. I now understand that one pair of thinner socks over a pair of knitted silk sock liners, would have been preferable—and definitely higher than coming residence with a dozen cumbersome pairs of socks that I’ll possible by no means put on.
GLOVES: Like the socks, the gloves I selected for my expedition have been overkill, and seemed like I used to be about to climb into a hoop with Mike Tyson. Warm? Yes. But did I want that heat? Not throughout our landings. Add to that the inconvenience of needing to take away the gloves every time I took {a photograph}, and I understand a thinner pair of stretch gloves, like Marmot’s Power Stretch Connect Glove with touchscreen compatibility, would have been a better option. Fortunately, I discovered a pair in World Voyager’s onboard store.
WATERPROOF iPHONE HOLDER WITH LANYARD: Sometimes you may’t beat the pictures you snap whereas hovering via the water on a zodiac. A water-proof telephone holder with lanyard retains your telephone helpful whereas defending it from any stray splashes or an unintended drop into the snow. And the plastic holder is delicate to the touch so you may simply zoom and {photograph} with out eradicating it from the holder, notably for those who’re sporting a skinny pair of gloves just like the Marmot Power Stretch ones I discussed.
And whereas it’s an accepted proven fact that freezing temperatures drain telephone batteries and trigger different issues, I skilled none of those…maybe the holder helped!
WATERPROOF BACK-PACK: Protect a conventional digicam or different requirements with a light-weight waterproof backpack.
SWIMSUIT: Be positive to pack one in case you resolve to calm down in certainly one of World Voyager’s effervescent sizzling tubs…or take part within the Polar Plunge.
SUNSGLASSES/ SUNBLOCK/LIP BALM: We could be in Antarctica, however the solar usually shines and the reflection off each the water and the miles of dazzling white snow can blind…and even burn. Protect your self! And, because the dry air of Antarctica chaps lips in a flash, add a tube or stick of lip balm to your toiletries.
SEASICK MEDICATIONS: Whether you’re an skilled cruiser or a beginner (it was a curious reality on my expedition that Antarctica attracts many vacationers who would by no means contemplate a conventional cruise), seasickness, notably whereas crusing Drake Passage is a definite chance. World Voyager’s medical division freely distributes treatment to these experiencing mal de mer, however it could possibly’t damage to select up a pair of Sea Bands, or a pack of Bonine or Dramamine previous to your expedition. Better but, ask your physician for a prescription for the scopolamine patch. I boarded with three patches and, since I felt superb, supplied my patches to a first-time sailor who was struggling terribly. An hour after making use of the patch, she was rarin’ to go. When I requested her on the final morning of the expedition if she’d ever contemplate doing it once more contemplating her tough response to the Drake, her response was an enthusiastic “Absolutely!”
ON BOARD ATTIRE: Decidedly informal. Leggings, chinos, even denims received’t increase an eyebrow…even at The Captain’s Welcome Reception!
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Read extra about this voyage with Judi Cuervo right here:
Part 1 – Think Antarctica would go away you chilly? Think once more!
Part 2 – They Don’t Call It the “End of the World” for Nothing
Part 3 – The Right Ship for the White Continent
Part 4: Getting My Feet Wet: An Introduction to Antarctica
See cruises: World Voyager and all Atlas Ocean Voyages Cruises