Are you trying to figure out what to pack and what to wear for your upcoming Antarctica cruise? You’re not alone! We all are trying to figure out how to stay warm on the planet’s final continent, while also trying NOT to overpack knowing that we have a weight limit for our luggage. So if you’re looking for the ultimate Antarctica packing list that will tell you what to wear and what to pack for Antarctica, the ultimate dream trip, I’ve got you covered.
Also, I packed all of this in carryon only! So if that doesn’t tell you you truly don’t have to overpack, I don’t know what else will.
Below is my full packing list with links to items I personally use, love, and brought with me. But obviously if you have similar items, bring what you’ve got! And if you purchase anything from one of these links, I’ll make a small commission, so I genuinely appreciate it if you do make a purchase (and thank you sincerely).
What to Wear in Antarctica
The first thing you need to know when planning what to pack for Antarctica is that the smartest way to dress while you’re there is in layers. Don’t bring anything huge and bulky, but bring multiple items you can layer to keep warm with or easily to strip off when it’s warmer (like on landings).
Knowing that this Antarctica packing list is going to be focused on layering, here are all the things I recommend:
Clothing to Pack for Antarctica
This probably feels obvious because it’s… ya know… Antarctica. But no Antarctica packing list would be complete without some waterproof outer layers and warm interior layers to protect you from wind and elements that are especially unique and prevalent in Antarctica.
Warmer Packable Winter Jacket
But NOT a Parka
You will receive an outer layer coat from the cruise line you attend with if you go on one of their Antarctic cruises, but it’s truly just wind and waterproof without any insulation. So you will still need to add a good coat that is warm, great for layering, and packs down easily to your Antarctica packing list.
I wore this around the ship as well as on cruisings and landings. This is a must and probably my first answer for anyone asking what to pack for Antarctica. Here is my favorite puffer jacket that both my husband and I packed:
If for some reason you want to pack a full parka (which again I will reiterate you absolutely do not need), here is my current favorite:
Mid-Layer Layering Jacket
Like I said, layers are going to be your best friend for an Antarctica cruise and why you’ll see them on basically any Antarctica packing list you find, and a nice, fleece zip-up is a very popular item to wear in Antarctica.
This isn’t something I wore all the time, but I absolutely wore it for cruisings along with my puffer jacket because those are definitely colder than landings.
Base Layer
No Antarctica packing list is complete without a good, warm base layer. I am personally a fan of merino wool, but alpaca is also a great fabric to keep warm. Both of those fabrics will keep you warm and are definitely an excellent answer to the question around what to wear in Antarctica. Also, don’t worry about being fancy. The dress code on an Antarctic is very relaxed. Just stay warm and cozy.
Merino wool doesn’t really ever smell so I packed and rotated between three merino wool shirts for my entire 10 day cruise and it was perfect.
Women’s
- Unbound Merino long sleeve base layer
- Smartwool 250 base layer (on Amazon)
- Smartwool 150 base layer (on Amazon)
Men’s
- Unbound Merino Long sleeve base layer
- Smartwool 250 base layer (on Amazon)
- Smartwool 150 base layer (on Amazon)
Fleece-lined Wind and Water Resistant Pants
One of the best additions to this Antarctica packing list – in my opinion – is a fleece-lined water resistant pant. Wear these over leggings or long underwear and you’ll be set the whole week. You also only really need one pair, so don’t feel the need to buy multiple unless you really want to.
Women’s
Gloves or Mittens
Keep those hands warm while on your Antarctica cruise! I tend to like something waterproof, thick but not too thick, that also is touchscreen capable.
Beanie and Scarf/Buff or Balaclava
Every “what to wear in Antarctica” list is going to have a hat, scarf, buff, or balaclava on the list and for good reason. It’s important to be as warm as you can while on your Antarctica cruise, and these essential items help get you there. I rocked a beanie and a buff basically the entire time and it was perfect.
- Beanie with fur pom (on Amazon)
- Carhartt Beanie (on Amazon)
- Neck Buff/Gaiter (on Amazon)
- Arc’teryx Lemae Balaclava (on Amazon)
- Merino wool scarf (on Amazon)
Swimwear
Does this look like a potentially insane addition to this Antarctica packing list? Probably. But you’ll want to bring your swimsuit for the on-deck hot tubs/spas and if you’re particularly brave, for the polar plunge. A must on any Antarctica cruise!
Leggings or Long Underwear
To keep your legs warm under your waterproof pants, I pretty much always just wear leggings under them. You might also wear them walking around the boat during your Antarctica coat, but at bare minimum they’re on this Antarctica packing list for more insulation.
- Women’s standard leggings (on Amazon)
- Women’s fleece-lined leggings (on Amazon)
Footwear
What to wear in Antarctica? All the stuff I’ve previously mentioned but also some good waterproof shoes/boots with good grip and coverage (for the boat specifically) as well as some thick, warm socks.
Other Things to Pack for Antarctica Cruise
Electronics
A couple of items to pack for Antarctica are just to make sure your stuff stays charged!
- Travel power adapter (Hertigruten boats use European style plugs for example)
- Wireless portable charger
- Charger with plug-in and wireless charging (on Amazon)
Camera Equipment
I, personally, think having a nice camera for your trip to Antarctica is super important. However, I know that not everyone’s a photographer! So if you’re not, and you’re happy with your phone photos, feel free to skip this section. But if you’re like me, camera equipment is a must-add to your Antarctica packing list, so here are my recommendations:
- A nice camera
- Sony a6400 (my first camera)
- Sony a7III (my previous camera)
- Sony a7IV (my current camera)
- Not a Sony fan? Feel free to browse around on Adorama for your favorite!
- Extra batteries (battery life is shorter in cold areas)
- Extra memory cards
- Zoom lens
- I rented this 100 – 400 lens mine for my safari from BorrowLenses if you don’t want to buy one but want a zoom lens for your Antarctica trip
Accessories
- Waterproof backpack
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Water bottle
Documents
- Printed copy of your passport as well as your physical passport
Medication & Healthcare
- Sun protection
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with UV protection
- Motion sickness medication
- Remember to pack 2 weeks of your prescriptions just in case
- COVID vaccine card screenshot on your phone
So there you go! The ultimate guide to what to wear and pack for an Antarctica cruise! As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. I hope you have the time of your life on this bucket list experience, and I hope this list is everything you need!
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