Humans lose a lot of their heat from the top of their heads, therefore it's important to keep your noggin snug. Explore Antarctica holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. It creates a unique landscape of volcanic slopes, steaming beaches and ash-layered glaciers. This Nomadasaurus site has been great for packing ideas (there sunglasses they recommended are awesome) and after reading some of their adventures, I am very excited. When it comes to choosing the best gloves for Antarctica, good ski gloves still reign supreme. We are able to hire boots and the boat provides a parka but I would like to hire some waterproof/insulated pants and getting nowhere on my internet searches finding such a place. Luckily this needn’t be a stressful or confusing time, and we’ve put together this list of the best Antarctic clothing that will help you on your own expedition. If conditions are too dangerous the expedition leader will come up with alternatives to keep everyone safe. Your email address will not be published. Antarctica Tourism: Tripadvisor has 1,091 reviews of Antarctica Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Antarctica resource. Again, we recommend merino wool. Water- and wind-resistant trousers, ideally with an inner lining of fleece, made from polyester. Nothing would be more frustrating than having a whale breach right in front of your zodiac and your battery dies before you get your shot. Also, many cruise ships include laundry facilities, such as a public laundry room or a laundry service, so you don't have to worry about bringing up to three weeks' worth of cold weather gear in one suitcase. So, as is the case with clothing on the Antarctic continent, the correct clothing layering is the trick. Here is our complete list of what to wear in Antarctica, the number of items you will need, and also what you don’t need. Size Matters on an Antarctica Cruise. If you get too warm, you can always take a layer off to keep you comfortable. Try Canada Goose or The North Face. You will have a fabulous time with Seabourn. However, the best way to stay warm in Antarctica is through strategic layering, which makes the most of insulation created by warm air trapped between the layers, rather than the warmth provided by one thick layer. What do people wear in Antarctica to stay warm? Read our Privacy Policy. Andrea, Your email address will not be published. This can be a mid-weight fleece, jacket or parka made with Polartec materials; these are available in 100s, 200s and 300s, with 300s being the optimum for Antarctica. ski gloves) such as those by Columbia and Outdoor Research. If you live in Australia or New Zealand we highly recommend going into a Kathmandu store to check out their whole range of travel and adventure clothing. Still it is handy having your own laptop when you travel, and we recommend bringing one. Deception Island is an active volcano. We carry all the gear you need, including Antarctica 21's Signature Waterproof Expedition Jacket by MUSTO. High factor sunscreen and chapstick are essential, as the ozone layer is at its thinnest in Antarctica, plus there is a lot of glare from the ice, sea and snow during the summer's 22+ hours of daylight. Please try again. In fact the day we set sail from Ushuaia there was a huge storm, and while where we were picked up from in town and dropped off at the port, we still had to walk through the rain to get onto the ship. Moleskin is warm but easy to move in with brands such as Orvis and Canterbury of New Zealand offering great moleskin products, whilst waterproof ski pants are what to wear for when you plan to be spending time in the snow - look for those by The North Face and Helly Hansen. Want to take awesome GoPro photos? (If you are travelling with another operator it is worth checking to see if they include these items as well.). Unique Antarctica clothing designed and sold by artists for women, men, and everyone. The wind brings this down even more. There's no need to over-pack with the idea of wearing every layer you own or to rush out and buy all the latest extreme cold weather gear; quality wins out over quantity here. Although it can be tempting to go for more, don't wear more than two pairs, as too many layers stops insulation and can actually make your toes feel colder. No matter what you choose, at least bring something that you can stick your electronics in to protect them from the rain, snow and waves. When you get back from your excursions immediately put your flat batteries on charge in your cabin, and swap them out for fresh ones. Base layers are going to be key to staying warm when you're in Antarctica, both top and bottoms, as they trap air close to your body and can be added and subtracted until you hit a happy medium. A huge, thick piece of winter clothing or all in one snowsuit. Chances are you will bend, scratch and potentially break your sunnies if they are flimsy. Make sure you pack a pair of comfortable pants for this. Get yourself a lightweight, fleece jumper with a hood when buying the things you will need to pack for Antarctica. Its itineraries provide adequate time in Antarctica, and passengers can choose from a range of optional activities such as sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, mountaineering, and camping (add-on cost only for those … Before we get started we want to tell you how important it is to layer your clothes to maximise your warmth and mobility in cold-weather climates. Buff is our favourite brand for these. It also accepts a variety of lenses. Sturdy, warm pants that will fit between rainproof pants and long underwear (jeans, sweatpants, corduroys); also to be worn onboard the ship as casual dress Several woolen, knit, or cotton sweaters/tops, polar fleece tops (mid-weight), turtlenecks and t-shirts for layering and onboard the ship Starting at the very beginning, the best underwear for Antarctica is sports underwear, including sports bras. Waterproof pants are a requirement in order to ride the zodiacs (rubber boats) in Antarctica. Instead, plan what to wear in Antarctica strategically, by layering up. The Antarctica 21 Gear Shop is the best place for you to get ready for your expedition to Antarctica. We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures. Just pack clothes that are comfortable and warm are you’ll be fine. AntarcticSurplus.com offers the exclusive and limited-time-only opportunity to own a piece of history from Antarctica – surplus used Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) gear from the United States Antarctic Program. There are some destinations that every single person should visit in their life. Tucking your pants into your boots will leave your feet wet and cold. You'll be exposed to the elements out in Antarctica, including splashes from icy waves on Zodiac trips, plus penguin rookeries can be... how should we say... messy. Here are 14 of the continent's greatest wonders and mysteries. Explore Antarctica holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. Many visitors to Antarctica assume that when it comes to clothing they need to invest in extreme cold weather gear, such as bulky ski suits, expedition parkas and snow boots. Clothing in sub Antarctica: layering. Hey! Otherwise bring your own that is big enough to put your expensive cameras in. Wear a new pair the next day, and keep the swap up. However, make sure you pack plenty, as socks can get wet easily and no one likes their feet in cold, wet socks. Harsh weather allows exploration of Antarctica only a few months a year. For the Zodiac ride to shore, you need a lightweight daypack to store camera gear, binoculars, hats, and gloves. You can keep the jeans on for the evenings at dinner and in the bar, and the hiking pants can slip on in between the excursions and in the mornings for breakfast. If I could pick just one material for every piece of travel clothing — shorts, socks, hats, underwear, lederhosen — that I own it would be merino. It’s their clothing that we primarily used on our Antarctica adventure, and it served us perfectly. That’s why for a place as amazing as Antarctica we recommend having a back-up camera. As we like to say, 'dress like an onion'. The largest Antarctic cruise ships travel to more distant destinations in Western Antarctica such as the Weddell Sea that borders the peninsula and the Ross Sea. The last company I traveled with, A&K, gave these out with our parkas. If you’re carrying a lot of camera equipment like us you’ll want a large, dedicated camera bag like the Manfrotto Bumblebee 230. The best time to visit Antarctica is during the short expedition season from November-March. From tank tops to t-shirts to hoodies, we have amazing clothes for men, women, & children. This should be a lightweight layer with moisture control, with 100% merino wool being the best material to go for. Hi Glennda, The adventure staff will be able to reassure you so chat to them. Fantastic ship and crew. Chances are your trip to Antarctica will last anywhere from 10 to 21 days, which isn’t too long of a time. Our favourite is the Sony RX100V, or if you want something with lots of zoom get the Sony HX80. You will need a daypack or camera bag though, and we have more information on this below. If your camera can handle it, pick up some 64GB SD cards with a high transfer rate. Mongolia is one of them. Ships that travel to East Antarctica in the Indian Ocean depart from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, all much longer Antarctic trips with less frequent departures. It’s highly recommended to always travel with one of these no matter what. If you're interested in a bold adventure to the Big White, get in contact with our team of Luxury Travel Specialists by calling us or filling out our no-obligation enquiry form with details of your dream Antarctica trip. https://www.nomadasaurus.com/what-to-wear-in-antarctica-travel-packing-list GoPros are one of the most popular cameras on the market, and it’s not a gimmick – They are amazing action cameras. Avoid cotton as a material, as this breathable fabric doesn't insulate and therefore hinders the layering insulation. Photography is an entire other post for antarctica travel, we posted a link at the top of the page to an article we wrote for Quark Expeditions, but you can also check out what photography gear we brought with us to the 7th continent here. However, the best way to stay warm in Antarctica is through strategic layering, which makes the most of insulation created by warm air trapped between the layers, rather than the warmth provided by one thick layer. Layer 1 – Polyester thermal underwear to wick away moisture from skin. Many cruises lend or hire out boots, so check first before buying some specially. It’s important to layer your clothes in any cold climate, and Antarctica isn’t any different. Don’t miss your chance! Follow our journey in real time on. Do you know of others in our age group who have made this trip? Even if you are a beginner photographer, have no fear – Antarctica is the kind of place that is hard to take a bad photo. Wear one or two pairs of thick socks (wool is best). Take a look at those by SunGod, which are highly durable, scratch-resistant and perfect for adventure activities (they come with a lifetime breakage warranty). That being said, leave behind your fancy, expensive Ray Bans and get something that is durable. You won’t need these again until you disembark. Think of yourself as an onion when considering what to wear in Antarctica – lots and lots of layers. Shop our range of T-Shirts, Tanks, Hoodies, Dresses, and more. Clothing for onboard the ship; shirts and pants. Don’t miss our complete guide to the best cameras for travel. Read our guide to responsible, sustainable and ethical travel in Antarctica to discover how best to prepare for your Antarctic expedition. … We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. Your non-waterproof pants get tucked into them waterproof over-pants go over the top. If you are travelling to Antarctica with One Ocean Expeditions they will provide you with top-of-the-line waterproof pants, jackets and boots for your journey free of charge. Start with one hat to cover the ears (such as a beanie, balaclava or similar), then add a wind-proof hat on top. Even though we travel full-time, living out of our backpacks, we did pick up some specialist clothing for Antarctica that helped make our time there as comfortable as possible, and now we want to help you with our own packing list for Antarctica. After all, you want to be mobile out in the Big White, rather than waddling penguin-style from side to side. Antarctica Clothing recommendations Hi -- I'm headed to Antarctica during the last week of January and first week of February. Swimsuit (for possible polar plunge and hotel pool/spa) Underwear. Clothing for captain’s welcome and farewell dinners. And because you can’t always get right up next to them you’ll need a zoom lens. Home / Antarctica / Best time to visit Antarctica Best time to visit Antarctica. The sun shines brightly in Antarctica, and the wind has a bite to it, so you need to protect your fact from the elements. One question we get asked a lot is, “How cold is it in Antarctica?” Even though Antarctica is known for being extremely cold in the winter, in the summer it can actually be quite nice, with temperatures hovering around freezing. We recommend alternating pairs, so you wear one on one day, then hang them up over night to air out. As a result you do not need to add any of these items when looking at what to pack for Antarctica. The most helpful piece of advice we can offer is summed up in a single word: layering. Brands such as The North Face, Helly Hansen, Patagonia and Kathmandu do these well. Because gloves are such a personal thing these aren’t usually supplied by the tour operators heading to Antarctica. Still we recommend having at least 4 SD cards with you so you can quickly swap out when one fills up. We cannot cancel the trip without losing our money — which is considerable. Landscape. It’s all too easy to get sunburnt, even if you wear sunscreen, and the wind can dry your face, making it peel and crack. We absolutely, After a decade of trial and error, we’ve finally found the best travel laundry bag – Check out our complete Scrubba travel, If you live in Australia or New Zealand we highly recommend going into a. I'd like to receive the free email course. But when you’re on an Antarctica excursion, you might be up to your shins in freezing cold water as you enter and exit the zodiac. Through the art of storytelling and photography, we help our readers explore the globe with us, and aim to get you on the road as well. Waterproof, like the Outbreaker daypack is best, because Zodiacs can get wet. One of the best things you can pick up are a pair of thin thermal socks, that act as a first layer. Our journey to Antarctica was made possible as part of our partnership with One Ocean Expeditions. Put these on under your big gloves so that when you take the outer layer off (to take photos, adjust your gear, etc), you will still have a thin layer to protect your hands from the wind and cold. Kathmandu, followed by these guys, are the go-to brands for merino wool thermals. 2. Success! If you aren’t familiar with this it means rather than having one or two very thick, very warm pieces of clothing, you have a selection of thermals, shirts, fleeces and jackets that you can wear on top of each other. Best Boots for Antarctica. You will be taking thousands of photos in Antarctica, and you will likely chew through batteries faster than anywhere else you have been in your life. It is small with incredible image quality, and shoots 4K video. Another alternative is to pick up a Joby GorillaPod, which are very versatile. Now companies like Kathmandu are making warm, wind-resistant down jackets that pack into their own pockets and weigh less than half a kilo. The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2020 ... Expect to spend between $6,000 and $50,000 to visit Antarctica, depending on the length of the trip and level of luxury you seek. Otherwise any daypack will do that you can stick a few things in. Answer 1 of 5: We are going on an antarctic cruise leaving from Ushuaia. Buildings on station are heated to around 18°C, so normal clothes (such as jeans and t-shirt) can be worn. Our personal favourite camera is the Sony A7Rii, which is a professional, 42 megapixel, full frame mirrorless camera. One of the first questions we get from clients right after they book their Antarctica cruise is, "What do you recommend for clothing?" Another classic option is the Canon 6D, or you could go for the top-of-the-line 5D IV, and Canon has a huge variety of lenses available. Some cruises have formal dinners, so be sure to check so you can pack accordingly. Thank you. Because of this we recommend not overpacking your bags, and instead choosing a select number of high quality clothing. Icebreaker is one of the biggest and best merino brands in the world. Antarctica Photography Tips We recommend a 70-200 at the very least. In winter, they wear lots of layers topped with a thick, quilted freezer suit. Again with most things, we recommend layering, and that’s where glove liners come in handy. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Accidents happen in the field, and it would be an absolute shame to have only one camera with you and break it or have something fail on it. Enchanting Travels Private tailor-made journeys of a lifetime 1 888 263 2574 Contact Us Check out our guide to the best camera accessories for travel. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. When you do your land and zodiac excursions you’ll need something to carry your camera gear in, and perhaps an extra layer in case the weather changes. Layers of clothing for Antarctica, underwear and insulating layers on the left and then alternative shells to go over these depending on conditions and activity levels to the right. By far the best sunglasses for Antarctica are a pair of SunGods. If you’re kayaking in Antarctica a GoPro is a much safer bet than taking your good camera too (make sure you buy a floaty backdoor for it). Now check your email to confirm your subscription. Accessories for the extremities are vital, boots, gloves, head and eyewear for Antarctica In the coldest weather, the gloves and boots required become quite cumbersome If you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars, we recommend the Sony A6300 mirrorless camera. Some may argue that early season is actually the best time to visit Antarctica, because you can see it in its most undisturbed form. Check out our travel photography tips for beginners article. Cruising through the icebergs and mountains of Antarctica (Shutterstock) … Unique Antarctica clothing designed and sold by artists for women, men, and everyone. Merino wool socks are perfect for this, and they’ll add to the insulation over the top of your thermal socks. These are ‘adventure proof’ sunglasses, meaning they are scratch resistant and almost impossible to break under normal circumstances. Bring one of these down jackets with you for additional warmth in cold climates. The fascinating stories of the most famous polar explorers to venture into perilous Antarctic territory, plus their pioneering discoveries. We had a lovely disabled lady on our cruise (she had one leg)and she was helped from her wheel chair onto the Zodiacs. It is also one of the most beautiful places on earth, with a remarkable variety of wildlife that is on par with the Galapagos Islands or an African safari. ON BOARD CLOTHING Most Antarctica cruises are relaxed so casual clothes are a good choice. While you’ll be wearing technical clothing during the zodiac and land excursions, when you’re walking around the ship the dress code is casual. Earlier this year, Griggi returned from two months in Antarctica with many memory cards filled with striking photos. The professional travel photographer is telling me what to pack for Antarctica while aboard Silver Explorer somewhere off the coast of Chile in the South Pacific Ocean. Brands such as Helly Hansen, Smartwool and Icebreaker are great for theses, but if you’re allergic to wool, then try Patagonia’s Capilene range, which is made of a synthetic alternative to wool. Brands to go for include Arc’teryx, The North Face, Montane Terra and Helly Hansen. Antarctica is simply stunning. Gone are the days where a down jacket would take up half your backpack and make you look like the Michelin Man. A wildlife guide to BBC Earth and David Attenborough's latest documentary series, Dynasties. If you're looking for an exciting and adventurous travel experience, here are seven epic activity holiday ideas to inspire you. NOMADasaurus is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As the most cryptic corner of the Earth, Antarctica has baffled us for centuries. Shop our range of T-Shirts, Tanks, Hoodies, Dresses, and more. Check out plenty of amazing things to do in Antarctica in our latest article. This is going to be an experience that will change your life forever, and you’ll be so thankful that you have taken the leap to visit the White Continent. Merino wool is also quick drying and doesn’t withhold odour, meaning you can get away with wearing them two or three times without washing them. SunGod also come with a lifetime breakage warranty, so even if something does go wrong you can send it back and get a new pair. Don’t worry, you won’t freeze, even if you are camping in Antarctica. Merino wool is an excellent quick-drying material that doesn’t withhold odour, making it ideal for what to wear in Antarctica and is therefore a recurring theme in this guide. Check out their Polar range. Want to know what else to bring? But to make things even better, One Ocean Expeditions also employ a professional photographer to accompany every single voyage, and they can help you hone your skills. Try those by Buff. To capture those epic landscapes and insane icebergs, take a wide angle lens. Make sure you bring your smart phone with you on this trip, and always have it in your pocket. Aside from looking cool, a good quality, polarised pair of shades protects from glare and snow blindness. Keeping your hear warm is one of the most important things you can do in any cold climate, so make sure you travel with a high quality and thick beanie (toque for you Canadians out there). We are excited about experiencing the beauty of Antarctica and love adventure, but now have some doubts about how we will fare. Pick up two bandanas that can be worn around your neck, and pulled up over your face when out in the weather. We are going to Antarctica late November on the Scenic Eclipse and Im also a bit nervous ( we are in our late 50’s). A neck cover-up is important to protect against sun exposure as well as provide warmth. Above your thermal socks you’ll need a pair of warm socks that hug your feet properly, in order to minimise blisters. Even if you don’t normally wear sunglasses back home, in a place as white and bright as Antarctica you absolutely need them. Personally we recommend a pair of jeans and a pair of lightweight hiking pants. For the final waterproof layer bigger is better, plus you can store handwarmers inside to keep your digits extra cosy. Cross the Antarctic Circle. You'll also be hanging out on the ship and may wish to pack something a little more formal for dinner with the captain as you depart and as you return on your Drake Passage voyages. I brought the Fera Niseko Insulated Pant and was very happy with them. When we were there the coldest temperature we saw was -5 degrees celsius, but it’s possible for the mercury to drop to -20 in the summer. Take as many spare batteries as you can afford, and make sure you get a multi-battery charging port. Make like the penguins, seals and whales, taking a dip in the waves of Antarctica - how many people can claim they've done that? For when a t-shirt doesn’t quite suffice, make sure you pack a merino wool long-sleeve shirt as well that can be used either over your thermal top, or on its own for around the ship. About 50 ships of all sizes visit Antarctic waters each year. We love the Kathmandu Transfer 28L. You are going to take a lot of photos of penguins and seals…trust us. Waterproof backpack/daypack for excursions If you’re a serious photographer you’ll already have your favourite tripod at home, but if you’re new to the game we recommend picking up a lightweight model like the Manfrotto BeFree CF. If you wish to unsubscribe at any moment, feel free to click the Unsubcribe link included in our emails, Your details will be held by Wayfairer Travel Limited and kept secure at all times in accordance with our Privacy policy, ozone layer is at its thinnest in Antarctica. We used our pairs there without incident, while quite a few people on our expedition ended up having to throw their other branded pairs in the bin. Pajamas Miscellaneous. All thoughts, opinions and layers upon layers of clothes worn are, as always, our own. If your company does not supply these items it is worth seeing if they at least rent them out, as these kinds of items can be very expensive to buy. Do you have any suggestions for us? Congratulations – you’ve decided to go on one of the world’s most extraordinary adventures in one of the most remote regions on the planet. Plan for the best weather and wildlife viewing with our tips. Start with glove-liners (optional), then an insulating layer of woolly gloves, then add waterproof gloves (e.g.