Clothes For Antarctica – Everything You Need + More
Clothes For Antarctica
Packing Lists | Read Time: 10 minutes
Clothes For Antarctica – Table of Contents
Quick Summary | Clothes That Keep You Dry | Clothes That Keep You Warm |Clothes For The Boat| Other Gear
“What to pack for Antarctica?”
Are you planning a trip to the White Continent? Getting ready for an Antarctica cruise can be overwhelming since many unknowns exist. How cold will it be? What clothes are worn in Antarctica? Do not fret – you have come to the right place! I have compiled the ultimate packing list for an Antarctica cruise.
In this guide, I let you know which clothes for Antarctica to pack, so you are fully prepared.
Antarctica cruises start in November and go until March, the warmest months (remember – it’s in the Southern Hemisphere!)
Along the Antarctica coast, temperatures can get as warm as 50° F /(10° C), yet temperatures vary depending on the month you visit.
| Month | Average Temperature in Antarctica (on Coast) |
|---|---|
| November | 21°F or -6°C |
| December | 32°F or 0°C |
| January | 43°F or 6°C |
| Februrary | 34°F or 1°C |
| March | 23°F or -1°C |
Note: Unpredictable weather conditions like wind, rain, and clouds can drastically change how you feel once there. That’s why this Antarctica clothes list is important for planning purposes.
P.S – I host group trips to Antarctica.
How did I find information for this Antarctica packing list?
- Reading several FB group forums and Reddit posts
- Personal experience of visiting Antarctica
- Surveying past guests who have attended a Follow The Fro to Antarctica tour
Now let’s dive in – and see what are the right clothes for Antarctica!
Clothes For Antarctica – Packing List
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Antarctica Clothes List – Quick Summary
Need clothing for Antarctica cruise? For quick recommendations click the link below.
Here are also 10 Quick Tips for Packing for an Antarctic Cruise!
- Pack Wool – it doesn’t smell and is the best way to stay warm. It washes and dries quickly. Get wool undies, singlets and leggings.
- Don’t take 4 of each item- just take 2 or 3.
- You get cold when air blows down the back of your neck, so a buff or neck gaiter is always useful, as well as your beanie.
- Bring Thick Moisturizer – as the air is super dry.
- Bring SPF for your lips and wind-chilled cheeks
- Bring a Power Cube – so you only hog one power outlet
- Binoculars are useful
- Take Kitchen Gloves for over your ski gloves if you are going to put your hands/camera in the water
- Inside the boat it’s warm- you just need light casual clothes
- But Always Carry a Jacket and Camera when out of your cabin for when someone shouts ‘whale’
Browse all clothes for Antarctica
How To Dress On Antarctica – For Excursions
Clothes for Antarctica are all about layers! It’s imperative to not only bring insulating base layers but both wind and waterproof layers as well. The goal is to be comfortable while on the continent.
Sweat, wetness, and cold lead to discomfort, and having loose and light layers will help combat these elements:
Packing For Antarctica Cruise – Things To Keep You Dry
Best Waterproof Pants for Antarctica
A suitable pair of fully waterproof pants are needed – so you don’t have a wet butt! Cheap ones can tear when you climb in and out of the zodiac since the front of the zodiac is like sandpaper. Make sure your outer pants are wide enough at the bottom to go over the outside of the boot.
Some good brands are: Regatta, Jack Wolfskin, Berhaus. REI also has reliable options.
A recommended affordable option is Postropacky, which you can buy on Amazon.
Gloves For Antarctica
Suggested Quantity:
- 1 thin pair for warm days
- 2 thick waterproof pairs
For optimal protection in Antarctica, it is advisable to adopt a double-layered approach for your gloves. The first layer should be a thin, warm inner glove that allows for dexterity, particularly when capturing photographs. On top of this, an outer glove or mitten should be worn to provide additional warmth and keep your hands dry. It is worth noting that finding a glove that remains completely dry throughout your time in Antarctica can be challenging, hence it is recommended to bring two pairs.
Get a SmartWool liner to keep your fingers from freezing. These gloves from REI are tighter-fitting gloves that you can put on your hands and then slip inside warmer snow gloves. They have a touch screen finger, so you can have them on to take photos.
These Ice Fishing Mittens offer great dexterity for on-demand photography while still keeping your hands warm. The ends flip open to give full use of fingers. The outer layer is very durable. These gloves use a magnet that holds both parts back perfectly.
Water Resistant Backpack
For your camera, water bottle, and extra layers
Bring a waterproof backpack to store all your gear during excursions. This 20L Overboard Classic Waterproof Backpack has an IP66 waterproof rating.
Insoles
For your provided waterproof boots
Insoles are a good item to add to your packing list. Antarctica cruises provide boots and a thicker felt liner insole helps with comfort and fit.
Antarctica Packing List – Things To Keep You warm
Thermal Base Layers
Suggested Quantity: 2 pairs of tops and bottoms
Both Thermajane and Luoyanxi are recommended brands.
Socks
Suggested Quantity
- 2 to 3 thin pairs
- 2 medium thickness pairs
- 1 extra warm pair
Heat Holders are really warm socks to wear inside your boots on shore landings. They have different styles, lengths, and thicknesses. For wearing with boots, I’d recommend the longest and thickest socks. They have socks for men and women. These socks are highly recommended! Even if your toes tend to get cold, these socks will always keep your feet toasty and warm.
(You can also bring toe warmers for really cold days.)
Insulation Layer
A fleece zip-up or a puffy insulation layer
- Many Antarctica cruises include this top layer. Otherwise, bring a thin jacket
- Pants: These fleece-lined Athleta leggings are a great mid-layer pants option to go under waterproof snow pants or rain pants
Back Warmer
These heat wraps can make a huge difference on the colder days when riding in the zodiacs or on land
Packing For Antarctica Cruise – On The Boat
Shoes – High Recommendations
What footwear to wear on board?
A regular walking shoe or crocs will do, but this thermoball shoe is the PERFECT onboard footwear! Everyone who bought and added them to their Antarctica cruise packing list has loved them! They’re comfy, warm for sitting outside, and have a waterproof lip to ensure it’s sloshy outside; you’re not getting wet. They are also slip-resistant and have the stability of a shoe. They’re easy to pack and take up less space.
Other Items to pack to use on an Antarctica Cruise
- Comfortable Trousers – 1 to 2 pairs of comfortable leggings or jeans
- Seasickness Tablets – You can purchase from Runway Health
- Sunglasses
- Long Sleeve T-Shirts – 2 to 3 of varying thickness
- T-Shirts – 1 to 2
- Comfy Fleece Sweatshirt
- Bathing Suit – for the polar plunge
ANTARCTICA GEAR LIST – THE OTHER ITEMS
Here is a list of items that aren’t necessarily clothes for Antarctica but should still be added to your Antarctica gear list.
Scrubba Bag: Antarctica cruises offer laundry services but are very expensive. A Scrubba bag is a portable laundry bag. It’s not big enough for heavyweight jackets and pants, but you can use it for the inner layers and underwear.
Travel Scarf: Another option to keep you warm. I love the WayPoint Goods travel scarf because it’s comfortable, has cool designs, and doubles as an inconspicuous purse!
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