ANTARCTICA – PACKING LIST
Please note that:
- Mandatory to bring
- Recommended to bring
- Everything listed needs to fit inside the duffel bag. Nothing should be hanging out of it. Note that you will be aboard a sailboat and sometimes it can be a bit of humidity outside.
- Your luggage should not weigh more than 23kg/50lbs. Planes flying to South Shetland islands are typically of small and could impose restrictions on your baggage if it exceeds weight limits. If you check in two bags, there’s a risk that not all of your luggage will make it onto the plane.
- Hiking temperatures around 0ºC to 5ºC / 32ºF to 41ºF. Night temperatures around -5ºC to 0ºC / 23ºF to 32ºF.
- You will not be carrying food, except your lunch for each day, bring a lightweight lunchbox for this purpose.
- Proper waterproof clothing is mandatory in this expedition, not only for hiking but also for kayaking.
- Although the guide has a first-aid kit, each traveler must carry what they consider necessary depending on personal pathologies, needs, risks, etc.
- Drones are completely forbidden and monitored by IAATO.
- You should only bring what you are going to use. The space on the boat is very limited.
The Antarctica Expedition is a 14-day trip into one of the planet’s last great wildernesses, where towering icebergs, immense glaciers and icy Southern Ocean waters set the stage for an unforgettable polar adventure. Kayaking among floating ice, hiking across frozen landscapes and encountering penguins, seals and whales in their natural habitat call for reliable cold-weather gear and careful preparation. This packing list covers the equipment we recommend for our guided Antarctica Expedition.
The quantities listed for certain items serve as indicative and recommended amounts according to our lead guides.
Personal Gear
CARRIED INDIVIDUALLY
Important!
You need to have room in your backpack for all this gear.
- A 40 to 60L duffel bag or backpack for carrying all your luggage.
Suitcases are not welcome on our trips. - A 20 to 30L daypack with rain cover.
You can also bring a smaller size as long as it fits everything inside. Please make sure to have enough room carrying your gear. - You do not need sleeping bag or sleeping mat.
The sailboat has bed linen & mattresses. - Waterproof / drybag for your clothes (at least 1 pcs).
- Waterproof hiking boots (1 pair).
Several days of the trip you will use snowshoes. For this reason it is very important to bring good footwear. Despite, we will provide muckboots as well for everyone, you need to bring the hiking boots as well. - 1st layer: Merino base layer (1-2 pcs).
- 2nd layer: Hoody fleece jacket (1-2 pcs).
- 3rd layer: Down jacket (1 pcs).
- GoreTex jacket & pants (1 pcs each).
- Warm hiking pants (1 pcs).
- Short sleeve t-shirts (2-3 pcs).
- Long sleeve t-shirts (1-2 pcs).
- Underwear & hiking socks (wool is highly recommended).
- Fleece / sweat pants to use indoors (1-2 pcs).
- Snow gaiters.
- Ski goggles in case of blizzard or snowstorm.
- Warm beanie (2 pcs) & cap (1 pcs).
- Waterproof gloves/mittens.
- Thin inner / liner gloves (1-2 pcs)
- Warm hiking buff & bandana.
- Boat shoes.
Warm & comfy boat shoes, as inside the boat we have a “no
outdoor shoes” policy. Crocs are a great option. - Swimsuit. (Only in case you dare to try the Polar plunge).
- Personal toiletries & personal first-aid kit.
You must bring all personal medications, enough for the trip plus 30% extra. Also pack essentials like band-aids, lip balm and ibuprofen. - Sunscreen & sunglasses.
UV exposure in Antarctica is intense due to reflection from water and snow. - Glasses & contact lenses.
If you wear glasses in your daily life, we strongly recommend bringing a strap to keep them secure in case they fall off, as well as a spare pair. - Seasickness medication or patches.
Even the toughest sailors can get seasick, and it often strikes when you least expect it. We
recommend bringing some with you, even if you think you won’t need it. - Photo camera, phone, batteries & power bank.
There are electric outlets in the sailboat for recharging your devices. - Hiking poles with snow baskets.
- Insulated water bottle or thermo bottle.
We do not recommend water bladders as they freeze. - Earplugs for a nice sleep in the boat.
- Small pair of binoculars.
- Lunchbox / tupperware to carry your food for each day.
You’ll need to carry your lunch & snacks each day, so bringing a
lightweight lunchbox is recommended.
Other gear
RECOMMENDED TO BE CARRIED PER PERSON
Not necessary to bring, but might come handy.
- Heat pads & warmers.
- Imodium – Loperamide.
- Oral antibiotic for chest infection.
- Topical antibiotic cream for skin infection.
IMPORTANT!:
Guests are not permitted to bring their own alcohol onboard. The captain will manage the alcohol supply and serve drinks during dinner.
Note that: When checking in for your flight to Antarctica, you’ll pass through airport security. The same rules apply as in any major airport.
Power on the boat: We provide USB chargers and 220v Type E (European) outlets, plus extension cords with USA, UK, EU, and USB plugs. Remember: voltage is always 220v. If you’re coming from the USA, check your devices are compatible.
Want to see what this gear looks like in action?
Read our 2026 Antarctica recap for a day-by-day look at the expedition.
Last updated: October 2026
Gear requirements can change between expedition seasons. Confirm the current packing list before departure.
Join us next JANUARY for aN ANTARCTICA expedition
Journey to the ends of the Earth, where massive icebergs, towering glaciers and the untamed wilderness of Antarctica await.
