The Complete Antarctica Packing List (For a 10 to 22-Day Expedition)

Post summary: A no-fluff, straightforward list of exactly what to pack for a cruise to Antarctica, and what you can safely leave at home.

I know from experience that packing Antarctica can feel overwhelming (and slightly confusing).

After my 22-day expedition with National Geographic to the Falklands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula, I came home with a definitive, field tested list of the gear that truly matters.

This is the ultimate, straightforward guide for anyone heading to Antarctica.

Whether you’re embarking on a classic 10 day trip to the Peninsula or the full 22-day voyage to South Georgia and the Falklands, this list is to the point and covers all the gear you’ll ACTUALLY use, and what you can confidently leave at home (I bet you’ll thank me later)

TL;DR: If you only read one thing

• Bring merino layers, fleece, waterproof shells

• Your cruise will give you a parka and muck boots

• You’ll live in loungewear and comfy clothes on the ship

• Pack for Argentina (warm) and Antarctica (cold)

First, A Few Core Principles for Antarctica Packing

These are the concepts that you need to master in order to stay warm, dry and overall comfy at the End of the World.

• Layers Are Everything: As you probably imagined, the weather in Antarctica can shift from sunny and calm to gale-force, freezing winds in minutes. A good layering system includes a moisture-wicking base layer (no cotton!), an insulating mid-layer (fleece is best), and a waterproof outer layer.
  .
• Waterproof is a MUST: You absolutely will get wet from Zodiac spray, snow, and rain. Staying dry is the key to staying warm. Make sure your rain gear is fully waterproof, not just “water-resistant”.
  .
• Ship Life is Casual and Cozy: You’re heading out on an expedition, not a fancy cruise. The vibe on an expedition ship is comfortable, not chic. Think cozy lodge, not a city hotel. You’ll spend faaar more time in comfortable loungewear than you think.

Want this as a printable checklist? I turned this packing list into a simple, printable PDF you can use while you pack 👇

What Your Expedition Provides (Don’t Pack These!)

Before you spend a dime, confirm what your Antarctica cruise operator provides.

The reputable companies, including National Geographic-Lindblad, will give you the two bulkiest and most expensive items, saving you a ton of money and luggage space.

• Expedition Parka: You’ll get a high quality, waterproof, and very warm parka once you board the ship. It’s yours to keep and makes the perfect souvenir! The jackets are specifically designed to withstand the conditions in Antarctica, so this the only parka you’ll need. We wore ours every day.
  .
• Muck Boots: You’ll be provided with tall, insulated, and completely waterproof rubber boots to wear on every single landing, or you can bring your own. The muck boots will be the go-to for every outing, including walks, hikes, and zodiac rides. They’re required for biosecurity reasons and waterproof/tall enough for wet landings.
  .
  Note on the muck boots: Muck boot rentals vary by the company, so check ahead of time. We were required to reserve boots several weeks ahead of time for the Nat Geo cruise. If you missed the reservation window, you had to bring your own as they had limited extras on board. However, some companies will have a plethora of boots for you to use for free once you get there.

If you prefer to bring your own muck boots, these are the boots you want to buy!

The Complete Antarctica Packing List (10-15 Day Trip)

This is a comprehensive checklist of everything you need based on my own experience of what we ACTUALLY used on our trip.

This is your packing list for Antarctica, which ranges between 10-15 days. The list will be mostly the same for the 22-day route that includes the Falklands and South Georgia, with a few more things to consider. Keep reading for those notes!

Clothing for Excursions (Aka Your Daily Uniform)

This is the uniform you’ll put on every day, twice a day for Zodiac cruises and landings.

If you’re starting from scratch, THIS is the gear that’s actually worth spending money on.

Outer Layer (The Shell)

• Waterproof Rain Pants or Snow Pants (1 pair): These are an absolute must. You’ll wear these waterproof pants over your base layers on every single excursion to block wind and water. Look for a pair with some kind of side zips to make them to get over your boots.

Your other piece of outer layer will be your waterproof parka. The parkas also have a removable inner soft shell, so you can adjust to your comfort level.

Mid-Layer (Insulation)

• Fleece Jacket (2): This is the perfect mid layer for insulation under your parka. Fleece mid layers are warm, breathable, and dry quickly. I rotated between two and it was the ideal number. They’re also good to throw on when you’re hanging out on the ship.
  .
• Hiking Pants or Thicker Leggings (2-3 pairs): These will go over your base layer and under your waterproof pants.

How I layered my pants: My rain pants were just a shell, so I started with a merino base layer, followed by leggings and then hiking pants. Then my waterproof shell over the top of that. I also packed a thin vest, which was a great layering piece over my merino wool on days when a full fleece would have been too warm.

Base Layer (Next to Your Skin)

• Merino Wool Long-Sleeve Tops (3-4): I lived in my Smartwool tops pretty much the entire time. Merino wool wicks sweat, regulates your temperature and doesn’t get stinky, so you can wear the same shirt for a few days without any issues.
  .
• Merino Wool Leggings (2 pairs): These are your leg insulation, worn under your waterproof pants. I rotated between two pairs but you can probably get away with just one if you really want to pack light.

Footwear & Accessories

• Wool Hiking Socks (5-7 pairs): Your feet are your foundation and you’ll spend hours at a time standing outside in the snow. A fresh, dry pair of thick wool socks is a simple luxury that feels incredible. I packed a rotation of L.L. Bean and Darn Tough socks, and my feet were never cold.
  .
• Warm Beanie or Wool Hat (1-2): Make sure they cover your ears!
  .
• Neck Gaiter or Buff  (1): This is one of those things that a lot of people underestimate, until they get there. They’re much more versatile and secure than a scarf and can pull it up over your face to protect against biting winds on the Zodiacs. It was an absolute lifesaver. I went on exactly 1 zodiac ride without a buff, quickly learned my lesson, and then wore it on every single outing after that.
  .
• Waterproof Gloves (1 pair): Don’t skimp here! Your hands will be exposed to the cold and wet when holding onto the Zodiac and standing in the wind and snow. I recommend a pair of photographer gloves with removable finger tips or touchscreen gloves so you can still use phone camera. You can’t put anything on the ground in Antarctica for biosafety reasons, so the less things you’re juggling, the better.
  .
• High Quality Polarized Sunglasses (1 pair): The sun in Antarctica is no joke. The glare off the snow and water is blinding, plus the glasses help protect your eyes from spray and wind on the zodiacs. I wore these sunglasses almost every day.
  .
• High-SPF Sunscreen (SPF 50+): The ozone layer is thinner here and the reflection means you’re getting hit from all angles. I brought SPF 30 and still got burned. Apply it to your face and hands before every outing.
  .
• SPF Lip Balm: The wind, sun, and dry air on board will destroy your lips without it.

Clothing for Life on the Ship

• Comfortable Pants (2-3 pairs): Leggings, joggers, or comfortable travel pants are perfect.
  ..
• Long-Sleeve Shirts or Lightweight Sweaters (2-3): For lectures, meals, and lounging. I ended up living in the same two zip ups and crew neck sweatshirts pretty much the whole trip. For long sleeve shirts, I just wore my merino wool base layers.
  .
• Ugg Boots or Cozy Slippers (1 pair): This was my single best “ship life” decision. I saw a lot of passengers in sneakers, but after a day in heavy Muck boots, changing into something warm and soft to walk around the ship was pure bliss. They also make changing in the locker rooms a lot faster.
  .
• Swimsuit (1): Don’t forget this! You’ll need it for the Polar Plunge and for any hot tubs or saunas on board.
  .
• A Baseball Cap (1): You’ll be happy to have this after outings for hat hair or between hair wash days, trust me.
  .
• Pajamas, Underwear, Bras, etc.

Your Pre-Expedition Wardrobe: Packing for Argentina

One of the trickiest parts of packing for this trip is that your journey starts in the summer heat of Buenos Aires, Argentina. So, you’ll need to pack for two opposite climates in one bag.

You don’t need much if you’re just passing through, so key is to be strategic and minimalist.

I packed all my Argentina clothes in a single [compression packing cube [link]] to keep them separate and compact.

For Hot Days in Buenos Aires

You’ll likely have at least a day or two in Buenos Aires, where summer temperatures reach 80s or 90s°F (27-35°C). You don’t need a huge wardrobe, just a few versatile, lightweight pieces.

• Lightweight Sundress or Skirt (1): This is the easiest way to look put together while staying cool as you explore the city. And you’ll blend right in.
  .
• Shorts or Linen Pants (1 pair): Also a comfortable option for walking around.
  .
• Breathable Tops (2-3): A couple of simple tank tops or t-shirts that you can mix and match. You can also use these for layering on the ship.
  .
• Comfortable Walking Sneakers (1 pair): You’ll do a lot of walking, so prioritize comfort. I recommend sneakers instead of sandals because you can use the same pair in Ushuaia, which will be a lot colder.

For Cool Days in Ushuaia (The “End of the World”)

You’ll be surprised at how much the temperatures drop when you fly to Ushuaia. It will be cool, windy, and likely in the 40s or 50s°F (4-12°C).

This is the “in-between” climate where you won’t need your full Antarctic gear yet.

• A Packable Down Jacket (1): You’ll definitely want this for your travel days! You won’t have your parka until you board, so a packable down is perfect for the cool weather in Ushuaia and for the pre-boarding Beagle Channel cruise. It’s also a good layering piece for the ship.
  .
• Rain Jacket (1): Bring this in case it rains in Ushuaia before your cruise. This Marmot jacket is perfect!
  .
• Jeans or Comfortable Travel Pants (1 pair): This is the perfect place to wear that one pair of jeans you packed for the trip.
  .
• A Fleece or Sweater (1): The same fleece you’ll use for layering in Antarctica is perfect for wearing under your packable jacket in Ushuaia.
  .
• Sneakers or Walking Shoes: The same comfortable shoes you wore on the plane will be perfect for walking around town.

Medications & Health Essentials

The ship has a doctor and full supply of Meclizine for seasickness, but you should bring a personal supply of anything you might need.

• Seasickness Medication: Even if you don’t normally get seasick, come prepared. Talk to your doctor about the Scopolamine patch (prescription) if you get severely sea sick, or bring over the counter options like Dramamine or Meclizine. Start taking it before you feel sick.
  .
• Personal Prescriptions: Bring more than you need for the duration of your trip.
  .
• Basic First-Aid Kit: Ibuprofen, band-aids, blister treatment, and any other personal essentials.
  .
• Toiletries: Bring whatever you need for toiletries. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are included on board.

Electronics & Photography Gear

I wrote an entire Antarctica Photography Guide, but here’s a quick checklist of the photography gear you’ll want to have (at a minimum):

• Camera and Lenses: You can’t put anything on the ground in Antarctica, which makes changing lenses very cumbersome. A versatile zoom lens is key.
  .
• Extra Batteries: The cold drains batteries fast. Keep spares in an inside pocket close to your body heat.
  .
• Power Bank: Essential for keeping your phone and other small electronics charged.
  .
• Waterproof Backpack: A small waterproof backpack is essential for protecting your camera gear during wet Zodiac landings (also doubles for carrying souvenirs on the way home)
  .
• Phone Leash: This might sound silly, but it was one of the smartest things I packed and you’ll be SO happy to have it. It gives you peace of mind when you’re leaning over a moving Zodiac to get that perfect shot and keeps you have from having to dig around in your jacket pockets with gloves on.
  .
• Plenty of Memory Cards: You will take more photos than you can possibly imagine (I took about 20,000!). Double or triple whatever you think you’ll need.
  .
• An Outlet Adapter: You might need an outlet adapter so you can use the outlets in Argentina (Type C & Type I outlets). Once you’re on board, your ship likely has North American outlets (Type A & B)

Packing for the Falklands & South Georgia: What to Add for a Longer Expedition (22 Days)

The core of your packing list will be the same, but there are a few crucial additions for a 22-day trip with more diverse climates, like the Falklands:

• One Extra Fleece and Two Extra Base Layers: The laundry service on board is expensive (a single load cost us around $50!). Having a few extra items to rotate is a lifesaver and a money saver.
  .
• One “Town” Outfit: Unlike an Antarctica-only trip, you’ll have a day in Stanley in the Falkland Islands. While it’s a very casual place, you’ll like to have at least one pair of comfy jeans or non-hiking pants to spend the day exploring town and grabbing a pint at the pub.
  .
• More Socks & Underwear: For a 22-day trip, I recommend at least 7-8 pairs of good wool socks. You’ll be grateful for a fresh pair every few days.

What I Could Have Left at Home (Learn From My Mistakes!)

• More Than One Pair of Jeans: Jean’s are too restrictive and useless for excursions. I brought 2 pairs and only wore them in Stanley for the day. If you’re doing Antarctica only, you can definitely leave them home unless you know you’ll wear them.
  .
• “Cute” Sweaters: I had visions of wearing cozy, stylish sweaters in the ship’s lounge. But the reality is the ship is kept very warm and people quickly stop caring about everyones wearing. A simple fleece or pullover was more than enough.
  .
• Hiking Boots: I wore hiking boots on the plane, but didn’t end up wearing them at all on the ship. You’ll wear muck boots for all excursions and my UGGs were way more comfortable on the ship.
  .
• Books: I brought a book and never opened it. The expedition schedule keeps you busy, and by the time you have downtime, you’re going to want to nap or look out the window.

Packing Tips & Baggage Restrictions

Many expeditions include charter flights with strict baggage limits (usually one 50 lb checked bag and one 17 lb carry-on).

• Use Compression Packing Cubes: If you don’t already use these, you’re in for a surprise. They’re a game changer for organizing your layers and maximizing how much you can pack in your suitcase.
  .
• Wear Your Heaviest Items: Wear your bulkiest fleece and any boots you’re bringing on the plane to save weight and space in your luggage.
  .
• Hand-Wash Small Items: Laundry on board is pricey. I brought a few of these travel laundry strips and washed socks and underwear in my cabin sink every few days. They dried overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Packing for Antarctica

Here are some questions I had myself when I was packing for our Antarctica trip, so I thought you might be wondering the same!

Is there laundry on board?

Yes, there will be laundry on board, but be prepared for the price. Most ships have a laundry service, but it’s expensive. On our trip, one small load of laundry with a few personal items, leggings, and base layers came to around $50.

My advice: pack sevearl merino wool layers (which you can wear multiple times without washing) and plan to do laundry just once if needed.

For essentials like underwear and socks, I brought a few travel laundry strips and hand washed them in my cabin sink. The air on the ship is very dry, and they dried overnight easily.

Do I really need to pack a winter jacket and boots?

Nope! And it will save you SO much room in your suitcase.

Your expedition company will provide the two bulkiest and most important items for you. On our National Geographic trip, we were given:

• A high-quality expedition parka that was incredibly warm, waterproof, and yours to keep as an amazing souvenir. They ran a bit small, so you’ll want to size up if you’re between sizes on the size chart.
  .
• Tall, insulated Muck boots to rent and use for the entire trip.

You are actually required to wear their boots for all landings to prevent biological contamination, so leave your own hiking boots at home. You won’t be allowed to wear them on shore, and they will just be dead weight in your luggage, unless you’re going hiking in Patagonia afterwards.

What if I forget something?

Don’t worry if you forgot something! Theres a shop on board that sells expedition essentials including sweatshirts, waterproof gear, gloves, hats, basic toiletries (like toothpaste and sunscreen) and phone protectors.

We ended up buying a bunch of stuff from the ship store because we really loved the branded gear, which is another reason to pack as light as you can on the way there.

What is the dress code like on the ship?

The dress code on an Antarctica cruise is very comfy and casual.

It’s like the attire at a mountain lodge, not a formal cruise ship. There are no formal nights, and you’ll see people wearing leggings, joggers, and fleeces at dinner.

The ship is kept comfortably warm, so you don’t need to pack heavy or too many different sweaters for inside. My daily uniform on the ship was a merino base layer or t-shirt and a pair of comfortable pants. Your practical, cozy clothes are perfectly fine for the entire trip, especially because you’ll be changing several times a day for outings!

***

By focusing on packing high quality, functional layers and a few essentials, you’ll be perfectly prepared for the adventure of a lifetime!

And trust me, when you’re watching a colony of 100,000 king penguins at St. Andrew’s Bay, the last thing you’ll be thinking about is that cute sweater you left at home.

Ready to plan the rest of your trip? Check out my Ultimate 22-Day Antarctica Expedition Guide

Did this you find this Antarctica Cruise Packing List helpful? Let me know in the comments!

More South American adventures you’ll love: 

Patagonia Region: 11 Best Places to Visit in Patagonia, Chile

Torres del Paine Hotels: Where to Stay in Torres del Paine National Park

Easter Island Photos: 27 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Easter Island (+ Photography Tips)

Easter Island Guide: How to Visit Easter Island (Rapa Nui): Everything You Need to Know

Ecuador: Ecuador 2-Week Itinerary: The Ultimate Travel Guide