Antarctica What to Pack

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  • My Sara with Daniela - a most helpful person.
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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Come Prepared!!

by MikeAtSea

In the region you are bound to be making a number of wet landings in zodiacs - hence waterproof boots are strongly recommended. Also be prepared for changes in weather - from one moment the sun is shining without a breeze to the next second when strong winds and snow make the stay pretty uncomfortable if you are not dressed correctly. Warm and water proof clothes and you will enjoy this part of the world!

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Films, films, films...........

by tini58de

Taking pictures is what you will do most of the time while in Antarctica, so be sure to bring loads of film with you!!!100 ASA sensitivity should be enough, especially when you have lots of snow, bright icebergs and ideally blue sky!Do not forget extra batteries and maybe even a second camera (just in case)....A skylight filter for regular protection of the lens should do, a polarizing filter might be nice, but is not necessary.I had a 35 - 200 zoom lens, which was nice both for landscapes as well as for wildlife close-ups.And if you do digital photography be sure to bring loads of memory cards or an external hard drive with you!!!

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Onion principle

by tini58de

It is cold in Antarctica, okay, but not all THAT cold, since you can only go there during the Antarctic SUMMER. We had 0ýC +/- 5ýC, so it was not that bad....The onion principle is what really works - many layers on top of eachother - it worked fine for me!Skiing underwear is nice, a fleece sweater, long sleeve T-shirts, warm socks, some thin gloves (so that you can keep them on while taking pictures), a cap or hat (boy, can it get windy there)........Do not forget rain gear!!! Not only can the weather be bad, but also the zodiac tours to get you to the Antarctic mainland can be pretty rough and wet!

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Rain suit

by Veghel

A rain suit is absolutely necessary for any trip to Antarctica. Not because it often rains, but because of water splash during Zodiac cruises.When the sea is calm and speed low, you can leave the rain suit in your rucksack (but DO take it with you, as weather and sea conditions may change from hours to hour).However if the Zodiac speed is high(er) and the sea is rough, you get wet to the bone if you don't wear a rain suit! This is especially true for those passengers sitting in the front.As rain suits usually do not breathe and Zodiac cruising can be pretty tiring, the clothes that you wear under your rain suit (such as ski pants) may become a little wet too. But that's still much better than wet to the bone!

SUN-GLASSES, wind and water proofed clothes

by javabit

A small waterproofed bag for when you go on the rubber boats. 1. SUN-GLASSES!- Very good sun-glasses. Since you are focusing on your Antarctica trip to be cold, you could tend to forget that the sun gets reflected by ice, snow and sea. - Also bring glasses when you wear contact-lenses: the salty water and wind can irritate your eyes2. Water-proofed clothes! Especially keep your head, ears, hands and feet dry! Water repellent outer clothes that will keep you dry on the outside and still "breathe" enough so that moisture from your body can escape. 3. Zippers on clothes are always practical: unzip on a sunny moment, zip on a windy or snowing moment. 1. Don't get sunburned on your Antarctica Trip!With all the sun reflections on Antarctica and because of the ozone hole, make sure to bring a high factor sun-cream and put it everywhere the Antarctic sun and it's reflections can reach you....

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Rubber boots

by Veghel

On all trips to Antarctica, you should bring rubber boots. The shafts of the boots should be around 300 mm tall as a minimum. These boots are necessary as the only way to go onshore is with rubber boats (so-called Zodiacs), which mostly land on rocky beaches. Once you have arrived, you first step into the shallow water (possibly with waves). Rubber boots are absolutely necessary to keep your feet dry.Rubber boots are heavy and it is therefore inconvenient to take them all the way to the harbour where you go onboard the ship. With an average weight of about 5 kg per pair, they would take up 25% of the weight that most airlines allow. In Ushuaia, where the vast majority of the ships depart, there are shops that rent rubber boots. The best way to find them is to ask the local Tourist Office, as they have the actual information. Costs are about US$ 10 per pair per trip and a US$ 50 deposit...

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Welcome to the worst sunburn you'll ever have.

by AntarcticFox

Antarctica turned me into a backpacker. No, I don't mean I smoke weed and hug trees. I mean that I discovered the usefullness of carrying your gear on your back so as to keep your hands free for all those times you're going to bust your arse when you slip on the Ice or stumble over loose rocks. Food for thought. Depends. Work or play? Believe it or not, with all the gear you have to pile on to stay warm in Antarctica, physical exertion does make one sweat in no time flat. Wear anything that wicks away sweat and dries quickly. Because once you stop moving, that sweaty thermal underwear starts to get cold.I'm particularly fond of my North Face gear, but you'll be provided with a warm parka by your tour guide, etc., for outside excursions. SUNSCREEN. I'll repeat it. If you are going to Antarctica when the sun is up, wear sunscreen. And reapply it. Frequently. I used SPF 30 when I was...

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Batteries and film

by RunnerBob

Many people have mentioned that there is no place to buy film and batteries, very true, so bring more than you thing you will need. In addition, if you go on the zodiac rafts and do some landings, make sure and not only bring extras with you, but put them in a place where you can reach them! The first day on the zodiac I needed to change film and realized they were in a pocket UNDER my life vest. I missed some good pics until we could land and I could undo the vest.

Packing list for GAP explorer

by Josilver

Waterproof day pack for taking on shore landings Gum Boots- wellingtons etc. there are several options1) bring them with you-they are heavy and take up a lot of space2) Hire them from Turismo Ushuaia (Gob Paz) for US$20 or 60 pesos PLUS $50US deposit3) Buy them in Ushuaia from the general store in the main street San Martin for 20-25 pesos, this the cheapest and best option4) there are some available on the boat but this cant be guaranteedOTHER CLOTHES1) Water proof ski pants2) water proof gloves, under gloves that you can use to manipulate your camera3) Water proof and lined jacket4) Beanie and head band5) Sunglasses6) sunscreen, moisturiser and lip balm7)long sleeve thermals plus long johns to wear under your ski pants8) lots of socks ( you need 2 pairs in you r gum boots when landing)and under wear (wahsing is expensive (ie US$1.50 per pair of underpants)9) 4 or 5 Tshirts and long...

Better remember everything!

by kweg

Bring a small backpack to keep your gear in during shore excursions. You can put your cameras in here to prevent them from getting wet during the zodiac rides. Bring the warmest clothing you can find! Bringing a video camera should be mandatory! The sounds of Antarctica are almost as cool as the sites. You can also do a video journal and say hello to all your friends from the actual Antarctic continent.

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The Place

Reviews and photos of Antarctica attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Antarctica sightseeing.

Experience Antarctica
 

Questions and Answers

crazy4ocean profile photo

Q:  Hello, I'm so excited about my trip to Antarctica on 2/19 on Quark. Questions for those who've been there - 1. packing -... 

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A: There is a tiny place on Deception Island, where the ground is so hot that you can dig out a hole and let the sea-water in that will allow you to take a bath in hot... 

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