Antarctica What to Pack

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Layers

by kirkeby1

It isn't as cold as you'd think; it was 30-35 farhenheit when I was there in late december. However, the wind gets cold, so I highly suggest a Gore-tex outer layer jacket. My jacket was just a Gore-tex shell and I was afraid it wouldn't be warm enough. But with layers of a sweatshirt or long thermal underwear and then a t-shirt over the top and then a polarfleece top I was plenty warm, sometimes too warm.I don't think the pants need to be gore-tex though. Waterproof and some wind resistance are enough for the pants. At least 2 pairs of gloves as you might get one wet. Casual clothes (jeans, sweatshirts) for onboard and most people wore the same things a couple of times so pack light and do the same! Laundry is very expensive ($1.50 for 1 pair of underwear, $3 for pair of pants), so keep that in mind too.$15 Walmart rubber boots are exactly what you need. Use wool socks inside and you...

Warm clothing

by grets

Almost without fail, we had all packed far to many cold weather clothes. It was nowhere near as cold as I expected, only dropping to minus two. Bring waterproof trousers as you will get a wet bottom sitting in the Zodiacs.Wellies can be hired in Ushuaia through a company called Antarctic Equipment. Wellies are a necessity as you sometimes land in 8 inches of water.Our ship had a very relaxed dress code, apart from the Captain's parties (welcome and farewell), jeans was the order of the day. Even for the Captain's parties dressing up was optional. Wear thermal underwear or leggings under your waterproof trousers, it makes it easier to move and is more comfortable.Layers are more convenient as it can get quite warm if you climb to the top of glaciers. Two of our ladies became known as the Calender Girls when they stripped to their bras after a particularly hot climb!The ship's interior...

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For Sweet Dreams...

by MissAntarctica2002

Take an eye shade and earplugs with you. The eye shade is because if you are there in the austral summer (like 99.9% of people), the sun will shine most or all of the night. I don't know what the cruise ships are like, but on our little yacht there was a hatch in each cabin that couldn't be covered. The light didn't bother me, but it was worth taking an eye shade just in case. If you are the slightest bit sensitive to light, this is a must have item.The ear plugs are to ensure that the sounds your boat or your roomate makes don't keep you from getting a good rest.

Batteries!

by MissAntarctica2002

Make sure you have plenty of batteries for your cameras, camcorders or other battery-powered equipment. When the temperature is cold, batteries lose their charge in a fraction of the time they normally would. Even if you have rechargables, you probably want a spare so that you can have one charging all of the time. If you have rechargeables you'll also want to check ahead of time that you will have the facilities to charge them (i.e. power outlet).

Protect Your Camera

by MissAntarctica2002

I would recommend taking a waterproof housing for your camera if you can get your hands on one. You will likely be taking a lot of dinghy trips and even a small amount of salt water on your camera will wreck it.

Take Everything You Might Need

by MissAntarctica2002

There really isn't any place to shop in Antarctica. Perhaps some of the cruise ships have shops or canteens on them, but I wouldn't know. It's important that you pack considering all sorts of contingencies. This is especially true for medicines and toiletries.In hindsight wished I had packed more medicines. I picked up a cold on my flight from Canada to Chile but it didn't really materialize until I got to Antarctica. I hadn't packed any cold medicines or throat lozenges and consequently fairly miserable a lot of the time. (I'd still rather be miserable in Antarctica than bored at home).I recommend for packing things such as:-cough/cold flu medicines-throat lozenges-seasickness meds-antacids/stomach upset remedies-allergy medicine-headache medicine-lip balm

Oakley & Chanel

by Sharrie

Ok, I'd never have guessed these 2 would mix.No idea what I'm referring to?Well, these are the 2 brands of sunglasses I brought along on this trip.Ok, let's face it. I'm not into branded goods. Been over that long time ago.Neither do I like to be labelled "Miss Brands", if you know what I mean.Reason why they appeared here is simple.Eye protection.I figure I shouldn't mess around with my eyes (ya know, the window to my soul, lol...) while in Antarctica. One can go blind here just simply by staring at those beautiful icebergs. Who'd have guessed, right?Yep, make sure you have a decent pair of sunglasses, if not 2. The reason I brought along the branded ones (& I do wear tons of those unbranded ones, simply because I like the design & they are affordable to lose...) is because I can at the very least be sure they state what they are supposed to do!(Cont. on Miscellaneous) Chanel is good...

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Waterproof protection

by Sharrie

Rain coat helps quite a bit with the waves.Shoes had to be waterproof... or rather it's boots! Bring your own. Essentially, you might want to have some kind of protection for your camera as one'll get wet on the zodiac in more than one occassion. Plastic bags come in handy. But I never did use them. Good gracious, how on earth am I gonna take a pix if I put my camera in a bag? So, it's a no case for me. But if it happened to rain, then you need those bags!We see here Rosemary with her new camera & trying her best to protect it. Jen is such a sweetie to cater to her every whims & as far as I am concerned, risking the zodiac for a pix is not the way to do it. I don't ever want to end up in the freezing water!So, my best suggestion to you all is by all means bring your most powerful camera! Just make sure it's NOT brand new! Like that you still get good pix with assured results & your...

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Every thing is hard to find

by Ekahau

A heavy winter coat. Typical US standard winter coats are fine.Snow-pantsWaterproof Winter Boots (Arctic boots are not necessary) The better the traction on ice the better. Consider golf cleats (crampons are not allowed in most buildings) or studded soles.Gloves - Keep these thinner and more flexible, so you are more likely to keep them on. The temperatures are not so extreme to need big, bulky nylon gloves. Look for thinsulate driving gloves that breathe so your hands donít sweat in them.A flexible, comfortable pair of clothes Jeans or sweats, a t-shirt under a sweatshirt or sweater work very well. Long underwear is optional, and may make you too warm. Two pair of socks is suggested. Sunscreen, lotion, chap-stick you will get dry hands, face and lips in the bright sun and dry air.Very basic toiletries (such as you might take on a long airplane flight) toothbrush, toothpaste,...

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Dress Warm

by maryellen50

Durable soft sided luggage Clothing for the Antarctica is done in 3 layers; a silk or capilene thernal layer followed by a lightweight second layer then an outer layer of fleece or Polartec. I found Polartec 200 too bulky most of the time and it was seldom worn so don't bring too much of this. Standard items for adventure travel plus motion sickness medicine. Some people used acupressure wrist bands and herbal medicines but I took a prescription of the Scopolamine patches worn behind the ear. Definitely recommended if you have any degree of motion sickness due to rough waters. I used an Olympus digital camera for general scenery and a Pentax point and shoot with 200mm zoom for up close and wildlife photos. Everyone advised to take plenty of film but I only used 1 digital camera card and approximately 14 rolls of standard film. I used 100ASA, 200ASA and 400ASA depending on the sunlight...

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The Place

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

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Questions and Answers

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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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