What's usually provided on board for free

Most Antarctic operators issue before departure:

  • Waterproof jacket and pants (parka + salopettes)
  • Rubber boots for zodiac landings
  • Backpack

Check with your operator — this can change the shopping list.

Base layer (thermal underwear)

Merino wool or synthetic — 2 sets. Cotton doesn't work: it gets wet and dries slowly. Smartwool, Icebreaker, Patagonia.

Middle layer (insulation)

Fleece or down jacket. A down jacket of 400–600 g works best. If the operator provides the jacket — the down piece goes underneath as a middle layer.

Outer layer (windproof)

If the operator doesn't provide a jacket — you need a Gore-Tex membrane jacket or equivalent. Water resistance of at least 20,000 mm.

Footwear

If the operator doesn't provide rubber boots — bring high waterproof boots. During zodiac landings you'll have to step into water up to your ankles.

Additional gear

  • Hat + balaclava — mandatory, ears freeze the hardest
  • Gloves — minimum 2 pairs: fleece and waterproof
  • Eyewear — sunglasses with UV400 or ski goggles (bright snow)
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ — reflection off snow doubles UV
  • Trekking poles — help on uneven landing terrain

Tech and documents

  • Camera with spare batteries (cold drains them fast)
  • 200–400 mm lens for penguins and whales
  • Waterproof camera cover
  • Cloud copies of passport and insurance
  • Insurance with medical evacuation — mandatory

First aid kit

  • Plasters and blister patches
  • Motion sickness remedy (Scopolamine patch — best option)
  • Painkiller and fever reducer
  • Personal medications with a 2-week reserve

What you definitely don't need

Suits, heels, cotton items, a heavy photo tripod (useless in swell), expensive jewelry.