I touched on this topic in my post How to Plan for a Trip to Antarctica. In this post, I’m going to fully outline how and what I packed for our expedition to Antartica.
Overview
Antarctica 21/ Swoop provided us with videos and reading materials about what to pack. The challenge was to keep the large luggage to under 33 pounds and the personal bag to under 11 pounds. I literally packed and unpacked about 3-4 times before I got me and Arlinton’s bags together. I used packing cubes for mine and opted out on his bag per his request. The composition of my carry on bag was 4-5 clothes sets for around the ship, 4-5 base layer sets, 4-6 pairs of heavy wool socks, 3 exercise outfits, parka, fleece lined pant, waterproof pant, swimsuit and 8 underwear. This every up bring just enough clothes. My personal bag contained toiletries, a wet bag, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection, camera, laptop, binoculars, and Kindle. I would also pack a really lightweight duffle bag and foldable backpack, so that you have space for souvenirs for the trip home. I opted to keep my head warm and minimize my hair’s contact with the elements, so I brought multiple wigs. We also brought hand and toe warmers, but ended up using these minimally. It’s important to remember that it’s summer there. Antarctica was cold, but warmer than NYC at the time of our trip. It was also warm in Chile, so having lightweight clothing that you can layer is key.
Overview of What I Bought for the Trip
Yes, I bought almost everything for the trip from Amazon. If you have time to check out the links, you’ll notice that none of the items were expensive. Some of the other travelers spent thousands of money on their gear and I felt we were just as warm and kept dry at a fraction of the cost.
KastKing Dry Bags– I actually didn’t get to use this because I left the strap home, but I saw many people with a similar bag
FENGDONG 35L Lightweight Foldable Waterproof Backpack– This was not in the video, but was in the original luggage and ended up being clutch for casual walks.
Arctix mens Snow Sports Cargo Pants– We were in the water daily and stayed dry! Make sure the silicon is over and in contact with the boots.
Men’s Waterproof Ski Jacket Warm Winter Snow Coat Hooded Raincoat– I opted for the Men’s coat because I got a sweet Lighting Deal ( Current Price $35.99! ). This coat kept me warm and dry as promised. The top couldn’t close completely if I had on my hat, but otherwise no complaints.
Alvada Warm Thermal Wool Socks– These kept my feet warm. I still wear them around the house.
STOMP Waterproof Ski/Snow Gloves– Not bad… I felt like these got a little wet, but warm.
WEERTI Thermal Base Layer– Comfy and warm. The only issues is that it get fuzz balls.
WEERTI Thermal Underwear for Men Base Layer
MOERDENG Men’s Soft Shell Waterproof Fleece Cargo Pants– Nice a warm. The inseam was a little short for me, but not horrible
Dramamine Motion Sickness Non-Drowsy– My go to
Motion Sickness Patch– I didn’t care for the way these made me feel, but when I took it off I felt very dizzy. It may have been working and the waters were just very rough at the time.
Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion– I didn’t have any issues with using this on my face
Spectron 3 Polarized Sunglasses– Bad reviews on Amazon, but I didn’t have issues
Vapur Solid Flexible Water Bottle– Love, love, love
OZERO Knit Beanie Winter Hat, Thermal Thick Polar Fleece Snow Skull Cap– Warm, but a little snug for my big head
Merino.tech Merino Wool Ski Neck Gaiter– Warm, but a challenge to get over my head
I’m so excited to have posted my first Youtube Video. I plan to post a video of the trip, so please subscribe to my channel. Subscribe to this blog, so you don’t miss anything. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s Live and Learn together!