Packing tips for Antarctica

Packing can be a bit of an arduous task. It can be especially difficult if you don't really know what to expect about from your destination.

Antarctica, being one of the world's last frontiers, is a challenge to pack since very few people know what to expect from the icy continent. However, it doesn't need to be a challenge. To lend a little assistance, Brendan van Son shares some of his tips on packing.

Clothing

Headgear
A warm beanie will definitely do the trick. Quite often you won't even need it as the temperatures aren't that extreme during travel season. However, you'll want something on your head nearly all the time as the sun can be quite strong (I know it doesn't seem right)

Jacket
You will want to bring a light jacket to wear on the boat, but you will be provided a nice Antarctica jacket when you get on the boat. No need to buy an expensive jacket for the trip

Gloves/Mittens
This is important since you are likely going to be taking pictures. You'll want gloves or mittens that you can take pictures while wearing. Think thin but still warm. If you feel like you need mittens try to get a pair that you can fold the top down to expose your fingers and take pictures more easily

Footwear
You'll be provided rubber boots on the boat, so you don't need to pack anything special. However, you'll likely want to pack a comfy pair of shoes for walking around the boat.

Socks
Always pack more socks than you think you'll need. They can do laundry on board, but if you're like me you'll go through three pairs a day. Try to get the really warm lightweight winter socks if you can

Snow Pants
Waterproof pants are absolutely essential, and I wouldn't go cheap on this item. Try to get a pair with suspenders as well as it will just make them that much more comfortable. Be sure you get 100% waterproof pants as there are times you step in the water while getting off the zodiac and onto shore. Also, having waterproof pants means that you can sit in the snow much more comfortably while taking thousands of pictures of penguins.

Electronics

Camera
Quite obviously you are going to pack a camera, but which one? If you have yet to buy a camera, and you're not a pro, I recommend getting one like the Canon G12 which has a great zoom to get close to wildlife. If you shoot a pro or semi-pro camera I would pack three lenses. I would pack a 300mm plus, a 70-200mm, and a wide angle (remember you can always rent lenses if you don't already have the one you'll need). Also, I would pack a polarizer for the wide angle as you can get great shots of icebergs below the surface of the water using one.

Binoculars
If you're a bird lover pack a good pair of binoculars as the bird life is incredible! Even if you're not into birds, it is a great way to see things from the boat.

Laptop
Personally, I wouldn't bother bringing one unless you are planning on doing some work at nights. You might want to bring a notebook or a tablet to watch movies on during the crossing. But you're not going to get internet so it's really not necessary.

Memory cards
Bring as many as you can. You can never have too many, and the truth is that they are so cheap these days it's not a big deal.

Medication
If you're prone to seasickness or motion sickness you'll want to pack either the pills or the patch, or both. The crossing of the Drake Passage has taken the lunch of more than a few travellers. It probably goes without saying, but there are no chemists in Antarctica and you'll need to pack all the meds you normally take.

Snacks and drinks
 You'll be well fed on the ship. However, if you have a bit of a sweet tooth you might want to also bring along some extra snacks for the journey. Also, you can bring a bottle of alcohol or two and have them cork it for you at the bar.

Got any questions? Leave them in the comments section below. Or if you've got tips to share, why not put them on twitter or Facebook?

If you're ready to start your Antarctic adventure, take a look through our range of trips today.

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To celebrate the launch of Gecko’s in Antarctica, we are offering 25% off all Gecko’s Antarctica voyages. Just book by 29 February 2012 to take advantage. Find out more

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