Antarctica Tours: Aurora Expeditions Explains What to Pack for Your Antarctica Holiday

One of the most frequently asked questions by passengers booking Antarctica tours is what they need to take with them. The choice of clothing for cold climates is a very personal matter, depending on how much you feel the cold. The following tips should help you ensure that you are fully equipped for Antarctica tours.

The weather in the Antarctic Peninsula is generally milder than most people expect, but it is certainly better to be prepared and have more warm clothing than not enough during your Antarctic travel.

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Aurora Expeditions, a Sydney based company, offer Antarctica tours departing Hobart & Argentina to Antarctica throughout the entire season to ensure you have the experience of a lifetime.

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Layers are key
On Antarctic tours the secret to keeping warm is the ‘layer principle’. It is better to have several light layers of clothing than one heavy layer on Antarctica vacations. Air becomes trapped between each layer, and when heated by your body, acts as an excellent insulator. When preparing for Antarctica tours, bear in mind that woollen or silk materials are better than cotton because they can trap warm air.

Waterproof jacket and pants
During travel to Antarctica the most important layer is a waterproof and windproof outer shell. If your skin or clothing gets wet, your body will lose heat much more quickly. Throughout your Antarctic travel waterproof pants will keep you warm in windy conditions, in Zodiacs or if it rains.

Polar fleece jacket and pants
Antarctica travel requires that under your waterproof outer layer you will need your warm layer. Polar fleece or woolen sweaters and pants are best.

Thermal underwear
To prepare for Antarctica tours, medium to thick, thermal long-sleeved underwear in silk, polypropylene or wool should be the first layer next to your skin.

Socks, mittens and gloves
Body heat is most likely to be lost from your hands and feet, so they need to be kept warm and dry. Two pairs of socks should keep you snug. When packing for your Antarctica holiday it is worthwhile taking both thick and thin socks so you can determine the combination that works best for you both on board the ship and ashore.

On Antarctica vacations it is essential to bear in mind that mittens and/or gloves are very important items of clothing, as cold hands can make you feel miserable. A pair of polypropylene or woollen gloves covered with a waterproof mitten work well. Take a spare set of gloves in case your first pair gets wet or lost.

Hats
During travel to Antarctica as much as 90% of body heat can be lost from your head, so be sure to wear a cap, woollen hat or balaclava to protect your ears and forehead. A scarf will also help keep your face and neck warm in windy conditions.

Footwear
Calf to knee-high gumboots will be your most important item of footwear on Antarctic tours. Choose a pair with strongly patterned soles, which will give you more grip in icy conditions.

On board the Antarctic cruise ship
The temperature on board is usually quite warm, and on our Antarctica tours jeans, casual trousers, light, long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts are the usual attire. Lightweight walking boots or joggers are the most appropriate footwear on board.