Polar Gear

There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather – Only Bad Gear

It’s never a good idea to take shortcuts when it comes to clothing – being improperly dressed can impact your enjoyment of the voyage! Dress on board the ships is casual and informal at all times.

Layers Are Your Friend

The best clothing is a layered system with an outer layer that is waterproof. The air between the layers provides additional insulation.

  • Base Layer – Thermal underwear and a pair of thermal socks.
  • Mid Layer – Pants (wool is ideal), a light cotton shirt, and a wool sweater.
  • Outer Layer – Waterproof pants* and a waterproof jacket that we provide
    Waterproof pants (not provided) are required to participate in landings.
  • Shoes – Sturdy walking shoes or sneakers with a good grip sole for the slippery deck, and the rubber boots we provide.

*Note: Lightweight disposable rain gear will not endure more than one landing, so please bring high quality, expedition-weight waterproof pants.

A Waterproof Expedition Jacket, Yours To Keep

A waterproof expedition jacket, yours to keep, is included in the cost of your voyage, and will be given to you on board. A nautically inspired and well-fitting jacket, it’s ideal for cruising, sailing or onshore activities. This jacket, custom designed for Polar Latitudes, is a fully wind- and waterproof outer layer, with a protective collar to help keep body warmth from escaping on windy days. Please note, as this is not an insulated ski parka, we recommend wearing a heavy fleece and/or thermal layers under the jacket for additional warmth in Antarctica.

We also loan you a pair of insulated rubber boots for you to use during the voyage. They are great for getting in and out of Zodiacs and are plenty warm with a good pair of thermal or wool socks.

Need Gear?

We’re happy to suggest New Headings LLC for your expedition clothing needs. New Headings is a trusted, long-time supplier of quality polar gear, and offers a wide variety of polar gear for purchase, and a few select items for rent.

Please ensure that you read through the shop’s terms for picking up and returning rental items, and consider your plans for embarkation and disembarkation days.

Rentals are available only on voyages which embark and disembark in Ushuaia.

Suggested Packing List

Clothing

  • Boots – provided by Polar Latitudes
  • Boot liners (optional) – to make your boots fit more comfortable
  • Waterproof jacket – provided by Polar Latitudes
  • Waterproof pants (required to participate in landings)
  • Heavyweight fleece jacket or wool sweater to layer under your waterproof jacket
  • Thermal top and bottom (at least two sets)
  • Thermal socks (three pairs) in different thicknesses
  • Warm hats that cover your ears (two, in case you get one wet)
  • Cap with visor for sunny days – make sure it can be worn under your warm hat
  • Winter gloves or mittens (two pairs, to rotate when wet)
  • Waterproof layer to go over your gloves (dishwashing or work gloves work well)
  • Glove liners (great for taking photos)
  • Jeans, khakis, fleece or other pants (several pairs), to layer under your waterproof pants on excursions, and for around the ship
  • Shirts
  • Walking shoes

Other Essentials

  • A few N95 or KN95 masks, in case you become ill, or wish to use them in group settings
  • Sunglasses (polarized, close-fitting are best) or ski goggles (optional; can help protect eyes in windy conditions)
  • Sunblock
  • Daypack or backpack (waterproof/resistant is best; or line with plastic bags)
  • Water bottle (we can provide one onboard on request)
  • Bathing suit (optional – to use at the Arakur or for a polar plunge!)
  • Binoculars
  • Strap to secure your cell phone
  • Camera / Video
  • Extra batteries for cameras (not available on board)
  • Extra memory or film for cameras (not available on board)
  • Plastic freezer bags with zip closures (for keeping your camera dry)
  • Battery chargers
  • Converters/adapters as needed
  • Appropriate clothing for Buenos Aires (or Santiago depending on your flight routing)
  • Medications – bring a sufficient supply of any medications you regularly take; prescription and over-the-counter including your preferred motion sickness remedy, as well as copies of your prescriptions.
  • If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, be sure to pack an extra pair.