What to pack forAntarctica
in December
34° / 28°F
16 days of rain or snow this month. Sunset around 12:00am.Typical December, from ten years of weather
16 days
of rain or snow this month
12:00am
sunset
Type C/F
plugs
0 of 65 packed
Before you go
None of these fit in a bag. Sort them first and the packing gets easy.
Travel insurance
Most home health plans stop at the border. A quote takes two minutes.
eSIM
An eSIM works the moment the phone is switched on in Antarctica, with no SIM counter to find.
Copies of your documents
Photograph your passport, cards, and insurance. Email them to yourself. Ten seconds now saves a very bad afternoon.
Vaccinations / travel clinic
CDC lists Hepatitis A, Typhoid for Antarctica. Talk to a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks out.
The essentials
Tick the box when it is in the bag
What to wear
Waterproof insulated gloves
Don't have one? Check these out.
GOREWEAR GORE-TEX Insulated Gloves$68.73 was $100 at REIShop at REI
Sealskinz Tivetshall Waterproof Insulated Gauntlet Gloves$54.73 was $100 at REIShop at REI
The North Face Montana Ski Glove - Men's$45.50 was $65 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Boulder Gear Board Insulated Gloves$41.73 was $55 at REIShop at REIMerino base layer top
Wear one, dry one. Cotton stays wet all week here.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Arc'teryx Women's Satoro Merino Wool Crew Neck Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top$95.73 was $120 at REIShop at REI
REI Co-op Women's Merino 185 Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer Top$84.95 at REIShop at REI
Wedze Women's BL900 Merino Wool Ski Base Layer Top$60 was $99.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Terramar Men's 3.0 Merino Bi-Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer Top$29.73 was $45 at REIShop at REIInsulated puffy (down or synthetic)
Lows around 28°F. Goes under the shell when the wind picks up.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickSimond Men's Xplore Hooded Down Jacket$119 at DecathlonShop at Decathlon
Hybrid WINDSTOPPER Lightweight Puffy Jacket - Men's$196 was $280 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Fuego Down Jacket - Men's$108 was $270 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Solazo Down Hooded Jacket - Women's$90 was $240 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiGloves
Don't have one? Check these out.
Teca Fleece Gloves$12 was $30 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Forclaz MT100 Fleece Gloves$5 was $7.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Quechua Adult MT500 Backpacking Silk Liner Gloves$15 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Craft ADV Lumen Fleece Gloves$29.73 was $39.99 at REIShop at REIWarm hat (beanie)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Chaos Indiana Wool Beanie$29.73 was $39.99 at REIShop at REI
Smartwool Cable Knit Colorblock Pom Beanie$29.73 was $40 at REIShop at REI
Lightweight Merino Wool Beanie$32 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Simond Adult MT500 Merino Wool Beanie$17 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaInsulated winter boots
Don't have one? Check these out.
Bogs Women's Arcata Waterproof Snow Boots$110 was $160 at REIShop at REI
The North Face Women's Shellista IV Luxe Waterproof Snow Boots$95.73 was $179 at REIShop at REI
Men's SH100 Warm Waterproof Snow Boots$25 was $49.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Quechua Men's NH500 Warm Waterproof Snow Boots$75 was $109 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaBuy it used: REI Re/Supply sells gear like this for less. See used gear
Merino base layer bottoms
For the mornings and the nights.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Intraknit All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottom - Men's$125 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Smartwool Men's Intraknit AS Merino Base Layer Bottoms$125 at REIShop at REI
Arc'teryx Women's Satoro Merino Wool Base Layer Bottoms$95.73 was $120 at REIShop at REI
tasc Performance Women's Elevation Merino Base Layer Bottoms$44.73 was $79 at REIShop at REIThermal socks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Quechua SH500 Merino Wool Winter Mid Socks$20 was $29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Woolrich Men's Merino Wool Hiking Crew Socks$12.73 was $16 at REIShop at REI
Quechua SH500 Mid 2-Pair Winter Hiking Warm Socks$15 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Women's Revolution$32.95 at SockwellShop at SockwellNeck gaiter / buff
Don't have one? Check these out.
REI Co-op Merino Wool Neck Gaiter$26.95 at REIShop at REI
Turtle Fur Micro Fur Fleece Totally Tubular Neck Gaiter$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Multi-Position Hiking Neck Gaiter$17 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Smartwool Thermal Merino Neck Gaiter$25 at REIShop at REIREI members usually get 10% back on full-price gear. Membership is $30, once. How it works
Beach and water
Snorkel set
Don't have one? Check these out.
Waterproof dry bag 10–20L
Don't have one? Check these out.
Osprey Wildwater Dry Bag 35$48.73 was $65 at REIShop at REI
Herschel Supply Dry Bag Backpack 32L Vermillion$130 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Watershed Goforth 10.5L Dry Bag Safety$177 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
ALPS Mountaineering Vapor 16 Dry Bag$17.49 was $24.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comPower and phone
Plug adapter, Type C or F
Antarctica uses Type C or F sockets. An adapter with USB-C ports charges several things from one outlet.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickGlobal Travel AdapterSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Global Travel Adapter Forget-Me-Not$38.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Global Travel Adapter USB 30W$40 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Global Travel Adapter Micro$25 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Multi-port USB-C charger (GaN)
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
Peak Design 65W Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at REIShop at REI
Charger Evo Lock-On Grips$27.19 was $33.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Lizard Skins Charger Evo Lock-On Grips Electric$24.58 was $33.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comVPN
Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Money and documents
AirTag / tracker for bags
Don't have one? Check these out.
Bugs and health
Travel first aid kit
Bags
Carry-on backpack (35–45L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador GloberiderSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Pacsafe Go Carry-On 44L Backpack Jet$180 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 was $265 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comDry bags
For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Tuff Sack 5-55L Dry Bag$79.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comOsprey Wildwater Dry Bag 35$48.73 was $65 at REIShop at REI
Osprey Packs Wildwater 15L Dry Bag Tunnel Vision$24.75 was $45 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Vapor 16 Dry Bag$17.49 was $24.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comCarry-on suitcase (hard shell)
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
Checked luggage / rolling duffel
Don't have one? Check these out.
Osprey Daylite Wheeled Duffel 85$221 was $295 at REIShop at REI
Big Agnes Stagecoach Duffel 45 L Rolling Wheeled Luggage$300 at REIShop at REI
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT 90L Wheeled Duffel Bag Midnight$349 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Virtuosa Wheeled Duffel$119 was $170 at SamsoniteShop at SamsonitePacking cubes
Don't have one? Check these out.
Laundry bag / travel detergent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sun and heat
Polarized sunglasses
Don't have one? Check these out.
Zeal Isabelle Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$67.03 was $149 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Smith Era ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$113 was $189 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Smith Cheetah Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$93 was $155 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Zeal Bennet Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$59.60 was $149 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comReef-safe sunscreen
Some islands fine you for the regular stuff.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Water and food
Reusable water bottle
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sleep
Eye mask + earplugs
Sun is up until 12:00am. You'll want the mask.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Packable blanket
Lows around 28°F. One blanket that packs small covers the car, the campsite and the beach at sunset.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickOriginal Puffy Blanket - Seascape$99.95 at rumplShop at rumpl
Original Puffy Solid 2-Person Blanket$200 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comRumpl Original Puffy Solid 2-Person Blanket Seascape$200 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Original Puffy 1-Person Blanket - Bandana$99.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comWorking on the road
Noise-cancelling headphones
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sony WH-1000XM4C Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Black (M4 2nd Gen)$300 at SonyShop at Sony
Skullcandy Sesh ANC Active Headphones$70.93 was $95 at REIShop at REI
Skullcandy Icon ANC Headphones$74.93 was $99.95 at REIShop at REI
Soundcore by Anker Space One Pro Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones$200 at REIShop at REINice to have
You could skip every one of these
What to wear
Waterproof boot spray
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95 at REIShop at REI
Fabric & Leather Spray On Footwear Treatment$12.55 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95 at REIShop at REI
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof DUO-Pack Spray$18.85 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSarong / light cover-up
Doubles as a towel, a scarf, and a cover-up where one's expected.
Don't have one? Check these out.
O'Neill Women's Saltwater Essentials Teddy Printed Mini Cover-Up Dress$43.93 was $64 at REIShop at REI
O'Neill Women's Saltwater Solids Rilee Mini Cover-Up Dress$39.93 was $58 at REIShop at REI
Roxy Women's Golden Glow Cover-Up Dress$24.93 was $50 at REIShop at REI
Free Fly Women's Elevate Lightweight Cover-Up$56.73 was $84 at REIShop at REIGaiters
Don't have one? Check these out.
Power and phone
Short cables (USB-C)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Money and documents
Luggage locks (TSA)
Bugs and health
Bags
Compression sacks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Compression Stuff Sack$37.46 was $49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil 8L Compression Sack Atoll$39.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
REI Co-op Lightweight Compression Stuff Sack$23.95 at REIShop at REI
Sea To Summit Lightweight 8L Compression Sack Surf$34.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comToiletry bag (hanging)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sun and heat
Cap
Don't have one? Check these out.
Trucker Mesh Cap + Screenprint$29.40 was $49 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Haven Trucker Cap$17.97 was $29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Kiprun Ultra-Light 5-Panel Running Cap$15 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Squatch Trucker Lo Pro Cap$15.73 was $34.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSleep
Travel pillow
Hand warmers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Smartwool Isto Hand Warmer - Women's$35 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Zippo HeatBank 9s Rechargeable Hand Warmer and Power Bank$34.93 was $50.95 at REIShop at REI
Zippo HeatBank 6+ Pro Hand Warmer and Power Bank$34.93 was $50.95 at REIShop at REI
Ignik Hand Warmers - Multipack$17.95 at REIShop at REIThe basics
You own most of these. We are just making sure they make it in.
What to wear
Everyday pants
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickWild Rye Emmett Overalls$123 at Wild RyeShop at Wild Rye
Quechua Men's NH100 Hiking Pants$20 was $29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Backcountry Wasatch Ripstop Everyday Pant - Men's$49.50 was $99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Ambato Everyday Pant - Men's$57 was $95 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiThe basics
Toiletries kit
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pelican DK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Toiletry Kit Daylite Hanging$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Toiletry Kit Daylite Hanging Night Shift$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Pack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag$40 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekTravel-size toothpaste + brush
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Huppy Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Medications + prescriptions
Chargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Underwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Everyday Merino Thong Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Everyday Merino Bikini Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
REI Co-op Women's Merino Bikini Underwear$27.95 at REIShop at REISocks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sleepwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pendleton Pajama Set - Women's$74.63 was $99.50 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas - Men's$89.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Sundays Lounge Shirt - Men's$27.98 was $69.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Classic Lounge Shirt - Women's$22.73 was $64.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comReusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pen (customs forms)
Copy of passport
Small lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Earbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Shokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170 at REIShop at REI
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130 at REIShop at REI
JBL Vibe Beam 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$64.95 at REIShop at REI
Soundcore by Anker AeroFit 2 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$100 at REIShop at REI
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sewing kit / safety pins
Take this list with you
Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.