Polar Fashion Essentials for an Antarctic Adventure
So, you’re setting foot on the Seventh Continent and there are a few things you’ll need to pack to stay warm during your Antarctic adventure.
Visiting Antarctica, the “seventh continent,” is a dream destination because of its unique and pristine environment, unparalleled wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and a sense of remoteness and adventure—free from pollution and the geopolitical troubles of the world.
Antarctica boasts stunning scenery, including glaciers, icebergs of all shapes, sizes, and shades of blue, and towering snow-covered mountains, offering a visual grandeur unlike any other destination I have ever visited.
Naturally, I was nervous packing for the Inaugural Pride Cruise to Antarctica hosted by Planetdwellers with Aurora Expeditions. I was sure I’d forget something. It was three flights, approximately 7,000 miles from home, and the luggage weight limit was 15kg per bag. This would be tricky, as would the temperatures. I had to pass through Buenos Aires at the height of summer with all my winter gear suitable for 20°F (-6°C) temps at my destination. Layers were key! Antarctica, even in summer, is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth, covered in a massive ice sheet, making it a truly unique and untouched landscape that is at least as cold as your regular winter location but probably a lot more changeable.
You may already have a fleecy jacket, a warm sweater, and track pants with fleece lining somewhere in your closet, so be sure to pack those. While normal clothing was fine for onboard the ship—indoors—your choice of clothing during the voyage outdoors, on deck, on the water, or going ashore depends on your tolerance to cold climates and the activities you choose during the expedition. Polar temperatures in the Southern summer are similar to most Northern ski fields in winter. If you are a skier, your ski clothing will be perfectly adequate if it is waterproof. But underneath that layer, you will need between two to four insulation layers, depending on the day and your tolerance to wind chill.
Before setting off, I did my research, and I talked to others who’d been to Antarctica—read on to learn of the key items they recommended. I collaborated with athletic and adventure gear retailer Sun & Ski Sports on a few essentials I knew I’d need. Here are some of the items I packed and which I heartily recommend to keep you warm and dry.
The Smartwool Women’s Merino 250 Base Layer Quarter Zip Shirt and Crew Shirt
In polar climates, layers are everything. The thermal layer regulates body temperature even in harsh cold. Made of a soft 100% interlock Merino wool fabric, the Crew Shirt and Zip Shirt offer breathable warmth, move sweat away from the body, and provide next-to-skin comfort in colder conditions. With a crew neck and raglan sleeves, shoulder panels, and flatlock seam construction, you have a full range of motion without chafing, as well as keeping you comfortable and temperature-regulated as you expend energy hiking up those snowy shores of Antarctica in search of penguins. Both are great additions to your winter wardrobe and pair with each other and just about anything.
Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottoms
With a fit updated to improve functionality while enhancing aesthetics for a range of body shapes and a flatlock seam construction designed to minimize chafing, these are the long johns to wear underneath your favorite track pants. Comfort is never in question—these are truly the best base layer pants we have ever worn and can even do double duty as cool leggings for lounging around in winter. Smartwool is a thing! We have never experienced a fabric like it, and it’s worth the investment.
The Spyder Women’s Hone GORE-TEX® Shell Snow Pants
This is a total essential: waterproof trousers! A light pair of waterproof nylon trousers is critical for keeping you warm in wind, and dry on the Zodiac because it is inevitable that while scouting about the glacial waterways, you will get wet! The Spyder Women’s Hone Snow Pants present high-quality coverage because they are made with GORE-TEX® stretch fabric that’s easy to maneuver in, articulated knees, and essential venting in the thigh. Zippered hand pockets are included for your small essentials, in addition to an adjustable waist and generous cut to maintain the perfect fit over your regular pants. They are also wide-legged enough to fit around hiking or snow boots. We loved the pockets, perfect for our water bottle and accessories, leaving our hands free for hiking and taking photos during our shore excursions.
The Hestra Women’s Fall Line Snow Gloves
You need a good pair of gloves, go with a pair of polypropylene or woollen gloves that have a waterproof coating—such as ski gloves. Some of our expedition leaders, we noticed, preferred industrial fleece-lined rubber gloves, as they had to steer the Zodiacs and were out on the water for longer periods than we were. For us mere mortals with a sense of style and longevity, the Hestra Snow Glove provide plenty of comfort for polar adventurers and will be worth hanging on to for future winters. These gloves offer the ultimate warmth and protection from the elements, and look lovely, too.
Smartwool Men’s Classic Maximum Cushion Crew Socks
Speaking of your other most important extremities—your feet—I was recommended not to skimp on socks but to take a few pairs of really good quality, thick wool socks. The Smartwool Men’s Classic Maximum Cushion Crew Socks are unisex and are the thickest, juiciest socks we have ever felt! These crew-height socks (we got the Classic Edition Mountaineer) are made with thick merino wool with recycled nylon materials for an ultra-warm fit. They feature an elasticized arch brace for a secure fit and a flat knit toe seam for additional comfort. These will keep you snug in Antarctica and suit you for future skiing trips or mountain hikes. Best of all, they are made from responsibly sourced merino wool from imported wool, designed in Colorado, and proudly made in the USA. The quality is unbeatable.
The Spyder Men’s Groomer Beanie
Keeping your head protected from the cold winds and UV sunlight is extremely advisable on an Antarctic expedition. This Spyder Beanie is the ultimate blend of style and warmth, perfect for conquering chilly trips out scouting for glaciers and seals. Made with a soft, stretchy knit and designed for a snug, comfortable fit, this beanie keeps your head toasty while adding a sleek, laid-back vibe to your polar style. Suitable for all genders. If you’re super sensitive to the cold, we recommend shopping for a cap with earflaps, and add a neck warmer or scarf, as well to protect your face. But a beanie worked for us!
Suncloud Contender Polarized Sunglasses
The light in Antarctica on a sunny day is crystal clear and brilliant because there is so little, if any, pollution. Consider investing in a pair or two of ski-worthy polarized sunglasses, such as these from Suncloud. Lightweight, larger size, sporty shield with megol nose pads and substantial temple tip inserts, the Contender Polarized Sunglasses are good for speed and movement. The wrap style and generous lens coverage work to reduce glare, wind and harmful UV rays. Take a couple of pairs in case you lose one. Fashion sunnies or heavily framed glasses that fall down your nose are not recommended. Ski goggles can work but are not essential.
Columbia Women’s Moritza Shield Boots
Last but not least: footwear! Aurora kindly provided us with expedition boots for going ashore ,but for hiking around Argentina’s Ushuaia on my way South, and for general wear on deck when it was snowy or rainy, I wanted to bring comfortable, sturdy walking/hiking shoes. The Moritza Shield Boots by Columbia deliver the ultimate combination of comfort and durability. Rain or slush, these grippy, waterproof-breathable boots are designed to tackle any weather conditions while keeping feet dry and cozy. The Omni-Shield textile upper repels moisture and the coated leather duck boot lower means these boots are built to withstand the elements. The TechLite midsole cushions every step, making it easy to roam and explore all day long. The Omni-Grip outsole provides unbeatable traction and stability on various terrains. And best of all, they are super-light and don’t weigh your luggage down like other winter or hiking boots.
About Sun & Ski Sports
Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Stafford, Texas, Sun & Ski is a retailer specializing in sporting goods for cycling, skate, snow, outdoor, and water sports. Their high-performance athletic gear is available at 31 Sun & Ski Sports stores in 12 states across the U.S., as well as online at sunandski.com.
