Clothing and Gear for Antarctica:
What to bring and where to buy it.
The dress code onboard a Fathom Expeditions' ship is strictly casual, in the expedition spirit. There is no need to dress up for meals. The key to staying comfortable while traveling in the Antarctic is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Feel free to give us a call at 1 800 621-0176 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The expedition and office staffs are happy to help you with gear questions.
Parka or Gore-Tex® Shell: A reliable wind and water-repellent expedition parka. This needn't be thick, especially if you layer a fleece zip-up jacket or sweaters underneath.
Inner Layers: Wool or fleece is warmest. For maximum warmth, layering two lightweight sweaters is better than wearing one thick one (this also gives you a little variety in your wardrobe!).
Pants: Pull-on waterproof trousers, such as Rain or K-Way®-type pants. These will keep you dry during Zodiac landings.
Gloves: Waterproof and/or woolen gloves. A rubberized grip will hold icy surfaces more effectively.
Socks: Warm wool or polypropylene.
Boots: Pull-on waterproof KNEE-HIGH boots are an Antarctic must. Rubber boots 36-40 cm/14-16 inches high with a strong, heavily ridged non-slip sole are best. There will be some wet landings on rocky shores and beaches.
Footwear: mid weight hiking boots or heavier walking shoes with thick soles for use during walks and hikes on uneven terrain. We also recommend sneakers or jogging shoes with rubber soles for grip on the ship's decks.
Underwear: Light thermal long underwear and turtlenecks will serve you well.
Hat and Scarf: For face protection and warmth.
Sunglasses
Binoculars
Camera: A "bum-bag" for carrying large cameras, if your jacket doesn't have big pockets.
- A sealable plastic bag to guard against splashing water
on the Zodiacs and to avoid condensation problems.
- Bring lots of film! Only a limited supply is available on
board and it is very expensive in Argentina.
Backpack: Preferably water-repellent, for carrying any absolute necessities on shore excursions.
Books and Other Reading Material: There isn't much to read in English
while in Argentina—whatever you do find will be extremely expensive.
The ship does have a library on board, but tastes differ and we
would suggest bringing a supply of your own books and reference
materials.
Helpful links and partners:
Patagonia Clothing Co. - Fleece, long underwear, jackets
Canadian Tire Corporation (or local gardening shop or hardware store) - Boots
Longitude Books (reference code FE) - Books
B and H Photo Video - Film, Camera and Video Equipment
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