First time traveling to Antarctica? Don’t know what to pack? Neither did I.

Packing for Antarctica took some research. I read blogs, reached out to people on Instagram who had previously visited, and even asked my Quark Expeditions travel advisor. Chances are, if you are taking any charter flight during any leg of the journey, you will have to abide by luggage weight restrictions – mine were 20 kilograms (or about 44 pounds) checked and 5 kilograms (or about 11 pounds) carry-on. That is virtually nothing. My camera equipment alone exceeded the carry-on limit. However, between the time of booking and departure, the carry-on weight limit changed three times. So, make sure you call and verify all restrictions prior to departure.

For the average person, traveling to Antarctica is expensive. Very expensive. After spending a fortune on the once-in-a-lifetime 20-day expedition to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia, and Antarctica, I wanted to capture the journey on the best camera equipment that I could afford. My Canon EOS Rebel T2i was not going to cut it. However, I quickly learned that I could not afford any professional grade camera equipment. Instead, I rented two Canon 5D Mark III cameras, two lenses (Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II and Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS), and two polarizing filters from LensRentals online. I ended up not using the polarizing filters or the 16-25mm lens; I found the 70-300mm lens to fit all of my needs during the trip. Consider bringing a good camera with a zoom lens.

Most expeditions are offered in the summer months between late November and early March. Weather in the Antarctic Convergence is unpredictable, but not as “freezing” as most assume. It is hard to state average temperatures as weather really is unpredictable and changes based on your location within the Antarctic Convergence. During my trip, the lowest that the temperature reached was about 0 Celsius (or 32 Fahrenheit) – it was colder in Chicago.

Trip operators provide some sort of gear, so make sure that you check what is included so that you do not overpack. Quark Expeditions provided everyone with waterproof boots and a parka.

Anyways, here is a copy of my actual packing list:

• Passport
• Phone, Charger
• Credit Card, Debit Card, Cash
• Trip and Insurance Documents
• Laptop, Charger, Headphones
• Notebook, Pen
• Power Outlet Adapters, Power Strip, Power Bank
• (2) Cameras, (2) Batteries, (2) Chargers, Memory Cards
• (2) Lenses, (2) Polarizing Filters, Anti-Fog Sheets
• Tripod
• Locks
• Sunglasses
• Waterproof Pants
• (2) Top Base Layers, (2) Bottom Base Layers
• (2) Hats
• (2) Gloves
• (3) Long Wool Socks
• (2) Sweaters
• Zip Up Sweatshirt
• Sweatpants
• (3) Plain T-Shirts
• (2) Long Leggings
• Hiking Boots
• TOMS, Flip Flops
• Sleep Leggings, Shorts, Shirt, Earplugs
• Daypack, Dry Bag, Ziploc Bags
• Dramamine, Transderm Scop Patches, Motion Sickness Relief Wrist Band
• Advil, Imodium
• Clif Bars, Chewing Gum
• Shampoo, Dry Shampoo, Conditioner
• Toothbrush, Toothpaste
• Hair Straightener, Makeup Bag, Chapstick
• (2) Contact Lenses, Contact Lens Solution
• Water Bottle

I did not end up using the tripod, sunscreen, or hand warmers, and I did not end up eating the Clif Bars. I also considered bringing a pair of binoculars. Instead, I used the zoom lens when needed.