Where To Buy Clothing For Antarctica

[Mylisa]

Hi all. We just booked an Antarctica cruise expedition. I have no idea what clothing we will need and where if any place to buy it, we live in Atlanta and don’t have much need for winter clothes. The only thing I do have is one set of ski pants and some hiking shoes. I know they will be giving us a parka on the ship but I have no idea what else to buy and bring.  do what we need to purchase boots, gloves that are rated below, zero, certain type of sock, etc.
 

Any lists of clothing would be very welcomed.  Also, if you could include links to places that you recommend I would appreciate it.

 

Any other thoughts or recommendations are certainly appreciated. 

 

thank you in advance for all your help.

[kaisatsu]

The one true “must” have is fully waterproof rain pants, which you can buy at most sporting and outdoor stores. There is a range from very inexpensive options up to highly packable lightweight GoreTex options. Any will work as long as they are waterproof, so it’s best to choose based on what other uses you might have for them (e.g. I choose a lightweight breathable option that I can reuse for hiking, but others are happy with the basic $20 option).

 

It’s probably also worth investing in a few wool base layers (good to have two so you can rotate and potentially launder) and some warm socks. Beyond that, it just depends on how much you want to spend and where you want to have nicer gear. You can use a normal winter hat and scarf or neck gaiter. You can use normal gloves/mittens, though if you plan to take lots of photos, you probably want to look at more photo-friendly liner gloves combined with an outer glove/mitt.

 

The big key to Antarctic travel clothing is layers. Peninsula trips usually don’t see much particularly cold weather with average temperatures just below freezing. Having a good wool base (wool is good for breathability and moisture wicking) and a windproof/waterproof outer layer (rain pants and parka) are the key ingredients, and you can layer various warming layers in between as needed. I typically wear a casual fleece pant when it’s cold and just use the base & rain pant the rest of the time. For the top layer, a few different weights of sweaters or fleece tops are a good option. The coldest conditions are typically on long scenic zodiac cruises, where you’re sitting on open water with limited movement and lots of breeze.

 

As mentioned, you can usually find basic options at just about any outdoor store, but if you’re looking for more options or higher-end gear, try places like REI that specialize in trekking and expedition sports. When I’ve shopped in the US I’ve also gotten gear online from sites like Backcountry.com and Moosejaw.com

[Nitemare]

I agree.  Go to an REI or LL Beane or any other "adventure" store where they sell clothes for hiking and camping and similar.  Ask an expert there for advice.  Compare prices with online, you might find very similar things for less at places like Amazon.

 

When we went to Antarctica the only special things we bought were the water pants, long underwear (that we didn't really need), really warm and waterproof gloves, and warm and well fitted Balaclavas.

[Courtmatt]

If you look at the "adventure" stores, they are having winter sales now.  Do you have a Columbia outlet near you?  We purchased our midweight baselayers from 32 Degrees, online.  We took 2 baselayer tops and 2 bottoms each along with a pair of sweatpants to wear under the waterproof pants.  We went with Viking at the beginning of December and they provided the boots and pants for us to wear along with a "puffer" jacket/waterproof jacket for us to keep.  You'll need a neck gaiter, winter hat and waterproof gloves.  

[Mylisa]

On 1/8/2024 at 10:07 PM, Courtmatt said:

If you look at the "adventure" stores, they are having winter sales now.  Do you have a Columbia outlet near you?  We purchased our midweight baselayers from 32 Degrees, online.  We took 2 baselayer tops and 2 bottoms each along with a pair of sweatpants to wear under the waterproof pants.  We went with Viking at the beginning of December and they provided the boots and pants for us to wear along with a "puffer" jacket/waterproof jacket for us to keep.  You'll need a neck gaiter, winter hat and waterproof gloves.  

Thanks.  I have 2 pair of base layers, 1 hat, hat liner, neck gator, waterproof gloves and glove liners, water proof pants, 2 water resistant leggings to go over base layer, a 3/4 zip pullover sweater, light raincoat, one pair of light weight cargo pants that zip off and become shorts for wearing in Buenos Aires, 1 fleece jacket and 1 light weight puffer jacket, 2 pair wool socks and 2 pair sock liners and one heavyweight water resistant pant (like a ski pant but not as thick and bulky), hiking poles, bathing suit, and the usual undergarments. I’ve rented the boots.  But what do I need to bring to wear around the ship and to meals?  Going on National Geographic ship.  

[PerfectlyPerth]

9 hours ago, Mylisa said:

But what do I need to bring to wear around the ship and to meals?  Going on National Geographic ship.  

Your list looks good. 
Round the ship I usually just leave my base layers on and pop on yoga pants/leggings/cargos (any work and I already have them for my flights and in airports & hotels on the way to and from Ushuaia) and a t shirt. At all times I'm carrying my fleece hoodie or parka & camera so I can spring out to the decks if there is a whale sighting. In the pockets I already have my fingerless gloves, a buff (gaitor) & beanie, & sunglasses. Always ready at the go. 
 

I'm not a "dress for dinner" person and have never met anyone on my polar trips who would be. So the yoga pants and tshirt suffice me. The camera and outdoor gear go under the table ready to be grabbed. We had 800 Fin whales bring the ship to a halt during dinner one time. Everyone just grabbed parkas and cameras and headed straight out to the decks. (Waiters grabbed plates and returned them to the kitchen before joining us outside to enjoy the view). 

Edited January 10 by PerfectlyPerth
Spelling

[Ziggy99]

I would recommend quality polyester base layers rather than wool.  Much cheaper, easier to care for and quick drying and the moths aren't interested.  Wash them in your sink.

The only advantage AFAIC to superfine merino is that you can work hard and sweat in them for several long days without them getting stinky.

[PerfectlyPerth]

On 2/6/2024 at 10:33 PM, Ziggy99 said:

I would recommend quality polyester base layers rather than wool.  Much cheaper, easier to care for and quick drying and the moths aren't interested.  Wash them in your sink.

The only advantage AFAIC to superfine merino is that you can work hard and sweat in them for several long days without them getting stinky.

50% of my wardrobe these days is merino - tops, tunics, skirts, leggings. 
My apartment complex is riddled with fabric moths (they fly round my apt in squadrons) and I've found they are not remotely interested in merino at all. 
Whereas my poor neighbours with wardrobes full of silk, cashmere, tweeds and open knits (like those thick argyle jumpers) have had their clothing reduced to cobwebs. 
So I'm pleasantly surprised the moths are not interested in my merino stuff, nor bamboo which makes up the rest of my clothes. 
 

[kaisatsu]

On 2/6/2024 at 8:33 AM, Ziggy99 said:

The only advantage AFAIC to superfine merino is that you can work hard and sweat in them for several long days without them getting stinky.

This is a huge advantage in my opinion. I don’t want to worry about laundering my base layers every day on an expedition. I typically bring two pairs and wear one in the morning and switch to the other in the afternoon if the first set gets sweaty. Let it dry out, and it can just be reworn the next day. I find I only need to launder them every 3-4 days at most, at which time I just wash them in the sink as mentioned, using the same biodegradable detergent for everything.

 

I’ve been using wool base layers regularly (expedition travel, cross-country skiing, cold weather insulation during Nordic winters) and I have never found them to be challenging to care for. I just launder them the same way I do other sportswear (no softener, and air dry). After ~7 years I usually find that I’ve outgrown them due to weight gain long before they’ve worn out.

 

Bonus point for not having to worry about microplastics being generated when laundering natural fibers.

[Ziggy99]

Looks like for the OP the use will be one-off. 

 

$35 v $110 in my country.

 

I'm a backcountry ski tourer.  My friends and I have used superfine merino for decades and we've all got wholey garments. For stink, polyester is fine for 2 days, wool for 4 but you pay through the nose for it.

Edited February 7 by Ziggy99

[Woodrowst]

In addition to the excellent recommendations you have received to your post, your cruise lines should have a suggested list for their Antarctica cruises.  A google search works well, too.

[PerfectlyPerth]

On 2/8/2024 at 5:25 AM, Ziggy99 said:

Looks like for the OP the use will be one-off. 

 

$35 v $110 in my country.

 

I'm a backcountry ski tourer.  My friends and I have used superfine merino for decades and we've all got wholey garments. For stink, polyester is fine for 2 days, wool for 4 but you pay through the nose for it.

You seem to be talking more about the overpriced specialist Merino gear in the Adventure/ski stores. Definitely no need to be paying that kind of price for every day merino fabrics. 
Most of my merino and bamboo stuff was bought from my usual online catalogue store Ezibuy (was buying from them since the 90s but a big buy out company recently deliberately sent them bust sadly). Prices like $15-20 for layering tops & leggings, $30 for tunics, skirts, jumpers, hoodies. 
 

It's my every day clothing in Melb winter (as it's nice and lightweight) as well as wearing it in Antarctica - and I was in minus 37c regions!! 

[Ziggy99]

19 minutes ago, PerfectlyPerth said:

You seem to be talking more about the overpriced specialist Merino gear in the Adventure/ski stores. Definitely no need to be paying that kind of price for every day merino fabrics. 
Most of my merino and bamboo stuff was bought from my usual online catalogue store Ezibuy (was buying from them since the 90s but a big buy out company recently deliberately sent them bust sadly). Prices like $15-20 for layering tops & leggings, $30 for tunics, skirts, jumpers, hoodies. 
 

It's my every day clothing in Melb winter (as it's nice and lightweight) as well as wearing it in Antarctica - and I was in minus 37c regions!! 

 

If you want comfortable base layers in wool then you need superfine merino.  Fibres around 20 microns. That's what I was referring to and that's what costs and is tasty to moths.

 

While Icebreaker, original maker of this kind of gear, say their garments can be machine washed I wouldn't trust them to a ship's laundry.

 

Synthetics haven't stood still and there are breathable next-to-skin active wear garments in nylon, polyester, chlorofibre and others. Antimicrobial treatments extend the time thay take to get stinky.  My 2 day rule predates these treatments.

 

The synthetics last forever. In respect of fleece midlayers, one family jacket saw out 3 kids using it hard and I still use a Polartec 300 that's approaching 40 years old. In terms of the weight to warmth ratio, in midlayers fleece beats wool easily.

[PerfectlyPerth]

I guess we will bow down to your far superior knowledge Ziggy 😉 You don't like wool/merino - we get it. Poor Aussie 🐑🐑🐑 industry getting no support from you 😆
 

My cheap & cheerful merino and bamboo fabrics along with a couple of polypropylene pieces over 15 years old, did me just fine for my 116 days in some of the most remote parts of Antarctica no longer accessed by tourist vessels. Far far colder regions than the peninsula where we were out at emperor colonies for 8-10 hours straight each day. 

 

Remember that many who give advice here have been on multiple polar trips and are giving a wide range of advice from lived experience. Many also live year round in cold climates so fabric choices are not unusual for them. I - the sun bronzed Aussie even lived in a US ski resort at 10,000 feet. 
 

Shared & varied opinions are valuable to OPs seeking advice. 
 

Also - as mentioned - my apt and entire apt complex is infested with fabric moths. Has been for years. Not one of my icebreaker tops, nor any of my other merino gear has ever been touched by the moths. 
 

Edited February 9 by PerfectlyPerth
Typo

[Ziggy99]

On the contrary, I have 4 baselayers in superfine merino.  Complete with moth signatures.  I learned their benefits from 35 years of overnight ski touring that included 6 days glacier skiing in New Zealand and sleeping on snow at minus 14 in the Australian high country.  Their only advantage, now perhaps lost, is that they take longer to get stinky.

 

Most people find ordinary wool against the skin feels scratchy.  That's why there's a superfine wool industry - mainly supplied by New Zealand.

 

The OP needs some specialised cold weather gear for an Antarctic trip that they appear to have no continuing use for.  Polyester baselayers are cheap, comfortable, durable, easy care and quick drying.

 

Horses for courses.

[Ziggy99]

7 hours ago, PerfectlyPerth said:

I guess we will bow down to your far superior knowledge Ziggy 😉 You don't like wool/merino - we get it. Poor Aussie 🐑🐑🐑 industry getting no support from you 😆

 

New Zealand Southern Alps, Icebreaker base layers.  Worn for 6 days.  Got stinky after 4 days.

 

Edited February 9 by Ziggy99

[jayrey]

Just returned (jan 19, 2024) from an 18 day expedition to the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica peninsula with Polar Latitudes---fantastic!!  I had just the right clothes..mostly polyester fleeces of various thicknesses, mainly bottoms.  I had  medium and a thick thermal tops and wore thin layers over.  ALWAYS warm enough.  Got most of them from 32Degrees online.  I had thick polyester socks for the muck boots (no need to get boot inserts--I tried them, and they made the boots very tight)  along with thinner socks that I wore under those.  I had 2 outer pants to wear on he zodiacs and landings---an old pair of ski pants and some water resistant hiking pants.  Wore fleece under them.

 

The weather was marvelous and not that cold.  South Georgia was probably 35-40, and Antarctica was around 32-35, but we had SUN!!

 

One thing that I would recommend is a goggle that is close-fitting on your face to use as a windbreak and sunglasses when you are on the zodiacs--I do not mean big ski goggles.  They are smaller and have an elastic band for the head.  Great addition for me!  I took along mittens as well as finger clothes.  I also had underarmour glove inserts (that let you use a phone camera)  that worked well.  What do I wish I had brought that I didn't--my fleece gloves that I had left at home.  

 

Don't bring any cutesy, dress clothes--everyone is wearing their zodiac clothes generally, or jeans, or just informal stuff.

[Ziggy99]

8 minutes ago, jayrey said:

Just returned (jan 19, 2024) from an 18 day expedition to the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica peninsula with Polar Latitudes---fantastic!!  I had just the right clothes..mostly polyester fleeces of various thicknesses, mainly bottoms.  I had  medium and a thick thermal tops and wore thin layers over.  ALWAYS warm enough.  Got most of them from 32Degrees online.  I had thick polyester socks for the muck boots (no need to get boot inserts--I tried them, and they made the boots very tight)  along with thinner socks that I wore under those.  I had 2 outer pants to wear on he zodiacs and landings---an old pair of ski pants and some water resistant hiking pants.  Wore fleece under them.

 

The weather was marvelous and not that cold.  South Georgia was probably 35-40, and Antarctica was around 32-35, but we had SUN!!

 

One thing that I would recommend is a goggle that is close-fitting on your face to use as a windbreak and sunglasses when you are on the zodiacs--I do not mean big ski goggles.  They are smaller and have an elastic band for the head.  Great addition for me!  I took along mittens as well as finger clothes.  I also had underarmour glove inserts (that let you use a phone camera)  that worked well.  What do I wish I had brought that I didn't--my fleece gloves that I had left at home.  

 

Don't bring any cutesy, dress clothes--everyone is wearing their zodiac clothes generally, or jeans, or just informal stuff.

 

How did you go for landings at S Georgia?

[jayrey]

Landings on South Georgia as well as on Saunders Island and West Point on Falklands, and landings along the antarctic continental peninsula as well as some islands.  We went on both north side of So. Georgia as well as the south side (zodiac cruise instead of landings because it is rougher there).  We also went alongside the A23a iceberg...VERY COOL!!

[Ziggy99]

Sounds great.  Thanks.

[PerfectlyPerth]

On 2/10/2024 at 6:26 AM, Ziggy99 said:

On the contrary, I have 4 baselayers in superfine merino.  Complete with moth signatures.  I learned their benefits from 35 years of overnight ski touring that included 6 days glacier skiing in New Zealand and sleeping on snow at minus 14 in the Australian high country.  Their only advantage, now perhaps lost, is that they take longer to get stinky.

 

Most people find ordinary wool against the skin feels scratchy.  That's why there's a superfine wool industry - mainly supplied by New Zealand.

 

The OP needs some specialised cold weather gear for an Antarctic trip that they appear to have no continuing use for.  Polyester baselayers are cheap, comfortable, durable, easy care and quick drying.

 

Horses for courses.

Sorry haven't been back in the forum for a bit. 
Awesome photo !!!

I completely agree re scratchy traditional wool clothing. You wouldn't get me within a hundred metres of a traditional knitted jumper. 
It took me a lot of mind of matter talk to start wearing merino after a childhood mindset of "it's wool so it's yucky and itchy".

Yes - being such finely woven fabric it has no itch factor anymore. To me I can't feel the difference between my merino leggings and my bamboo leggings. But also these days merino is cheap and cheerful - both Aus & NZ brands (of which I have both) - and that's the point I was trying to make. No need to pay extra for the Icebreaker brand name. There are $15 merino longjohns in Target every winter these days. And they are great. 
 

Definitely no need for pricey specialist gear for a standard peninsular trip. Not with the way temps have increased there now. Even compared to my first trip in 2010 the warming is obvious (and a concern).
 

US has far more choice with hunting & camping stores to order super cheap base layers in any chosen thermal fabric. 

Agree Jayrey re goggles. I specifically wore goggles (mine are the nice big tinted ski goggles) for zodiac rides as the wind plays havoc with my eyes - dries them up and then they over-tear. And I had my normal sunglasses for on shore, on deck etc. 
 

Gloves: I had thin merino liner gloves for being out on deck or on landings. Also on zodiac cruising once we came to a slow down and not likely to be splashed. I have snipped holes in the top of the finger & thumb to allow me to just flip my thumb and finger out to operate my camera & phone. 
Also have an ancient pair of polyester fake knitted fingerless gloves. From a $2 shop. Been all round the world with me. Good for camera use. 
And waterproof ski gloves for gripping the zodiac ropes when fast moving & getting splashed. I've never needed them on landings. I just have them on caribeener clips attached to my bag "just in case" then put them back on in the zodiac. 

[mlgb]

Check to see whether you need to bring poles. There may be some provided by the ship.