The choice of clothing for cold climates is a very personal matter. It depends on your individual experience with cold conditions. Are you more susceptible to cold temperatures than other people ?
A common complaint is it not the cold, its the wind, but an equally common polar maxim is there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing !

The secret to keep warm is dressing in layers. It is better to have several light layers of clothing than one heavy layer. This also gives you flexibility in your clothing so you can take off a layer if you are too warm or put another layer on if you are cold. The most important layer is the outer waterproof and windproof shell because even a light wind of 6 kph (about 4 mph) can carry away eight times more body heat than still air ! The so-called wind chill
factor measures the increase in cooling power of moving air, whether its wind that is blowing or you who are moving rapidly and, in effect, creating a wind against yourself.

- Avoid overdressing to reduce perspiration
- Wear water repellent outer garments that will keep you dry on the outside and still breathe enough so that moisture from your body can escape.
- Body heat is most likely to be lost from parts that have a lot of surface area in comparison to total mass - namely, the hands and feet. Keep them warm and dry. For hands, mittens are better than gloves.
- If you have cold feet, put a hat on. If the rest of your body is covered, as much as 90% of the heat you lose can come from your head, so be sure to wear a cap, beanie or balaclava. These items can be pulled down to protect your ears, forehead, neck and chin. The neck also needs protection with a woollen or synthetic scarf, that can be wrapped around the face when travelling against the wind.
- Dress in comfortable, loose layers. For anyone out in the cold, it is far better to wear layers of relatively light, loose clothing than one thick, heavy item. Between each layer there is a film of trapped air which, when heated by your body, acts as an excellent insulator.
- Wool and silk are superior to cotton because they can trap warm air. Synthetic fabrics that spring back into shape after compression are also good. When damp or wet, polyester down is a better insulator than goose or duck down. Polar fleece is popular and recommended.

What to pack for your shore excursions
When packing, dont weigh yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire
for your trip that can be worn in layers, including:
Rubber boots;
A pair of pull-on rubber, unlined and completely waterproof boots that are mid calf or higher with a strong, ridged non-skid sole is ESSENTIAL for landings. Expect poor footing on the ice and ashore. For this reason boots such as Sorrels, snow boots, hiking boots or low rubber boots are not satisfactory (you'll get wet feet wet). Your boots are probably the most important item you need to bring, so if you have questions or just need some further advise please don't hesitate to contact us.
Warm Trousers;
Ski pants are suitable if you have them; otherwise, bring any sturdy trousers that can be layered between your long underwear and rain over-trousers. Jeans and corduroys are good both for excursions and wearing aboard ship.
Waterproof Trousers;
Water resistant over-trousers are essential for your comfort. Wear them over your regular clothes to keep you warm and dry. Gore-Tex and similar fabrics are both waterproof and breathable.
Thermal Underwear;
Silk or polypropylene underwear is highly recommended since it keeps you warm without adding bulk. Most people prefer a lightweight version - but this depends on your personal thermostat.
Sweaters;
Wool sweaters or a polar fleece jacket of medium weight are recommended.
Mittens and gloves;
Keeping your hands warm and dry is a challenge - and important. Thin polypropylene gloves can be worn underneath warm mittens. Thus, you can take off the mittens to operate your camera and still have some protection from the cold. It's a good idea to bring an extra pair of wool mittens to wear if your other pair gets wet (or lost).
Woollen cap;
A warm cap to protect your ears - and a scarf.
Warm socks;
Sturdy, tall wool socks worn over a thin pair of silk, polypropylene or cotton/wool socks should provide enough insulation for your feet. Bring several pairs, since you wil inevitably get your feet wet.
Waterproof & Windproof Jacket;
A well-fitting jacket with attached hood that can be worn over your under layers with reasonable comfort. It is most important that this garment is thoroughly waterproof. Gore-Tex or sailing gear are ideal although it is possible to find cheaper waterproof gear.
Backpack;
A waterproof nylon backpack, rucksack, or similar bag with shoulder straps, for carrying your camera and other gear during shore excursions. Be sure to choose one with shoulder straps so that your hands are free. It is very important that you have some means of keeping your camera dry. Every summer we have disappointed people whose camera has been splashed in a Zodiac.
Sunglasses;
Good quality sunglasses. Note that the glare from the water and surrounding snow/ice can be quite penetrating, even when the sky is overcast.

A pair of binoculars is highly recommended.

Camera and plenty of film or memory cards and spare batteries.

Earplugs may be useful if you are sharing a cabin with a snorer !

Teva Sandals or similar are very useful to wear around the ship and when using the shared showers.

T-shirts are recommended (to wear inside the vessel as temperatures are comfortably warm).

You can save some luggage by renting expedition gear in Ushuaia for your trip to Antarctica. Rubber Boots, Parka's are some of the items you could rent for your expedition. The company Antarctic Equipment has a rental shop in Ushuaia for expedition gear.

A pair of pull-on rubber, unlined and completely waterproof boots that are mid calf or higher with a strong, ridged non-skid sole is ESSENTIAL for landings. Expect poor footing on the ice and ashore. For this reason boots such as Sorrels, snow boots, hiking boots or low rubber boots are not satisfactory (you'll get wet feet wet). Your boots are probably the most important item you need to bring, so if you have questions or just need some further advise please don't hesitate to contact us.