Polar packing is about layers, waterproofing, and simple repeatable systems. The traveller who packs heavily often regrets it; the traveller who packs deliberately almost never does.
Outerwear: what the ship gives you
Nearly every reputable expedition ship now supplies an insulated parka — yours to keep — and a loan pair of waterproof muck boots for landings. Confirm both before you pack. If the parka is loan-only or the operator does not supply boots, we flag it and tell you where to source them locally before embarkation.
You will not need a second waterproof shell on top of the parka. Some travellers bring one for 'mild' days; in practice the parka and a fleece mid-layer cover almost every condition on a Peninsula trip.
Base layers do more work than they should
Three high-quality merino or synthetic base-layer tops and two bottoms are plenty for two weeks. Wash them in the cabin and dry them overnight. The temptation to bring six is real and usually wrong — laundry on board is reliable and base layers are the easiest item to refresh.
Avoid cotton entirely. It absorbs moisture, dries slowly, and becomes a liability after a brisk zodiac cruise. Wool socks, paired with thin liner socks underneath, are the single best comfort upgrade most travellers make.
Gloves: bring two pairs
One pair should be warm enough for an hour of zodiac cruising at speed in open water — heavily insulated, with a long cuff that meets the parka. The second should be thinner and more dexterous so you can operate camera dials, zippers, and the zodiac handles without removing them.
Liner gloves under the dexterous pair extend their range considerably. If you photograph, glove choice is not a comfort question; it is what determines whether you actually take the picture.
Camera and electronics
Memory cards and batteries multiply faster than you expect them to. We recommend at least twice the storage you think you need, and three batteries minimum if you shoot mirrorless. Cold drains charge quickly; carry spares against your body.
A weather-sealed camera is helpful but not essential. A microfiber cloth, a soft chamois, and a single zip-lock bag for the camera body during heavy spray will outperform most expensive rain covers. Tripods are largely unnecessary at sea — the ship moves enough to defeat them.
Dry bags, dry bags, dry bags
A ten-litre dry bag inside your daypack saves cameras and phones from the spray that always finds its way over the zodiac rim at exactly the wrong moment. Two smaller dry bags keep gloves and a hat dry between landings.
If you only buy one piece of polar kit, buy good dry bags. They cost less than a pair of socks and rescue trips on a weekly basis.
What you almost certainly do not need
Heavy down jackets layered under the parka, extra waterproof trousers, more than one beanie, snow gaiters, balaclavas, and (with rare exceptions) personal hand-warmers. The ship's public spaces are warm, indoor time is plentiful, and you will not be camping unless you specifically book the excursion.
Pack a small soft duffel inside your luggage for the parka on the journey home. It saves space and protects the jacket. That is the single most useful packing trick we share, and almost no first-time traveller hears it.
Working through these decisions?
Ask us your shortlist.
