I hope this packing tips for travel to Antarctica page will be helpful as you gather gear for your trip. I only recommend gear that I use myself. Some companies allow me to be a dealer or affiliate, so in those cases, I am very grateful if you buy the product directly from me or follow the link so I earn a commission on the sale. You do not pay any more for the product, but these sales help to support my small business. For products for which I am a Dealer, I can also often match other advertised prices, so if you do see a better price for the same new gear, please let me know and I will do my best to match.
Some companies also offer coupon codes or special gifts that are listed near their link. Thanks in advance for your support!
Any special offers or coupon codes are typed in RED.
To use my Amazon affiliate links, you may sign up for a trial membership if you are not already a member. With two day shipping, you have plenty of time to get anything else you need for the trip. Prime also comes with their video streaming service that I use all the time at home. Some purchased videos can also be downloaded to your device so you can watch them offline while traveling. I try to pick out a couple movies to take along in case I get stuck at the airport longer than expected.
Other links are just provided for your convenience.
Airline Baggage Size & Weight Restrictions
As you pack for your trip, please keep in mind the baggage policy of all the airlines you will use during your trip. Each airline’s baggage size and weight restrictions can be found on their website, but here are a few guidelines for common airline carriers to Antarctica:
United Airlines
Carry-on Bag (for the overhead bin): 9” x 14” x 22” (including handles & wheels) No defined weight limit
Personal Item (for under the seat): 9” x 10” x 17” No defined weight limit
Checked Baggage: 62 inches total (length + width + height) 50lbs maximum
Latam Airlines Group
Carry-on Bag (for the overhead bin): 10” x 14” x 22” (including handles & wheels) 22lbs maximum
Personal Item (for under the seat): 8” x 14” x 18” No defined weight limit
Checked Baggage: 62 inches total (length + width + height) 50lbs maximum
Camera Gear
When going such a long distance, I always recommend taking two camera bodies. If you don’t have two, consider buying a used camera as your backup. There is nothing worse than having your only camera body break down on a trip of a lifetime! (If you need a backup Canon body, I have a couple used bodies I am selling, so feel free to email me for more info at info@cherylopperman.com)
I use Canon camera gear and will list links to the gear I take to Antarctica below. Every trip is different, so these are the lens ranges that I use most often on the trip. You can use them as a guide to compare to gear you already own.
If you are considering the purchase of a new Canon camera for the trip, I highly recommend the Canon R5. It is a full frame mirrorless camera with excellent image quality and very useful features. (Canon may be releasing a newer model of this camera in 2024, so you might want to check with me before making the purchase so I can give you updates on the newest model available.) I can still use all of my EF lenses by purchasing an adapter. In fact, I almost prefer the EF lenses as I can use an adapter with a drop in filter that makes it easy to change filters quickly in the field. My Filter recommendations are listed below in a separate section.
The lenses I take to Antarctica (Paid links):
- Canon EF 200-400mm f/4 with built in 1.4 teleconverter
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 or Canon EF 24-105mm f/4
- Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8
- Canon 1.4x Tele Extender
- Canon EF 8-15mm f/4 Fisheye
RF Lenses worth considering in place of the lenses above
Be sure you take extra lens and body caps and extra camera batteries. Batteries generally do not perform well in the cold, so if you can keep and extra set inside a warm jacket pocket, you will be able to switch them out quickly. I usually take three sets of camera batteries per camera body. If you have Canon or Nikon Camera, I’ve also found a really nice case to use for carrying my extra batteries along with my memory cards. Follow this link for more info. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
It’s also important to use a camera strap when you are photographing from the ship or zodiac. I prefer binoculars straps as they help take the weight of the camera off my neck. If you don’t want a strap that stretches like the binocular straps do, this solid strap in the same style works just as well and perhaps better with a heavier camera and lens.
Camera Rain Covers
We will very likely have some rain and/or snow on the trip, so it is important to protect your camera gear. I use very inexpensive Camera Rain Covers that are lightweight and compact, but can be used over and over again. You can purchase something fancier, but these do the job and take up a lot less space. The link is another affiliate link from Amazon, so you still have time to order if you don’t have something else that will work. They come in small, original, and Mega sizes, so a mix of sizes is a good idea. The original size will work well for most lenses. The Mega is really for super telephoto lenses. They also make a version that will cover a midrange lens on a camera with a flash.
Filters
There are two types of filters I never travel without. A polarizer and neutral density. Both are available as a screw on filter or a drop in filter for lenses or adapters that have that option. I am a dealer for a great filter company, so please just give me a call at (303) 829-9453 or email me at info@cherylopperman.com to order. There are so many options, it is best to communicate before you purchase to make sure we select the right products and sizes.
A polarizer is good for eliminating reflections, darkening the blue sky (at certain angles to the sun), and enhancing the colors of rainbows.
Neutral density allows you to slow down the shutter speed for creative motion effects with waves, waterfalls and clouds.
Photography Bags & Backpacks
ThinkTank™
ThinkTank™ makes my favorite backpacks for Antarctica – the Backlight™. There are 3 styles from which to choose based on how much gear you will carry. My favorite for a lot of gear is the Elite 45L, but for a smaller mirrorless system or not as much gear, that may be bigger than you want. The 26L version is a great size for this trip and still holds a lot of gear.
What makes these bags so perfect is that they open from the back, so you never have to set them on the ground. If you do want to set the bag on the ground, there is an included rain cover which fits over the pack and can easily be rinsed off when you get back to the ship.
If you prefer to pack your backpack and use a roller bag through the airport, they also make great international sized roller bags. I personally like the Airport Advantage XT bag for larger items or the Airport Advantage for a smaller amount of gear.
When using the Elite 45L, I prefer to take out the padded insert and put the backpack shell in my checked luggage. I can then put the padded insert with all of my gear into a regular carry on roller bag. Normally, this combination will fit in the overhead bin of the plane, but if it does not, I can use the emergency straps on the padded insert to carry it as a backpack (which will fit in the overhead bin without a problem) and gate check the outer roller bag. If you are looking for a roller bag that will fit this insert and comply with most airline dimensions, I found one that works well on Amazon (Affiliate Link): 21″ Roller Bag that fits the Elite 45L Insert. This roller bag will also fit around the 26L Backlight™ (by stuffing the waist straps to the side) if you want a way to roll it through the airport.
I’m a ThinkTank™ affiliate, so you get a free gift if you order through my link.
Wandrd™
Wandrd™ also makes great bags and their PRVKE LITE is the bag I like to use as my under the seat bag. It is the under the seat bag I use for almost all of my international trips now as it adheres to most airlines’ size limitations (be sure to check your airline for weight restrictions as well).
As a side note, they make a tan colored bag in all of their styles which is what I prefer for warm destinations such as Africa (it stays cooler as it reflects more sunlight). I take the gear that is best for the trip and often switch bags. For Africa, I use the PRVKE LITE and for backpacking in warm climates, the FERNWEH.
They also make handy accessories such as packing cubes, an inflatable lens bag, and an inflatable camera bag.
I am an affiliate for Wandrd™ and they have great sales on some holidays. Keep an eye out for announcements.
FishPond
I just discovered this company, and their submersible bags are a great waterproof option for quick access to smaller camera gear in the zodiac. It is very helpful to have a smaller waterproof bag that allows quick access to your camera. I will be using the Thunderhead Lumbar bag myself on this trip. It comfortably fits my camera body (without the battery grip) with the 70-200mm lens attached. I think it will be a bag I use often in Alaska as well when crossing rivers. Be sure to order the padded insert to help provide padding for the camera gear.
They also have a submursable backpack that would work well for smaller lenses. It’s not going to fit big prime lenses, but would be a better option than the lumbar pack to carry something like a smaller 100-400mm with a camera body and even an extra wide angle lens.
I’m also taking their Micro Trash Container as a place to store small trash items, such as used tissues. There can be wind when we are onshore and if you have a runny nose in the cold (like I do), this gives you a fast and easy option for storage so the tissues don’t blow around and litter the landscape. I usually take several of these and attach them to the zipper pulls of my jackets and camera bags so one is always handy.
I am an affiliate for Amazon™, so the links provided will take you to the Amazon™ site where I will earn a commission on any orders. Thanks again for the support!
Other Waterproof Options
If you are only taking one camera body and lens ashore, this roll top waterproof bag would also be a good option. It does not have any padding, but you could wrap your camera and lens in a towel or extra jacket and it would work well with less bulk that the other options.
Sea to Summit
Sea to Summit makes a lot of great gear and is what I choose for my roll top waterproof backpack. It is a necessity to have some sort of Dry-Pack that will fit over your camera bag when we make landings in the zodiacs (unless you are just going to use a submersible backpack as described above). Just be sure you order one big enough to fit OVER your camera bag. I take the 120L pack for my larger backpack the Backlight Elite 45L.
Duffel Bags for Checked Luggage
It is much easier to use a duffel bag for your checked luggage to Antarctica. First, there is not much storage space for luggage in the cabins, so I unpack my bag and use the closet and drawers. I can then fold up the duffel bag or stuff it under the bed (depending on cabin type). The duffel bags also usually only weighs a few pounds which doesn’t use up much of the weight limit. Most airports have carts for your use, but in a pinch, I choose duffel bags that also have hidden emergency backpack straps. I’m listing a couple good options below if you don’t already have something that will work (I have provided my Amazon™ Affiliate links below. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases):
Osprey Transporter Duffel 120 is one of the largest options. It is slightly over the allowable dimensions, but as long as you don’t fill it up completely, it will work. This is the wheeled version, but they make it without wheels too.
The Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel Bag 130L is also excellent, but only has wheels without a telescoping handle or no wheels at all.
Eagle Creek also makes great packing cubes. I like the Specter series as they are very lightweight. Using packing cubes in duffel bags makes it much easier to keep gear organized!
Any lightweight packing cubes will work well to keep you organized. Packing Cubes
If you want a more traditional type suitcase, but something that still packs down to a smaller size on the ship, this Full Size Checked Roller Bag is a great option. It is also best to use Packing Cubes with this suitcase.
Image Storage and Backup
I use Sandisk for my image storage and back-up when traveling. (I have provided my Amazon™ Affiliate links below. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases):
I try to buy fast cards (which are more expensive), but can make a difference if you have a high end body and are shooting at fast frame rates. It is also very helpful to have a fast card if you are going to shoot video. I usually buy 128GB cards (The number of Gigabytes determines how many images the card can store, which varies from camera to camera depending on the megapixel count, RAW/jpeg settings etc). My camera, the Canon R5, uses SD Memory Cards and CFExpress Cards, but you will have to check you own camera body to find the right type of card. Many DSLR’s take Compact Flash Memory Cards. The fastest SD cards available are 300 MB/s. CFExpress Cards are typically much faster at 1200 to 1750 MB/s. Keep in mind the camera has to be able to write at those speeds to take advantage of the faster cards, so if you have an older, slower camera, you may be fine buying the slower, cheaper cards.
The number of memory cards you should take really depends on your own personal shooting style and how many good opportunities you end up having on the trip. I personally put both a 128GB CFExpress Card and a 128GB SD Memory Card in each camera body. Then I carry a card case with two additional 128GB CFExpress Cards and four 128GB SD Memory Cards. This is usually enough to get through a trip, but if you don’t want to download cards at all, you may want to take an extra case with a few more.
I also use Sandisk external drives for the backup of my images. I always make three sets of backups and keep each in a different location during the trip. If you take enough cards and don’t erase them, that can serve as one backup. The hard drive of your laptop can also serve as a backup. Personally, I take three drives and one drive is in a pocket with me at all times. I use Sandisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD Drives or the older generation Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD (a bit less expensive) that are very small and easy to carry. They come in 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB capacities. I would get the largest size you can afford as it’s easy to take A LOT of photos on this trip. SSD (Solid State Drives) are the best choice because they don’t have any moving internal parts (other drives spin). This makes them more durable and not susceptible to magnet damage either.
Computer Equipment & Software
I do take a small laptop Computer on the trip. I think it is important to be able to at least look at your images to check for sharpness and make sure everything is working properly. This could also be done on a tablet. A laptop will be a better choice if you want to do a lot of editing or work on processing techniques. On sailing days we will have time to work on the computer, but there are also shipboard lectures you may not want to miss, so don’t plan on spending too much time on the computer.
I will make time, however, to show you my processing workflow and demonstrate some of the software I use. I’ll provide affiliate links below to the software I use so that if you want to bring it on the trip, you can.
Adobe
My primary image processing software is Adobe Photoshop. It’s a very powerful program that is really the industry standard. They have a very reasonable subscription package for photographers that you can find through my affiliate link below.
Topaz Labs
I use Topaz Labs software a lot. They have several options and they are all excellent. I primarily use the individual programs as I feel I have more control. I use all 3 programs listed below and choose which one to use based on what is most needed to improve the image (after following the link, scroll to the bottom of the page to find pricing information).
- Sharpen AI improves sharpness in the image
- DeNoise AI removes noise from the image
- Gigapixel AI upscales images for better resolution (This can come in very handy when you are cropping a lot, but still want to make a large print.)
Topaz Photo AI is all of the above built into one program and designed to be more automated and user friendly. It works well for most images, but I still hold on to the individual programs above as sometimes they do a better job. It is very image dependent and does require some experimentation, but is all well worth the investment of time and money.
I also like Topaz Studio for creative effects, but unfortunately it is no longer supported. It can still be found under download legacy programs if you purchased it in the past.
Skylum
Skylum also makes very useful software. I’ve been using it for years and they’ve added a lot of new features and AI.
Luminar Neo has lots of fun features like sun rays, sky replacement, background removal, focus stacking, HDR etc. You may need the extensions pack to access all of the features you want.
You can find the link here: skylum.evyy.net/xePY1
DxO Software
I’ve been using the Nik Collection plug-in filters for many years as well. The Collection includes 8 different filters for a range of creative effects including HDR, B&W Conversion, Color enhancement, local adjustments, perspective control and much more. The software is easy to use and is an essential complement to the other software programs in my tool kit. Please just click on the image to follow my affiliate link.
Lens Cleaning Supplies
When it is dry, your lens can get quite dusty if you don’t have it covered while walking etc. While the dust on the lens will not show up as distinct spots in your image, a large amount of dust on the lens can soften the image much like a diffusion filter and can also cause problems with the autofocus. It’s best to keep the lens as clean as possible for optimal performance and image quality. (I earn commissions on the following product links. Thanks in advance for your support.)
If it is just loose dust, an air blower works well. It’s best not to touch the lens surface any more than necessary, but a soft brush also works well for dust. For fingerprints, water drops, or larger smudges, a microfiber cloth works well. And then, if all else fails, using a liquid cleaner (that you spay on the cloth, NOT directly on the lens) is helpful. Zeiss makes a great kit that includes many of the items in one compact set, or you can just buy the cleaner. Optical is also a great liquid cleaner.
Portable Stool
They do not want anyone to lie on the ground to take pictures, so if you do want to get a lower angle, taking a portable stool is a good option. I use a Swivel Folding Stool that is very lightweight and portable. This Collapsable Portable Stool is also a good choice.
Knee Pads or Gardening Pads can also be helpful if you are going to kneel instead, although they are a bit more bulky to pack. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
Please keep in mind that we have to clean anything that touches the ground so that we do not transport invasive species or biological material from one site to another. Anything you can bring that minimizes your contact with the ground and is easy to wash off will make this process much easier.
Laundry
There will be laundry service on board, but it can get expensive, so I usually hand wash smaller items in the sink.
EarthBreeze
Earthbreeze makes environmentally friendly laundry sheets that I use at home as well. It’s basically compressed soap that does not require plastic bottles. It lathers up extremely well and is easy to carry in a ziplock bag to use in a washing machine or in the sink for hand washing clothes. It does not take up much space and you can cut the sheets into smaller sizes when only washing one or two items at a time.
I am an affiliate for Amazon, so I will earn a commission if you follow my link. Thanks for the support!
Winter Clothing
LL Bean Jacket
My favorite heavy winter jacket is made by LL Bean and can only be purchased for the winter season (it just recently showed back up on their website in late September). They only make a men’s version, but the small fits me just fine. It has a lot of great pockets that can be used for accessories (batteries, filters etc) and can even hold a camera body or small lens if necessary. They give you 10% off your first order if you sign up for their mailing list. Men’s Maine Warden’s 3-in-1 Parka, with Gore-Tex
Make sure whatever jacket you bring will perform well it wet conditions (snow and rain). I also throw in several cheap plastic ponchos just in case we get more rain than my jacket can handle. You can usually pick those up at the Dollar Store or Walmart.
Venture Heat
Under my heavy winter jacket, I like to use battery heated clothing. I highly recommend any Venture Heat jackets and consider this one of my best purchases ever for winter photography. I can just turn it on and off as needed and it does a great job. (They make gloves too that are good for warming, but not something that will work as well for actually operating the camera, so I use the options below instead.) I wear the heated jacket over my long underwear and a thin Smart Wool shirt. I find I don’t need a lot of heavy layers under this combo to stay warm. It is a good idea to buy extra batteries.
There are different styles, but I like the one with the hood the best.
An additional 15% off most Venture Heat items year round (if the code does not work, please email me):
OPPERMAN15
Waterproof Pants
You will also need a good pair of waterproof rain or snow pants. It is likely your pants at some point will get splashed in the zodiac or as you step out to shore, so this choice is really important. These you might need to try on over your other layers, so if you need something new, I would suggest going to your local sporting goods store. One way to help prevent water from going into your boots in case you jump out of the zodiac too fast into deeper water, is to cinch them around the boot with a strap. These straps available on Amazon work well. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through my links.
If you can’t find anything you like locally, this pair of High Waisted Waders would be a good option. (Cabela’s Affiliate Link)
Gloves
Keeping your hands warm while still being able to operate the camera buttons can be challenging. I have found solutions that work pretty well, but nothing is perfect. Sometimes I just have to take a break and warm up my fingers with the hand warmers. It is a good idea to bring 2 sets of gloves, just in case one pair gets wet and needs time to dry out. I’ll share what I use below. As an Amazon Associate and Cabela’s affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases through my links.
OVER GLOVES
For an over glove, I use Cabela’s Gloves (to be used in combination with glove liners – men’s, but they work fine for women too!) I’ve been using these for years and they work really well for me.
You may also want to take a pair of neoprene gloves for the ride in the zodiac over to the shore and pack your other gloves in the waterproof bag so they do not get wet. Fishing Gloves can work well for this purpose. Water splashing on my gloves has not been a big problem, but if you want to be extra careful these are an option. These are also a good option for days when it is raining or snowing.
GLOVE LINERS
I like open finger liners like these convertible finger gloves. The fabric is thin, but I can also expose the fingers I need for focusing and the shutter release if it is warm enough outside. The key to using thin glove liners is to have a good over glove!
Hand and Foot Warmers
My hands and feet get cold easily, so I take along warmers. For my hands, I am now using mostly rechargeable hand warmers that take up less space. These must be put in hand luggage as they contain a battery. I can’t find the exact brand I have anymore, but this Handwarmer looks similar to what I have and has a 5 star rating. You can always use the traditional disposable hand warmers as well. I like the MEGA Warmers as they are bigger in size than traditional hand warmers.
To keep my feet warm, I still use the air activated disposable kind that can be found here. I pack two pairs for every landing day and that usually gives me plenty.
Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter
You will need to have a plug adapter so that you can plug in your US devices and charge your batteries etc. I use a universal adapter so that it has every plug type you might encounter. When you are traveling to multiple countries that might have different plug types, it gives you everything you need in one compact accessory. I can’t find the exact brand I have, but this Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter is rated well. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases) I recommending bringing Two of these. Also, be sure to check that the devices you plan to use are dual voltage (100-240 volt) as this is not a power converter. Most laptop computers, phones, and camera chargers are dual voltage, but check you manual to be sure.
Pillow for Sleeping on the Plane
I have a terrible time sleeping sitting up in a plane, but I’ve starting traveling with this unique Travel Pillow that sits on top of the tray table and it has helped tremendously. It looks a little silly, but it works for me and is much better than leaning against the window. I use a tiny Battery Powered Air Pump to blow it up, but you can use your breath too. (Amazon affiliate links)
Earplugs for Sleep
If you do not know your roommates, you might also want to consider taking some earplugs just in case they snore. You can always get the foam kind at your local drug store, but I like to take Smart Sleep Earbuds that are noise blocking with soothing sounds (ocean waves, chirping birds, white noise etc). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through my links.
Watch with Fitness Tracker
Whenever I travel, I try not to wear anything that is or looks expensive. I leave jewelry at home except for a cheap watch. The best option I have found is only around $50! It’s not big or bulky, but it does the job and has lots of great features including world clocks that can be programed for your destinations through an app on your cell phone. Best of all, the battery actually last for days – you read that correctly – DAYS! No more charging every single night (which is a real pain when traveling). This amazing Amazfit device can be ordered here. The only thing I don’t like is the band which can come apart easily if it catches on something.
They have a more expensive version (that I have not tried) with what looks like a more secure band that may be worth considering: Amazfit GTS 4 Mini Smart Watch.
Be sure to check phone compatibility before ordering. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through my links)
Restroom Supplies
There are no restrooms on shore, so they do ask that you go back to the ship when nature calls. In an emergency you could use a Waist Bag. I’ve used these before when photographing from blinds and they do work well in a pinch. You might also want to take along some Travel Toilet Paper which can come in handy at airports too. There are also really good Pocket Kits that give you lots of supplies (seat covers, wipes etc) for use in public restrooms. And don’t forget hand sanitizer or soap sheets!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through my links.
Women’s Underwear
This section is only for the ladies. I found great underwear that can be used instead of pantyliners, pads, or bladder control products. It is on the expensive side, but more environmentally friendly, easy to hand wash, and more convienent than the disposable products. They can also be used with a disposable product for an extra layer of protection, which is especially nice when traveling. Speax is for bladder leaks and Thinx is for that time of the month. Click on the product you want on the top left of the site. There are many different styles from which to choose.
You will get $10 off if you order through my link.
I’d also suggest wearing a sport type bra with extra support as we do bounce around some in the zodiacs. I found a great supportive bra after pulling a muscle and it has improved my posture and well as reduced my back pain. It is on the expensive side, but well worth the investment in my opinion. I chose the Revive Bra, but there are several different styles. They can be a little challenging to get on and off if you are on the busty side, so be sure to order up for adequate space.
Click on this link to get $25 off your first order of $200.