Packing for Antarctica
Quark provides the parka. You provide everything else.
🧥 The Golden Rule: Layers
Base layer (merino wool, no cotton — cotton kills). Mid layer (fleece or down). Shell (Quark parka provided, plus waterproof pants). You’ll peel on and off multiple times a day. Temperature swings from -4°C to +2°C, plus wind chill. Your parka is bright yellow — you’re a Quark passenger now.
👕 Base Layers
- Merino wool tops × 3
- Merino wool bottoms × 2
- Thermal leggings
- No cotton — it stays wet
🧶 Mid Layers
- Fleece jacket × 2
- Light down vest
- Merino sweater
- Neck gaiter or buff
🧥 Outer Shell
- Quark yellow parka (provided)
- Waterproof pants × 2
- Waterproof gloves + liner
- Warm hat (beanie)
👢 Footwear
- Waterproof boots (rated to -20°C)
- Thick wool socks × 5 pairs
- Camp shoes / slippers (for ship)
- Gaiters (keep snow out of boots)
🕶️ Accessories
- Sunglasses (polarised, essential)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Lip balm with SPF
- Hand warmers (disposable)
📸 Tech
- Camera with zoom lens
- Waterproof phone case
- Power bank (no outlets on land)
- Binoculars (8×42 or similar)
🧴 Toiletries
- Moisturiser (dry air)
- Biodegradable soap
- Wet wipes
- Seasickness tablets
📄 Documents
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Travel insurance (covers evacuation)
- Visa for Argentina
- Flight and cruise confirmations
🎒 What Quark Provides
Yellow expedition parka (yours to keep), rubber boots for landings, life vest, and waterproof backpack for zodiac rides. They’ll also have a small shop on board with basic gear if you forget anything.
💡 Pro Tips
Pack a small day bag for zodiac excursions. Keep your camera in a dry bag. Bring a journal — you’ll want to write. The ship’s laundry is expensive, so plan for quick drying in your cabin. And bring a flask — whiskey on the ice hits different.