Canadian World Traveller Spring 2024 Issue

Likewise, a hair dryer, water flask, hiking poles
and tall, insulated rubber boots were also provided
by Quark for the duration of the expedition.
You will likely not need your own hiking
boots, and that alone will save one kg at least.
So, make sure you understand what you will get
from the expedition operator, or you may end
up over packing.
Don’t skimp on the layers
While you may be tempted to leave some layers
behind, I would recommend you bring high
quality merino wool long underwear and long
sleeve merino wool tops to act as a base layer.
(On my last expedition, I only took one of each
since merino wool does not smell and I wore
them for 5 days of the expedition.)
A mid layer of fleece or merino wool top and
bottom over the base layer is also essential.
Waterproof pants must also make it on to your
packing list. I recommend North Face or
Arcteryx with zippers to pull the pants over the
rubber boots for Zodiac excursions. Quite often
you will have wet landings where you leave the
Zodiac in water just below your knee.
Take a variety of gloves, socks, and hats
A pair of merino wool glove liners, with sensor
pads on the fingers to take pictures, along with
a pair of waterproof gloves are a must. Take an
extra pair of each since they do get quite wet on
the Zodiac excursions. Depending on when you
travel, the weather can be quite warm, around
2-6 degrees Celsius – so you may be able to
wear glove liners only.
Bring a couple of pairs of wool socks to wear
inside your rubber boots to keep your feet
warm during Zodiac excursions and hikes.
Having 2-3 hats can be advantageous. I would
recommend taking a basic wool winter hat, a
ball cap for sunny warm days, and a very warm
fur lined hat with ear flaps for the coldest days.
A couple of neck warmers (buffs) to pull over
your face to protect you from the wind and
water is a good idea.
Account for laundry service
If laundry service is available on your ship,
there is no need to overdo the number of
undergarments you bring. A couple of T-shirts
and casual pants to wear on the ship for dinner
and lectures is sufficient.
Assume dress will be casual
Most travelers wear their warm layers of clothing
on the ship and are casual, so they can easily
access the deck if whales or other wildlife are
present. There is no need to bring fancy or
dressy clothing for dinners or evening time.
Items you probably will need on board
You’ll probably want to bring a pair of
Blundstones-style boots to wear on the plane
and ship, and a pair of non-slip running shoes.
A bathing suit is essential, if your ship has hot
tubs, or you’re adventurous enough to do a
‘polar plunge’. (The Quark expedition has hot
tubs on the outside deck and offers a polar
plunge for the heartiest of souls.)
Be sure to pack a pair of good, polarized sunglasses,
and an eyeglass strap to keep your
glasses secure.
A waterproof knapsack will come in
65
handy. (I used this as my carry-on for the
plane and to use on the Zodiacs to keep
my camera equipment, iPhone and extra hats
and gloves dry). A smaller dry sac is also a
practical alternative.
Pack plugs, converters, chargers, a battery
backup for your phone or camera. Many guests
and staff had elaborate camera equipment with
long lenses and tri-pods. A Quark photographer
is onboard and shares photos and videos
with passengers following the expedition, so if
you can’t take all of your equipment, you will
still be able to enjoy the memories afterwards.
Optional items if you have the space in your bags
If you still have a bit of space in your bag, you
can also consider some cozy wool Glerup slippers
with rubber soles for relaxing onboard,
and binoculars to make wildlife spotting even
better.
Don’t pack your entire medicine chest, as there
is a doctor and medical center on board. While
there are no stores or hospitals in the Antarctic,
if your ship has medical resources (like Quarks
ship do) you will not need to bring medicines
for seasickness. On the Quark ship, there is
also a great little shop onboard Ocean
Adventurer with an assortment of pharmaceutical
products, and expedition gear in case you
forget something.
Clothing for warm weather post-expedition
touring
I brought a separate collapsible bag for my
summer gear and left it in a secure storage
area with Quark Expeditions at the Dreams
Hotel in Punta Arenas. Doing so, lightened my
load and allowed me to bring only what I needed
for the Antarctic.
Yes, you can!
While I wasn’t sure initially if I could stay under
the 15 kg limit for my checked bag and 5 kg
limit for my knapsack, I am happy to let you
know that I had everything I needed for my
Antarctic Fly/Cruise with the specified weight
limits. I cannot think of anything I wished I
brought with me, but didn’t, nor did I bring
extra clothing that I did not use.
www.quarkexpeditions.com
World Traveler Spring 2024