ad | Packing for a polar expedition can feel completely different from packing for a normal cruise.

Suddenly you’re thinking about waterproof trousers, thermal layers and muck boots rather than what you’re going to wear for dinner, while simultaneously wondering how you’re ever going to fit everything into your suitcase.

Do you need to buy expedition boots?

How many layers do you actually need?

Do you need specialist outdoor clothing?

And just how cold is it really going to be?

I have travelled to both polar regions, experiencing Antarctica during a scenic cruise and more recently travelling through Svalbard on a full Arctic expedition.

They were two very different experiences. In Antarctica, we explored entirely from the ship, with no landings or Zodiac excursions. In Svalbard, expedition life meant regularly heading out in Zodiacs, making landings, walking across the Arctic tundra, snow and uneven terrain and spending long periods outside looking for wildlife.

Experiencing the polar regions in these two very different ways has also taught me a lot about what you actually need to pack.

Some of the things I took to Svalbard were invaluable. Others weren’t nearly as necessary as I expected. Perhaps the biggest lesson was that you do not need to buy an entire wardrobe of expensive expedition clothing just because you’re heading somewhere cold.

So, whether you’re preparing for an Arctic expedition or heading towards Antarctica, here is what I would pack, what you may be able to hire or receive from your cruise line and the little things that can make life considerably easier once you are there.

Polar Expedition Packing List at a Glance

Expedition clothing

– Waterproof outer jacket

– Waterproof trousers, fleece lined is a bonus!

– Thermal base layers

– Warm mid layers

– Fleece or lightweight insulated jacket

– Warm trousers

– Knee high merino wool or merino wool blend socks

– Warm hat that covers your ears

– Snood or neck gaiter – a MUST, to pull up over your face.

– Warm waterproof gloves

– Thinner touchscreen compatible gloves

Footwear

– Expedition or muck boots, they could be available to hire pre expedition

– Comfortable slip on shoes for wearing around the ship ( warm shoes, so your feet stay warm in case of sudden wildlife spot!

– Suitable footwear for any pre or post cruise stay

Wildlife and photography

– Camera or phone ( either or both )

– Secure phone cord or lanyard if using your phone for photography

– Spare batteries or power bank

– Charging cables

– Binoculars ( always have these close by, in case of wildlife spottings!)

– Plenty of storage for photographs and video

Clothing for the ship

– Comfortable casual clothing

– A couple of slightly smarter shirts, tops, trousers or skirts for special evenings. No need for any formal wear.

– Swimwear ( for a polar plunge and possible hot tubs on board)

Useful extras

– Sunglasses ( The sun is up 24 hrs, the glare from the snow / ice can be strong, protect your eyes )

– Sunscreen ( Mainly for your face, the sun can get strong, protect yourself )

– Lip balm (The cold polar winds can dry and chap your lips )

– Reusable water bottle

– Medication and toiletries

– Seasickness medication if you use it

– Compeed or other hydrocolloid blister dressings

– A few ordinary plasters

Before You Buy Anything, Check What Your Expedition Cruise Line Provides

Before ordering an entire wardrobe of specialist polar clothing, find out exactly what is included with your expedition. This can vary considerably between cruise lines.

You may receive an expedition jacket, sometimes yours to keep, while boots might be provided or available to hire. Your cruise line should give you detailed information before departure explaining what is included, what you can hire and what you’ll need to bring yourself.

Read this before you start shopping!

There is little point spending money or filling valuable suitcase space with something that’s already going to be waiting for you on board.

The Secret to Dressing in the Polar Regions: Layers

Layers are far more useful than simply packing the thickest coat you can find. Conditions vary enormously depending on where and when you travel. When I visited Svalbard, it was actually relatively warm for the region, with temperatures often around 0°C. On many days, I wore a base layer, a top and then either my included Lindblad Expeditions insulated jacket or my included parka. I rarely needed to wear both jackets together.

That is why layers work so well. You can add or remove them depending on the conditions, whether you’re sitting in a Zodiac watching wildlife, exploring ashore or spending time outside on the ship.

A simple system is:

Base layer, worn next to your skin to provide warmth.

Mid layer, a top, fleece or similar layer for extra insulation.

Outer layer, your insulated or waterproof jacket, depending on the conditions.

Don’t assume that travelling to the Arctic or Antarctica means wearing every warm item you have packed at the same time. Check the expected temperatures for the time of year you are travelling, listen to the expedition teams advice each day and dress for the conditions you are actually going to encounter.

Which Jacket Do You Need for a Polar Expedition?

Before buying one, check whether your expedition cruise line is providing a jacket. If you do need to bring your own, I would concentrate on waterproofing and wind protection rather than simply buying the thickest coat you can find.

Look for a good hood too. When you are sitting in a Zodiac and the wind picks up, being able to pull your hood over your hat and snood can make a huge difference.

Your jacket also needs enough room underneath for your other layers. Something that fits perfectly over a T shirt at home might feel very different once you’ve added a base layer and fleece.

Remember, the jacket is only one part of your layering system. You can add or remove warmth underneath depending on the conditions. For those extra chilly days, it would great to partner your coat with a lightweight yet warm, insulated jacket.

Do You Really Need Waterproof Trousers?

Yes. If there is one item I would not leave at home on a polar expedition, it is a proper pair of waterproof trousers. They are not simply for rain. During Zodiac journeys you can encounter spray, while snow and wet conditions ashore can leave you considerably wetter than you might expect. They also provide another useful layer against the wind. They also need to be waterproof for the inevitable snow angels you will feel compelled to make, during a frozen sea ice landing!

If you can find fleece lined waterproof trousers, even better. I found mine amazing. You get the waterproof outer layer with extra warmth already built in. Make sure they are comfortable and allow plenty of movement. You will be getting in and out of Zodiacs and potentially walking across snow, rocks and uneven terrain, so this isn’t the time for restrictive trousers. They also need to be able to fit around your Arctic muck boots, you do not want wet and cold feet!

What Should You Wear Under Waterproof Trousers?

This depends entirely on the conditions. Thermal leggings or base layers can be useful when it is particularly cold, however don’t assume you will always need them.

In Svalbard, with temperatures often around 0°C, my fleece lined waterproof trousers were so warm that I was actually too hot when I wore thermal leggings underneath them. It was a good lesson in not piling on every thermal layer simply because you’re in the Arctic. Take the layers with you, then dress for the conditions you are actually experiencing.

Which Gloves Should You Take?

I would definitely take more than one pair. A warm waterproof pair is important for particularly cold or wet conditions, especially when you are sitting in a Zodiac for longer periods. I would also pack a thinner pair with touchscreen compatible fingertips so you can operate your phone or camera without constantly taking your gloves off.

Wildlife encounters can happen quickly. The last thing you want when something appears is to be struggling to remove your gloves before you can take a photograph. Having both pairs gives you options depending on the weather and what you are doing that day.

What Should You Pack for Your Head, Face and Neck?

Take a warm hat that properly covers your ears and add a snood or neck gaiter to your packing list. A snood takes up virtually no room, however it is incredibly useful when the wind picks up. You can wear it around your neck and pull it over your mouth, nose and cheeks when you need extra protection.

A snood is my MUST pack item!

I would choose something warm and soft, such as fleecey one, and take a couple of different thicknesses. They are particularly useful during Zodiac cruises when you are sitting outside for longer periods and can really feel the wind.

Which Socks Should You Pack?

I highly recommend investing in some knee high merino wool or merino wool blend socks to wear inside your Arctic muck boots. The knee high length works particularly well with tall expedition boots, while the merino wool helps keep your feet warm and comfortable. Take several pairs so you have always got a fresh, dry pair available. Good socks might not be the most exciting thing you’ll buy for your expedition, however they are definitely worth investing in.

Pack Something for Blisters

I would always pack some Compeed or other hydrocolloid blister dressings, just in case. Even with good socks and comfortable boots, you may be spending hours walking in footwear you do not normally wear at home. If you feel a blister developing, being able to deal with it early can make a huge difference. They weigh virtually nothing and take up hardly any room, so I would throw in a few ordinary plasters too. You really do not want a blister making walking uncomfortable and getting in the way of enjoying a once in a lifetime trip.

Do You Need to Buy Expedition Boots?

Not necessarily. For our Svalbard expedition, my husband hired his Muck boots. He ordered his size through the cruise lines website before we travelled, and they were waiting in our cabin when we embarked. It could not have been easier.

I took a different approach and bought my own Arctic muck boots. When I compared the prices, buying mine cost around the same as hiring them, so it made more sense for me to own a pair that I could use again. It is worth doing that comparison before deciding.

Hiring saves you having to buy and transport bulky boots, particularly if you do not think you will need them again. If you are planning more adventures where they will be useful, buying your own may make better financial sense. Boot arrangements vary between expedition cruise lines, so check exactly how yours works before travelling.

What Shoes Should You Wear on Board?

Take a comfortable pair of casual shoes that you can slip on and off quickly. Something like Crocs, or even fleece lined Crocs for a little extra warmth, can be brilliant on an expedition ship. They are particularly useful for walking to and from the boot room, where floors can become wet as everyone returns from Zodiac trips and landings.

There’s another reason slip on shoes are useful, wildlife does not work to a timetable. If someone suddenly spots a whale, walrus or polar bear, you may want to get outside quickly. Being able to throw on a pair of shoes rather than stopping to lace up trainers or boots makes life much easier. Comfortable, practical and quick to put on is exactly what you want.

Treat Yourself to a Pair of Binoculars

I would absolutely treat yourself to a pair of binoculars for a polar expedition. Wildlife is not always going to appear conveniently beside the ship. Sometimes that polar bear, whale, walrus or bird colony is going to be some distance away, and binoculars can completely change what you are able to see.

Most importantly, play around with them before your voyage. Get used to focusing them and finding something quickly through the lenses. You do not want your first attempt to be when someone has just spotted a polar bear in the distance! Once you are on board, keep them close by for the entire trip. Wildlife sightings can happen at any time, whether you are on the ship, sitting in a Zodiac or exploring ashore.

What Camera Equipment Do You Need?

You do not need an enormous professional camera setup to come home with photographs you love (although some expedition lines do allow you to borrow professional cameras) . All of the photographs from my Svalbard expedition were taken on my iPhone pro. If you choose to use solely your phone for photography, I would invest in a secure phone cord or lanyard that allows you to wear it around your neck. It keeps your phone close by when you suddenly want to take a photograph and gives you some extra security when you’re sitting in a Zodiac or exploring ashore.

Cold temperatures can affect batteries too, so start each excursion fully charged and consider taking a small power bank if you think you will need one. Make sure you have plenty of storage available before you leave home. Trust me, you are going to take a lot of photographs.

Do You Need a Rucksack or Bag Ashore?

For most of my Svalbard expedition activities, I did not find a rucksack necessary at all. We were often away from the ship for only an hour or two at a time, whether exploring ashore or taking a Zodiac cruise, and drinks and snacks were readily available when we returned on board. The less you are carrying, the less you have to think about when you are getting in and out of a Zodiac or moving around ashore.

Activity lengths and requirements will vary between expeditions, of course, so there may be occasions when a small bag is useful. However, don’t assume you need to take one every time you leave the ship. With your phone or camera accessible, binoculars close by and the right clothing already on, you may be perfectly happy without one.

Do not forget Sunglasses, Sunscreen and Lip Balm

Sunscreen might seem like a strange thing to pack for the Arctic or Antarctica, however do not leave it at home. You will potentially be spending hours outside, with sunlight reflecting from the sea, snow and ice.

A good pair of sunglasses is equally useful, especially on bright days, and I’d always have a lip balm somewhere close by. They’re all small things that are very easy to pack and equally easy to forget.

What Do You Wear on Board a Polar Expedition Ship?

This is one of the easier parts of packing. Expedition ships tend to be considerably more relaxed than traditional cruise ships when it comes to clothing, and most dinners are relaxed too. Smart casual is generally more than enough.

I would, however, pack a couple of slightly smarter options. A smart shirt, trousers, skirt or top won’t take up much room and means you’re prepared if there’s a Captain’s Welcome, celebration, farewell dinner or another special evening. Do check the dress code for your individual cruise line before you travel, as they’re not all the same.

However, you’re travelling to one of the ends of the world. You’re unlikely to be expected to fill your suitcase with lots of very smart outfits! Comfortable and practical clothing will probably be what you wear most, with a couple of smarter pieces there when you want them.

Yes, Pack Swimwear

It might sound ridiculous when you’re heading towards the polar regions.

Pack it anyway.

Your expedition ship may have a pool, hot tub, spa or sauna. And, of course, there may be the opportunity to take part in a polar plunge. You don’t want to be standing in the Arctic wishing you’d packed a swimming costume because it seemed ridiculous when you were packing at home.

What Don’t You Need for a Polar Expedition?

You don’t need to buy the most expensive expedition wardrobe you can find. You don’t need every item to come from a specialist outdoor brand. You certainly don’t need to wear every thermal layer you’ve packed simply because you’ve crossed into the Arctic Circle. Use what you already own where appropriate and spend your money on the things that genuinely make a difference.

For me, those were practical things: good waterproof trousers, warm socks, gloves that allowed me to use my phone, comfortable footwear and binoculars that were always close by. Warm, dry and comfortable matters far more than having all the latest expedition gear.

My Polar Expedition Packing Advice

Seeing a polar expedition packing list for the first time can make it look as though you’re preparing to climb Everest. You’re not. Check what your expedition cruise line provides, look at the expected conditions for your particular voyage and concentrate on layers, waterproofing, warmth and comfort.

Don’t feel you have to buy everything. Hire what makes sense, invest in the things you’ll use again and remember that something as simple as a pair of good socks or a phone cord can prove far more useful than an expensive piece of specialist kit.

Once you’re there, you really don’t want to be worrying about what you’re wearing.

You want to be able to grab your binoculars, get outside and enjoy every minute of it.

This article was written based on my National Geographic Resolution, Lindblad Expeditions, Arctic Expedition in May 2026. I was invited on board for an Arctic Expedition. Discover more Lindblad Expeditions articles about my experience on board. You can also read about the differences between National Geographic Resolutions and National Geographic Resolution , to help you choose which ship to explore the Polar regions on!