What to pack on your Snow Hill expedition
WHAT TO BRING! Packing for the Polar Regions doesn’t have to be daunting, and to make it easier for you, all Quark Expeditions voyages include a Quark parka to keep, and a loan of insulated waterproof boots. Additional suggested items include:
VISITING THE EMPEROR PENGUIN COLONY Located on sea ice, the Emperor rookery is situated some walking distance from the closest potential helicopter landing site (to not disturb the animals), so make sure you bring layered clothing suitable for covering the distance comfortably and additional layers to top-up whilst being more stationary at the colony.
EXPLORING THE ANTARCTIC Basic Antarctic gear recommendations (while on outer decks aboard the ship or during Zodiac Operations for alternative Landings etc.) Waterproof pants (mandatory for every Zodiac and helicopter ride) Waterproof jacket (the complimentary Quark 3-in-1 is ideal for all excursion outings with our Zodiacs) Binoculars Base-layer wool or synthetic top Mid-layer warm or fleece top* M id-layer warm or fleece bottom* Warm hat that covers ears Base-layer wool or synthetic bottom Waterproof gloves or mitts Glove liners* Warm wool or synthetic socks (keep a dry pair in your bag, and bring extras for layering) Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack for camera and gear or waterproof cell phone case / rain sleeve Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising on snowy or windy days) Hat, buff or scarf (for wind and weather protection) UV protection (sun hat, polarized sun glasses, sun block, lip balm) Collapsible walking stick for hikes (if required). Quantities are available on every vessel to borrow. * recommended layering depending on the conditions of the day and reflecting your personal thermo-regulation comfort levels. TO WEAR ON BOARD The complimentary Quark 3-in-1 Parka provided on board is designed with a waterproof shell that can be worn out on deck, and a removable liner that you can wear to stay comfortable indoors) Comfortable casual clothing like lighter shirts, pants or jeans, etc. (in case the ship gets warm) Comfortable non-slip closed-toed, heelless shoes (flip flops, sandals or slip-on shoes should not be worn on board due to safety concerns) Workout attire (for the fitness center!) Swimsuit (for the Polar Plunge! Some vessels may also have a pool, hot tub, sauna and/or steam room. See your ship book for details.) Just a reminder: No formal evening wear required on our voyages but if you would like to bring something a little more dressy for the Captain’s welcome and farewell cocktails you may certainly do so! ADDITIONAL ITEMS Passport, visas, immunization records, travel documents, etc. as required Camera gear—complete with charger, storage medium, transport and cleaning kit (lens cloth etc.) and extra batteries Reusable waterproof bags or plastic bags with zippers (to keep small items organized and cameras dry) Voltage converters and plug adapters (see ship book for details) Seasickness, indigestion, headache, or other medications Earplugs and eye masks for sleeping Moisturizer for face and hands (skin dryness due to wind and temperature changes) Credit card and small amount of local currency (see pre-departure book for more details)
Please note: The walk will be over uneven terrain of ice and varying levels of snow, so make sure you only bring what you can carry yourself without assistance!
Waterproof pants (mandatory for every Zodiac and helicopter ride) Waterproof jacket (either the complimentary Quark 3-in-1 jacket or if you prefer, you can bring your own water and windproof winter warm anorak or extreme weather jacket (recommended: long/hooded*– complete with a solid insulating layer (fleece/ down**) *hood (with (faux) fur ruff /**responsible Down Standard (RDS) (Reusable) Hand and feet warmers Warm base-layer wool or synthetic top Binoculars W arm base-layer wool or synthetic bottom Mid-layer(s)* warm or (smart)wool/fleece top (*to adjust depending on your thermos- regulation comfort and activity level /keep a dry spare in your bag, for layering) Mid-layer(s)* warm or (smart)wool/fleece top (*to adjust depending on your thermos- regulation comfort and activity level /keep a dry spare in your bag, for layering) W arm hat that covers ears (bring an extra for your daypack in case one gets wet) Balaclava, scarf, buff, or other warm face protection (against wind and snow) Warm wool or synthetic socks (keep a dry pair in your bag) Warm, insulating insole(s) (for included boots) Warm waterproof gloves or mitts (bring an extra for your daypack in case one gets wet!) Additional warm glove liners (for operating the camera or binoculars while at the colony) Ski goggles (protection against snow flurries and wind) and polarized sunglasses with UV protection (for sunny moments) Cold protection cream with UV block (don’t bring regular, water-based Sunscreen — it will freeze!) Waterproof, lightweight backpack (Daypack to carry your spare clothing and gear to and from the colony) Additional reusable (thermos-regulating) water bottle or thermos (in addition to the reusable collapsible water bottle provided) Camera(s) and pertinent equipment with enough spare batteries, ideally in a ‘warm pack’ (due to the low temperatures batteries will run out faster than usual!) Folding (collapsible) ski pole walking stick with seat (for balance and stability aid for
walking on uneven terrain and seating option for while at the colony) Small quick dry towel/handkerchief (to get rid of perspiration or snow)
To view our packing checklist online, visit: QuarkExpeditions.com/What-to-Pack/Snow-Hill-Island Related topics are covered on our Frequently Asked Questions page: QuarkExpeditions.com/Frequently-Asked-Questions
Scan this QR code or click here to watch our video on what to pack before you go!
WEATHER CONDITIONS AND TEMPERATURES Polar weather is extremely variable; temperatures may hover around the freezing mark and winds can be strong. The extended daylight warms sheltered areas so that you may sometimes find it warmer at times. However, you may encounter rain, snow squalls, fog and white-outs during an expedition and should be ready for any conditions.
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