Great New Read: Shackleton’s Ship FOUND!

As if Shackelton’s story wasn’t amazing enough, the storyabout the amazing discovery of his ship, the Endurance, more than 100 years later nearly matches his own tale. Chief Archeologist Mensun Bound recounts in his book, The Ship Beneath the Ice: The Discovery of Shackleton’s Endurance, the amazing effort in finding this historic ship. For more book suggestions check out our other two book guides: Antarctica Fiction and the Best of Antarctica Books

Best Ice Cubes Ever

How can you resist Penguin ice cubes or Titanic ice cubes complete with icebergs!? Basically you can’t resist. Perfect for the pre-trip party and then again for the party to share photos of the trip.

MUST READ: Shackleton

The definitive Antarctic Adventure Story – make sure your friends have read Shackleton’s’ story. Drama, disaster, leadership, human perseverance. Its all there and its all real and everyone lives – its truly amazing. Get one for yourself as well if you haven’t read it yet. For more book suggestions check out our other two book guides: Antarctica Fiction and the Best of Antarctica Books

Capture Your Adventures: Weather Proof Journal

Go down in history right alongside Shackleton and Amundsen – write your own account of your journey – There are apps and twitter and Instagram, but something about an Antarctic Journey and the lack of constant media and technology invites one to take pen to paper to record the immensity of the experience. There may even be times during the trip to site alone watching the icebergs drift and what better time to break out a journal and capture the moment. But, not any journal. The Rite in the Rain Journal is exactly what Nature requires – water proof – you can write on the paper when wet. It’s the book of choice for all whose work in the field from biologists in the middle of the Jungle to farmers in the field to military units in the middle of the dessert. These have been the go to all weather books since 1916.

All Weather Pen

If you bring a weather proof journal, then you need the best of weather proof pens. The All-Weather Pen has pressurized ink, so you can write in the rain, upside down, or where ever you need to jot something down. It also comes with a very convenient key ring to attach to a backpack and a comfy rubber grip. And the ink will never explode in your pocket. This pen is a must have for travelers.

Hand Warmers

Standing on deck watching whales, sitting in the dinghy marveling at icebergs. But trying to take in all this beauty when your fingers are freezing? There is a simple solution – hand warmers. There are two type – the low tech variety that are cheap and easy, but only one time use or the latest versions that are charged by USB and can act as a back up battery bank as well. Which ever way you choose to go it will make watching those whales and icebergs infinitely more enjoyable.

ECO FRIENDLY Jacket Refresh: Repair Tape!

No need for a new jacket, when GEAR AID Tenacious Tape does such a good job at repairs.  Do your wallet and the environment a favor and keep your current down jacket, rain jacket…. and even tent going a few seasons more.  The tape comes in clear, colors, reflective, and fun shapes!  Don’t be shy!  This is the best gift your friend, spouse (yourself) never knew you needed, but will soon be your best friend.

(PERFECT STOCKING STUFFER!)

SPF Lip Balm

Lip balm with SPF is a MUST for all polar travelers. Most time is spent on the water or the snow two of the highest reflective surfaces in a part of the world with higher than average ozone levels.

(Also excellent stocking stuffer!)

Dont’ Lose your Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a must – again for the sun and snow and water. But the reality is as you want to take great photos you take them on and off to see the view finder. From experience its best to have sunglasses straps / holders. These float – Just in case… most floating glasses covers can be quite bulky – but these are a happy medium – float, but also streamlined! 

Plug Adaptor for Every Continent (Including Antarctica)

A universal adapter, while bulkier than a single use adapter ensures that you are ready for where ever and whatever. Travelling to Antarctica one will likely pass through Chile and / or Argentina. These two countries already have two different plug types. Once onboard a cruise ship usually has European or American plugs. The only way to be ready is to have on adapter that has it all. This one also has 4 USB slots as well – SUPER convenient, even at home to charge USB devices.

Travel Med Kit

A good travel Med kit such as this one specifically for travelers has the basics of what you might need, especially on a polar cruise when you don’t have the option to walk down the street to the local pharmacy. The kit comes with the essential meds for pain, plus blister care to keep you in your boots exploring the penguin colonies. Insider tip: add any other meds you might use regularly and your seasickness meds!!!

24 Hour Sun: Eye Mask

Its Antarctica. Its summer. There is light nearly 24/7. Even in Ushuaia or Punta Arenas the sun goes down late and comes up VERY EARLY.  Hopefully the rooms have light darkening shades, but if they don’t? Eye masks are a simple must. This can often be overlooked, so do your Antarctic bound friends and family a favor and pick one up for them, so they can start their action packed day after a full night of restful and darkened sleep. This one is highly recommended for its comfort and darkening abilities.