Packing List Of Essential Gear For South America
One of the highlights of expedition cruising is exploring nature both from deck, and in zodiacs. That requires dressing for different climatic zones' weather conditions. Selecting appropriate gear can feel daunting–thankfully, we have over 30 years of experience in providing quality expedition clothing and equipment for professional and amateur travelers. We’ve put together a curated packing list: to eliminate the guesswork, and to set you up to have the best, safest, and most comfortable experience on your upcoming expedition! Use this packing list as a guide and be sure to check the weather conditions before your departure.
Download a packing list.
 | Packs & Travel BagsTravel Luggage: The first step in preparing for your cruise is selecting the right travel luggage. Choose a travel bag appropriate in size to the amount you’re planning to pack to ensure your luggage doesn’t become bulky and difficult to board. Expert Tip A soft-top bag is easily compacted and stored during your stay on board. Backpack: Lightweight and water-resistant backpack is provided on board, compliments of Silversea. If you plan on buying a backpack, consider a backpack that is waterproof. Expert Tip Choose a backpack with a waist-strap–the extra strap helps distribute the pack’s weight, alleviating pressure off the shoulders, and secures the pack more firmly to prevent chafing. Browse Our Top Picks for Packs & Travel Bags |
 | Tops & BottomsLong & Short Sleeve Shirts: Hot weather invites tank tops and short sleeve shirts intuitively–but especially in sunny weather, it’s important to include long-sleeve shirts to protect yourself from the sun and bugs. Longer sleeves are ideal for adventuring, and short sleeves tend to be worn around the ship. Expert Tip Choose light and bright colors–dark shades tend to draw mosquitoes. Convertible Pants: Even in warm weather, conditions can be fickle: wind, water, and some clouds can change the needs of the moment. Pack lightweight and fast-drying convertible pants with built-in UPF sun protection so that when the weather flips, you simply zip on or off the bottom legs to convert your pants to shorts. Expert Tip Everyone has a favorite pair of jeans that seems to fit just right–but for an expedition, it may not hold up exactly the same. When jeans get wet they dry slowly, especially in humid conditions. Browse Our Top Picks for Tops & Bottoms |
 | |
 | BASE LAYERLong Underwear: A moisture-wicking, insulating, soft base layer is an essential starting point to dressing in layers for maximum warmth. A smart base layer insulates your body while remaining breathable, and increases the effectiveness of each additional layer. The light- or medium-weight long underwear we recommend is made from Capilene, a high-tech fabric designed to retain warmth and dry quickly. Expert Tip Pack at least two sets. The quick-drying fabric is easily washed in between wears, ensuring you’re able to start fresh every day of your trip. Our Top Picks for Base Layer |
 | INSULATION LAYERExpedition Stretch: In cold weather, this layer makes all the difference. Worn over your base layer, our expedition stretch forms an extra barrier against cold without becoming too bulky. We designed and manufactured this layer specifically for expedition use: with soft fleece on the inside, smooth on the outside for easy layering, a tapering leg and fabric designed to slide effortlessly into your knee-high boots. Expert Tip Not all layers are created equal! Though your favorite jeans are often comfortable, they don’t hold up in cold weather, retaining moisture and will not keep you warm like gear that incorporates the latest technologies in design and materials, and has been repeatedly tested by professionals in the field. Fleece/Loft Jacket and Vest: This layer is at the center of your expedition gear, consisting of elements that can be worn together or alone, depending on conditions. On an especially cold day, pair a fleece or lofted vest with your Silversea complimentary parka. Remove the puff jacket and wear it on board the ship. Expert Tip When selecting the right material, keep this in mind: Wool is a wonderful, all-natural option, while fleece is extra light and quick-drying. Lofted vests and jackets retain effectiveness even when wet, and are very light and compact. Our Top Picks for Insulation Layer |
 | OUTER LAYERHooded Parka: Windproof, waterproof and large enough to fit over layers. If your itinerary includes Antarctica, a polar parka will be provided onboard compliments of Silversea. Expert Tip Be sure to order your parka in the right size, guaranteeing it will fit comfortably over your other layers. Check the size chart. When in doubt: size up. Check the Quick Reference Guide for sailings that offer a complimentary parka. Order your complimentary parka Waterproof Pants: It is difficult to overstate the importance of a good waterproof/windproof pant. They will be crucial in navigating almost every single landing, as well as protecting you from spray during zodiac rides. Ideal waterproof pants are lightweight, breathable, and feature a comfortable waistband. Crucially, they should be wide enough to fit over your boots. Our waterproof pants fit easily over boots. It’s important to note that the ideal waterproof pant is not a ski pant. Ski pants often create too much bulk for adventurers compared to layering with our recommended base and insulation layers, and rarely fit comfortably over boots. Expert Tip Choose a pair of waterproof pants with a zipper at the bottom, making sure you’re able to comfortably take off and put on your boots. And for maximum comfort during zodiac rides, choose a liberal size to ensure you’re able to easily sit in the pants as they cover your other layers. Rent Waterproof, Windproof Pants Delivered to the Ship Offered on select sailings. Check the Quick Reference Guide for sailings that offer rentals. Our Top Picks for Outer Layer |
 | FootwearFootwear: When in Northern South America, opt for footwear that will remain comfortable in and out of the water. A great closed-toe sandal provides protection while remaining breathable and quick-drying. Always opt for a sandal with a backstrap to keep your feet secure when getting in and out of Zodiacs and navigating terrain. Expert Tip Do not opt for flip-flops. They are not secure enough, and give out easily on rough terrain. Browse Our Top Picks for Footwear Boots: A good-fitting pair of waterproof, knee-high rubber boots with a strong, non-skid sole is essential because you will be stepping into shallow, icy water during each zodiac landing. Boots should be at least mid-calf length (usually between 12-15 inches or 31-18 cm in height), and have great traction since you’ll be navigating ice and rough terrain. Knee-high boots are essential. We recommend that all guests either bring their own boots or rent expedition boots. Expert Tip It’s essential that your boots are 100% waterproof. In the icy cold water, getting your feet even a little wet can make a big, uncomfortable difference. Boots don’t come in half sizes so, if needed, wear two pairs of socks. Rent Boots Delivered to the Ship Offered on select sailings. Check the Quick Reference Guide for sailings that offer rentals. Purchase Boots |
 | Hats, Gloves & SocksHats: When in northern South America shading your face and head from the sun is an essential precaution to help prevent heat stroke, sunburn, and ensure great vision. Opt for a large brim and a chin strap to secure your hat on Zodiac rides or during windy conditions. Expert Tip Head nets worn over a hat are a favorite among guests, helping shield from bugs in addition to sun. Neck Gaiter: Neck gaiters are the smart improvement on a traditional scarf: Warm, compact, and secure, a gaiter can be worn as an insulating layer around the neck, pulled up over the mouth and nose for wind chills, or worn over your head to add warmth to your head gear. A quick-drying gaiter is easy to wash, versatile, and much easier to pack than a bulky scarf, while providing just as much warmth and insulation. Expert Tip As with your base layers, we recommend you bring two gaiters to be able to wash them between each wear. Gloves or Mittens: In extreme weather, cold or wet hands can hamper your ability to engage with your surroundings–a pair of waterproof gloves or mittens quickly becomes essential. We’ve selected gloves capable of handling a wide range of circumstances, while allowing you to focus on more important things: enjoying nature! Expert Tip Not all gloves are equally effective. When the temperature drops, ensure your hands stay warm with a pair of high-quality, resilient gloves. If you’re prone to cold fingers, opt for a mitten instead of a glove, to accommodate a hand warmer along the fingers easily. Glove Liners: Adding a simple, warm liner increases the performance of your gloves, adding the assurance that your hands will be kept warm effortlessly. Certain liners are now wind-proof, so that even as the wind is able to penetrate your gloves’ outer layer, your hands will stay protected. Expert Tip It can be difficult to take pictures with your gloves on, but capturing the journey is so much fun. Having a liner under your gloves can help you stay warm while you memorialize your experience. Socks: No boot is complete without a great sock. Prepare for the adventure of the day by packing three or four pairs of socks made from wool or a wool blend, cushioning the heel well, and wicking moisture so you’re able to start with a fresh, dry pair of socks each day. Expert Tip The thickness of the sock is important for more than just warmth: It also makes a significant difference for comfort. A robust, cushioning sock can help your feet not only stay warm, but blister-free. Our Top Picks for Hats, Gloves & Socks |
 | AccessoriesBinoculars: Your expedition will undoubtedly offer stunning views and rare peeks at wild aquatic life–moments you won’t want to miss! Compact, high-performance binoculars help ensure you experience every single unique vista along your cruising journey. Expert Tip When choosing binoculars, be sure to select a pair with at least 10X power and 25mm objective diameter–this is considered ideal for scenic and wildlife watching. Sun and Wind Protection: The sun will play a significant role in the everyday considerations of your expedition cruise. Stay protected from the sun by bringing sunglasses with UV protection, secure them with a sunglass retainer so they don’t fall in the water, and add a sun lotion suitable for use on your face. And, as always, prioritize staying hydrated! Expert Tip Often forgotten, but no less important: Be sure to bring an SPF-charged lip balm along on your trip. Insect Protection: Avoid insects with an ultra-fine mosquito head net. While the ship is moving, mosquitoes will not be problematic. When there is no breeze or the ship is docked, they might be present. Also pack insect repellent and insect bite relief. Protecting Your Valuables: Your phone and tablet are crucial tools in capturing your experience. Ensure they stay dry and safe during every part of your adventure by protecting them with a waterproof, floating case. A great case will allow full use of your device when it is in the case. Expert Tip Use sturdy, leak-proof bags to keep other valuables dry in even the most challenging conditions. Browse Our Top Picks for Accessories |
| HELPFUL HINTS | |
| |
| |
| |
