Okay, all of you POP-PENGUINS gear-heads - it's getting to be time to talk about gear for this cruise. Since Marc is off to Tokyo and no longer in the mode of advising us on such matters, I've taken on the task of doing a bit of research on the critical subjects of: thermal underwear (back off, Suzette, I was not talking about things that heat up when one is pole-dancing); hats with ear-flaps (very "Fargo", no??); and glove liners that smoothly slide into one's leather gloves (please don't delete this, Karen - it wasn't meant to be more than a bit sensual).

Although Ngaire suggests that the Oshman's type of clunky long underwear is the best, I must humbly beg to disagree and suggest that people look at the much lighter and more comfortable (less bulky, even at my rather portly size) synthetics, such as the Capilene products. I have used the Patagonia, REI, and HellyHansen products for cross country skiing and find them quite good. The REI site has a good selection, as does any Patagonia store:

REI site

This store in Vermont has a good selection of such products and, if you get lucky, as I did last weekend, has great sales with all of the Patagonia stuff at discounts of 20-30% :

Ski rack store

The most fun store I've found, however, is ShopAntarctica:

ShopAntarctica

If you go to the "Get Outfitted" section, you get a very helpful list of basic items for each layer, not to mention a suggestion to buy some rather shockingly expensive little binoculars.

The ShopAntartica stuff is all sold at standard Patagonia and HellyHansen retail prices; but ShopAntarctica has a better color selection for most items than REI does, if color matters to you.

Ngaire mentioned that it is important to have a hat with ear flaps, particularly for the Zodiac trips. Here are two good ones I've found, one with a visor and one without:

With visor

Without visor

I'd post photos of these products; but I haven't the slightest idea how to do so. I'd probably shut down LCT in my feeble attempts.

Have fun gearing up for the Hanseatic.

In another review of a cruise on that ship, Linda Garrison suggested that it would be quite practical to bring a pair of slip-on shoes or slippers to wear with your heavy boot-socks to and from the boot room. Worth considering, indeed...

Cheers, Fred

love the shop Antarctica site! Good find, Fred!

I like this item for skiing - it has multiple functions and is very comfy. REI carries it as do many ski/outdoors shops:



Seirus Hoodz

This highly versatile head-covering serves as a neck protector, hood or full balaclava, yet packs down to easily fit in a pocket.
Long neck-gauntlet, drawstring hood and an interior mask with separate drawcord work together for a great fit.
Wear it loose around your neck, pull up hood to cover your head, or pull up interior mask and use with goggles for complete coverage.
Super soft Performance Fleeceâ„¢ is warm against your skin, insulates even when wet and is quiet in windy conditions.

Thanks Fred for your post! I need a kick in the pants to get going on all this but much prefer your tantalizing post in order to get in "gear" for this wonderful adventure!

I had seen the ShopAntarctica website a few months ago & intended to use it. Looks to be a good one! Love all these things from which to choose. The fun is beginning!

That Seirus Hoodz looks SO comfortable, Leslie! I will be looking for major comfort & dryness :) .

(I'm going to TRY to NOT have too much "back & forthing" with the mail orders like I did for ROAR - THAT was quite a credit card accounting nightmare!)

Now I like the look of that Seirus Hoodz - PERFECT. We may start a new trend as we all run around in our Seirus Hoodz. My ears got cold last time.

Ah Fred, you may disagree with me anytime you wish! That is what makes the world go round and keeps things in perspective.

Remember you dont see what is under the parka and the waterproof pants so dont worry about being STYLISH no one will know. Underwear (whatever suits you best), fleece or warm pants and long sleeze tee or warm top covered by your outer waterproof pants and parka with your Seirus Hoodz, glove liners and leather gloves and a couple pairs of socks under your rubber boots you are all set to impress the penguins.

On board normal casual clothing. It is not cold on the ship they seem to over compensate with the heat. I had to buy short sleeve tees in the store as I had all warm things and I was dying of the heat on the ship.

Here's the link for the Seirus Hoodz:

REI - Seirus link