Part of the
Hurtigruten Group

What To Pack for a HX Expedition

We’ve created a recommended packing list to make preparing for your expedition that little bit easier. If you should forget something, don’t worry. On board our ships, you’ll find a shop with a wide range of clothes and practical items. What’s more, you’ll receive a complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket and be loaned boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities.


On-board

  • Casual clothes – the dress code is relaxed and informal, even for dinners

  • Comfortable flat shoes for everyday use while onboard. It can be slippery on deck, so we recommend shoes with a good grip

  • Swimwear if you wish to use the hot tub, sauna or pool

  • Sandals

  • Gym clothes if you wish to use the fitness facilities

  • Type C plug adapters (two-round pins commonly used in Europe)

Warm-weather destinations

  • Fast-drying clothes that you can layer

  • Rain poncho

  • Wide-brimmed sun hat

  • Light water-resistant jacket

  • Short- and long-sleeved t-shirts, preferably with a UV filter

  • Shorts and light-weight trousers

  • Sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting wet

  • Reef shoes/water socks or water shoes/sandals

  • Hydration electrolyte tablets

  • Snorkel gear

Cold-weather destinations

  • Warm winter jacket

  • Waterproof trousers (mandatory for expeditions in Polar regions)

  • Woollen/fleece-lined jumpers

  • Woollen underlayers and long thermal underwear and tops

  • Warm hat or headband that covers your ears

  • Scarf, buff or fleece tube

  • Underlayer gloves and top-layer gloves

  • Waterproof gloves

  • Warm woollen socks

  • Shoe ice grips

  • Insect repellent and bite & sting relief ointment (Greenland only)

  • Hat with mosquito net (Greenland only)

Biosecurity packing guidelines for expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic

Help protect the pristine Arctic and Antarctic environment from the threat of non-native species by following these biosecurity packing guidelines from the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO):

  • For Arctic packing guidelines from AECO, click here.

  • For Antarctic packing guidelines from IAATO, click here.

Additional items for all destinations

  • Hiking boots for excursions and other shoreside activities

  • Polarised sunglasses with UV protection

  • High-factor sunscreen

  • Moisturiser and lip salve with UV protection

  • Hat or baseball cap (one with a chinstrap is recommended due to windy conditions)

  • Camera and memory cards with a large capacity

  • Extra batteries for your camera (battery life is shorter in cold areas)

  • Environmentally friendly insect repellent and bite & sting relief ointment

  • Mosquito net for your hat

  • Small waterproof bag (20l volume) for landings

  • Small backpack for excursions

  • Binoculars

Good to know

  • You’ll receive a complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket to keep. Please note that it is not a thick winter jacket.

  • Our onboard shop offers a variety of essentials and gifts to purchase, including Helly Hansen gear, sea sickness tablets, and souvenirs.

  • We’ll loan you boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities (including snorkel gear).

  • In some areas we visit, rubber muck boots are mandatory for stepping ashore. We’ll loan them to you for free. They come in sizes 35-50 EU.

  • We reserve the right to refuse activity participation to guests who are not properly dressed for the conditions.

  • Visit our excursions hub and select the excursion that’s relevant to you. In the practical information section, you’ll find guidance regarding what to wear.

Penguins perched on the ice of Cuverville Island, Antarctica. Credit: Espen Mills / HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

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