The most streamlined suitcase I’ve ever taken away with me!

The first leg of the trip is underway! On my way to Christchurch today to spend the week with friends and family, and await the departure later this week. Having left home in Whangārei for the last time before heading south, I needed to pack all the necessities that I couldn’t go back for!

While I am heading away for a month, the baggage weight limit is about 40kg, including the 10kg worth of Antarctica New Zealand ‘Extreme Cold Weather’ gear. This bag needed to include all my daily clothing + one fancy outfit (just in case it gets to Christmas or something), warm layers, slippers, sneakers and hiking boots, toiletries, electronics + backup batteries because they all drain quickly in the cold, camera and tripod, other research equipment like field books and pencils, and any additional downtime entertainment. My passport is also a necessity; there is an honorary stamp that I can receive on arrival, but more importantly it will be useful in the case we are diverted in the air and end up in Australia or something!

Not only is the space tight already, but to reduce impact on the Antarctic environment, my clothing should be made from natural fibers as much as possible, toiletries should be plant-based and ecofriendly, showers are limited to 3 minutes, and laundry is only allowed with a full load!

All that to say, my brain has been particularly wired the last week trying to make sure I packed with maximum efficiency and consideration. Looking forward to the final preparations this week, sure is getting close now!