Packing List

Suggestions for what to pack on a research cruise
Last updated: Jun 18, 2024

Required

(adapted from UNOLS safety document)

• Sunblock and clothing that provide protection against the sun
• Warmer clothing for cooler nighttime temperatures and strong wind. Wool and polypropylene materials provide warmth and repel moisture. These materials also retain their insulating properties when wet.
• Dressing in layers is a good plan to adapt to different thermal environments. Even on hot days, some spaces can be cold (cold rooms, electronics labs) or warm (spaces near engine rooms, servers).
• Head coverings for warmth and sun protection (e.g. beanie, baseball cap, buff)
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable footwear. Shoes should have nonslip soles, and steel toes are recommended (optional) for deck operations, cargo-handling, or other heavy jobs. Hiking boots/shoes are a good option.
• Sandals are not permitted when working on a wet deck, near machinery, or in a laboratory (limit to sleeping quarters and restrooms, a.k.a. heads)
• Foul weather gear should include a jacket, pants, head covering, and waterproof footwear (for example, rubber boots). Wool socks are great here.
• Bring enough underclothing to last ten days without laundry facilities (but laundry can be run if needed). Laundry soap is typically available.
• Reusable water bottle
• Soap, hair care, shaving and hygiene products
• Medication – prescriptions, seasickness medication (Dramamine), OTC medications you might use.
• Work gloves for handling wet lines - synthetic material for fast drying (inexpensive ones can be found at Home Depot or Ace)

NOT required to bring

• Bedding, pillows, warm blankets
• Food, snacks
• Towels

Optional, can be nice

• Book, headlamp to read in the dark.
• Music, audiobooks (save to your device before the cruise, no streaming due to limited bandwidth)
• Headphones
• Earplugs
• Favorite treats (chocolate goes a long way and is nice to share!)
• Small amount of cash to buy ship shirts