Struggling to think what the necessary items are to pack for your great adventure? Want to make sure you’ve covered all eventualities and are prepared for anything and everything that Patagonia has in store for you?
Use our checklist below to help make sure you’ve got everything covered.
1. Luggage
Do NOT bring a hard, rigid case. Soft, good quality duffel bags or backpacks with strong zips are much more advisable.
2. Clothes
Look for clothing made with Capilene, Duofold CoolMax and Ultra Tec, or Tekware, all found in large outdoor recreation stores.
Cotswolds Outdoors, Blacks, Go Outdoors, Ellis Brigham, Decathlon, and The North Face are just some examples.
This type of material ‘wicks’ moisture (sweat) off your skin and into and out of the fabric, allowing the body to stay dry and warm. Advisable to bring 2 or 3 changes. (Wool garments are not advised: they make you sweat too much and are close to impossible to dry quickly).
- Quick drying shirts and T-shirts. 2 long-sleeved and 2 short-sleeved
- Cotton T-shirt for nights at the refugios and after a quick shower.
- Polar fleece jacket. Just 1 good one should do it to keep you warm.
- Waterproof parka ideally with Goretex, OmniTech, Sympatex, Conduit, etc. Keeps the rain out but also lets the body breathe to avoid condensation inside the jacket, which would get us wet and cold despite our best intentions.
- Water resistant pants made with Goretex or similar
- Hiking shorts for when it’s too hot (happens more than you’d think!)
- Polar fleece gloves. Remember that wool takes a long time to dry. Fleece dries faster and weighs less. Bring at least 2 pair.
- Long underwear – wool or polypropylene (no cotton) – also made of Capilene, Tekware or Duofold, to keep you warm at camp, but may not be necessary while trekking. Just 1 pair should do it.
- Clothes to relax in during the evening
- Clothes to sleep in
3. For the Feet
- 3 or 4 pairs of Polartec or polypropylene socks. (Wool socks can cause blisters, so use those only while in camp. Cotton ones are okay, but also cause blisters).
- Hiking boots with good ankle support. Leather boots are the best choice: they last longer, but also are more rigid and take a lot more time to break in. Make sure the soles are flexible, never hard! Another kind of boot is made of Nubuk or nylon. These are more flexible, but don’t last as long. (The subject of shoes is an important one. Hiking boots need to be chosen wisely and broken in at least a week before beginning the trip)
- One pair other shoes to wear at camp and rest the feet. Trainers, Sandals, Ugg Boots.. whatever takes your fancy.
- Gaiters that cover the lower portion of the pant leg and the boot, can be brought to protect against water or snow getting into your socks and boots.
4. For Bedtime
A good night’s sleep will determine your mood the next day, so it’s fundamental that you pack the necessary equipment!
- Most companies often provide inflatable mats to sleep on whilst camping at no additional charge.
- Sleeping Bags – In Patagonia, where it is likely to rain without warning, means you don’t want a wet goose down bag that will never dry. Synthetic fibers are the only worry free way to go in Patagonia. Look for Hollofill or other kinds of filling with temperature scale from 0° to -15º Celcius.
- However, in Puerto Natales, you can rent excellent sleeping bags for US$ 4 a day
5. Miscellaneous
Insect Repellent (is a must!), Sun Screen, Sun Screen Lip Protector, Sunglasses, Toiletries, Towel, Daypack (rucksack), Water Bottle, Lunch Box, Personal torch or head lamp, A bottle of anti-bacterial hand gel, A pack of dental floss – it is brilliant for fixing kit and hanging things up, Personal knife, Extra Cash and a card that works!
Make sure you only pack the essentials and don’t bring any unnecessary weight!