The weather in Patagonia is famous for being unpredictable, and you can expect to experience all 4 seasons in one day, from high winds to extreme sun, to chilling cold. The secret is to wear several layers, in order to achieve maximum comfort with minimum weight. It is important to use wind resistant clothing made from materials that dry fast, so we do not recommend cotton fabrics. Make sure you wear in your boots beforehand & bring blister treatment just in case!
Basic Trekking Kit List
- 35-40 litre backpack for personal items (upgrade for winter & camping trips, see below)
- Hiking boots (waterproof and broken in)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (e.g. Goretex)
- Thermal, synthetic, quick drying undershirts (cotton does not dry as quickly or keep you as warm during active days)
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Fleece or wool hat with ear covers
- Hiking trousers or zip-off convertible style trousers (preferably synthetic material)
- Fleece or wool scarf
- Wool blend hiking socks (upgrade for winter trips, see below)
- Sunglasses with neck strap
- UV Sun protection (min 30 SPF), including face and lips
- Baseball cap or similar for blocking the sun
- Refillable water bottle or hydration system (Water is refilled from the streams/ taps in the TDP park, always from reliable sources and does not need to be filtered. You can bring your own filter or purification tablets, or purchase bottled water at refugios)
- Trekking poles
In Winter months, add the following to the basic list…
- Down jacket
- Long Underwear (e.g. Silk or Capilene)
- Midweight to heavy weight hiking socks (synthetic moisture wicking)
- Mountain backpack: 40-60 litres (depending on how much you pack and whether you hire porters)
- Fleece or wool gloves
- Small flashlight or headlamp with batteries
- Hiking gators
- Walking poles
For Camping trips, add the following to the basic list …
- Mountain backpack: 40-60 litres (depending on how much you pack and whether you hire porters)
- 3-4 season sleeping bag (-5 to -10 degrees Celsius with compressions stuff sack)
- Therm-a-rest or similar camping mattress (light weight and compact recommended)
- One change of clothes for camp/ sleep wear
- Toiletries and personal Medical Kit (prescriptions, cold medicine, vitamins etc) No soap or shampoo is available in the lodges or camps.
- Camp towel (quick drying)
- Small flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
- Lightweight sandals for around camp (can be used in showers too)
For Treks Staying at Mountain Huts/ Camps/ Hotels
- Change of clothes for post hike around the Mountain Lodge or camp
- Sandals or similar for inside the mountain lodges
- Change of socks/ underwear
- Toiletries and personal Medical Kit (prescriptions, cold medicine, vitamins etc) No soap or shampoo is available in the lodges or camps.
- Bathing suit (for hot tubs if staying at Los Cuernos)
- Sleep wear
- Shower towel (quick drying recommended)
- Small lock for the lockers if staying at Refugio Torre Central
- Small flashlight or headlamp with batteries
In Winter months, add the following to the mountain hut list…
- Down sleeping bag (-10 to -20 decreed Celsius with compression stuff sack)
Optional Extras
- Mosquito repellent
- Reading material
- Binoculars
- Camera, chargers and spare batteries
- Alarm clock
- Shower sandals
- Ear plugs and eye covers
Documentation
- Passport with correct entry forms
- Copy of health insurance, travel insurance, and passport
- Air tickets
