The packing list for a backpacking trip to Patagonia is very similar to other backpacking trips with one exception: headwear. Because of the wind, rain, and sun we needed many hat options and techniques for keeping hats on our heads. We needed hats to keep our heads warm but not blow off, hats to shade our eyes but not blow off, hats to keep our heads cool but not blow off. This was a challenge! The key was to use an elastic headband or buff or hood cinched tight over the hat to keep it secure. Or, as the last photo shows maybe attach a string from your hat to your pants. Not an attractive look, but it was effective!
The other item that was polarizing for our group was waterproof (emphatically encouraged for this trip) or non-waterproof hiking shoes. Many of us swear by non-waterproof shoes because they dry quickly and are more breathable (don’t hold in the sweat from sweaty feet which can cause blisters, etc). Some of us were convinced to buy waterproof shoes but if I had to choose again, I would opt for my trusty non-waterproof shoes because of the sweaty feet situation and blisters. Enough said.
Below is our pack list for both overnights in refugios and for a day packs. We focus on lightweight products (ounces make pounds) which may cost a bit more, but are worth it to keep our packs light!
For the Trail & Overnight in Refugios:
- Backpack: 30L is small enought to use as a daypack and large enough for a few overnights.
- Backpack Rain Cover
- 1 Hiking Pants (quick dry) NOTE: Very few people wear shorts. Wind, rain, etc . . . make pants the practical choice.
- 1 Long Sleeve Hiking/Sun Shirt with Hood: Hood can be put over hatted head to keep hat on!
- 2-3 Socks (wool)
- Toe Sock Liners: great for preventing blisters.
- Rain Jacket: Gore-Tex for wind and rain protection.
- Patagonia Houdini Wind Shirt: This is an indispensable ultralight and packable shell.
- Rain Pants
- Fleece/Thermal Top
- Puffer Jacket (good as a pillow).
- Thermal top and bottoms (lightweight kind) to wear if needed and as PJ’s.
- Sun Hat with good brim: a baseball cap also works well.
- Headband to wear over hat to keep it secure.
- Neck buff: Multi-use.
- Beanie
- Hiking shoes
- Trekking Poles: (A MUST)
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle or bladder (at least 2 liter).
- Water Filter: water was safe to drink out of the tap, but we filtered water out of lakes and rivers along the trail.
- 2 Bars/snacks for emergency food/hunger (you can get more on the trail as needed).
- Sun gloves: (optional but give good protection).
- Rain Gloves
- Flip flops or crocs (good camp shoes and for showering, esp. in refugios).
- Ear plugs/eye mask (optional, but good if you are in a bunk room).
- Toiletries (bring minimal/small bottles).
- Phone, Phone charger, Power bank
- Adapter (if international)
- Headlamp: lights shut down in refugios at night!
- Sleep sack/sleeping bag liner (you sleep in this and blanket/pillow provided).
- Towel: some refugios provide, some don’t.
For Hotels:
If you are having your luggage transported:
- Away Carry-On Suitcase
- 1-3 Sets of clean clothes for post hike each night: jeans and cashmere sweaters were the go-to outfit.
- Lake Pajamas
Other:
- First Aid Kit (one person carried most of the items for the group)
- Map
- Whistle
- Swiss Army Knife
- Ziplock bags
What to put in your daypack:
- Map (or downloaded maps on phone)
- Phone/battery pack/cords
- Binoculars (optional)
- Sunscreen/Lip Balm
- Foot Care/First Aid/Advil
- Hand Sanitizer
- TP
- Water (2L bladder)
- Snacks
- Pack Cover
- $$ and passport
- Windproof/Waterproof Jacket
- Rain Pants
- Second Layer: Down or Fleece
- Waterproof Gloves/Beanie
- Sun Hat/Sunglasses
- Sun Gloves
