Backpacking Guide for Patagonia

Understand the Terrain and Weather

• Varied Landscapes: Patagonia’s terrain ranges from rugged mountains and glaciers to windswept plains and dense forests. Be prepared for steep ascents, rocky trails, and river crossings.
• Unpredictable Weather: Patagonia is famous for its rapidly changing weather. Expect strong winds, sudden rain, and even snow, even in summer. Dress in layers and always carry waterproof gear.

Choose the Right Trails

• Start Small: If you’re new to hiking or Patagonia’s conditions, begin with shorter, well-marked trails before tackling multi-day treks.

Popular Hikes

• Torres del Paine (Chile): The W Trek and O Circuit offer stunning views of glaciers, lakes, and the iconic granite towers.
• El Chaltén (Argentina): Trails like Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre provide breathtaking views of Mount Fitz Roy.
• Tierra del Fuego (Argentina): Explore coastal trails and dense forests in the southernmost national park in the world.

Be Prepared for Wind

• Patagonian Winds: The region is known for its fierce winds, which can reach over 100 km/h (60 mph). Secure your gear, wear windproof clothing, and be cautious on exposed ridges.
• Hiking Poles: Use trekking poles for stability in windy conditions and on uneven terrain.

Pack Light to Fully Enjoy the Journey

Carrying an overloaded backpack—especially 20 kg or more—on long distances or at high altitudes can quickly turn your adventure into a struggle. The extra weight not only drains your energy faster but also makes it harder to appreciate the breathtaking landscapes around you. Instead of enjoying the experience, you may find yourself focusing on discomfort, fatigue, and sore muscles.

To make the most of your trip, pack only the essentials. Prioritize lightweight gear, choose multi-purpose items, and be mindful of what you truly need. A lighter pack means more freedom to move, less strain on your body, and a much more enjoyable experience in remote and high-altitude environments.

A properly adjusted hip belt is one of the most effective ways to carry your load comfortably. Ideally, 70% of the backpack’s weight should rest on your hips, with only 30% supported by your shoulders. This setup helps prevent shoulder and back fatigue, reduces the risk of muscle strain, and allows you to hike longer with less discomfort. To maximize support, adjust the hip belt so it sits snugly on your hip bones, ensuring a firm but comfortable fit. Then, tighten the shoulder straps just enough to stabilize the load without bearing the full weight. Proper weight distribution makes a significant difference, especially on long treks or high-altitude hikes, where energy conservation is key.

For our photography tours, we provide backpack carriage for up to 7.5 kg per person to help lighten your load. Plan your packing wisely to take full advantage of this included service and ensure a more comfortable journey.

Pack your bag effectively

A well-packed backpack not only reduces discomfort but also ensures better weight distribution and easy access to essentials. Constantly taking your backpack on and off throughout the day can become frustrating, so organizing your gear efficiently is key.

Start by placing a soft, compressible item—like your sleeping bag or mat—at the bottom. This not only provides a stable base but also doubles as a comfortable seat during breaks. Above that, pack heavier or less frequently used items, keeping in mind that placing too much weight at the top can throw off your balance, increase back strain, and make uphill climbs more challenging.

For easy access, store frequently used items strategically. Keep water bottles, snacks, and navigation tools in the side pockets, while essentials like a rain jacket, gloves, or an extra layer should go at the top of the main compartment.

Additionally, take advantage of external attachments. Carabiners and elastic straps allow you to secure extra layers, trekking poles, or even a damp rain jacket that needs to dry while you hike.

By organizing your backpack with these principles in mind, you’ll reduce strain, improve comfort, and make your trekking experience much more enjoyable.

Stay Organized: Create a Consistent Packing System

Always pack your gear in the same designated spots—not just as a habit, but as a deliberate system. Losing small items or wasting time searching for essentials can quickly become frustrating, especially on the trail. By consistently placing your belongings in the same locations, you’ll always know where to find what you need, saving time and reducing unnecessary stress.

Your system may evolve over the course of your journey as you refine what works best for you, but maintaining an organized approach will help minimize friction and make your experience smoother.

Keep Your Memory Cards Secure: if you take a lot of photos, your memory cards can fill up quickly. To avoid losing valuable shots, always store them in a safe and designated spot where they won’t get misplaced. Keeping them organized and protected ensures your images remain secure throughout your trip.

Stay Hydrated and Energized

• Water Sources: Streams and rivers are plentiful, but always purify water using a filter, tablets, or boiling.
• High-Energy Snacks: Pack lightweight, calorie-dense snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars to keep your energy levels up.

It’s best to avoid overeating at breakfast. Instead, aim for small portions of around 100–150 calories spread throughout the day to maintain optimal energy levels.

Respect Wildlife

• Observe from a Distance: Patagonia is home to guanacos, condors, pumas, and more. Never approach or feed wildlife.
• Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, avoid picking plants, and stay on marked trails to minimize your impact on the environment.

Always bring a few Ziploc bags to pack out your trash—nature will thank you!

Navigation and Safety

• Maps and GPS: Carry a detailed map, compass, or GPS device, even on well-marked trails. Weather can change quickly, and visibility may drop.
• Emergency Plan: Inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time. In remote areas, consider renting a satellite phone or emergency beacon.

• I personally recommend downloading Alpine Quest, a $10 mobile app (one-time payment, no subscription). It allows you to download unlimited offline maps, track your trails, and add geolocated photos directly to the map.
• During our tours, you’ll also have access to the Remote X mobile app, which includes an offline mode along with many other great features.

Camping Tips

• Campsite Reservations: In popular parks like Los Glaciares (North Part), Torres del Paine, campsites and refugios (mountain huts) must be booked well in advance.
• Leave No Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles—pack out all waste, avoid campfires, and camp in designated areas.
• Protect Rivers: When washing dishes, avoid using soap and dispose of the wastewater away from the river to prevent contamination./
• Windproof Tents: Use a sturdy, windproof tent and secure it properly. Rocks or extra stakes may be needed in windy conditions.
• Dress appropriately for the night: Even with a 0°C sleeping bag, you may find it insufficient for warmth. Wearing fewer layers while sleeping can help your body generate and retain more heat.
• Manage your nights effectively: Avoid drinking too many liquids before bed, as getting out of your warm sleeping bag at night to pee can make it difficult to regain warmth, potentially costing you up to two hours of sleep.

Keep all your batteries and electronics close to your body while sleeping to prevent them from freezing. From experience, I’ve ruined a new phone battery, drone batteries during previous high mountain trips because they froze overnight. Consider wearing clothes with multiple pockets to keep your devices warm throughout the night.

Dress for Success

• Layering System: Wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof / windproof outer shell. Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture.
• Footwear: Invest in sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support. Break them in before your trip to avoid blisters.
• Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.

Pace Yourself

• Take Breaks: Patagonia’s trails can be demanding. Take regular breaks to rest – every 1h30 to 2h, hydrate, and enjoy the views.
• Start Early: Begin your hikes early in the day to avoid afternoon winds and make the most of daylight hours.

Connect with Nature

• Mindfulness: Take time to appreciate the beauty around you. Whether it’s the sound of a glacier calving or the sight of a condor soaring, these moments are what make Patagonia special.
• Disconnect: Patagonia’s remote areas often have no phone or internet service. Embrace the opportunity to unplug and immerse yourself in nature.