What to Pack for hiking in Patagonia: Complete gear list

Clothing

Head

• Sun hat or cap
• Cold weather hat
• Neck Gaiter: Preferably in Merinos wool. Indispensable
• Sunglasses with 100% UV protection (category 3 or 4)
• Headlamp (ideally with a re-chargeable battery) and a red light

Torso/Core

• 1 hiking T-shirt
• 1 Base Layer / Longsleeve: Merino, Polypropylene, Capilene, Driclime (avoid cotton or cotton blends)
• 1 Second Layer / Soft-shell: Fleece (recommended: with hood, comfortable, insulating)
• 1 Third Layer / Insulating Jacket: Down jacket or synthetic insulation (If you are too warm this is the layer to remove)
• 1 Fourth Layer / Hard Shell: Windproof, waterproof, and breathable (Gore-Tex, Event, or similar)

Hands

• Thicker Gloves: Insulated gloves for colder conditions
• Thin Gloves or Mittens: Polypropylene or wool liners that you can wear under another pair of thicker gloves for additional warmth/

Lower Body

• • 2 underwears
  • 1 Base Layer / Long Underwear: Merino, Polypropylene, Capilene, Nylon, Driclime (avoid cotton or cotton blends)
  • 1 Second Layer / Fleece: (Optional : in case of cold sensitivity)
  • 1 Trekking Pant
  • 1 Wind and water-resistant Pant

Feets

• 2 pairs of Thin Socks: Liners (Polypropylene or Capilene)
• 1 pair of thick socks for hiking
• Hiking Footwear: Waterproof Gore-Tex or similar for daily trekking

Trekking Gear

• Backpack (60/65 liters for women / 70/75L for men) – with rain cover (comfortable and ergonomic for long treks) (1.9kg).
• Daypack (15/25 liters for daily hikes)
• Rain Cover: Ultralight Rain Cover to keep your pack dry (80g)
• Trekking poles: preferably two for better balance; (essential for steep ascents and descents. Should have rubber tips to protect the environment)
• Water Filtration: LifeStraw Go Filter Water Bottle (220g for the bottle + 620g of water when full)
• Ziploc for food: To put dried fruits and snacks in.
• Sitting Pad : On a une forte perte calorique en s’asseillant sur les pierres froides un petit coussin peux nous aider à profiter du paysage sans être génés par le froid.
• Whistle: for safety
• 1 Ziploc for hygiène + Kleenex : Si vous avez une urgence en nature, cela vous permet de garder le papier toilette et ne pas laisser de traces
• 1 Ziploc: for pocket trash (candys and energy bars)

Camping Gear / Night

As for the night, the key principle is: The better you sleep, the more you will enjoy and be energized for the day

• Tent: Lightweight and compact, suitable for cold and windy weather) 3 seasons is ok (1.1kg)
• Sleeping Bag: Down or synthetic, rated -5 to -15 °C / 15-20 °F (1.2kg)
• 2 Sleeping Mats or 1 inflatable mattress: Very important. Total R-Value 4-5 minimum. Good ground insulation is vital!! (115g)
• Pillow: As light as possible. (115g)
• Sleeping Bag Liner (thermal): Recommended for added warmth
• Spare Shoes (Optional): Crocs or lightweight shoes for camp use
• 1 pair of clean socks for the night
• Earplugs: Helpful for sleeping in windy nights
• Sleep mask: Optional
• Chamber Pot: Optional but potentially very useful. Venturing across the campsite at -5°C in the middle of the night to relieve yourself can quickly sap all the warmth from your sleeping bag, leaving you shivering and struggling to regain heat—sometimes for over an hour. Staying warm means staying rested, so consider this addition to save yourself from a chilly and restless night.

Hygiene & Health

• Hygiene Kit: Toothbrush, toothpaste, tiny soap piece, sunscreen
• Body Wipes: For tent “showers”
• Water Purification Tablets or Drops: For safe drinking water
• First Aid Kit: Ibuprofen, naproxen, immodium, KT tape, bandaids
• Altitude Sickness Meds: Acetazolamide, Dexamethasone, Nifedipine
• Toilet Kit: Toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer

Cooking Set

• Stove
• Cooking Set
• Multi-use Spoon
• Knife: Swiss knife, or opinel.
• Mug Thermos : This is purely optional, I generaly use my cooking set as recipient, but if you like a good hot coffee, this will enrich you experience

Typical Daily Menu

• Breakfast: Coffee, Soup, Hot milk with oat with milk and Nuts
• Lunch: Sandwiches with ham, cheese, chorizo, etc…
• Snacks during the day: 2 Energy bars, 1 or 2 Chocolates Bars and Nuts Cocktail for quick energy boosts
• Dinner: 2 pack of Chineese noodles.

Gear & Tech

Photographer Packing list

This section is specifically for photographers, from amateurs to professionals. If photography isn’t your passion, feel free to skip ahead—but consider giving it a second thought. Our main activities will revolve around seeking out stunning locations and capturing the best light. Patagonia is one of the most photogenic places in the world, offering a unique opportunity to elevate your skills. Imagine the joy of reviewing your breathtaking photos back home and the pride of sharing them with friends.

Smartphone Photographers

Enthousiasts and Professionals

Keep in mind that photography equipment can add significant extra weight to your backpack, ranging from 4 to 8 kilos, especially for professional gear!

Renting Gear

Buying lightweight and technical gear for hilking is expensive, Before getting to Peru & Patagonia I spent almost just for the gear 2000€. So consider investing in high quality only if you will re-use it in multiple trips. Otherwise see if some friends can lend you some gear or consider renting on site.

Here is the 2024 gear list from the shops in El Chaltén. Please note that they do not reserve gear in advance; equipment can only be rented on-site, starting the day before your trek.