Patagonia Packing List

It’s November, which means that spring is in full flow in Patagonia and so there are some lucky travellers who are preparing for their trip to this extraordinary adventure wonderland. But before setting off to the far south of Chile or Argentina (or indeed, both!), it is crucial to carefully consider what to pack for a Patagonian trip. We’ve decided to make things easier for you and put together an essential Patagonia packing list, so you can tick off everything you’ll need to bring, one by one.

[Hillary / “Resting – Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina”] [CC BY 2.0]

What clothes to pack for Patagonia?

Whether you travel in the spring, summer or autumn (winter is less likely!), you must expect to experience all four seasons in a day in Patagonia. It can be seriously cold, even on a ‘summer’s day’, and rather warm too, especially if you’re hiking uphill. One minute there could be a torrential downpour, the next glowing sun, but if you’re dressed appropriately you’ll be totally prepared – come rain or shine.

Dress in layers

The key for outfit planning in Patagonia is simple: dress in layers. Bring thermal vests and underwear, T-shirts, long-sleeve tops and a couple of fleeces too, which you can take off when you need to. Bring activewear like trekking pants to wear under your waterproofs, and make sure you have a few pairs of thick socks that are of excellent quality.

Waterproofs are essential

There is no coming to Patagonia without bringing trustworthy waterproof gear! This includes a waterproof jacket (big enough for all the layers underneath) and waterproof trousers too, ensuring you stay nice and dry during active adventurers outdoors. Underneath your waterproof, it is a good idea to bring a windproof jacket too, as the Patagonian wind can be rather strong!

[Guillaume Baviere / “El Chaltén. Au pied du Fitz Roy à la Laguna de los Tres.”] [CC BY-SA 2.0]

Sensible hiking boots

Waterproof, comfortable and sturdy, one of the most important items of clothing on your Patagonia packing list is a pair of hiking boots. They must support your ankles and preferably be light – you don’t want to create more work for yourself when it comes to those Patagonian treks!

Keep your head and hands warm (and dry)

Invest in a good quality hat; like we said, the wind can be unforgiving at times. Gloves are a must too, preferably ones that are waterproof in case you get caught in the rain. There may be times when you don’t need to wear neither a hat nor gloves, but be sure to bring them with you anyway.

Downtime in Patagonia

Don’t forget to bring comfy clothes with you for any downtime in Patagonia, spent indoors at local restaurants or in the warmth of your boutique hotel. Leggings, joggers and jeans are all good for this, with a cosy knit or sweatshirt to wear up top and nice clean socks with sneakers or boots on your feet. Another item you might like to add to your Patagonia packing list is a swimming costume, as your hotel might have a heated pool, hot tub or sauna/steam room, and you don’t want to miss the chance to enjoy some ‘me time’!

Hot tub time in Patagonia

Items not to forget for Patagonia

That’s the clothes covered for your Patagonia packing list, but there’s more to fit in your bag. These are very important to make sure you get the most out of your adventure and stay protected too.

Camera and binoculars

Whether you have an SLR camera or smartphone, you’ll want to bring it on this trip! Patagonia is brimming with jaw-dropping landscapes, so don’t forget that all-important camera to capture your precious moments exploring them. A sturdy camera case is an essential too, plus any chargers, spare memory cards and batteries. In addition, binoculars will be handy to have on you, especially if looking to enjoy some birdwatching on your trip.

Sun protection

Don’t be fooled into thinking that, if the weather is cold, you’re safe from the sun. Always have a protective lip salve and sunblock on you – a little miniature bottle would be better to take on treks, though keep a larger bottle back at your accommodation – and remember your sunglasses too. You might also like to have a sun hat on you, helping you shield your face and neck from the sun.

[Pixabay / “Mountain Lake”] [Pixabay]

Insect repellent and water bottle

You never know if the bugs will be out to bite, so don’t take the risk and come prepared with some deet! Another key item to bring is a reusable water bottle, or two, so you stay hydrated on your outdoor adventures.

Backpack and hiking poles

A small backpack that fits all your essential trekking items is essential for your Patagonia packing list. Make sure you can fit everything you need in there, and if the bag isn’t waterproof then buy a protective cover to keep all your belongings dry. In addition, hiking poles are a good idea if you need more stability on your Patagonian trek, and of course if you are planning to do some serious glacier trekking or other specialised activities, you’ll need to pack even more gear like ice shoes – contact our Patagonia experts to find out more about these types of outdoor pursuits.

Hiking in Patagonia

Ready to explore Patagonia on an adventure tour? Select one of our itinerary templates for Argentina or Chile and start planning your trip today. Handpick the hotels and activities you want, adjust the durations depending on how long you want to stay in each place, and have fun in the process! Surtrek is always at hand to help out. Call us on 1 866 978 7398 (Canada and USA) or 080 8189 0438 (UK) to talk to an expert, and Discover Your South America with Surtrek!

If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, read our blog articles on where to honeymoon in Chile, stunning sights in Patagonia or the best luxury hotels in Chile, among many more.