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The Perfect Patagonia Packing List

07/08/2018 by Kristin Addis 27 Comments

Packing for Patagonia? Here's a perfect packing list for Patagonia for women. Tips on how to pack light and information on the essential items are included. #Patagonia #PatagoniaPackingList
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So you’ve decided to go on the trip of a lifetime to Patagonia – good choice, you won’t be disappointed! Maybe you’ve heard a thing or two about the weather? About how it’s pretty intense and unpredictable?

Not to worry! I’ve got you totally covered with this packing list and the best part is it doesn’t cost a fortune:

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Here’s what’s on my Patagonia Packing List:
  • Weather
  • Backpacks: 
  • Shoes:
  • Read Next: 24 Things to Know Before Trekking in Patagonia

Here’s what’s on my Patagonia Packing List:

  • 3-4 warm undershirts
  • 3 pairs of leggings (I brought dark ones, I wish I’d gone the patterned route. Don’t make the same mistake that I did)
  • 1 pair of warm, comfy ski underwear to sleep in
  • 1 pair of lightweight rain pants and/or water-wicking pants
  • 1 old hoodie for nighttime wear and under your jacket for when it’s really cold
  • 1 thick rain/ski jacket
  • 1 Super lightweight windbreaker to layer
  • 6 pairs of super thick socks (just make sure they fit with your boots!)
  • 1 pair of hiking boots
  • 1 pair of lightweight camp shoes for when you don’t want to wear boots
  • Fleece lined beanie and hat for the sun
  • lightweight gloves
  • A couple of sports bras, and enough undies for a week
  • Sunglasses
  • Headlamp
  • Hiking poles
  • 2 liters of water storage (can do a Camelback + Nalgene combo to be covered regardless of activity)
  • Optional – dry bags for sleeping bag
  • Camera – check out this post for my camera equipment
  • Microfiber towel
  • 100% silk travel sheet
  • Toiletries – the usual shampoo, face wash, deodorant, and conditioner, knowing that you can refill things like soap and Pantene on the road.
  • Travel Insurance – Don’t hike without insuring yourself!

    Click on this kit for easy shopping!

    That’s my basic packing list, though we need to talk about backpacks and other essentials, too! First, let’s talk about what kind of weather to expect:

    Weather

    patagonia packing list
    Wind, clouds, glaciers, it’s what Patagonia is all about!

    I did not understand nor fully appreciate how truly, certifiably, insane the weather can be in Patagonia until I experienced it for myself. I had been told that the wind is so strong there that it can push you over, and I had even seen photos of people leaning into the wind. I still didn’t fully understand that it *actually* happens, and often.

    The best way to deal with this is by crouching down to the ground if it gets super strong, using hiking poles to stabilize yourself if it’s light enough to keep hiking in, lining your backpack with trash bags instead of using rain covers, which will just blow off, and using rocks to tie your tent down in addition to the stakes.

    It rains a lot in Patagonia too, which is totally fine, as long as you’re prepared for it with the waterproof gear mentioned in the list above.

    This is also why there were so many rainbows all the time. It’s the reason why the clouds are so unique and interesting there as well. If you have the right stuff for the weather you can actually enjoy it, but if not you could be miserable.

    Backpacks: 

    huemul circuit
    Bring the right pack along

    When considering the size you need, evaluate if you’ll need to put a tent, sleeping bag, and food inside. If you’re on a trail like the W or O in Torres del Paine and your tent is already set up for you, then you don’t need much more than a 35L backpack for your water, camera, and personal items. However if you’re backpacking for multiple days and bringing all of your own food and equipment, you’ll need something closer to 70L. Check out my backpacking checklist or click the image below:

    


    Go to a store that allows you to try the packs on with weight in them (I like REI in the US), or if that’s not available to you, order multiple bags online and return within the time window. Something like this bag is perfect for hiking and for traveling. If you want more options, I have a list here of the best multi-day hiking backpacks on the market.

    Also keep in mind that if you do overnight hikes, you’ll want to be able to store whatever you’re not bringing with you in town. Most places understand and are happy to store bags, as long as you stay with them before and after your hike. For this I’d bring a duffle bag that folds down easily in your backpack.

    Shoes:

    Huemul Circuit
    Trust me, you’ll want serious boots

    I strongly suggest going for waterproof, at least ankle-high hiking boots meant for rocky terrain if you plan to hike while in Patagonia (and you should!)

    When hiking in the past, I’ve often just used the same shoes I would wear in the gym, but in Patagonia, I was glad every single day that I brought hiking boots.

    There were many times when I trudged through mud that was ankle deep, walked through running water, and climbed on sharp and jagged rocks. Such is the terrain in Patagonia and waterproof boots with some real tread are the safest and most logical option for that kind of hiking. I highly recommend these boots – they’re cute and waterproof, with good tread, ankle support, and they’re meant to keep your feet warm in cold climates!

    Clothing:

    patagonia itineraries
    Pack as light as you can manage

    This is where I always spend less in my travel wardrobe, because travel clothes are loved hard and die quickly.

    For hiking shirts, I still had some of my ski underwear, basically thermal shirts and long johns, with me from skiing  and they actually came in really handy in Patagonia. It was supposed to be summer there but it is cold next to glaciers and we got snow at the end, too (which was actually really wonderful.)

    Otherwise, it was mostly leggings for hiking that I didn’t care about because those rocks are sharp and jagged and will tear everything. I also brought a couple of tunic dresses that I could put over leggings for wanting-to-look-nice situations. Otherwise it was mostly utility since my Patagonia trip was about the great outdoors (I’m guessing yours is, too).

    That’s what’s in my backpack for Patagonia, and I was super happy with all of the products that I brought along. I stayed comfortable even when it was raining and windy, and was able to enjoy two full months of hiking and playing in the wilderness in Patagonia.

    What should you bring to Patagonia with you? Here's the perfect women's Patagonia packing list from a girl who traveled through for 2 months! Read more at https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/womens-patagonia-packing-list/
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    Read Next: 24 Things to Know Before Trekking in Patagonia



    *Some links in this post are affiliate links. Any purchase you make supports this site at no extra cost to you. Happy hiking!
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About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Comments

  1. Chase says

    07/08/2016 at 11:33 am

    Do you normally travel with a pack that size? I am planning on doing some extensive travel and worry about having to check my only bag (and pay to check it too) since I have had airlines lose my bags in the past. Have you found airlines that let you carry it on? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      07/09/2016 at 7:33 am

      You can’t carry on over 35L and usually 7-10 kilos. I did have to travel with a pack this size in Patagonia because anything smaller and I couldn’t have fit my food. Maybe 50L would have been OK. I definitely go smaller when I travel anywhere else. Not sure what to suggest other than buying a bag that size once you get there (it’ll be expensive) or shipping home.

      Reply
  2. Karo says

    07/09/2016 at 1:37 am

    Some good hints to remember, thanks! ?

    Reply
  3. Northern Peru Travel says

    07/22/2016 at 9:42 am

    Great packing list, especially about all the warm underwear !! I live in Peru, so Patagonia is on our list. I definitely hope to be able to make it within the next year ! Thanks for the list !

    Reply
  4. Loren says

    10/06/2016 at 9:35 pm

    Love your packing list! xo Loren

    Reply
  5. Carlyn says

    10/22/2016 at 11:57 pm

    Hello there, what type of stove did you use? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      10/23/2016 at 8:38 am

      It was like this: http://amzn.to/2edas4A

      You just attach the gas canisters to it 🙂

      Reply
  6. Betsy Dionne says

    11/23/2016 at 12:10 pm

    Thanks for this! My husband and I are heading to Patagonia is less than a month. How big was the backpack you brought? We will be doing alot of hiking, I have a 70 liter pack and a 55 liter and I’m torn on which one to bring. The 70 liter is a beast but I’m worried the 55 may be too small.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      11/26/2016 at 12:11 pm

      I brought the 70L because for a weeklong hike I really did almost fill it. Better to have some excess space than to be cramming and stressing about it. Is it really that much heavier if you just don’t fill it all the way?

      Reply
  7. Aria says

    01/15/2017 at 1:14 pm

    Your pics are too dope, can’t wait to be there in a few weeks!!

    Reply
  8. Ali says

    01/31/2017 at 8:07 pm

    Hi! Where on earth did you get the ear warmer with the visor!! Leaving for Patagonia in two weeks and desperate for something to keep my ears warm, keep my face out of the sun, and allow me to wear my hair in a knot on my head. Amazing tips, thanks 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      02/01/2017 at 1:25 am

      I struggled to find a similar one on amazon. This is a $3 find from a tiny village in the Chinese Himalayas

      Reply
      • Ali says

        02/03/2017 at 11:25 am

        Of course it is 🙂 That’s amazing. 🙂 Thanks anyway!

        Reply
  9. Alex says

    03/11/2017 at 3:36 pm

    Hi,
    I don’t see in your list an extra pair of shoes, aren’t you worried to travel with only one pair? What would you do if anything happens? It can be the most expensive pair in the world and still tear…

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      03/11/2017 at 10:36 pm

      Hey Alex, now that you mention it, I had a pair of running shoes too, but I’d never use them hiking on those trails. It’s too much weight and space for me to travel with two pairs of hiking boots, and I would just have replaced them in Chile or Argentina if something happened to them.

      Reply
  10. Caitlyn says

    03/20/2017 at 3:19 am

    Hi Kristin,

    I love your blog, and particularly all of your posts about Patagonia!! 🙂 I am doing a 12 month trip at the end of the year starting in Patagonia (for 2 and a half months) and am trying to decide on a pack that will suit trekking in Patagonia (including the full “O” circuit in Torres Del Paine) but also be ok for the rest of my time in South America, Europe and 3 months at the end in South East Asia.

    Do you think a 55L size pack (Osprey Ariel or equivalent) would be big enough for clothes, camping gear and food etc (if I left all other travel gear at a hotel before trekking)? I noticed you took a 70L and that you almost filled it… I just don’t know whether that will be too big for me for my whole trip as I’m pretty short (5ft 3) and prefer to minimalist pack. I really want to go for something smaller like the Kyte 46L for the rest of my trip but by the sounds of your post that might be way too small for Patagonia…

    Any suggestions would be great – thanks 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      03/23/2017 at 1:19 am

      Hey Caitlyn, you’d only need 35 liters if you were only going to Southeast Asia, but since you’re going to so many places you need stuff for really cold and really warm weather, and that makes it tough. The reason why my bag was full for the O was mostly because of food and the tent, and that’s not really something that you can cut down on. The other issue is wind. It’s incredibly strong and anything strapped to the outside will make you less aerodynamic.

      I would probably mail the big bag home after Patagonia and buy a smaller one in Europe if it were me. It’ll cost you, but it might be worth it not to have a 70L for the rest of the time.

      Reply
  11. Anonymous says

    05/12/2018 at 6:10 pm

    Hi Kristin!

    Curious as to the patterned vs dark leggings? I tend to always buy dark and now I’m wondering why you suggest patterned?

    Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      05/13/2018 at 10:18 am

      Oh just because they’re more fun! Just a style thing. Hides sweat and dirt nicely too!

      Reply
      • Anonymous says

        05/13/2018 at 3:22 pm

        Gotcha, thanks for the response!

        Reply
  12. Katie says

    10/07/2018 at 9:38 am

    Hi Kristin!
    Great list! I was wondering what time of the year your did your trekking in Patagonia? I will be going in December this year and I was wondering if I should still expect the unpredictable weather.
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      10/08/2018 at 6:22 pm

      The weather will always be unpredictable, rainy, windy, and maybe even snowy, though I wouldn’t expect as much snow in December. I was there from February to the end of March.

      Reply
  13. Catherine says

    10/07/2018 at 5:35 pm

    Hi Kristin,

    I’ll be doing the O Circuit in late Nov.-early Dec. I’m planning to purchase a tent before the trip and was curious if you have a recommendation as to 3-season vs. 4-season. I know the winds can be really bad and I want to make sure I get something sturdy enough.

    I love your blog!

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      10/08/2018 at 6:20 pm

      The winds are insane! I’d go with a tent made for wind rather than heat.

      Reply
  14. Carina says

    08/20/2019 at 1:04 pm

    Hi Kristin,
    Thanks for all your info. I am really looking forward to doing Carreterra Austral since reading it, hitchhiking like you did!
    Would you recommend to bring your own tent & sleeping bag for that? I don’t see it mentioned in your posts..
    Thanks,
    Carina

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      08/23/2019 at 5:55 pm

      It depends on if you want to backpack at all or not. You can also do it for cheaper if you’re willing to camp, but there are guesthouses all along the route.

      Reply

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