The 7 Must-Have Combos to Pack for Your Trip to Patagonia

May 1, 2023
by Paula

Prepare for Wind & Rain

When packing for our first trip to Patagonia, every article I researched said to prepare for wind and rain over rocky terrain and the Patagonia “flat” which is a humorous way to describe trails that are flatter, but never what one would ever call flat.

Even though we were taking guided day hikes and not tackling the infamous “W” or “O” Circuits, I put together a packing list to rival all of my previous packing lists. It may have been overkill, but you know what? We ended up using 90% of it, so in retrospect I feel completely vindicated and able to pass on my incredible knowledge (she said with only a smidge of laughter).

Here is a list of items that when paired together are powerful combinations that will protect you from the elements, increase your comfort level, and provide peace of mind so you can focus on the incredible beauty of Patagonia.

1. Day Pack + Waterproof Rain Cover

Over the years, I’ve accumulated different types of backpacks, most for quick day hikes and a few for true overnight backpacking. None of these fit the bill for Patagonia. I didn’t want to be bogged down with too much weight, but I needed a pack roomy enough to stash rain gear, which is why I landed on the REI Flash Pack 22L. It’s essentially a big lightweight stuff sack with two generous side pockets for water bottles, snacks or other quick grab items. It also has an inside pocket with a removable pad where you could keep a laptop or notebook, but the pad comes in handy when you want to be more comfortable sitting on a rock.

REI Co-Op Flash Pack 22L | PHOTO: REI

Because the Flash Pack isn’t waterproof, I opted for an inexpensive rain cover on Amazon. The Joy Walker Waterproof Rain Cover in size small for 15-25L packs worked out perfectly. For reference, I tried the medium for 30-40L packs and it was way too big.

The cover has two buckle straps which takes a little more fiddling to put it on your pack, but I like that double cinch for a snug fit. This cover did not budge in the Patagonia wind.

Amazon Joy Walker BackPack Rain Cover | PHOTO: AMAZON

2. Rain Jacket + Rain Pants

Will it rain in Patagonia? You can count on it. We were fortunate that we only had one day where rain gear was absolutely necessary, but we used our rainproof jackets most days for their wind resistance and the rain pants when we trekked through damp brush on early morning hikes. We could have used gaiters in those instances, but ended up relying on our rain pants.

Rain pants can be very expensive. Since they’re not an item I think we’ll use very often, I decided to go with the 33,000ft Lightweight Rain Pants, and picked up a pair for my hubby. These were perfect. Roomy enough to fit comfortably over hiking pants with a half leg zip that made them easy to pull on over my Keen hiking boots.

Amazon 33000ft Women’s Rain Pants | PHOTO: AMAZON

I’ve had my Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket for a number of years. It’s a great lightweight jacket with hood and vented pit zips. The latest model looks even better. Patagonia makes things that last plus they have an ironclad guarantee and a repair program. I had a zipper repair several years ago and can attest that it was a good experience.

Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket | PHOTO: REI

3. Hiking Poles + Gloves

Hiking poles are more than a suggestion for Patagonia trails. They’re a necessity if you want to stay upright, although a wind gust that our guide estimated at over 3 digits in kilometers caught me off guard and shoved me to the ground. I was unharmed, narrowly missing a prickly bush. While the poles may not have kept me upright, they helped me get back up on my feet.

Explora Torres del Paine provided poles very similar to these Black Diamond trekking poles that have easy flick locks to customize the length.

Black Diamond Trekking Poles | PHOTO: REI

In combination with trekking poles, I found a pair of warm, windproof gloves that fit my petite hands without adding unnecessary bulk. The North Face Apex Etip^T ^M Gloves have a slightly curved shape to the fingers that’s designed for gripping poles. I happen to like this feature because it alleviated the uncomfortable stiffness that other gloves have.

395North Face Apex Etip^TM Gloves | PHOTO: Zappos

4. Trucker Hat with Ear Flaps + Buff

Living in Colorado, I have become a big fan of hats that cover my ears, so when I found a trucker hat with ear flaps, I knew it was meant to be. The TrailHeads Women’s Winter Ponytail Hat with Drop Down Ear Warmers that get me through chilly dog walks were perfect for Patagonia. My favorite is the quilted version for extra warmth.

TrailHeads Women’s Ponytail Hat with Ear Warmers | PHOTO: Amazon

The perfect accessory to secure a hat to your head in heavy wind (and for added warmth) is a Buff. They come in a variety of colors and designs, and I always store one in my daypack.

BUFF | PHOTO: Amazon

5. Hiking Boots + Sock Liners

Before our trip to Chile, I started experiencing pain in one of my big toes. Every time I took a step and flexed that toe it was painful. I babied my foot, stocking up on wraps and tape in preparation for our trip, but I knew it was critical that I had a pair of hiking boots with a wide toe box.

Keen is a brand known to have generous toe boxes. After trying the Targhee III Mid Height, I knew that I’d found my boot. It’s lightweight, comfortable and waterproof – exactly what I needed for Patagonia.

Keen Targhee III Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots | PHOTO: Amazon

For long treks, there’s nothing like a pair of sock liners to keep your feet dry and minimize blisters. Also, depending on your laundry situation, you’ll find it much easier to quick wash and dry a pair of liners in time for a next-day hike versus a thicker pair of merino wool socks. I like these FoxRiver Wick Dry Coolmax Ultra-Lightweight Liner Socks under my favorite Darn Tough socks.

FoxRiver Wick Dry Coolmax Ultra-lightweight Liner Crew Socks | PHOTO: Amazon

6. Dry Bags + Snacks

My new favorite piece of gear is a dry bag. I never saw the need until Patagonia, but tucking snacks and other items like chapstick and sunblock in a waterproof bag is important in a rainstorm not to mention it helps to organize your pack.

I’m a fan of the Sea to Summit brand. They have an Ultra-Sil Nano Dry Sack that’s the perfect size for small odds ‘n ends and it comes in bright orange, lime green and pacific blue. If your pack is black like mine, you can quickly locate this nifty little dry sack even if it’s buried under other gear.

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Dry Sack | PHOTO: Amazon

Your choice of snack is, of course, completely up to you, but I’m team GORP. Not just any old GORP, but GORP that has been elevated with cashews, almonds and pecans instead of peanuts, and dried banana chips or cranberries instead of raisins. If it’s cold out, I will definitely throw in a handful of M&M’s or chocolate chips.

7. Sunscreen + Bandaids

For any outdoor adventure, never forget to take sunblock. The higher the SPF the better. Mineral sunscreens work the best for my sensitive skin. Two of my favorites are Australian Gold Botanical SPF 70 Mineral Sunscreen and BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide 50+. Both are water resistant. Australian Gold has a slight fragrance, but it’s not sticky (which I hate) and mousse-like (which I love).

Australian Gold Botanical SPF 70 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion | PHOTO: Amazon

Another tool to keep in your day hiking arsenal is a mini first-aid kit. By mini I mean a few band aids, antiseptic cream, and a piece of moleskin. I personally think that’s all you need to get you through most situations until you’re back in civilization with access to medical supplies. Granted, if you’re out on the trail, backpacking over multiple days, you should carry whatever supplies you think you’ll need.

My tried and true band aid brand of choice is Nexcare’s waterproof, latex-free bandages. They truly are water resistant. Mine usually last through several showers and there’s no sticky residue after removal.