Patagonia is defined by one thing above all: weather that changes by the hour. Sun, wind, rain, and cold can arrive within a single afternoon, in any season, so the golden rule is layering plus a reliable windproof, waterproof shell. Remember the seasons are flipped from the Northern Hemisphere — the prime trekking window is the southern summer, roughly November to March, when days are long but the famous Patagonian wind is at its strongest.
The layering system: Build from a moisture-wicking base layer, add a warm insulating mid-layer (fleece or light down), and top it with a windproof and waterproof jacket. Quick-dry trousers beat jeans, and a warm hat, gloves, and a buff for the wind are well worth the space even in summer.
On the trail: Broken-in, waterproof hiking boots are essential for the trails around Torres del Paine and El Chaltén, along with good socks, trekking poles if you use them, and a daypack. Don’t underestimate the sun — it’s intense off the ice and lakes.
Here are the essentials worth having in your bag for Patagonia.
Dreaming of the peaks and glaciers? Our specialists design private, tailor-made Patagonia tours and can advise exactly what to pack for your route and season.
