Patagonia has a simple rule: dress for four seasons and expect all of them in one day. Our packing list is based on hundreds of trips and the feedback of customers who came back wishing they'd brought more — or less — of something.
Clothing — the layer system
- Base layer (merino wool, not cotton) × 2 — merino dries fast and doesn't smell
- Mid layer (fleece or down jacket) × 1 — the most important layer
- Windproof & waterproof shell × 1 — essential, not optional
- Hiking trousers × 2
- Warm hat and gloves — even in summer
- Merino buff/neck gaiter
- Warm socks × 5 pairs minimum
- Gaiters — for muddy trails
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots (already broken in) — non-negotiable
- Camp sandals or crocs — for around the camper
- Gumboots/wellies — if you plan to do the W Trek in wet conditions
Cooking extras (beyond what's in the camper)
- A good knife — the kit knives are functional but a quality chef's knife makes cooking better
- Collapsible water bottle × 2 per person
- Reusable coffee cup
- Small chopping board (the camper has one but a second helps)
The one thing most people forget
Lip balm with SPF. The Patagonian sun is intense even on cold days (UV index regularly hits 10–12 in summer) and the wind is drying. Chapped lips by day three are almost universal among unprepared visitors.
What not to bring
- A full-size suitcase — rolling luggage is useless on gravel and mud. Use a duffel bag.
- Jeans — they take forever to dry and are miserable when wet
- More than 2 pairs of shoes — space is limited
- A hairdryer — there's no shore power at wild campsites
Important
Pack light. Our campers have about 200–450L of storage depending on the model, but it fills up faster than you think. If in doubt, leave it out.
