Sharing what to wear in Patagonia- everything I packed for hiking vs what I actually needed while traveling in March.
They say you can experience all four seasons in one day in Patagonia. This made packing quite challenging for me since the coldest it gets in Charleston is maybe in the 30s. If you are wondering how to pack for hiking in Patagonia, think winter temps. Patagonia is in the Southern Hemisphere so their summers are our winter. Even though you will likely be visiting during their summer months, it is still not that warm. If you visit in January, you may get lucky with 70 degree days, but still need to have layers as the weather changes rapidly on the trails.
My layers were seriously lacking and I only ever pack in carryon luggage so had to keep it to the essentials while still trying to look cute! I had to purchase thicker leggings, hiking boots, a few long sleeve tops, and a warmer puffer coat for this trip. Here is everything that I packed and used for this journey to Chilean Patagonia.
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Leggings to Wear Hiking in Patagonia
Yes, you can wear leggings for hiking! Personally, I had the hardest time finding a thicker pair of leggings to wear hiking on this trip. I didn’t want to buy hiking pants that I will never wear again so needed flattering leggings that would keep me warm. I was basically looking for a style like my lululemon aligns, but in a warmer fabric. Here are the ones I finally bought, liked, and loved after wearing in Patagonia! Cute leggings for hiking:
I purchased two pairs of these fleece lined leggings for Patagonia. I bought a Small and they were super warm for January walks in Charleston. They were a bit loose so I snagged another pair for the trip in an XS. I had purchased Athleta’s fleece leggings but they were ZERO compression so these were much better (and cheaper)! They kept me perfectly warm and comfortable hiking through Torres del Paine. I still wear them at home in the wintertime.
I also own a pair of thicker ALO leggings that I wore hiking on the trip.
And a pair of these leggings were great for lounging or hanging out at the lodge!
Base Layers to Wear in Patagonia
My top layers consisted of four things: a sports bra, long sleeve, sweatshirt, and then a puffer jacket. Lastly, I did carry a rain coat layer that I never ended up wearing, although, I was super glad to have it incase we got stuck in rain or snow. I removed the sweatshirt and puffer many times throughout our hikes. You will go from warm to hot to freezing so it really helps to layer!
Sports Bras to Wear in Patagonia
Wool sports bras are great for hiking since merino wool is naturally odor eliminating and wicks sweat.
Tops to Wear in Patagonia
Your next layer should be a quality long sleeve top. I love ones with thumbholes to help keep your hands warm. I did not wear any that were super heavy duty – just normal long sleeve workout tops.
Sweatshirts to Wear in Patagonia
Next, you will want a thicker layer like a sweatshirt, pull over, or fleece coat. I wore a sweatshirt that was fleece lined and it kept me very comfortable without needing to wear my puffer coat the whole time. Another in between layer could be a vest especially if you travel to Patagonia in January when it could reach the 60-70s!
<Coats to Wear in Patagonia
Finally, a puffer coat is an absolute must have in Patagonia. Make sure it is down-filled to keep you the most warm.
This is the coat I actually wore. I absolutely love this coat and received so many compliments! It adjusts at the waist so you can make it as fitted as you like! It is super warm with fleeced lined pockets and an interior pocket where I kept my phone. Wearing my true size small.
I purchased this coat because I loved the cinched waist on a puffer coat. I did not end up keeping it, but really liked it! The reviews and size chart were misleading, but it fit me true to size. I wear a small.
I almost bought this because I really wanted a red coat to wear hiking! It is very affordable, too.
This is the rain jacket I already owned. It fit great over a puffer coat. You will need a rain jacket as the weather can change rapidly – you do not want to be caught on a mountain in a chilly rainstorm!
If you want to splurge on a really nice coat, then you should get this one. My husband wore this one in the men’s version and loved it. I finally caved and got an Arc’teryx (the one the left above) and have to say I love it! Personally, I sized up to a medium and it’s perfect with enough room to layer under. I would have loved to have this hood at certain times in Patagonia.
Hiking Boots to Wear in Patagonia
I did a TON of research on the best hiking boots to wear in Patagonia and came up with these below. I am not a hiker (no mountains in Charleston) so I did not want to spend a fortune since I would likely not wear them often. Well, I am pleased to report that they worked out great – no blisters even on the first time hiking with them! I loved these boots for 3 days of hiking through Chilean Patagonia, including 21km to the base of the towers in Torres del Paine!
I went with this color after trying three different ones! My normal size 8.5 worked best with thick wool socks. I did order a size up and they were too big. If you are hesitant, buy two sizes at the same time so you can compare easily!
I almost decided to buy the pricier ones and this would have been my pair!
Accessories to Wear in Patagonia – Hat, Gloves, etc.
I bought this hat last minute a week before we left and wore it all three days hiking! It is fleeced lined and keeps your head super warm.
I also bought these fleece lined gloves a week before we left. I was glad to have them in my backpack, but have to say that I did return them unworn as I never felt cold enough for gloves.
My go to wool socks that I have owned for years! They fit comfortably with my boots and kept my toes warm and blister-free while hiking through Patagonia.
Don’t leave home without sunglasses! It can be very bright, but also protects your eyes from the wind and debris that can get inside. I have literally worn these for the past 8 years.
Gear for Patagonia
Drone
Unfortunately you can not fly a drone in a National Park, however, that is probably for the best. Can you imagine how many people would have them and ruin your time?? We did get some fun shots around our hotel. This is our drone.
Tripod and Remote
This is the tripod and bluetooth remote that I use to take pictures. Thankfully, we hiked with a guide and he got some great shots without needing to carry this around the whole time.
Back Pack
I used my college book bag to carry my layers, waters, and snacks. I take it on every flight as my “personal item” since it will fit so many things! It’s tried and true.
Misc. Patagonia Must Haves
Snacks for the Trail
These are my favorite protein bars and of course I had to take some to have on the trails! They are plant based with high protein and lower calories – appox. 14g protein, 10g fiber to 220 calories. I love the peanut butter and chocolate mint.
Sunscreen & Moisturizer
You are going to want to wear a moisturizer with spf. It may look like you are getting burnt, but it is actually wind burn. A thick moisturizer is your best friend – these are my two that I traveled with. Wind burn does not feel good and a high quality facial cream will help! Even my husband wanted some.
Blister Prevention
This is supposed to be great for blister prevention while hiking! I forgot to put it on the first day in my new boots and was so worried I would have blisters. I have used it with new heels and it works great outside of hiking too. Also, took these as a precaution – better safe than sorry!
Lip Mask for Chapped Lips
Definitely get one of these! It’s great for travel since the plane can really dry you out. In a cold climate, it is an absolute must have. Chapstick never seems to cut it for me.
Handwarmers
Lastly, make sure to grab some hand warmers. I liked putting these in my pockets instead of wearing gloves. I didn’t think it was cold enough for gloves, but liked the warmth these provided.
Patagonia Essentials Packing List for Women
The bare minimum that you need to have in your suitcase.
- Heavy Puffer Coat
- Rain Coat
- Mid Layer – Fleece Pullover
- Long Sleeve Tops
- Sports Bra
- Fleece Lined Leggings
- Hat
- Gloves
- Hiking Boots
- Wool Socks
- SPF/Moisturizer
- Back Pack
- Favorite Snacks
- Blister Prevention
- Sunglasses
- Hand warmers
What it Was Actually Like in Chilean Patagonia
What everyone said was completely accurate – you truly can experience all four seasons in one day in Patagonia. This is true for any time of year that you visit. The best time to travel to Patagonia is summer/spring in the southern hemisphere, which runs November – early March. We visited mid-March and enjoyed warm temps and fewer crowds!
I used everything that I packed (minus gloves) and could have used an extra mid-layer pullover instead of only taking one. I was constantly taking off and putting back on layers throughout the day.
While it can be really cold, you won’t realize how much you actually sweat through your clothes due to the constant movement. It is super important to get layers that will keep you comfortable for an 8 hour day of hiking. Merino wool for the layers closest your skin is the best move.
Many people said to take waterproof pants, but we did not and thankfully did not need them. You can always take them to be prepared, but our guide planned our days around the forecast and it worked out for us. Maybe we lucked out!
As someone who is always cold, I was pretty hesitant about my packing list. I do not hike regularly and was not sure what to expect, however, I was completely comfortable in my clothing choices that I shared above.
Let me know if you have any questions in the comments or DM me on Instagram. I am more than happy to help!
Patagonia Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and answers for your trip to Patagonia.
It is probably a good idea to be prepared with rain pants in Patagonia, however, I did not take them. The weather can change quickly from sunny to snowing so it’s smart to bring layers including rain pants.
The best shoes to wear in Patagonia are hiking boots. You want boots that offer ankle support, are water proof and have a rubber sole to provide the most comfort as you traverse the trails. When you are not hiking, take some comfortable sneakers and slippers to relax your feet after a long day hiking.
Patagonia is a pretty casual place as most people are there to hike and enjoy the outdoors. It is cooler especially in the evenings so plan accordingly. Take jeans, sweaters, scarfs, or maybe a cute maxi dress for lounging around the lodge.
You do not need bug spray for Patagonia except in the summertime. It is too cold for insects most of the time, but with ample rain during the summer you may find yourself needing it. I would pack wipes vs a spray for ease.
Patagonia is located in the Southern Hemisphere so their summers are our winters in the Northern Hemisphere. You will likely visit during Summer (November to March), but should still expect cooler temperatures, especially at night. January can warm up during the day, but when on the trails the weather changes rapidly and can even snow!
No, I would not recommend wearing only sneakers to hike. You will need to have hiking boots in this type of landscape. The trails can be flat, uphill, rocky, muddy, etc so be prepared for any type of terrain. Make sure your hiking boots are waterproof, have rubber soles, and offer ankle support for hiking in Patagonia.
If you are like me, you still want to look cute while hiking. Girls can wear leggings, shorts, workout tops, pullovers, and colorful puffer coats to hike depending on the weather. I also recommend a good pair of hiking boots – don’t worry they make cute ones!
Yes, you can your regular gym leggings for hiking. This is exactly what I would wear. I do recommend a fleece lined pair if hiking in cooler temperatures and a thicker material to prevent against snags if hiking through a dense forest.
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