Ultimate Guide for What to Wear in Patagonia

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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Pants 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 also keep me warm.

I opted for leggings, but warm hiking pants or joggers would be a great choice for women as well.

1. Fleece Lined Leggings

I was basically looking for a style like my lululemon aligns, but in a warmer fabric. These are the ones I finally bought, liked, and loved after wearing in Patagonia! We spent five days exploring Patagonia and these were perfect!

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.

2. Comfortable Leggings for Lounging

And a pair of these lulu leggings were great for lounging or hanging out at the lodge!

3. Hiking Pants or Joggers

Joggers or loose hiking pants would also be very comfortable while hiking in Patagonia. These ones are fleece lined and super flattering! And they are under $40!

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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!

1. Sports Bras to Wear in Patagonia

Wool sports bras are great for hiking since merino wool is naturally odor eliminating and wicks sweat.

2. Tops to Wear in Patagonia

Your next layer should be a quality long sleeve top like this one. I love ones with thumbholes to help keep your hands warm and something that fits close for easy layering. I did not wear any that were super heavy duty – just normal long sleeve workout tops.

3. Sweatshirts to Wear in Patagonia

Next, you will want a thicker layer like a sweatshirt, pull over, or fleece coat like this one. 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 and need something lighter.

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Coats to Wear in Patagonia

1. Puffer Coat

Finally, a puffer coat is an absolute must have in Patagonia. Make sure it is down-filled to keep you the most warm. Honestly, this $40 Amazon one is pretty great. It is warm, but not bulky and comes in tons of colors!

This is the coat I actually wore and pictured above. 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.

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 after our trip 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.

2. Rain Coat

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!

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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 cute ones!. I am not an avid hiker (no mountains in Charleston) so I did not want to spend a fortune since I would likely not wear them all too 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! 10/10!

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 a really cute, but pricier pair of boots and this would have been my pair! They are $159 which isn’t bad if you can get more use out of them!

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Accessories to Wear in Patagonia – Hat, Gloves, etc.

1. Beanie

I bought this warm 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.

2. Gloves

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.

3. Wool Socks

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.

4. Sunglasses

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.

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Gear for Patagonia

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Back Pack

You definitely need a hiking backpack to carry your layers, water, and snacks while on extended hikes.

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! Plus it serves many purposes. It’s tried and true.

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Misc. Patagonia Must Haves

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 stick ons as a precaution – better safe than sorry!

4. Lip Mask for Chapped Lips

Definitely get one of these lip balms! 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.

5. 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.

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Patagonia Essentials Packing List for Women

Here is a check list with the bare minimum that you need to have in your suitcase for Patagonia!

1. Heavy Puffer Coat
2. Rain Coat
3. Mid Layer – Fleece Pullover
4. Long Sleeve Tops
5. Sports Bra
6. Fleece Lined Leggings
7. Hat
8. Gloves
9. Hiking Boots
10. Wool Socks
11. SPF/Moisturizer
12. Back Pack
13. Favorite Snacks
14. Blister Prevention
15. Sunglasses
16. Hand warmers

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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. I am more than happy to help!

Shop my Patagonia outfits on ShopMy:

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Patagonia Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and answers for your trip to Patagonia.

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