What to pack for two weeks in Patagonia

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Written By Ella White
mountains in patagonia

We spent two weeks in Patagonia in March, arriving mid-month and leaving in late March. We travelled from Puerto Natales into Parque Nacional Torres del Paine and then into Argentinian Patagonia to El Calafate and El Chalten. 

We were also travelling around Chile and Argentina meaning we needed clothes for all weathers as the cities were very warm but nights in Patagonia were cold. 

The weather in Patagonia is incredibly unpredictable and we mostly found the forecasts to be inaccurate or fast-changing so regardless of the month/season of your visit you should consider bringing clothes that will cover you for everything from very warm sun to torrential rain to snow – even in summer. 

The weather during our trip was clear and mild but we still experienced strong wind, light rain, and some very wet areas while hiking so I used everything from thermal tops and fleeces to waterproof shell jacket and shorts. While you don’t want to overpack non-essentials that will add to the weight of your pack, bringing clothing for all weathers is necessary. 

Two week Patagonia packing list

torres del paine at sunrise patagonia

Here’s what I packed for two weeks in Patagonia in March. Some of the clothes I packed for hiking was fine to wear in the towns too, but I prefer to wear my ‘normal’ clothes for relaxed days and not dress for hiking/outdoorsy activities unless it’s needed, so I brought some additional clothing which was left with the rest of our luggage at our hostel while we were on the five day hike. Most hostels in Puerto Natales will offer this service though some charge if you’re not coming back to stay with them again after your trek. 

Clothing for hikes:

  • A waterproof shell coat (The North Face Sheru)

  • A padded faux down base jacket (Free People Pippa jacket)

  • A fleece jacket (Uniqlo zip up fleece) 

  • Adidas leggings

  • Uniqlo Airism leggings

  • Two thermal long-sleeve tops (Uniqlo)

  • One lined thermal long-sleeve top (Uniqlo)

  • Two T-shirts

  • Two vest tops

  • Three sports bras

  • One pair of socks per day

  • One warm pair of socks for nights

  • A long sleeved top for nights

  • A pair of trousers to sleep in

  • A wool hat 

  • A cap

  • A pair of gloves

  • A neck warmer/buff 

  • Sunglasses 

  • Adidas Terrex Anylander hiking trainers

  • Birkenstock EVA sandals 

  • One bikini (may be needed in showers at some camps) 

sunset in torres del paine patagonia

Clothing to wear in the towns:

  • A pair of comfy trousers

  • A pair of shorts 

  • A cosy jumper

  • 2 T-shirts that I wasn’t taking on hikes

  • A set of workout gear not taken on hikes

  • A pair of regular trainers (Adidas Spezial)

Everything else: 

  • Passport with PDI (received when entering Chile)

  • A phone case with a strap

  • A bumbag/accessible bag 

  • Water bottle and filter (a Camelbak is good if you drink a lot while hiking)

  • Battery packs 

  • A quick drying towel

  • A bag for laundry/worn clothes

  • Bandages/straps for knees and ankles (if needed)

  • Kindle

  • Power adapters

glacier grey torres del paine

Toiletries:  

  • SPF / face SPF

  • Toothbrush (manual), floss, and tooth paste

  • Shower gel (some refugios/hostels have it but others don’t or run out quickly)

  • Face wash

  • Deodorant

  • Face cream

  • Medication/pills (if needed)

  • Hand cream

  • Lip balm

  • Sanitizer

  • Plasters

  • Hair ties and brush

  • Dry shampoo

Things we hired for the W trek:

  • A 30L backpack

  • A packable day pack

  • A sleeping bag

  • A sleeping bag liner

  • Hiking poles (an essential!)

Find out more about how we spent two weeks in Patagonia here.

Ella White
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