Torres del Paine Patagonia Packing List

This is a list of what our guide company recommended plus some of our own additions.

1. Backpack: Find a backpack that fits correctly since this can make or break your trip (and back 😜). Every body type is different, and the easiest way to find what fits you best is to go to REI and try them all on. We retired our old Osprey Packs and on this trip, they sent us the new Osprey Aether 70 AG Pack (His) and Osprey Ace 50 Pack (Hers). Thanks, Osprey! We bought Osprey packs for our first backpacking trip, and we’ve always stuck with them since we love their fit and support. The top portion of the Aether 70 converts to a daypack, which really came in handy. The Ace 50 youth pack is the only pack that happens to fit my smaller frame.
2. Pack Rain Cover: Double check if your backpack comes with a rain cover, if not you can purchase one of these. Most Osprey packs include one, but the Osprey Aether 70 AG Pack doesn’t. Jacob just assumed before leaving for the trip, and fortunately for him, it didn’t rain.
3. Down Jacket: You’ll want a down jacket whenever you stop on the trail, so you don’t lose your body heat. For cold nights, you’ll want a good down jacket as an extra layer.
4. Fleece Jacket: A good fleece jacket is a really important insulating layer. I used this fleece and wore it on top of a tank top for 90% of the hike. It gets warm when you’re on the move. Jacob didn’t bring one and brought two base layers instead, but regretted that decision.
5. Hiking Pants: We each brought one pair of hiking pants and wore them for the entire hike. I had these Columbia convertible pants but also brought one pair of light pants for the travel days. Jacob had Mountain Hardwear Pants which he loved. 
6. Waterproof Jacket: It hailed and snowed during our trip but it didn’t rain. The waterproof jackets were important to keep us dry and we even threw them on when it got windy as an additional protective layer. Our new Arc’teryx Beta SL Jackets were perfect for this! PRO TIP: You can extend the life of your rain gear by washing them with Nikwax.
7. Rain Pants: This is really important for rain or snow! They also give you an extra layer of protection from the wind. We both had the Mountain Hardwear Exponent Pants, which worked wonderfully. We opted for the most waterproof but not as breathable option. PRO TIP: Try on your pants beforehand, so you can be efficient if it suddenly starts raining. Our pants were more fitted than others. Because of that, we didn’t realize that we needed to take our shoes off just to put them on until we were on the trail. An alternative would be wearing baggier rain pants or ones with a zipper all the way up the legs.
8. Synthetic Long Underwear: Good base layers are great for hike days but also make nice pajamas at the lodge. Our favorite baselayers are from REI, Arc’teryx, and Patagonia. We brought one set for hiking and one set for the lodge.
9. Synthetic T-Shirt: The one downside to tank tops is that backpacks are not comfortable if that’s the only thing you wear, but in the winter, you’ll always have at least one extra layer. We brought 2 for hiking and 1 for the lodge.
10. Quick Dry Underwear: I brought women’s Exofficio underwear for each day of the week, but Jacob brought 3 of the men’s version that he could wash or wear inside out for the whole week.
11. Wool or Synthetic Hat: A hat will definitely stay on for the majority of the hike. Esther has a Columbia Omni Heat Beanie and Jacob had the Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon Beanie, which completely blocks out the wind. PRO TIP: Leave your caps at home. We both brought trucker caps that they kept blowing off because it was so windy. They ended up attached to our packs for most of the hike.
12. Buff or Balaclava: A buff or balaclava pairs perfectly with a beanie. Esther actually used her balaclava and sometimes didn’t even bother with a beanie. She was able to wear it just as a hat or neck cover. Jacob used his buff in a similar way. It was good for covering up his neck and ears when he didn’t have the hat on but could also cover his whole face.
13. Glove Liners: Multiple gloves are always a good option. Liners are great because they still give you dexterity and warmth. We wore ours for most of the hike and threw on our waterproof ski gloves when it got really cold or wet. Our gloves weren’t technically liners, but they did fit into our ski gloves.
14. Ski Gloves: Whether it’s rain or snow, you’ll most likely run into some sort of wet and cold weather. Ski gloves will keep your hands warm and dry.
15. Waterproof Hiking Boots: Hiking 50 miles over 4 days is no joke. Find ones that fit well and are broken in. You will be spending a lot of time in them. I can’t stress enough, don’t take brand new boots on the hike! We both have loved our Danner Mountain 600 hiking boots. PRO TIP: If your shoes are well worn like ours were, be sure to re-waterproof your shoes with Nikwax. Our shoes are waterproof but well worn, so our socks still got damp on the last day. It didn’t help that they were covered in snow for hours at a time.
16. Yak Trax: Since the trails are icy in parts, Yak Trax will be needed. A couple of people in our group had the coils that didn’t work well. We were happy with the Diamond Grip Traction system. They’re also more durable and great in the Torres del Paine terrain switching from ice, snow, rock, and mud.
17. Gaiters: This wasn’t on our original packing list, but the one thing we highly recommend. On the first day, we hiked through thigh-high snow. Our socks were wet since snow got into our shoes. Wet socks are never fun to hike in. The alternative is to bring extra socks.
18. Nylon-Wool Blend Socks: When we first started packing, we packed a new pair of socks for each day but quickly realized how much space they take up. Our friend who hikes a lot told us just to bring 2. One for hiking, and one for backup and use at the lodge. It grossed me out, but after feeling the weight of my pack I took her advice and it worked out. We aired out the hiking ones at night and it would be good to go the next day. We also had access to water at the lodges, so you can wash and alternate them. Esther also had a couple silk liner socks to decrease risk of blisters and for travel days (no blisters!).
19. Sneakers / Flip Flops: They recommend bringing a pair of sneakers of flip flops to use at the lodge while you dry your hiking boots. Esther brought these really light Under Armour Sandals, and Jacob decided to just use his down booties. The flip flops were also great for the showers.
20. Booties: For those of you who get cold feet, these down booties are game changers! You can wear them around the lodge, then take off the outer layer to sleep with them. These shoe bags are the perfect way to pack them.
21. Sleeping Bag w/ 0°F Rating: This will prepare you for the worst. We actually got decent weather during our trip, but we heard stories of freezing nights in the lodge. It gets really cold at night since there is no heat. You are protected from the wind, but there isn’t much insulation in the building. I found the Feathered Friends Murre Ex 0 Degree Bag, which was perfect for a petite girl like me who always has trouble warming up my bag. Jacob had the Mountain Hardwear Phantom Torch 3 Degree Bag and liner which worked well for this trip. PRO TIP: If you get really cold or have a sleeping bag that isn’t quite rated cold enough, you can bring a Sea to Summit Liner that can add up to 25 degrees to your bag instead of buying a new bag.
22. Day Pack: Three out of the four days of hiking, you’ll have a chance to leave the bulk of your items at a lodge or in a van. A daypack is a great option to lighten your load. Jacob’s backpack had the removable day pack and Esther brought her Exped day pack that packs really small. Because we were carrying heavy DSLRs and lenses, we ended up using our main packs because they provided more support. We used our day packs during our domestic flights since we had to check in our big backpacks. If you don’t bring a heavy camera gear, the day packs will be best.
23. Water Bladder: There are a few places to fill up at streams along the trail, and a bladder still helps you have 1-2 liters so you drink often while hiking. Two of the people in our group had insulated hydro flasks instead, but since we were hiking at a quicker pace, they didn’t have time to take them out to drink as often. It’s important to have easy access to your water to stay hydrated. We love these Platypus Big Zip ones because they are easy to fill and clean. PRO TIP: Empty your bladder and hose each night, otherwise the water might freeze.
24. Water Bottle (our favorites): The downside to the bladder is that they are more cumbersome to take out and fill up at a stream. We always carry a Platypus Softbottles when we travel because they weigh next to nothing when empty, and you can roll them up. Our guide had an insulated bottle for hot tea to warm up on the trail, which was nice, but not worth the extra weight for us.
25. Headlamp: Some of the long days may require you to hike in the dark. The Paine Grande Refugio also has lights out around 10 PM, so you’ll need a light if you need to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
26. Sunglasses: Protect your eyes when it’s sunny out! The snow can be blinding.
27. Quick-Dry Towel: The nice thing about this trip is that you’ll have access to showers (although sometimes cold). I like the cushier travel towels to dry my long hair, and Jacob prefers the light version to save space and weight.
28. Personal Toiletries and Meds: Don’t overpack your toiletries and think about the minimum of what you need. These Lewis N Clark Travel Pouches have been our go to toiletry bags. PRO TIP: We had Dr. Bronners in a GoToob for places that didn’t have soap or shampoo. You can also use it to wash clothes!
29. Ziplock Bags: We each had one for every day and extras to protect passports/phones. You need them to carry out any garbage or used toilet paper.
30. Toilet Paper: You need to bring your own toilet paper in case you need to use the restroom on the trail. We just rolled up some toilet paper from home and put them in a ziplock bag.
31. Waterproof Ditty Bag: We each had a Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Dry Sac. They helped compress clothes for packing but also kept anything important dry on the trail.
32. Trekking Poles: REI Flash Carbon Trekking Poles worked great, were lightweight, and fit in our packs. Keep in mind that your trekking poles must fit inside your pack for domestic flights. Make sure they can support both your weight plus your backpack. Jacob also got the women’s trekking poles because they were lighter and smaller, but they did collapse on him one time during the hike. Regardless he still preferred having the lighter, smaller ones vs ones that are sturdier and heavier. PRO TIP: Do not loop the trekking poles on your wrists when you are hiking downhill. You want to be able to let go of them if you slip or fall rather than having them stuck to you.