What to Pack for Hiking Torres Del Paine

This is always the hard part about traveling…figuring out what to bring. You want to be prepared for everything but don’t want to lug around a huge bag, right?  I’m going to help out as much as possible. Keep in mind I am not a typical camper and certainly not a mountain hiking expert.  I’m here to help those of you out there who are like me. We love nature and want to enjoy it but are maybe insecure about our abilities and preparation. Take it from this city girl, if I can do it, so can you and now that I’ve been, I can give some decent advice on what to pack for hiking Torres del Paine in Chile.

Read More:  Practical Guide to Hiking Torres del Paine

Clothing

Hiking boots

Many hikers say that rugged trainers are enough but I don’t agree. I need ankle support and I want my shoes to be waterproof. I have been using Keen hiking boots for years. I hiked the Inca Tail in them barely broken in and didn’t get a blister. They are really lightweight as well. My feet don’t get hot in them and I am not in a hurry to take them off at the end of the day because they are so comfortable.

Parka/Weatherproof Jacket

This one is great. It comes in many colors (so important) and is really lightweight and breathable.

Insulated Down Alternative Jacket

I don’t think that down is ethical plus it loses its insulating ability when wet. What good is that? Down alternative much better and warmer and just as light.

Two brands that I have used and love equally because both warm and lightweight is Northface and Patagonia. Both are very similar and both come with the option of having a hoody.

Northface Thermoball Insulated Jacket

Patagonia Nanopuff Insulated Jacket

Fleece

I prefer the zip-up kind so I can easily take on and off. This one is really soft and cozy.

T-shirt

You never know what weather you will get hiking. I was in a T-shirt one day and then every single layer the next. It really doesn’t matter what T-shirt you wear as long as it is comfortable and can dry quickly because you may be laundering them quite a bit. I prefer sporty ones that have moisture wicking ability.

Hiking Pants

I swear by the Patagonia Women’s Quandary Pant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I rave over them in my Instagram Stories and wear them for everything, even dress up. They are made from 65% recycled lightweight nylon and have a DWR (durable water repellent) finish and 50+ UPF sun protection.  They are comfortable on a plane, easy to clean and dry in just hours. I either hike in these or leggings to keep it simple. Wash one, wear one.

If you prefer a more snug fit check out these snazzy ones from Columbia. Like the others, they have 50 UPF sun protection, are water repellant and stain resistant as well.

Waterproof pants

I don’t necessarily wear them every day when hiking, but throw them in my backpack just in case. In Torres del Paine, in particular, the weather changes instantly and torrential downpours can last hours resulting in seriously wet pants in no time, which leads to wet socks. No fun.

Marmot Preclip Lightweight Waterproof Full Zip

Columbia Women’s Surge Pant

Hiking Socks

Smart wool are my faves. These ones are for hiking and not as warm and thick as the ones for skiing or snowboarding.  You just need 2 to 3 depending on the length of the trip. It’s always nice to have an extra pair in your pack.

Base Layer/Thermals

My new go-to brand that has got me through spending hours outside at German Christmas markets, hiking in Patagonia and being outdoors in Antarctica, is 32 degrees. It is incredibly lightweight and warm.

Warm Hat

I use the ones without pom poms for hiking so I can easily get my hood over it if it raines. Otherwise I love pom poms.

Buff

This keeps your neck and lower face warm and free from wind and sun burn. Love these things. So light and you can bring multiple colors.

Tech and Other Stuff

Camera

I prefer a lightweight camera which is why I chose mirrorless over DLSR. I have been using this for years and very happy with the quality of my photos.

Sony Alpha 6000  with 16 to 50 mm lens and 2 64 GB memory cards

Power Banks

You may not have tons of time or places to charge your devices such as phones and cameras so a battery pack is a must for any trip I take.

I love Anker brand. They have many different sizes depending on the amount of oomph you need.

This is the Anker Power Core 26800. It has 26800mAh of power and charges most phones over 6 times, tablets at least 2 times and any other USB device multiple times. It also provides high-speed charging and 3 USB ports.

Waterproof covers

These are great for phones and then you can have them out and around your neck but keep them safe and dry.

Backpack

The Osprey Tempest for Women or Talon for Men are amazing bags. I’ve been using the tempest for years for basically every trip I take. There is a space for a water bladder if you use those. They are made for women’s and men’s bodies. Have many great features and pockets. This is a day pack however. If you are camping and taking all your stuff for 5 days you will need a 55L backpack. Osprey brand has those too!

 

Ear Plugs

Camping can involve many sounds that interrupt your sleep from the howling wind to other campers. A friend turned me on to this particular type of earplugs and they are by far the best. I can’t go back to those stupid foam ones. These mold to your ear and will even block water.

Headphones

Also bring headphones to drown out the sounds of your heavy breathing while hiking or the annoying drunk campers. These are under $10 and come with the Samsung S8 and S9. Noise canceling and comfortable with good sound quality.

 

Flashlight

I like a head strap torch so I can be hands-free when I’m fumbling around in the dark.  I’ve been using this one for many years.  It’s really bright and inexpensive.

Sunscreen

Not sure if you heard but there is a hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica and Southern Chile. It is really easy to get sunburned here even on cloudy days. Even if you are not someone who sunburns, you can get sun damage. Wear this every second you are out from dusk to dawn and reapply every 2 hours minimum. That’s the nurse practitioner side of me talking, not the travel blogger. This is sound medical advice and this is a product recommended by dermatologists. It’s a super strong UVA/UVB shielding formulation and environmentally friendly.

Water Bottle

The water that runs in the streams and waterfalls is clean to drink and is cold and delicious. So nice huh?

I typically use the Grayl water bottle with a built in filtration system but didn’t need to use the filter here.

Don’t forget your medications. The stores at the campsites have plenty of snacks and condoms but no medication. Not even ibuprofen. Go figure.

If you don’t have dry bags to safeguard your camera and phone, you should have a rain cover on your backpack but make sure it is the kind that CLIPS ON or else it will blow right off!

Last but not least…snacks!  Remember that everything is expensive in Puerto Natales and even more expensive in the park. I actually schlepped snacks from the USA. I brought my favorite dry fruit and nut mixes as well as protein bars. In Puerto Natales I bought some fruit and biscuits as well as stuff to make sandwiches with. Hiking hunger is a special force.

I hope this makes you feel more prepared! Anything I forgot?

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