PACKING GUIDELINES

You've probably heard about the weather in Patagonia — wildly unpredictable, with notoriously strong winds. The good news for us: those winds are at their fiercest in the Chilean summer, December to February.

We travel at the end of April, in the Patagonian fall, when the crowds have thinned and the lenga forest is turning. Locals still like to remind us that in this region you can experience all four seasons in a single day, so be prepared for variable conditions and genuinely extreme elements at any time of year.

One thing that shapes this whole list: we hike the W but we sleep in a lodge. You're based at Tierra Patagonia for four nights and driven to and from each trailhead, so there's no camping kit to haul between refugios. What you're packing is a day pack for three big trekking days, plus normal clothes for Santiago and the evenings.

In this guide I'm going to avoid listing hard “essentials,” because all of us are different. Some of you might be very comfortable in regular running shoes on rocky terrain. Most will likely prefer a little more ankle protection. Some guides will tell you hiking boots are absolutely essential — but I completed 22 miles of the W‑Trek in regular running shoes last year. You know yourself! Please use this guide with your own preferences in mind, and reach out if you'd like to talk through any of the details.

Late April is shoulder season in Torres del Paine. Days are cool rather than cold, nights are properly chilly, and the wind is the variable that matters most — it can turn a mild afternoon into something that bites. Rain, sun, hail and calm blue sky in the same afternoon is entirely normal.

If it's dry and still, you might hike in a long-sleeve shirt and hiking trousers. If the wind gets up and the rain arrives — which it will at some point — you'll want gloves, a buff, a hat, waterproofs and several layers. The single most important thing is to pack lots of layers and be able to shed and add them without stopping for long.

Plan to use your hiking boots on most trekking days, especially on the W, where you'll be walking long distances over rocky and uneven terrain. A sturdy boot with good ankle support reduces the risk of a rolled ankle a long way from the trailhead — and if you're bringing a new pair, break them in properly before the trip.

In good weather and on drier ground you may prefer something lighter, like trail runners. For evenings, meal times and relaxing at the lodge, pack a comfortable pair of recovery slides or casual trainers so your feet can rest after long days outdoors.

Hydration Pack. I used a hydration backpack with a 2‑litre bladder for the daytime. Your day pack carries your nutrition and your spare layers, and you'll likely start each morning wearing everything and shed pieces as it warms up — so leave space to stuff or strap those layers. A slightly larger hiking pack works too, but be conscious of the extra weight over 24 miles.

Extra Water Bottle(s). Use the bladder for plain water and keep a bottle up front with an electrolyte mix. More important on the full-day excursions.

Trekking Poles. Tierra Patagonia has poles available, so it's genuinely up to you whether to bring your own or use what the lodge provides. If you already own a pair you like, bring them — the descent from Base Las Torres is steep and loose, and you'll be glad of them.

Layering is everything in Patagonia, where conditions shift quickly through the day. Be prepared to adapt on the go by packing a full range of layers rather than one heavy item.

Start with moisture-wicking base layers in merino wool or synthetic fabrics, and add long-sleeve trekking shirts for sun and wind protection. An insulating layer — fleece, hoodie or lightweight down — keeps you warm, while a waterproof and windproof outer shell in Gore-Tex or similar is the key piece for rain and strong winds. Bring breathable waterproof trousers and quick-dry or convertible hiking trousers, plus leggings or tights for added warmth. Shorts and T-shirts are useful on milder days.

Don't skimp on quality hiking socks — three to four pairs is about right — and consider compression sleeves. Add waterproof gloves, a buff or neck gaiter, and both a warm beanie and a brimmed hat for sun. Then comfortable underwear and sleepwear, casual clothes for relaxed evenings and time in Santiago, and a swimsuit for the spa.

One nicer outfit is all you really need. Most evenings are genuinely relaxed — you will have hiked all day, and dinner at the lodge is a come-as-you-are affair. Santiago at either end of the trip is a small step up, but only a small one.

Everything this calls for is already on the Clothing list above — the “Casual Clothes” entry covers every evening of the trip. Do not overthink it: nobody here is dressing for a gala.

Anything you'd normally pack, plus a few things that are more specific to an adventure like this.

Cash and cards. Chilean pesos might be unnecessary — cards work fine in Santiago and at the lodges. If you'd like to tip your guides or servers, both USD and CLP are welcome, so a small amount of either is worth carrying.

Adapters. Chilean sockets differ from North American ones, so bring a universal travel adapter, and a second one if you have several devices to charge overnight.