Packing for a trekking and camping trip in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile means being ready for all kinds of weather. Yes, even during summer, you might see snow. If you’re well-prepared, trekking the Circuit (“O”) or the “W” trail can be an unforgettable experience.
Here’s a guide on what to pack for your trip to this famous national park, based on our recent adventure there.
We chose to do the O trek independently and had an amazing time, but many people prefer organized tours for convenience and easier planning. There are many operators in Patagonia, making it tough to pick one. We recently came across Pygmy Elephant, which offers a 5-day / 4-night self-guided tour of the W-Trek. Check them out for further details.
If you’ll be staying in refugios and having meals there, you can skip the food and accommodation part of this packing list. The clothing and gear suggestions will still apply.
This list is relevant year-round since Patagonian weather is unpredictable. Aim for lightweight, quick-drying clothing. We’ve linked to some of the items we used to give you a clear idea of what to get.
When trekking, follow the “wet and dry” rule: wear one set of clothes for daytime activities that might get wet and sweaty, and keep a separate set dry for nighttime.
You only need two sets of clothes for hiking, along with fresh socks and underwear. The key to packing clothes for trekking is layering. Mornings can be freezing, so you’ll want a jacket, windproof pants, a hat, and more. But as you start moving and your heart rate goes up, you’ll quickly warm up and start sweating.
Carry various layers like a t-shirt, thermal top, fleece, down jacket, and a windproof/rainproof jacket to stay comfortable in any situation.
An insider tip: Line your backpack with a large, waterproof bag or a garbage bag. Even if your pack gets wet, this will keep the contents dry. Additionally, keep your clothing and sleeping bag in individual waterproof bags.
Once you have your clothing sorted, here’s the gear you’ll need for the trek. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent or buy from shops in Puerto Natales. Many hostels offer rental gear, and Erratic Rock (Base Camp) is another good option. If you prefer to buy your own, there are several shops with fair prices.
What gear you bring is a matter of personal choice, but these items worked well for us. Small and lightweight gear is ideal. If you’re trekking with someone else, consider sharing items like deodorant and toothpaste.
For food, ensure you have enough protein and some variety, but keep it lightweight and easy to cook. Ideally, use your stove only once a day to save fuel—having a no-cook breakfast and lunch while cooking a hot meal and drink in the evening is a good plan.
You can drink directly from the rivers and streams during the trek, so no need to pack extra water.
Here are some food suggestions for trekking in Torres del Paine. When we shopped in Puerto Natales on a Sunday, many trekking shops were closed, so we relied on the main grocery store, which didn’t offer dehydrated meals. If possible, purchase dehydrated meals before arriving. They’re pricier but easy to make and very light. During our trek in Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan, we had Mountain House meals, which were delicious.
That’s our list of food ideas. Make sure you portion out everything and have enough meals for your trip, plus a couple of extra meals as a backup. Remove heavy packaging and separate food into daily portions in Ziploc bags for convenience.
The most important thing when packing for Torres del Paine is being prepared for everything. Carry extra food and warm clothing, and you’ll be fine.
The trails are well-marked, so it’s hard to get lost, but on the “O” trail’s backside, only 80 people are allowed daily. You’ll often find yourself alone, which is peaceful but not ideal in an emergency.
Make sure you have travel insurance before starting your trek. World Nomads is a good option as they cover adventurous activities.
Get ready for the trek of a lifetime!