During my year-long journey through South America, I spent quite a lot of time travelling and trekking across Argentinian and Chilean Patagonia. It is a region that quickly shows you that mountain weather does not follow the forecast or the season. One day you walk in shorts and a T-shirt, the next day you pull out a hat, gloves and a waterproof jacket.
What gear did I use on the trip, what really worked for me and what would I choose today from the new Kilpi collection? I have put together a practical overview of clothing, backpacks and places that, in my opinion, are definitely worth visiting in Patagonia.
What to pack for a trip to the southernmost part of South America?
The most important question when planning a trek in Patagonia is timing. You will prepare differently for the winter season and differently for the summer months. However, neither option means you can underestimate the weather.
Winter in Patagonia is mainly for more experienced trekkers and lovers of challenging conditions. The terrain is often covered with snow and ice, so you will need slip-on spikes, crampons and proper mountain equipment. Logistics can also be a challenge. Important routes, such as Chile’s Carretera Austral or the main roads on the Argentinian side, may be closed due to weather conditions.
The summer season is more accessible, but it definitely does not mean stable weather. Even in summer, snow can surprise you in the mountains, night temperatures can drop close to zero and the strong Patagonian wind is almost a constant companion. That is exactly why good equipment and proper layering are essential in every season.
I personally travelled through Patagonia, both on the Argentinian and Chilean side, in February. This is the peak of the summer season and generally the most favourable time for trekking. Even so, I repeatedly found out that in summer you still need to carry gear for warmth, cold, wind and rain.
Simply put: for Patagonia, I recommend packing everything from shorts to winter gloves.
Gear for warm weather
When the sun comes out, temperatures rise quickly and the trail can become surprisingly warm. In these moments, you will mainly appreciate lightweight, breathable and quick-drying clothing that wicks sweat well and does not restrict movement.
For both shorter and longer treks, shorts such as LAPINA-W are a good choice thanks to their looser fit and good ventilation. The ideal combination is to pair them with a quick-drying T-shirt such as LISMAIN-W.
Sun protection should also be a must. In Patagonia, the sun can be very strong, even when a cold wind is blowing. Quality sunglasses, a cap or scarf and sunscreen should therefore be part of your basic equipment.
From the new collection, I would personally choose the functional T-shirt MALI-W, sports shorts TIJARA-W, the sports headband COOLY-U and sunglasses SOLIS-U. It is a combination that makes sense for active movement and all-day comfort in the outdoors.
Layering for cold and changeable weather
Once you reach higher altitudes, conditions can change within minutes. The sun is replaced by wind, the temperature drops quickly and a summer trek suddenly starts to feel like a winter hike. This is exactly where the importance of proper layering becomes clear.
I would definitely pack leggings such as LIGANO-W, or, as a more durable option, outdoor trousers such as BELVELA-W. For longer treks, it is better to have one lighter and one more durable option, because the weather in Patagonia really does change quickly.
For warmth, I found the AILEEN-W fleece sweatshirt very useful, together with the waterproof outdoor jacket MAMBA-W. A good jacket is one of the most important pieces of equipment in Patagonia. It needs to handle wind, rain and rapid temperature changes. A warm winter hat should not be missing either.
If you are heading into the mountains or planning multi-day treks, I would also pack a down jacket, such as PAPILON-W, and a thermal base layer such as OLINE-W. You will notice the difference in comfort especially in the evening, in the morning and when waiting for a longer time in the wind.
From the new collection, I would choose the sports leggings Kilpi JAMILY-W, the functional hooded sweatshirt Kilpi MEMPHIS-W and the softshell jacket Kilpi BELTRA-W. This combination covers changeable conditions well when you need comfort, freedom of movement and protection from the wind.
A backpack for longer travel and day treks
For longer travel, the hiking backpack Kilpi BIGGY 70-U proved extremely reliable for me. It easily handled 11 months in South America and many other trips. On a journey of this length, it is important that the backpack has enough space, sits well on the back and can withstand everyday use.
It is also worth packing a smaller backpack for day hikes together with the larger one. For shorter, lightweight treks, a backpack such as RILA 30-U is ideal. It fits water, a snack, a jacket, an extra layer and small essentials that you want to keep within reach during the day.
What should you definitely not miss?
Patagonia is not only about gear. It is mainly about a landscape that is constantly changing. Glaciers, turquoise lakes, windy plains, mountain peaks, fjords and towns at the end of the world. Below you will find places in both Argentinian and Chilean Patagonia that belong among the absolute highlights and that I would return to without hesitation.
Argentina
I travelled through Argentina from north to south along the legendary Route 40, so the selection of destinations follows this direction. Each of these places has a slightly different atmosphere and is worth a stop, whether you are planning a shorter holiday or a longer journey through South America.
Bariloche
Bariloche is a picturesque town set in the heart of a national park. In winter, it is one of the most popular ski resorts, while in summer it attracts visitors with swimming in glacial lakes and endless trekking opportunities.
The surrounding landscape combines mountain peaks, dense forests and crystal-clear lakes. Bariloche is also famous for its chocolate, which has earned it the nickname “Little Switzerland”. It is a great place to start an entire Patagonian journey.
El Bolsón
Just a short distance from Bariloche lies the relaxed mountain town of El Bolsón. Among travellers, it is popular mainly thanks to the Río Azul, whose turquoise water, combined with wild nature and rocky scenery, creates the perfect backdrop for a day trip or a stop on the way further south.
Perito Moreno Glacier
Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the icons of Argentinian Patagonia and cannot be missed. It is located near the town of El Calafate and offers several ways to experience it.
The simplest option is to walk along the viewing platforms directly opposite the glacier. A more adventurous option is a boat trip right up to the glacier face or a guided trek on the glacier itself. Whichever option you choose, the view of this enormous mass of ice is an experience that never gets old.
El Chaltén
Although I personally skipped this area, it has the reputation of being an absolute paradise among trekkers. El Chaltén lies in Los Glaciares National Park and offers some of the most beautiful treks in all of Patagonia, including iconic views of Fitz Roy.
If you have enough time and the weather is on your side, I would definitely include El Chaltén in the itinerary. It is one of those places travellers from all over the world return to because of the trekking.
Ushuaia
From El Calafate, you can continue to the very end of the world, to Ushuaia. Whether you choose a bus or a plane, you can expect the unique atmosphere of the southernmost city on the planet. The surrounding landscape offers countless treks, trips and outdoor activities.
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Tierra del Fuego is a combination of dramatic nature, lagoons, mountains and coastline. One of the most popular treks is the route to Laguna Esmeralda, which is not too demanding and is ideal for roughly half a day.
However, if you want a bigger challenge, continue towards the Ojo del Albino glacier. The final section is technically more demanding and, in strong wind, physically exhausting as well. But the view of the glacier and mountain lagoon without crowds of tourists is definitely worth the effort.
This was exactly where I fully realised how quickly conditions can change in Patagonia. I started the trek in shorts and a T-shirt and finished it in four layers, with a hat and gloves.
For a rest between demanding treks, you can also take a boat trip, during which you may spot local wildlife, including penguins.
Chile
I crossed into Chile from Ushuaia and continued north along the iconic Carretera Austral. Chilean Patagonia has a slightly different character from Argentinian Patagonia. It is wilder, greener, more rugged and in many places harder to access, which gives it enormous charm.
Torres del Paine
Torres del Paine is one of the most famous national parks in the world and rightfully ranks among the biggest attractions in all of Patagonia. It is accessible from the town of Puerto Natales.
If you are planning a multi-day trek, be prepared for fairly complicated logistics. Entry to the park is paid and all campsites must be booked in advance. In addition, different parts of the park are managed by different organisations, so the booking process is not exactly simple. It is therefore worth starting your planning well ahead of time.
You can choose from day trips as well as multi-day circuits. The best-known routes are the W Trek for 4–5 days and the O Circuit for 6–10 days. I chose the W Trek, which offers the best of the park: Grey and Francés glaciers, the Británico and Cuernos viewpoints, waterfalls and the iconic Las Torres towers.
Even there, in the middle of summer, I was caught by rain, wind and snow so strong that my cameras froze. And that is exactly why I would never underestimate Patagonia, not even when travelling in the main season.
Fjord cruise
Southern Chile is not always fully accessible by road, so some sections have to be covered by boat. A multi-day fjord cruise, however, is definitely not just an emergency solution. On the contrary, it is one of the most beautiful experiences of the entire trip.
During the cruise, fjords, mountains, waterfalls and remote places that are otherwise very difficult to reach pass before your eyes. The ferry takes you all the way to the port of Tortel, from where you can connect to the Carretera Austral road.
Carretera Austral
The famous Chilean Route 7 is a dream for all road trip lovers. Although it is sometimes called the “southern highway”, the reality is different. A large part of the route is still unpaved and often difficult to drive. But that is exactly what gives it its unique character.
The road winds through national parks, along glaciers, waterfalls and fjords. Along the way, you can also visit the Marble Caves, which are among the most photogenic places in Chile. The best way to experience them is by kayak directly from the water.
Patagonia is not a destination where one universal layer and a light backpack are enough. It is beautiful, raw, changeable and, in places, uncompromising. But if you choose the right gear, plan your route well and leave some flexibility for the weather, it will reward you with one of the most impressive landscapes in the world.
