Hiking the Torres del Paine W Trek Trail & Grey Ice Hike

Suggestion on What to Pack in Your Luggage 

Most important is what we aim to do here is advise you on what to pack in your suitcase (or backpack) and bring with you when coming to any part of Patagonia, be it land or sea. Moreover, the weather here has one constant, which is change! It is often windy, and it can rain or offer beautiful sunshine within the space of an hour. Therefore, please bring the right clothing to keep yourself dry and warm. Further below there is a graphic detailing what you should, ideally, bring with you.

Layered Clothing is the Answer

At least try to bring LAYERS of breathable clothes that can be taken off or put on easily to adapt to any change in weather and as you heat up and cool down on a trek. For example, cotton undershirts are NOT recommended – see below.

Above all, travel light. For example, take a day backpack for the trek days.

Suggested Clothes to Wear

As an illustration, please see our dedicated “Clothes to Bring” illustration below (scroll down).

On Your Feet

To begin with you need “hiking boots”. In other words, boots that are durable, but strong and especially WATERPROOF. In addition, if you have gaiters also bring these. Above all break-in any new boots well before arrival.

Also, a pair of flip flops for indoors. It should be noted that the refugios demand that you take off outdoor footwear when you enter the building.

By the same token, bring socks that are for hiking use, that fit well within your hiking boots, and maybe 3 pairs. These socks should be a little thicker than your normal socks.

Over Your Legs

For the purpose of practicality, hiking pants as well as a waterproof outer shell to go over your hiking pants if it rains are the best option. In addition, optional underwear such as synthetic leggings to go under your trekking pants are also useful if it gets cold.

For Your Upper Body

Most important, here you need to have “layered” clothing. This is because you get hot when trekking, therefore you need to be able to take layers off as well as put them on when you cool down.

Ideally, you will need a long sleeved under vest. This should be in a synthetic material. Why? Because you will sweat when you trek, and the synthetic material will dry more quickly than cotton material. If you are trekking in the summer and it is hot, you may not need to wear this undervest, but take one anyway in case the weather changes to be cold.

In addition, over the under vest, you will need a shirt, long sleeved ideally. Therefore, this can be considered to be a second layer.

Covering your second layer you need a fleece or similar, ideally with a front zipper so you can undo it or close it up with ease.

Finally, to cover everything you will need an outer jacket with a hood, and this needs to be waterproof and if is not, take another outer shell which is waterproof.

Around Your Neck

It should be noted that even if the rest of your body is covered and snug, bring a scarf or neck muff – this is very useful if it is cold, and easily taken off if it is hot.

Covering Your Hands

Most important, don’t forget your gloves! These are required specifically for when you are close to ice, like Glacier Grey or even at the Torres Base, where the air is cold. Again, waterproof is the way to go.

On Top of Your Head

Bring a head band to cover the ears – because they can get very cold. In addition, try to bring a hat like a woollen “beanie”.

Protection from the Sun

Most important: Pack the sunscreen cream.

For When you are Thirsty

Also, bring a water Bottle.

To Protect Your Eyes

Equally important, pack a pair of sunglasses. The light reflection from glaciers, snow and just brightly lit days can be strong.

Other Useful Items to Include in Your Luggage

Must be remembered: Portable USB Charger

Of course, a Travel Towel

Also, to help with sleeping when in a shared accommodation environment: ear Plugs, eye mask and maybe sleeping pills.

By all means bring both Cash and a Credit Card

Most important: Passport for check-in and TOURIST ENTRY VISA – given to you when you pass through Chile immigration.