Trekking in Patagonia: Gail's Guide to Layering
By Gail McCullagh
I recently joined an AdventureWomen trek in northern Patagonia where the confluence of glaciers, mountains, desert, and ocean create a temperate yet ever changing climate. To be ready to explore this stunning, remote part of the world, and pack lightly, I knew I was going to have to be careful about my choices of gear and clothing.
No matter how many times you check the weather before a trip, there are always surprises. It is super important to be prepared for all types of weather, even when it is not in the forecast!
Layering clothing almost feels like a sort of game you play with mother nature. Winning this game was key in Patagonia! I was layered (non-cotton) right down to my hat – at times wearing a warm fleece hat over a thin running cap. I prefer silk base layers and sock liners as they feel more comfortable to me and don’t get stinky, but there are lots of good merino wool and synthetic base layer options out there.
Before the trip, I gave my hiking boots a once over with waterproofing (NikWak or Sno Seal work great) and made sure the laces were still in good shape and the ankle support was still sturdy. Being the most important piece of equipment, I chose to wear them on my flights to Chile, (counter to my mother’s old rule that you have to dress nicely for air travel!)
I packed a slightly snug fitting fleece that would fit under a heavier down jacket. Down is super because it can be compacted nice and small in your pack. Just remember to keep it safe from water!
A fun way to check that your rain gear is waterproof is to take it in the shower! My raincoat is a few years old, but still in working order. It kept me dry and was light and breathable enough to wear as a windbreaker if needed.
Expecting a few chilly nights in the tent, I packed a pair of slipper socks (which came in handy on the plane instead of hiking boots!) I also chose to bring a plastic Nalgene instead of a water bladder, so that I could fill it with warm water and keep my sleeping bag cozy at night.
There were a few other take-aways from my trek in Patagonia. After this trip I swear I will never hike without a buff – my AdventureWomen buff kept my hat on in the wind, worked as a hair band, neck warmer and dust barrier! Invaluable! This is also the first time I religiously used hiking poles. They were a mandatory piece of equipment that had to be checked with my luggage, as airlines do not allow poles in carry-ons. But boy were they necessary for jumping over small creeks and stabilizing during larger stream crossings, as well as navigating rocky narrow trails and boggy terrain.
There is so much gear nowadays, that it is easy to get carried away. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money for quality items. Synthetic clothing lasts a very long time, so it is often easy to pick up on consignment. With a little advance planning you can move your focus to enjoying the beauty of the outdoors and the company of those around you, rather than struggling to stay comfortable in the outdoors!
