Torres del Paine Essential Packing List
Packing for a place with unpredictable, ever-changing weather is no easy task. Combine that with the ultra limited space for clothing in your pack, and you’ve got yourself quite the dilemma! But don’t stress; in this post we are going to provide you with the ultimate Torres del Paine packing list, as well as our recommendations on what gear/brands out perform the rest. We’ve even included links to where you can purchase these items for the best price. The best part about our product recommendations? Every product on the list has been field tested by myself or another contributor to 51° South. Let’s get packing!
Shoes & Socks
As any seasoned hiker knows, shoes are the #1, most important part of what you wear on the trail. And socks? Those are a close second. Here are our recommendations for the best hiking boots and socks for the “O” or “W” trek in Torres del Paine National Park:
Everyone knows Salomon makes excellent hiking boots, so the fact that these are our pick for best Torres del Paine hiking shoes should come as no surprise. Built for rigorous trekking, these sturdy boots are equipped with an Ortholite foot bed, a Contragrip rubber sole and a Gore-Tex insert, all while providing the maximum level of stability and breathability. Need we say more?
No matter what brand of socks you buy, Merino wool is a must. Merino wool is moisture wicking and naturally odor resistant, which are two of the most important qualities in hiking socks. These socks (made by American company People Socks) also offer a great amount of cushion without an excessive amount of bulk. The best part? You can get a 4-pack for only $18.99. I do love it when quality meets price!
Look familiar? It shouldn’t come as a shock to you that our #1 pick for women’s hiking boots is also made by Salomon. With excellent ankle support for carrying big packs, a rugged rubber sole and Gore-Tex lining, we think these boots are a must-have for any distance trek, especially Torres del Paine! You’ll be trekking over sharp rocks and rough roots which calls for a sturdy hiking boot like these.
Ok, ok…I know I said that high-top hiking boots are a necessity in my posts about how to hike the “W” and “O” treks. But I just can’t help myself. I love these shoes so much! I wore these to complete the “O” trek in 2019, and while having lower tops made hiking through the wet and muddy parts of the trail a bit more difficult, these shoes did an amazing job! I have worn these on thru-hikes in Yosemete National Park, Mt. Rainier National Park, to the Grand Canyon, Mt. Fitz Roy, and beyond. They never let me down.
Once again, Merino wool socks earn the place of honor on the list. Both kinds of socks on this list are unisex, however I’ve found that women (myself included) prefer a softer, fuzzier interior to our socks than men do. So, these socks have all the same moisture wicking and odor resistant qualities as the socks listed in the men’s section, but with an ultra cozy interior. Only downside to these socks is that they tend to shrink, so make sure you hang them to dry or use a no-heat setting on your tumble dryer.
Pants & Leggings
These days, the options for hiking pants and leggings are virtually endless. But how do you sort out the ones that can withstand the elements on a rugged thru-hike or circuit? That’s where we come in. Below are our favorite picks specifically selected for hiking Torres del Paine:
For many reasons, Eddie Bauer is a brand that has faded into the background for most hard core backpackers. However, they still have a few choice products that can hold up to a trail as rough as the “O” Trek, and these pants are one of them. Wind blocking, water resistant, UPF 50+ and a low-profile liner are just a few of the outstanding features these pants offer. Pro-tip: while the two way stretch is great for mobility, be sure to use a belt; the waistline stretches too.
Best Sleeping Pants:
You’ll see Patagonia’s Capilene Air products come up a lot on this list because…well…they are great products! These men’s thermal baselayer leggings/bottoms are perfect for the cold nights you will spend in the tent in Torres del Paine. The Capilene Air technology is moisture wicking, anti-microbial and odor resistant. These bottoms will keep you warm in your sleeping bag, but have enough breathability to keep you from sweating.
Good hiking leggings are always tough to find. They need to be durable, yet flexible. Breathable, yet warm. The waistband needs to be tight enough and high enough not to slide down, but still comfortable. And pockets…they MUST have pockets. Well, I’ve got good news: I have found the perfect pair of hiking leggings. Not only do these Everbrand leggings have all the qualities mentioned above, they’re also anti-microbial and odor resistant. The website says you can wear them 5x without washing…and you know what? I did!
Best Trail Pants:
PrAna’s Halle pants are unique, versatile and durable. Water replant and quick-drying when they do get wet, these pants are perfect for the patchy rain you will often come across at Torres del Paine. Unlike lots of other women’s hiking pants, they are flexible and have just the right amount of stretch. Bonus: they come in multiple inseams from 30” to 36".”
Best Camp/Sleeping Pants:
You can all laugh, but Aerie makes some of the best lounge wear around! If you’re hiking in Torres del Paine, you’re going to be putting in some long days, and nothing feels better than getting into camp and changing into your cozy pants. I spent the last couple hours on the way to Camping Paso fantasizing about these pants. They are stretchy and ultra soft with an almost fleecy fabric on the inside. They are warm enough to wear in camp, and just the right temperature for sleeping. Seriously guys, these pants go with me everywhere. And the best part? They are less than $30!
Tops - Baselayers & T-shirts
The most critical part of packing for a trip to Torres del Paine (or anywhere in Patagonia really), is making sure you have lots of versatile layers. The weather can drop 10° F and go from warm and sunny to gale force winds with rain in the blink of an eye. After experiencing this crazy phenomenon ourselves, here are our picks for best baselayers and shirts for Torres del Paine:
If you don’t already know, Merino wool is by far one of the best materials for hiking clothes. Period. These t-shirts (made in Norway) are ultra soft and ultra light weight. But don’t let the lightness of the fabric fool you; these shirts still offer a lot of insulation yet remain breathable. They are also moisture wicking, and because they are made from the miracle of Merino wool, odor resistant.
Remember those awesome men’s sleeping pants I mentioned above? Yeah, this crew top is made from the same stuff. It’s lightweight, ultra insulating, moisture wicking and odor resistant. It works best as a baselayer, but has enough play that it can be snugly worn over a t-shirt as well. This was one of my husband’s MVP items when we completed the “O” Trek in 2019.
Smartwool makes some amazing hiking and camping gear. This particular baselayer is their warmest and best selling. It’s slim profile makes it easy to layer, while it’s thick Merino wool keeps the warm in and the cold out. Flatlocked seams make for an extra comfortable and wearable experience. This is an item that will no doubt find it’s way into your regular clothing rotation even after you come off the trail.
Women’s:
Vuori is a small, relatively unknown athleisure company based out of Los Angeles California, and they happen to make my absolute favorite hiking tee. This tee is ultra soft and silky while still being durable and stoutly made. It is fitted nicely around the shoulders and chest, but boxy around the waist to keep you cool. Lastly, its made from odor resistant, anti-microbial fabric so there’s no stink factor after days on the trail.
This Patagonia Capilene item is similar to the Capilene Air products I recommend in the men’s section of this guide, however the Thermal Weight line is much lighter than the Air line (counter intuitive, I know…). The reason I prefer this variety is because of how well this shirt insulates and temperature regulates as a baselayer. It’s hands-down the best baselayer I’ve ever worn. However, Thermal Weight items MUST be worn as baselayers to be effective. As a single layer, you’ll find this crew to be somewhat insulating, but not quite warm enough.
In case you’ve been skipping over the men’s section, I recommend the men’s version of this baselayer there. My husband and I both adore these Smartwool 250 crews. They are made from a nice heavy fabric, but still maintain an extra slim profile. They are naturally odor resistant, and sewn with shoulder panels so that your backpack isn’t digging into the seams on your shoulders all day long. I love this baselayer so much that it has become part of my everyday winter wardrobe. This top out performs almost all others both on and off the trail.
Outerwear
Another crucial part of the layering process, outerwear plays a key role in keeping you protected from the elements. Here are the best outerwear items for trekking Torres del Paine:
A North Face classic, this heavy duty, durable, and cozy pullover will keep you warm even in the coldest weather. In fact, sometimes this sweater has a tendency to be a little TOO warm…enter the extra long “1/4” length zipper. Simply unzip the front to easily ventilate and regulate your temperature along the trail. Layer this up with any of the baselayers above for a toasty trek.
If you splurge on only one item for your hike through Torres del Paine, make it your rain jacket/windbreaker. Although you won’t use it all the time, having a sold waterproof windbreaker is so critical. TNF’s Apex DryVent is a great option because of it’s waterproof, flexible outer shell and breathable interior membrane, complete with zip-close armpit vents to keep you from sweating. Trust us when we say this is not an item you want to skimp on…you can thank us later.
This is the quintessential Patagonia outdoor sweater. You see these things EVERYWHERE from Pinterest boards to back country trails, and it’s for good reason. The high snap collar is great for extra protection from the wind. The front pouch pocket is perfect for keeping valuables on your person and in one place. And the soft synchilla fabric is warm and cozy without being too hot for when the hike gets tough. It’s the perfect versatile sweater for Torres del Paine.
I’m a big fan of Marmot’s foul weather gear for women. This jacket is thoughtfully designed with all the features you’d want in a windbreaker or rain jacket, but without the boxy-ness, bulk or price tag that comes with most other brands. This jacket is fully waterproof, and did an excellent job cutting the wind. Drawstrings, inside pockets and armpit vents complete the all around awesomeness of this item.
Ok, let me explain…If you already own a Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket or a North Face Thermoball use that one. Those jackets are definitely better quality, and their price tags reflect that. All that said, the reason I’m recommending this Eddie Bauer (and much cheaper) alternative is because I really didn’t use my down jacket as much as I thought I would. Actually, I only used it in camp. Every blog I read prior to my hike insisted that I MUST take a down jacket. I’m not really a big fan of down jackets, and before Torres del Paine, I actually didn’t even own one. I went shopping and found the usual suspects - those listed above - and they all came with a hefty price tag that I couldn’t justify paying for something I really didn’t even want. That’s when I found this jacket from Eddie Bauer. While it’s a bit bulkier than I would normally like, it did a great job keeping me warm when walking around camp at night and in the mornings. If you’re on the fence about sizing, get the smaller size; this jacket runs a little big. Bonus: Eddie Bauer is usually running some kind of promo on their website, and you can often find coupons for 40% your entire purchase.
Accessories
The devil is in the details. Even if you get the rest of your gear spot on, not remembering to pack the right accessories can make a huge difference in the comfort and efficiency of your trek. Here are the essential Torres del Paine hiking accessories:
My husband says that his Buff was his #1 MVP piece of gear on our Torres del Paine trek. The versatility of this one, simple, small, lightweight piece of gear is amazing. Whether it’s protecting your face from the biting wind, keeping your neck warm under your jacket, or being used as a lightweight beanie, the Buff definitely pulls its weight on this trek! And in case you forget to bring yours, you can buy one virtually anywhere in Puerto Natales.
Do not, and I mean DO NOT forget your sunglasses for this hike. If you get any sun at all near Grey Glacier, the reflection is pretty much blinding. Same goes for the ultra white snow capped mountains. You will need a pair of sunnies that are durable, and with polarized lenses so you can still see all the detail in the scenery. I’m a big fan of Costa Del Mar’s. That’s what I’m wearing in all the photos on this site. I’ve had them for years and they’ve never let me down. Frames are sturdy and lenses are scratch resistant.
Any of your favorite beanies will do, but I prefer this one from the Stalyon Explorer Club. Not only is it a high quality product, a portion of Stalyon’s profit goes to finding ways to bring nature and the great outdoors to children who are currently in the hospital fighting cancer or other life threatening illnesses. For more information on their mission and organization, click here.
Unless you’re hiking Torres del Paine in the winter months or extreme shoulder seasons, you will most likely not use your gloves very often. However, they were super nice to have for the first hour or two of the morning when it was still pretty cold. For hiking trips in late November through March, I recommend these knit fleecy gloves from Achiou, or these softshell, windproof Columbia gloves.
We’ve saved the best for last! Sandals are such a major part of comfort on long thru-hikes. Nothing is better than getting to camp, slipping off your boots and putting on some sandals. For those of you who are too young to remember how awesome these were in the ‘90s, it’s time you got caught up. These ultra comfy Adidas sandals will gently massage your sore feet after long days on the trail. They are also extremely light, which helps to keep pack weight down. Slide on sandals are the only way to go; for possibly the first time in your life, you’ll actually want to wear socks with sandals.
Full Packing List - Clothing & Accesories
Now that we’ve looked at different gear options, lets talk about exactly how much to pack. Below is a full checklist of what to pack for hiking Torres del Paine with regards to clothing and accessories. This is based on exactly what we used when we completed the “O” Trek in 2019. This was the perfect amount of clothing for our 7 day, 6 night trek.
Printable Checklist —> Torres del Paine Packing Lists
Men’s List:
3 x long sleeve thermal baselayers2 x short sleeve t-shirts2 x fleece pullover sweaters2 x pairs hiking pants1 x pair sleeping pants1 x pair sleeping socks 1 x long sleeve sleeping shirt1 x pair hiking boots (make sure these are broken in well before starting!)4 x pairs Merino wool hiking socks1 x pair slide-on sandals1 x pair mid/light weight gloves1 x beanie1 x baseball cap1 x waterproof rain jacket1 x Buff1 x pair polarized sunglasses Enough underpants for each day of your trek...you'll thank me later. Women’s List:
2 x long sleeve thermal baselayers2 x short sleeve t-shirts2 x fleece pullover sweaters2 x pairs hiking pants or leggings (or combination of both)1 x pair sleeping/camp pants1 x long sleeve sleeping shirt1 x pair sleeping socks1 x pair hiking boots3-4 x pair Merino wool hiking socks1 x pair slide-on sandals 1 x waterproof rain jacket1 x down jacket1 x pair mid/light weight gloves1 x beanie1 x Buff1 x pair polarized sunglassesEnough underpants for each day of your trekWant to see some of the gear mentioned above used in action? Check out this photo of us on Day 4 of the “O” Trek between Camping Paso and Camping Grey!
