RagtopGirl

Going to Argentina mid-November and trying to pack lightly in one bag for BA then El Calafate glacier trekking then to Ushuaia for a Beagle Channel boat trip then Valdes Peninsula and then finishing up in Iguazu at the falls. Lots of climates for one trip so I'm trying to eliminate what I can - but I don't want to be cold and miserable either. Planning on layering fleece with a rain shell jacket.

The tour company suggested "trekking" boots and pants - is this the same as what I would call hiking boots or pants? Also, will I need a waterproof pant shell and gloves for the glacier and boat trips? Will I truly need hiking boots or could I get by with leather athletic shoes?

All help appreciated.

skittle

We were in El Calafate and Ushuaia in Sept 006 and we packed for the cold. We ended up being too warm most of the time. On the glacier we had a sunny day and we needed to be able to take off layers. If you get rainy weather you would want shoes that were waterproof.Rainshell pants would also be good.Gloves were compulsory and we were not allowed to remove them even when we got too hot.(A rare day we were told) We packed lots of layers that were suitable as outerware for when we went to the tropics.Don't forget it will be spring/summer down there.
Have a wonderful time....we sure did.

hills27

When I went to southern Patagonia, I found that a good pair of goretex trail running shoes worked better for me than hiking boots.

I generally wore cargo pants but brought a lightweight waterproof pant shell. Though I didn't use it often, I was very glad I brought it, especially the one day a freak storm blew up as we were 2/3 through an all day hike.

Definitely bring gloves. And don't forget to pack enough lightweight t-shirts. I also found it crucial for my jacket to have pit zips to keep me from overheating at times.

skittle

Hills27s suggestions sound good to me. You will need some light weatherproof gear at Iguazu as well.Make sure you don't miss the jetboat to Devils Throat,don't even attempt to stay dry.
Truely awesome!!!!

RagtopGirl

Just back and thought I would update. Layering worked very well and I was really glad I took my hiking boots for trekking on the glacier. For hiking uphill I really need footware with ankle support. Also, I was glad the boot was waterproof because several places were very slushy and my feet stayed dry - and therefore warm. As I posted earlier, we were a little heavy in the luggage on the inter-country flights (19kg), but no problems or charges. If in doubt, take your boots.