Packing for Chile in November
Oct 20th, 2016, 04:50 PM
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Packing for Chile in November
My family is planning a trip to Chile in November and we could use some advice on our packing list. We'll be starting our trip in San Pedro de Atacama and image we'll need lots of layers for cool desert mornings and warm afternoons. I'm imagining lightweight pants and a base layer with a fleece. How cold can we expect it to get during that time of year? Do we need gloves? Hats?
From there, we'll be heading to the Lake District and then on to Patagonia for some outdoor hiking and adventure. We'll be doing a lot of day hikes ranging from moderate to more intense terrain. From what I keep reading, you can experience all four seasons in a single day, which has me excited and a bit nervous, too! Do I need to pack waterproof hiking boots or can we get by with non-waterproof shoes? Again, I'm thinking layers but do I need to start in a wool hat and be prepared to strip down to a tank top and shorts? Obviously we'll have backpacks but would prefer not to bring additional gear if it won't be necessary.
Any and all input is very much appreciated. Thank you in advance!
From there, we'll be heading to the Lake District and then on to Patagonia for some outdoor hiking and adventure. We'll be doing a lot of day hikes ranging from moderate to more intense terrain. From what I keep reading, you can experience all four seasons in a single day, which has me excited and a bit nervous, too! Do I need to pack waterproof hiking boots or can we get by with non-waterproof shoes? Again, I'm thinking layers but do I need to start in a wool hat and be prepared to strip down to a tank top and shorts? Obviously we'll have backpacks but would prefer not to bring additional gear if it won't be necessary.
Any and all input is very much appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Oct 20th, 2016, 05:51 PM
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I am packing for the same places plus Antarctica - for November. Yes on gloves - I am taking wool liners plus waterproof gloves - and a fleece hat. I am also taking merino wool long underwear ("baselayer"). With a pair of hiking pants and a fleece I expect to be ok. The nice thing about the wool is that it works in almost all climates. In the sun I prefer long sleeves anyway. I do have waterproof low hikers - will wear them in Atacama and Torres Del Paine and on the ship. What I have finally figured out is I don't need lots of clothes - two shirts, two pants, and a fleece. I have two sets of long johns but could get by with one - they dry quickly.
We are both going to gave a great time!
We are both going to gave a great time!
Oct 22nd, 2016, 07:11 AM
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Thanks for the feedback @MyBaggage! Yes, definitely excited for this trip! And agree - trying to keep packing to a minimal.
Anyone else have any thoughts on packing for Chile in November? TYIA!
Anyone else have any thoughts on packing for Chile in November? TYIA!
Oct 22nd, 2016, 08:13 AM
#4
Don't bother with a poncho for rain protection..the wind whips it around and eventually destroys anything cheap. A pack cover is better. Or use a trashbag as an inner liner.
With waterproof hiking boots water still gets in around the tops unless you have also havegaiters or rainpaints. But at least they are unlikely to fall apart when soaked through.. For warm underwear I like polypropylene since it dries overnight. but the superfine merino wool is also great and can be worn many times without smelling too bad. Bring lots and lots of wool (Smartwool) socks.
I did the Milford track in NZ and the W..what worked bestfor me was a polypro fleece vests over either merino wool or polypro base layer, topped with a hooded goretex anorak.For the bottoms polypro leggings, shorts, and rainpaints.I thnk you'll find yourself stripping off layers as you go..Be sure your outer layer is breathable including any lining fabric
With waterproof hiking boots water still gets in around the tops unless you have also havegaiters or rainpaints. But at least they are unlikely to fall apart when soaked through.. For warm underwear I like polypropylene since it dries overnight. but the superfine merino wool is also great and can be worn many times without smelling too bad. Bring lots and lots of wool (Smartwool) socks.
I did the Milford track in NZ and the W..what worked bestfor me was a polypro fleece vests over either merino wool or polypro base layer, topped with a hooded goretex anorak.For the bottoms polypro leggings, shorts, and rainpaints.I thnk you'll find yourself stripping off layers as you go..Be sure your outer layer is breathable including any lining fabric
Jan 1st, 2017, 01:34 PM
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Follow up - my fav clothes were my smartwool base layers. So so comfy. Torres Del Paine was not nearly as cold as I expected for November. My wool base layer top - only wore hiking pants for bottoms -.plus a fleece vest and a jacket such as Marmot Precip were perfect.
