The Complete, Carry-On Only Packing List for Patagonia (or anywhere with four seasons in one day)
I have traveled internationally with an extra large rolling suitcase and a 55 L backpack bursting at the seams. Overpacking might seem synonymous with being “overly prepared” or useful for storing gifts/items to leave behind…but, in my experience, extra luggage is just plain complicated. Checking bags can result in lost or delayed luggage and it is more difficult to travel on planes/trains/horses/by foot when you are hauling unnecessary weight.
Plus, I’m more cautious about bringing “gifts” unless they are specifically useful for international family or friends (leaving behind a bunch of random clothing is not always a welcome gift). Items like Luci lanterns are practical and small gifts that we have given in the past to people in places where electricity is dodgy. I no longer worry about buying gifts for family/friends back home either, as most of those gifts just become extra clutter.
So, here is everything you’ll need to remain prepared for all four seasons of weather while keeping your travels simple and all carry-on.
And it comes in Jasper Red!
Carry-On Approved Backpack
The Osprey Farpoint 40 L is a front-opening bag with enough pockets to be convenient for organizing but not too many to be overwhelming. The main compartment will fit most of your gear. You can also zip a cover over the backpack straps and use an attachable shoulder strap for easier overhead bin storage. I’ve started using this backpack for local overnight trips as well since it is really all I usually need. The Fairview is the women’s version, however we found the Farpoint on sale.
Pros: See above description. You can fit more than you think into a 40 L pack and this ended up being enough for 3-weeks of belongings in multiple climates. How the bag zips together makes it very difficult for anyone to steal items, except for maybe the top, outer pocket.
Cons: The front pockets aren’t very convenient for a water bottle, especially if your bag is stuffed full. The small/medium frame is a bit boxy and large for me (likely due to it also technically being a men’s bag), so not as comfortable for hiking as a typical Osprey pack. That being said, completely doable for a day hike as long as it isn’t packed very heavy.
Ryan brought his own, older Osprey pack which is great for hiking but not as convenient due to it being top-loaded.
Dorky hat/headband combo, all the layers, sunscreen—check, check, check, check.
Personal Item Bag
I spent an excessive amount of time searching for a new and perfect handbag with anti-theft technology. I ended up taking a sturdy cloth handbag that I’ve owned for at least 15 years. I think the main point is to find something that has a shoulder strap (over your neck) and one that has multiple inside pockets for safety. Never put important belongings in outside pockets and it is generally a good idea to wear your bag towards the front of your person. You don’t need to drop a ton of cash, just find a bag that works and preferably one that can hold a water bottle.
An alternative option is a computer bag (even if you aren’t bringing a computer). Ryan found one at a garage sale for $2 that had a flap and clasp over the entire pocket, making casual pickpocketing tricky and undesirable.
We also brought this handy little duffle that packs down small, but was perfect for storing any groceries or other items. We brought this along on our bus journeys and stored our other bags underneath to give us more space especially since bus “carry-on” space is limited. This also served as Ryan’s carry-on on our travels home since we checked his backpack one-way home due to buying a few bottles of wine & one bottle of Pisco.
*Pro-tip: Luggage locks are fine, but they are heavy and may attract attention. Safety pins work great, because they are cheap make it that much harder to open zippers. Plus, safety pins come in handy.
We prefer the smaller sizes, as the largest sizes end up being too clunky.
Clothing
First, purchase packing cubes. These are actually far handier for organization than stuff sacks in our experience, plus they also have the feature of compression. We found some on-sale at REI. Rolling clothing is basic packing 101 to allow for more space and decrease wrinkling. Compression stuff sacks are nice for space, but will wrinkle most shirts and pants, but are nice for socks/underwear/base layers/miscellaneous soft items.
*Pro-tip: Layers! Always layers! Especially in a climate like Patagonia. In one day you may go from tank top to every layer in your luggage.
Our kitties checked out our hot mess of laundry & belongings upon return.
Hiking/activity wear
1-2 pairs of hiking pants and/or athletic tights (quick dry is best)
1-2 pair of shorts (one pair for double-use as sleepwear in warmer climates)
4-5 tank-tops or short-sleeve shirts
1 SmartWool or similar long sleeve shirt for hiking/warmth
1 set of thermal wear (long underwear and long sleeve shirt are really beneficial as a “clean” set of clothes at the end of the day)
1-2 fleece/soft-shell layers
5-6 pairs of underwear (don’t skimp even if you have fancy “quick-dry” underwear, you’ll want options)
5-6 pairs of wool hiking socks (these take a while to sufficiently dry, so don’t skimp on socks!)
1-2 sports bras, 1 regular/non-hiking bra
Raincoat & rain pants (I always debate on bringing the latter, however, they can provide an extra layer of warmth and work as a windbreaker)
Compressible down coat (For the airplane and I guarantee you will be glad you brought this because Patagonia gets chilly even in summer!)
Shoes! Of course…shoes.
Find hiking shoes/boots that work for you and make sure you’ve worn them in before taking a trip. It is tricky to fit multiple pairs of shoes in a 40L carry-on pack. We both ended up buying (very discounted) running shoes at the end of our travels because we were so tired of hiking boots.
We personally like Oboz hiking low top boots/shoes. You do not have to have high-tops if high-tops always cause you blisters and pain.
Swimsuits!
Hats
I brought 2 ball cap style hats (one that could go with “dressed up” wear) and one wool hat
Headbands can also come in handy. I don’t care how dorky it looks, but I want sun protection and to keep the wind from blowing off my hat, so I often layer a headband over a hat. No, I’m not wearing one of those awful “hiking hats” with a neck string, thanks.
Buff
Can be used as a headband, neck warmer, to dry something wet, wrap items, wind shield or pollution shield for face, etc. Multi-purpose use, small, and dries quickly.
Gloves (nothing down or fancy, but just something to keep your hands from freezing off in the wind).
City and/or casual “dressed up”
2 dresses (for those that wear dresses, these are the most practical for city-wear and don’t take up much room in your bag)
1 nice button down shirt (for those that don’t wear dresses, you still need something nice that can be combined with hiking shorts or pants)
1 of your fleece/soft-shell layers can be used for both hiking and dress-up wear
1 pair sandals (preferably ones that you can walk in for longer distances).
Chacos can pair with hiking or cute wear, but I generally don’t find them very comfortable for walking long distances and they can get stinky. I found a pair of Taos Sandals as an alternative, although they looked comical in combination with hiking pants.
*Pro-tip on clothing: We never visited a laundromat in Chile or Argentina in our 3 week trip. Since there is running water, it was easy for us to hand wash clothing items in the shower and hang to dry. We just used Dr. Bronner’s or the B&B/hostel bar soap. This was a reasonably effective way to get clothes clean without wasting too much time on laundry.
We really didn’t plan on matching outfits. But we showed up at the airport very matchy-matchy.
Something like this. Nothing fancy. Pretty sure you could find one at a thrift store or Target.
Toiletries
It is really helpful to have a toiletry bag like this so you can organize all of your items and have a place to hang everything so it stays dry.
Obviously you have to start your travels with the liquids separate for flights, but still nice to then pack toiletries in one location.
Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, and hair product if you require it (I do).
You can buy shampoo and soap pretty much anywhere in Argentina & Chile, however, conditioner and particular hair products may be super pricey or difficult to find
Alternatively, Dr. Bronner’s soap works well for hair washing/general body wash if you aren’t picky
Hairbrush/comb (I mean, optional, I guess)
Razor, tweezers, nail clippers
Some of these items may also come in handy for first-aid needs
We didn’t have any issues with these in our carry-on luggage
Toothbrush, paste, & floss (obviously…but you can also purchase in country as needed)
Contacts/glasses if needed
Disposable contacts are easiest because it does not require you to bring additional solution. A hard-shell case for glasses is the best way to ensure that they do not get broken.
SUNSCREEN
Holy crap, bring your own! It seems to be really expensive in Argentina/Chile and/or you can only find it in cities
Get high SPF as the sun in Patagonia is strong
Ear plugs (you never know when you will need these, but you probably will)
Chapstick/lip balm with SPF
Makeup if you wear it
Just the basics.
I like a concealer stick/liquid (small size) & pressed powder
Mascara & possibly a small eyeshadow palette.
And, yeah, I wear mascara on hikes. I used to unfairly judge people for this, but now I really don’t care and I’d rather not look half-asleep.
For those who bleed
I always recommend traveling w/as many tampons as you need because their availability in foreign countries is always iffy. Ones without applicators are most space-efficient.
Running water is common, so cups should be relatively easy to use if that is your method of choice
Most other toiletries are easy to find if anything needs replaced, although in some rural areas this may not always be in the case
First-Aid/Medications
We did not bring an elaborate first-aid kit, but rather just super basic items like a few bandaids, ACE bandage, blister pads/moleskin, meds (listed below). If you are going more off the beaten path or backpacking, I would suggest a full first-aid kit. For our purposes, this was sufficient.
Any prescription medications
Including those you take daily or as needed & those that you will need to obtain for travel. I like to have something in the case of traveller’s diarrhea, UTI, nausea, and a soft tissue infection but that is based on past experiences and since I’m paranoid & a medical provider. Consult with your PCP or travel clinic and make sure you receive education on when to take these medications if needed.
Sure, it is great if you can access a clinic, but that is not always an option even in touristy areas.
Over-the-counter medications for cough/cold, diarrhea/constipation/heartburn, pain (i.e. ibuprofen), and allergies
The Chilean pharmacy we visited seemed rather strict, even in regards to ibuprofen. In travels to Germany, I could not buy Benadryl. So, don’t assume you can pick up any old medication that is easily attainable in the U.S.
The point being: Bring enough of your own OTC meds to make life cheaper and easier (you don’t need to bring an insane amount of all of these). But know when you are supposed to and not supposed to take OTC meds as well. Ask your PCP with any doubts.
I don’t eat buffalo meat, except that now I do.
Drink/Snack Items
We were not backpacking & had limited room, so we didn’t bring much…
Via individual coffee packets and non-dairy (powder) creamer
Tanka bars
Buffalo meat bars that are made by the Oglala Lakota people & support their tribe. Also an excellent high-protein hiking snack.
Honey stinger chews
Miscellaneous
They are NOT cheap, but it is worth spending the extra $ on a rechargeable device instead of hauling around extra batteries. Plus, we use ours all the time in the states as well. Also, this is not a dildo.
Headphones and music device (cell phone, ipod, or MP3)
Make sure to download Google Translate & Google Maps on your phone, you can download individual languages and area maps for cities you will visit for offline use.
What’s App is also commonly used as a form of communication and super convenient to have downloaded
We talk about cell phone use/internet in a past blog post, so I won’t repeat that info.
Camera
I used a combo of my phone and a Canon Elph point and shoot, while Ryan used his “nice” Samsung interchangeable lens camera on hikes for better landscape shots
Steri-pen & waterbottles
Don’t waste $ or buy unnecessary plastic.
Many places we read said the water in the major cities was fine to drink, but we’re paranoid so we just used the steripen on the tap water to be certain. Neither of us got sick the whole way.
*Pro-tip: Wrap a few layers of duct tape around your water bottles, because it always comes in handy.
Sunglasses
Not the cheap, gas-station kind either. You need quality protection for your eyes!
Outlet converters for each country you are in. Unfortunately Chile and Argentina don’t use the same kind so you will need two if you go to both countries.
Pocket Spanish guidebook
Small flashlight or Luci lantern (latter is useful since it requires solar charging and no batteries)
Your phone charger (good luck finding a replacement on your travels unless you are in the city)
Books
Okay, pick books that ideally are written from authors from the area you are traveling and/or have something to do with the activities you are doing. We did not read either of the books we carted around for 3 weeks, so this was completely unnecessary to pack. Those two books were our only extraneous items.
Copy of passports (stored/hidden somewhere in your luggage and not with your original copy) as well as paper documents as recommended on The U.S. Department of State travel site.
Money belt (this goes under your clothes and especially useful for your valuables when you are traveling/don’t have a safe
For storing passport/cash/credit cards, we talked about this topic in the first Argentina/Chile blog post
If you haven’t read about our travels South, please start with the oldest post first and work backwards for more tips and photos.
Anything else you would add to this list (or subtract)?! Happy Travels!