RECOMMENDATIONS

Southern Patagonia and especially the Cordillera area feature highly unstable weather. We may experience intense heat when the sun shines directly upon us and minutes later find ourselves under heavy rain and strong winds, temperature dropping dramatically. Therefore, it is important that you keep in mind our recommendations to get the outmost of the activities planned for you.

Most of them require moderate to extensive walking, occasionally for hours. It is important that you wear the adecquate shoes and clothes for trekking and carrying a few other basic elements that can aid the expedition across different landscapes, such as food, drink, additional clothes and sunblock. It is crucial to keep your hands free. It is not safe, or comfortable to walk with your hands full.

When choosing clothes and necessary gear, you must take into account that January and February are the windiest months of the year. 50 km winds blow 65% of the days. Caps, hats and clothes in general must be tight or fasten. Loose clothes such as rain cloaks may blow away. During fall, winds are milder but temperature falls down to 6° C during night or morning, with an average of 18°. During winter, temperature drops below cero and require warmer and thicker garments.

Bear in mind the layer concept. Wrap yourself in several layers of thin clothes, just like an onion. Your clothing layers should consist of several different types of fabrics. Remember that cotton absorbs and retains water and therefore it will not keep you warm if it gets wet. Also it can be difficult to dry. Polypropylene or other hydrophobic synthetic fabrics are great. They move the sweat away from your body to the outside of the layer, reducing evaporation of body heat and keeping you dry and comfortable. Wool or synthetic pile/fleece fabrics don’t absorb water so they keep you warm even if you’re wet with sweat. Pile also dries very quickly. Wool sweaters or pile jackets provide warmth when the temperature drops or while you are resting. Nylon or Nylon/Cotton windshells reduce convective heat loss.

The purpose of layering is to add or remove garments throughout the day to match the weather conditions and your activity level, maintaining a comfortable body temperature without excess sweating which leads to heat loss. You feel warmer when you move, but as soon as you rest you have to put on more clothes.

Pick a water-repellant windproof jacket: the thicker, the better. It must have a drawstring hood and will serve better with detachable linen. Ideally, get those that feature underarm zip vents that extend into the body for maximum cooling. Short jackets will not protect your waist and back from cold weather.

Choose the adequate trekking shoes with high traction all terrain outsole in an ankle height style for best protection. Avoid regular sport shoes. Thicker outsoles will provide better shock isolation. Select the darkest colors and avoid white: they wouldn’t last ten minutes! High heals or platforms are absolutely banned! If you acquire new boots, wear them at home for a few hours; don’t think of baptizing them here. Recommended brands are: Salomon, Hitech, Merrell and Boreal. If traveling in winter, make sure they are waterproof. Snow and ice may build up on the shoe and penetrate the fabric. A double insole will provide better isolation. Boots should fit comfortably with two pairs of socks.

Polar or polyester fleece garments wick moisture away from you, keeping you dry and warm, which reduces any chances of you becoming hypothermic. Plus they are light and comfortable. Vests are highly recommended; also those that zip apart. Fall expeditions require at least two long sleeved garments under your jacket, and winter, four.

Bring waterproof/breathable pants in comfortable cargo style with plenty of pockets. They will allow you to carry small elements such as sunscreen, glasses, water and chocolate, among others. Those with zip off legs are the best. Pick kakis: dust will blend in better. Do not bring ski pants unless traveling in winter. Avoid cotton. Jeans get wet and take too long to dry; they are not good isolators and are not comfortable for long walks. Jogging pants may be more comfortable and fresher but won’t protect you from cold weather or rain. When wet they get extremely heavy and difficult to dry. For winter expeditions, a pair of light polypro long underwear is recommended.

Well known brands such as Columbia, Montagne, North Face, Patagonia, Ansilta, Northland, will make a good investment.

Socks

As for socks, padding is better. Thin wool socks will do for most seasons but for summer a pair of running/cycling socks are the best choice. They have a padded bottom and a band of heavy elastic that goes right around the instep of the foot for support. This is important to prevent the socks running down into your shoes. They are very shear and don’t need liners with them. When wearing wool, a liner sock will provide extra protection. Some of the fancy wicking socks may do.

Gloves

Gloves are not necessary for summer treks but they are a must during cold seasons. Ski like gloves are perfect for winter. Ski hats are also adequate.

Neck gators

Neck gators are preferred to scarves.

Medium sized back packs are preferred. Draw strings will be useful to carry clothes and mountain gear (if not available, a rope will do the job.) The ideal ones feature shoulder straps and a hip belt to keep the load comfortably on your hips without being bulky.

It is important that inner layers are thin for best temperature control. Other essentials are sun glasses and lip gloss.

NOTE THAT IN GENERRAL, TRAVELLERS USE LESS THAN A HALF OF THE CLOTHES THEY BRING. BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS IS DRY WEATHER AND CLOTHES WILL BE FILTHY WITH DUST, BUT DUST ONLY. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SHAKE IT OFF SO THAT EACH PAIR OF PANTS WILL LAST AT LEAST 3 TO 4 DAYS, AS WELL AS THE POLARS. A GOOD JACKET SHOULD BE ENOUGH. THE FIRST LAYER NEEDS TO BE CHANGED EVERYDAY, THOUGH. DO NOT BRING UNNECESSARY CLOTHES.