USEFUL TIPS

Climate
Weather in Patagonia is a very important factor to consider. Remember that strong winds, rains and snow characterize this region. Winds blow from the northeast and the Pacific, crossing the southern Patagonian ice fields and forming continuous clouds that can result in nasty storms. Even if not very often good weather show up to give the pleasure to enjoy this place. Lenticular clouds will announce strong winds coming.

Temperature
Ambiance 12 to 18 degrees Celsius, with variations from 1 to 5 degrees( either higher or lower) depending on the seasons.
The thermal sensation that the wind produces drops to 6 to 7 degrees. The water normally presents temperatures between 4 and 5 degrees Celsius. The sea registers temperatures between 7 and 8 degrees Celsius.

Equipment and Clothing

Head
Wool or polar fleece hat (bring two)
Sunglasses with real UVA protection and glass lenses or ones with very dark lenses
Sun block 45spf minimum!
Fleece neck warmer/scarf
Lip balm (Chap stick)

Upper Body
Quick drying shirts and T-shirts. Look for clothing made with Capilene, Duofold CoolMax and Ultra Tec, or Tekware, all found in large outdoor recreation stores. This type of material 'wicks' moisture (sweat) off your skin and into and out of the fabric, allowing the body to stay dry and warm. Bring 2 or 3 changes. Wool garments are not advised: they make you sweat too much and are close to impossible to dry quickly.
Cotton T-shirt for nights at the refuges and after a quick shower...if you get one, that is!
Polar fleece jacket, always handy. Just 1 good one should do it to keep you warm.
Waterproof parka ideally with Goretex, OmniTech, Sympatex, Conduit, etc. Keeps the rain out but also lets the body breathe to avoid condensation inside the jacket, which would get us wet and cold despite our best intentions. This is especially important when it's very cold.
Wool or polar fleece gloves. Remember that wool takes a long time to dry. Fleece dries faster and weighs less. Bring at least 2 pair.

Your Legs
Quick drying long underwear, also made of Capilene, Tekware or Duofold, to keep you warm at camp, but may not be necessary while trekking. Just 1 pair should do it.
Water resistant pants made with Goretex or similar, to repel water but let the body breathe, just like the jacket.
Hiking shorts for when it's too hot (happens more than you'd think!)
Polar fleece long pants for camping. Walking in these is torture way too hot. Only for the relaxing down times.

The Feet
Polartec or polypropylene socks to wick moisture off the skin. Wool socks can cause blisters, so use those only while in camp. Cotton ones are okay, but also cause blisters.
Hiking boots with good ankle support. Leather boots are the best choice: they last longer, but also are more rigid and take a lot more time to break in. Make sure the soles are flexible, never hard! Another kind of boot is made of Nubuk or nylon. These are more flexible, but don't last as long.
(The subject of shoes is an important one. Hiking boots need to be chosen wisely and broken in at least a week before beginning the trip, otherwise one day of agonizing walking could end the vacation before it even gets going. )
One pair other shoes tennis shoes, Tevas, etc to wear at camp and rest the feet.
Sometimes we ask people to bring gaiters that cover the lower portion of the pant leg and the boot, to protect against water or snow getting into socks and boots. We don't want wet feet! The gaiters are made of Goretex or nylon, and price depends on the material used.

To Sleep
A good night's sleep determines the next day's mood, so a fundamental part of our equipment is the bedding.
Sleeping pad:Antares Patagonia, provide Therma Rest (inflatable) .No additional charge to our customers.
Sleeping bag,the key to a successful expedition. Climates and conditions change drastically depending on location, so no one kind of sleeping bag fits all needs. In the Himalayas the cold is intense but dry, so goose down works well, but in Patagonia, where it rains a lot and without warning, a wet goose down bag ends a trip they never dry. Synthetic fibers are the only worry free way to go in Patagonia. Look for Hollofill or other kinds of filling with temperature scale from 0° to -15º Celcius. In Puerto Natales, you would find for US$ 4 a day , excellent sleeping bags for rent.