Patagonia Packing Guide For The Sightseers (+Printable Packing List)

July 22, 2023

You know that lie you tell yourself on a regular basis when you pack exercise clothes for a vacation (no shame if you follow through with it, drop me a DM with your secrets!), well you won’t find that here! If you thought a leisurely trip to Patagonia couldn’t be done without packing loads of gear, I am here to tell you you’re wrong. My Patagonia packing guide is for the traveler that’s just looking to have a good time.

Now, if you’re thinking about doing some chill sight-seeing instead of hardcore hiking, you’ve come to the right place. There are SO many amazing places to discover that don’t require intensive training.

So, whether you’re into hiking or just want to leisurely take in the glorious sights, Patagonia is definitely the place for you and I have the perfect Patagonia packing guide! And stick around, because I have included a printable packing list that gets sent straight to your inbox at the end of this guide.

*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through a link below then I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support!

Dressing for the Weather in Patagonia

When we hit up the Patagonia region of Argentina, I was totally expecting Disney Frozen type weather because, icy landscapes, ya know? But what we got was actually super pleasant weather! I didn’t even need more than a cozy coat for 60° temps (16°C). To be fair, we were there in their spring, so I kinda overpacked on all my sweaters (oopsie!). But you don’t want to get caught without the essentials for Patagonia. Keep reading to check out our ultimate packing list for Patagonia!

What To Wear On Your Patagonia Trip

So you want to know how to pack for Patagonia? I have broken it down by all the travel essentials you will need on your Patagonia Argentina trip and things I wish I would have packed and taken with me. This wouldn’t be my type of Patagonia packing guide without including some cute items to bring along with you!

Shoes To Pack For the Casual Hiker

You’re in for a treat because this part of the world has some jaw-dropping trails that would knock your hiking socks off! Now, I’m no mountain goat myself, but you’ll definitely need some comfy shoes for doing some serious exploring. Get ready to pound some pavement and take in some breathtaking sights!

You can expect to get some good walking in, so you’ll need a good pair of sneakers that can handle the miles. Another great option can be found here.
Patagonia can experience quite a bit of rainfall, and if you’e planning on visiting during their rainy season (April – May, Nov- Jan) make sure to pack some waterproof shoes and these are my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE.
Hiking boots are not exactly a casual packing staple, but if you’re planning on doing the Perito Moreno hike, it’s helpful to take them to make the crampon process a breeze. It’s not essential, just make sure you pack some sturdy shoes to avoid slipping on the ice. Here are some good options here, here and here.

Clothing Tips For Patagonia

Oh boy, did I really out-do myself this time packing for this adventure. I mean, it was hard to know what kind of weather we would really be dealing with in Patagonia? It’s like the weather gods are playing a never-ending game of roulette down there!

I came prepared with cozy clothes, rain gear and even workout gear – because you never know when inspiration will strike! Just make sure to not overload your suitcases with unnecessary layers, so you’ll have plenty of space for all those souvenirs. Trust me, this Patagonia packing guide covers all the essentials:

Light-weight jackets that were made for Patagonia: Linked here, here and here.
The type of rain jackets that will become your entire personality in just the cutest way: Linked here, here and here.
Cute fitness clothes for the casual explorer: Linked here, here and here.
Perfect layers for this type of trip do exist. Don’t believe me? See for yourself: Linked here, here and here.

Helpful Items To Pack for Your Trip to Patagonia

You won’t believe the scenery waiting for you in Patagonia! While smartphones are sweet, having a camera is helpful. We used our Sony A7riii camera, but before you rush out and purchase you can actually rent here. It will be impossible to resist filling up your camera roll with photos of this place so come prepared with memory cards and batteries. Or at least make sure you have plenty of space on your phone to snap all those photos!

Planning a Patagonian adventure? Don’t forget your binoculars! Spotting cute penguins is a must, and trust us, you won’t want to miss out. Check out this reasonably-priced pair with tons of rave reviews. And remember, while you’re keeping an eye out for wildlife, make sure you’re also protecting your skin with some trusty sunscreen. Finally, pack along that umbrella (just in case), and you’ll be ready for anything Patagonia throws your way!

Wondering if you should tag along with your drone to Patagonia? Well, let me tell you – we flew our drone in several spots, and it was magical! So, if you happen to own a drone, bring it with you. You don’t wanna miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience.

You Can Find Some More Patagonia Outfit Ideas Below

Brace yourself for a shockingly good Instagram feed because I’m about to drop the best items for your Patagonia packing guide. It’s basically divine intervention that you found me because I’m doing the Lord’s work by giving you an excuse to shop for some extra goodies. You may think you’ve got everything from my previous packing guide, but wait till you see the bonus items below.

It’s time to upgrade your travel game and spice up your wardrobe with these must-haves. Let’s get packing, and make your Patagonia adventure one for the books!

You can find the links to all the items above here.

I hope this Patagonia packing guide has helped and while you are here, make sure to fill out the form below to get my printable packing guide delivered straight to your inbox! And if you’re looking for more great Alaska cruise travel tips, read my guide here.