Torres del Paine Gear List - Men's
Packs
Zach's notes
"Load all your gear for South America into this pack and comfortably carry it all the way down to Patagonia! This pack carries very well with Ospreys Anit Gravity suspension system which distributes the load where you need it, your hips. Top and front loadable for easy access. The top lid is also removable and converts into a day pack for your sunrise hike up to the towers."
Zach's notes
"Great pack for the money! Plenty of room for your gear and well designed for ease of use."
Zach's notes
"If you are doing a guided trip with a porter and only need a day pack, this is the one for you. The same suspension system in the Aether is available in this (anti-gravity). It also has a fully functioning hip belt so your load is comfortably carried."
Zach's notes
"I stay much more hydrated when I have easy access to my water. The hose and bladder are detachable so you can leave the hose in the pack while you're filling the bladder."
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Sleeping Bags
Zach's notes
"Western Mountaineering has been making top of the line sleeping bags for over 45 years. It's a one bag quiver. This is an 850 fill down bag wrapped in a water-resistant fabric which is great for the unexpected weather in Patagonia. The warmth to weight ratio is hard to beat. It has a continuous baffle so you can shake the down around to regulate the temp"
Zach's notes
"If you are a side sleeper, this is the bag for you. It is 750 fill so its quite lofty and will be a great temperature for Torreys during prime season."
Zach's notes
"A great middle of the road bag. It's 650 fill which is going to be compressible but not as compact as the previous two. They come with an integrated sleeping pad sleeve to keep you from rolling around. It is rated to 15, ideal for the middle of the season treks."
Zach's notes
"For the money, hard to beat. It is synthetic so it won't compress as much as the down bags."
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Sleeping Pads
Zach's notes
"This is my go-to sleeping pad. It is 3" thick, insulated, weighs 13 oz and packs up smaller than a Nalgene. I can inflate it in around 20 breaths. It also sleeps quietly!"
Zach's notes
"This is comfort all the way! It is slightly heavier and takes a few more breaths than the Nemo but comes in at 4.25" thick."
Zach's notes
"This easily inflates in 10-15 breaths which is pretty convenient after a long day on the trail. It is a little heavier at 1.3 lbs but has an extra 3" of width to it. The V shape really distributes the weight well."
Zach's notes
"This is a little lighter of a pad but comes in at 2.5" and can be a little crinkly to sleep on."
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Boots
Zach's notes
"Right out of the box comfort in a sturdy, supportive boot built to handle a variety of terrain. It's surprisingly light too!"
Zach's notes
"A great combination between a trail shoe and boot. This is wrapped in a Goretex lining that allows for moisture to escape through the foot bed so you are no longer walking a puddle of your own sweat."
Zach's notes
"All leather uppers and a lower price point make this a great boot for the money."
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Shoes
Zach's notes
"A stiff enough shoe to carry a heavier pack. It is Goretex upper so your feet stay dry, as long as it's not deeper than your ankle!"
Zach's notes
"A classic hiking shoe. Leather uppers and a stiff Vibram sole."
Zach's notes
"Part trail shoe, part hiking shoe all around cruiser. Synthetic upper breaths well and the Traxion sole keeps your feet on the trail."
Rain Jackets
Zach's notes
"This is my go-to rain shell. It stands up to the harshest elements. On those Patagonia days when it is super windy, throw this jacket on, unzip the pit zips that run the length of the torso and keep hiking comfortably."
Zach's notes
"A tried and true staple. "
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Down Jackets
Zach's notes
"This jacket is made from recycled polyester and filled with 800 fill traceable down. This jacket is about as sustainable as they come! It is quite functional as well!"
Zach's notes
"There is some great bang for the buck with this jacket."
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Light Fleece
Zach's notes
"A great layer to start out those cold mornings. It is warm on the arms and still breathable enough to hike in when its cold out."
Zach's notes
"Moisture-wicking and odor controlling polyester."
Zach's notes
"A great deal on a simple little fleece."
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Rain Pants
Zach's notes
"It might be raining but you're staying nice and dry with these 3/4 zippered pants. If it's a little warm out you can zip these to dump some heat."
Zach's notes
"These pants are the size of a granola bar when packed up, now there is really no reason to hike around with wet pants!"
Zach's notes
"Bang for the buck pair of rain pants. They will keep the rain off."
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Hiking Shirts
Zach's notes
"I'm a big fan of merino while hiking. No lingering stink and great at regulating temp."
Zach's notes
"These shirts are going to be quick drying, breathable and are made with Patagonia's odor-fighting synthetic material."
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Hiking Pants/shorts
Zach's notes
"From the airport to the bar to the trail, these pants do it all and look good doing it! They have a slimmer fit and a whole lot of stretch. Prana also designed these pants with a DWR material so they are water resistant."
Zach's notes
"These are a burlier hiking pant. They are wind and abrasion resistant but still have plenty of stretch to keep you moving."
Zach's notes
"These are my go-to hiking short. They are super abrasion resistant, have deep front and back pockets, and fall right above the knee."
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Base Layers
Zach's notes
"This is a heavier weight base layer. I like the merino for a few reasons. It does not absorb odors which is great when you're wearing the same shirt for days on end! They are also warmer when wet than a synthetic layer. Also available in a lighter weight."
Zach's notes
"Patagonia has designed their new Capilene layers with odor blocking fabrics. The synthetic materials will dry pretty quick and are quite breathable. Also available in a lighter weight."
Zach's notes
"The same material and functionality of the tops are used in the bottoms. I'll put these bottoms on when I get to camp on those really cold days. Also available in a lighter weight."
Zach's notes
"The same Capilene material in a bottom. Also available in a lighter weight."
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Accessories
Zach's notes
"A lot of power packing into a tiny headlamp. A bright, close, and high beam along with a red and strobe. 200 lumens"
Zach's notes
"There are so many ways this little guy can be worn to keep you warm and protected from the sun."
Zach's notes
"A Quick drying and warm glove."
Zach's notes
"Not only do the poles help take a load off your knees, they will also help you stand upright when the gusts of wind try and knock you over!"
Accessories
Zach's notes
"Stay hydrated at camp without having to carry your bladder around. It also cuts down on the number of single-use plastic bottles that are floating around the park."
Zach's notes
"After a long day on the trail, a comfortable pillow goes a long way!"
Zach's notes
"A waterproof compression sack for your sleeping bag. As you pull the straps the excess air is pushed out the bottom, making this super compressible."
Zach's notes
"I bring a few different colors to help divide up my clothes. It makes a big difference when you get to camp after a long day of hiking through the rain and have dry clothes."
Accessories
Zach's notes
"It's not often I find a pair of socks that holds up after the first full season of use. These are going strong 2 years and probably 700 miles later. "
Zach's notes
"I always keep a separate, warm pair of socks reserved especially for camp."