What to actually pack for Patagonia

Layers over quantity

Patagonia can be four seasons before lunch. The people who pack well aren't the ones who bring the most gear — they're the ones who bring the right three layers and put them on and take them off constantly.

• A proper windproof shell — this matters more than almost anything else
• A warm mid-layer you can stuff in a daypack
• One quick-dry base layer per two days, not per day
• Real trekking boots, already broken in before you land

What you can leave at home

A second pair of hiking boots. Anything cotton for hiking days. A hair dryer — the outlets are inconsistent enough that it's not worth the suitcase space. If in doubt, you can almost always buy it in El Calafate before the trip actually starts.