What to pack for Patagonia in shoulder season

October and April are our favourite months in Torres del Paine. The trails are quieter, the light is softer and the guanacos are busy with their young. They are also the months when the weather is least predictable. In a single day on the W trek we have walked in sunshine, sleet, horizontal rain and a wind that made talking impossible. Packing well is the difference between a good day and a miserable one.

Think in layers, not in bulk

The single most useful idea is to carry several thin layers rather than one heavy jacket. You will take things off and put them on a dozen times a day, so every layer should be easy to reach and quick to dry.

• Base layer: a merino or synthetic long-sleeved top. Avoid cotton completely; it stays wet and cold.
• Mid layer: a light fleece or a thin synthetic insulated jacket.
• Shell: a fully waterproof jacket with a hood that fits over a hat. This is the item not to economise on.
• Warm layer for evenings: a packable down jacket for camp and early mornings.

Your feet will thank you

Walking boots should be broken in long before you arrive. Patagonian trails are rocky and often wet, so choose boots with ankle support and a waterproof membrane. Bring two pairs of good walking socks per three days and a pair of light shoes or sandals for the evenings.

Gaiters: yes or no?

In shoulder season, yes. Short gaiters keep mud and gravel out of your boots on the descent from the towers and add a little warmth on cold mornings.

Every year someone tells me they nearly left their gloves at home. Every year they wear them on day three.

The wind changes everything

The westerlies that sweep off the ice field regularly reach 80 km/h and occasionally much more. Walking poles help enormously on exposed sections, and a buff or neck gaiter protects your face. Sunglasses matter too: the light reflecting off the lakes and glaciers is fierce, even on cloudy days.

What we carry for you

You only walk with a daypack. Your main bag travels between refugios by vehicle or boat, and our team carries the group first-aid kit, emergency shelter and a satellite messenger. We also provide sleeping bags and liners at the private camp, so there is no need to bring your own.

A short checklist

1. Daypack of 25–30 litres with a rain cover
2. Waterproof jacket and over-trousers
3. Warm hat, thin gloves and a buff
4. Sunglasses, sun cream and lip balm
5. Reusable water bottle — the streams are drinkable
6. A small dry bag for your phone and camera

Pack all of this into a soft duffel rather than a hard suitcase; it travels more easily in the minibus and on the catamaran. And leave a little space for a bag of Chilean merkén spice to take home.