Layers for W trek in Patagonia, Chile in November

[DarthMinogue]

Apologies for asking the same question but I'm so confused about what to get.

I'm going to Patagonia in Chile in November and doing a five-day trek there, and then other day trips around various glaciers etc. It's a bit of a spur of the moment trip, and my first real trek. I enjoy bushwalking but have only really done day walks before. My friend and I are staying in refugios so don't have to carry tents or anything.

I don't own anything specific for trekking, except boots, so will need to get the layers going. Am I right thinking I should get: base layer t-shirt (merino wool or some wicking, breathable synthetic) (probably two for a five day trek?); windproof fleece (one?); and hard shell? I'd never heard of a hard shell before, but obviously like the idea of staying dry. Apparently on this trek you get all kinds of weather - though it won't be horrendously cold it can snow, pour rain, etc, and then get really hot again. I know the winds are going to be crazy.

Is it only the jacket that needs to be windproof? I'll only have a really small pack (20L I think) so need to keep everything light. I accept that I'm going to smell shocking but aiming for the least shocking I can.

There's so much information it's a bit difficult getting the base info! Any advice welcome, particularly around brands. I don't want to spend tons of $$, but happy for around $200 for a hard shell and similar for the rest? Is that doable?

[tasadam]

OK, to help you with a bit of searching,
Japara - search.php?st=0&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&keywords=japara&fid%5B%5D=15
Shell - search.php?st=0&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&keywords=shell&fid%5B%5D=15
Jacket - search.php?st=0&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&keywords=jacket&fid%5B%5D=15
Layers - search.php?st=0&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&keywords=layers&fid%5B%5D=15
Windproof - search.php?st=0&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&keywords=windproof&fid%5B%5D=15
Cheap - search.php?st=0&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&keywords=cheap&fid%5B%5D=15

Hoping you can get started with your answers there.

This is a good topic too - viewtopic.php?f=15&t=31

Best of luck!

[Moondog55]

Tell us what you already have.
Want me to carry your bags for you? Always wanted to visit Patagonia.
Speaking to friends who have been there; if it is suitable for winter here above the snowline it will do for Patagonia but with the emphasis on windproof jackets and pants insulated with polyester rather than wool or down.
Just a personal opinion but a 20 litre pack sounds small,

[Azza]

Having been there and done the full Circuit, it can get very windy and it can snow any time of the year.

The W is very 'civilized' i.e. only a few hours between huts, people everywhere. Most of the track is low altitude except where you branch off up the valleys.
My opinion is that what goes for say the overland track should be perfect for just the W....
You see people stumbling around in Jeans with no equipment and they survive just fine. Not that I recommend such things.
Climate and temperature wise it wasn't that dissimilar to walking in Tassie.
Insulted pants? I'd just wear some thermals... its not Antarctica down there - but getting close though.

Get a good coat, over trousers and some thermals and you should be right.
20 Litres sounds a bit small to me... so you'd be planning on eating and sleeping in the refugios then? Better book ahead.
Also dragging a sleep bag along on the outside of your pack in the rain is not a good look.

[Moondog55]

Definition of insulated trousers open to debate.
I use mesh lined polyester track pants over long-johns but I carry bivvy pants for nite time and while I carry windproof overtrousers I don't (at the moment) tend to use my goretex pants very much at all.

[Snowzone]

I did Patagonia in January which is probably a little warmer than November. Invest in a really good goretex jacket and overpants, these will then keep you dry at least. You seem to have got the idea of layering ok. I use a merino base layer because its warm, comfortable and doesn't smell so much and for 5 days I could use the one shirt. But I also would have a mid layer and either a polar fleece or windstopper top of some kind and have thermals to change into at night.
You will need more than a 20l pack.

[DarthMinogue]

Thanks so much for info so far.

It kind of confirms what I thought, which is pretty much the main thing is getting the jacket right to stay dry. I don't have any clothes specific for this kind of thing. The only vaguely outdoorsy thing I own is a nylon waterproof jacket I wore at a music festival on the Isle of Wight in 2008. It poured for four days and kept me dry (pity I was using bin liners in my boots to keep my feet dry. It didn't work.)

I'm going via New York, so think I might risk it and get a hard shell there. The internet has told me about an Eddie Bauer First Ascent BC-200 jacket which looks like it fits the bill. I've never heard of any of that, but the reviews are good!

Thanks re 20L pack. It's the day pack that fits on my travel bag. Might rethink that.

[Moondog55]

I'd advise you to shop at "Patagonia" LOL
Get some underwear, a mid layer heavy weight underwear top (R1) a warm windproof insulated top as well as a wind and waterproof shell. windproof pants a hat and a beanie too

[ULWalkingPhil]

I prefer the Icebreaker Merino myself, i own 4 garments of the capilene, the merino is a lot better in my opinion. Keeps you warmer when wet, and will not melt if sitting to close to a fire and far more comfortable. Thats if you believe a show i just watched on surviving in the cold by Less Stroud. He says best to wear wool under garments.

Ive got a Patagonia R2 jacket, very warm for its weight and very comfortable to wear.