The Torres del Paine W Trek is a classic route around the most breathtakingly beautiful national park in Chilean Patagonia. Threading its way around megalithic mountains, splashing through icy streams, creeping past grumbling glaciers and winding through elegant verdigris forests, it’s not hard to see why the W Trek is one of the most iconic hikes in South America.
But as you’d imagine for a multi-day hike at in the unblemished wilds at the bottom of the world, there’s a certain amount of kit, clothing and preparation that goes into completing and enjoying this unique challenge. That’s why we’ve come up with the ultimate packing and preparation list for the Torres del Paine W Trek. This is it. The daddy of all W Trek checklists. The only one you’ll ever need!
All hikers need...
Regular synthetic underwear x 7
Long thermal underwear bottoms
Full length hiking pants
Hiking shorts
Long thermal underwear top
Long-sleeved synthetic top
Short-sleeved synthetic t-shirts x 2
Medium-weight fleece jacket
Sun hat with brim
Woolly hat
Water and windproof parka jacket
Waterproof gloves
Synthetic hiking socks x 7
Sturdy and supportive waterproof trekking boots
Sunglasses
Optional extras are...
Bandana
Waterproof pants
Fleece pants for camp
Athletics socks for camp and town
Casual city clothes
Casual shoes
All hikers need...
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Soap
Combined shampoo/conditioner
Moisturiser
Sunblock (SPF 15 or higher)
High factor sunblock lip balm
Insect repellent
Travel towel
Washcloth
Comb
Deodorant spray or wipes
All hikers need...
Heavy-duty one litre capacity water bottle x 2
Small flashlight
Plastic bags for wet clothing
Multi-tool knife
Independent hikers need...
Tent (if camping)
Sleeping mat (if camping)
-9°C thermal sleeping bag (for camping and refugios)
Mess kit (including pan, cup, plate, knife, fork and spoon)
Small gas cooker
Compass
Toilet paper
Optional extras are..
Small locks for luggage/bags
Polar liner for sleeping bag
Wet wipes
Safety pins
All hikers need...
Small selection of favourite hiking snacks
Independent hikers need...
Individual bags of oatmeal mixed with milk powder x 6
Individual bags of pasta / rice / noodles / couscous / mashed potato x 6
Stock cubes / instant packet soup x 6
Tortilla wraps for 7 days
Tuna in sachets for 7 days
Peanut butter in sachets for 7 days
Fruit, dried fruit, nuts for 7 days (buy on arrival in Chile)
Jerky or veggie jerky for 7 days
Candy for 7 days
Tea bags / instant coffee sachets / hot chocolate sachets
All hikers need...
Over-the-counter painkillers
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories
Over-the-counter diarrhea treatment
Band aids
Blister plasters
Knee braces
Personal medication
All hikers need...
Camera with spare memory
Camera charger
Phone
Phone charger
Electrical adapter
Binoculars
Mini sewing kit
Book
Pack of playing cards
All hikers need...
Passport
Travel insurance details
Plane tickets
US Dollars or Chilean Pesos
List of useful phone numbers (tour operators, hotels, etc.)
Independent hikers need...
Detailed topographical map of Torres del Paine
Punta Arenas bus timetable
Puerto Natales bus timetable
Campsite / refugio / hotel booking confirmation print outs
Things to do before you leave
All hikers...
Check visa / reciprocity fee requirements for all countries on your trip for your nationality
Notify your bank and credit card providers (so they don’t block your cards)
Ensure your travel insurance covers hiking up to 900 metres above sea level
Check and activate your phone’s roaming plan
Check your camera and flashlight batteries
Leave a copy of your itinerary, passport and insurance details with a friend
Know your baggage allowance for international and national flights
Advise airlines and accommodation of special dietary requirements
Now there’s just one thing left on the list; book your W Trek hiking tour in Torres del Paine National Park! You can also contact us so we can organize the W Trek you’re looking for.