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What to Pack for Trekking the O Circuit in Patagonia

  • 2 days ago
  • 5 min read

By Hayley Babbitt


Above: Selfie in my tent at Refugio Los Perros on the O Circuit, Patagonia, Chile. 2026 by Hayley Babbitt


Patagonia: the land of ravaging winds. When it came to planning what to pack for my trek of the O Circuit in Patagonia, Chile, the wind and rain were at the front of my mind while selecting my gear. While I was blessed to have had several beautiful, perfect days that were sunny (and strangely hot), I had also hiked several days in steady rain and endured bitterly freezing temperatures. Having a durable camping setup and a variety of clothing is crucial for this epic 7-10 trek in the wilderness of rugged Patagonia.


Above: Checking out a vista of Glaciar Los Perros on the O Circuit, Patagonia, Chile. 2026 by Hayley Babbitt


I would like to give a huge shoutout to Alpinistas, one of my sponsors who supplied my outfitting for this trek. The outfitting I was supplied from Alpinistas was some of the best, high quality gear I have ever trekked in. With Gore-Tex technology in the rain gear (a MUST if hiking the O), Alpinistas knew just what I needed and delivered it. Thank you, Alpinistas!


Backpacker's Pantry is another sponsor of mine for this trek, having supplied my provisions for my hike of the O. I have been a fan of Backpacker's Pantry's meals for many years on many trails and am thrilled to have their support. If you are looking for restaurant quality meals on your hikes (or even at home, like I do sometimes), checkout the meals from Backpacker's Pantry!


Disclaimer: I am, what I like to call, an "ultra-heavy" backpacker. If you are looking for ultra-light gear recommendations, this list is probably not for you.


Above: Mocha and I high-fiving after pitching our tent (DD XL Pyramid Tent) in Grand Tetons National Park.

2025 by Hayley Babbitt


Pack & Camp Setup


Backpack: Gregory DIVA 60 

Sleeping bag: Hearth sleeping bag

Trekking poles: Thrifted!


Because of the ever-changing weather in Patagonia, it is crucial that you have a quality, durable sleep setup. While renting gear from Puerto Natales (the nearest town) is an option, I would suggest bringing your own gear that you know and trust. I don't think there's anything wrong with renting gear, especially if you're renting a pre-setup tent at the refugios, but knowing your gear and how to properly use it (not to mention pack and carry it) is best in my opinion.


Most importantly when it comes to selecting your gear for this trek, consider waterproof material. The O Trek is probably the most wet, water-filled trail I have yet to hike. Having a rain cover for your backpack (with a way to fasten it to your pack) is essential. When it comes to choosing your tent, make sure it is durable enough to endure harsh winds, as it is almost always very windy during the night.


Above: Taking some photos at Base Torres in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. 2026 by Hayley Babbitt


Clothing


Mid-layer: Black Diamond technical zip up midlayer fleece (currently unavailable)

Extra clothes: 1x leggings, 1x thermal long-sleeve shirt, 1x alpaca poncho, 1x fleece gloves, 1x wool hat, 1x ball cap, underwear 7x (I see you judging, thru-hikers!)


Knowing myself (the least fashionable person I know), I don't know what I would have done without having the help of Alpinistas. Every clothing piece I brought on the O Circuit was the perfect fit for the environment I was in, always keeping me dry and comfortable. I would highly recommend all of the pieces I listed above.


It is essential to have a waterproof external layer for this hike. Layers are the key, as the weather can go from hot to cold, rain to shine within an instant. I would yo-yo with several hikers each day because of "layering" or "de-layering" breaks on the side of the trail. With temperatures often being brutally cold the layers also come in handy. Most nights I slept with all of my layers on and still felt cold to a degree.


Above: My backpacking cookware and dining setup. 2023 by Hayley Babbitt


Cookware


Gas: Buy locally as it is hard to travel with gas canisters.


If you are prone to getting "hiker hunger" on multi-day treks, I highly suggest bringing food that you do not have to heat. Since I'm fine with having a hot meal once per day, I decided to bring mostly backpacking meals that required to be heated. But for those who enjoy to eat throughout the day, Torres del Paine National Park strictly prohibits any flame or cooking outside of designated areas (only at refugios), so it's best to bring ready-to-eat meals and snacks.


For those who have a more flexible budget, it's worth noting that every refugio (even Los Perros, which is the most rustic) serves hot meals and sells snacks and drinks. I met a few hikers who didn't carry any food (aside from some snacks) and solely ate at the refugios.


Above: All of the meals Backpacker's Pantry supplied me with for the O Circuit. 2026 by Hayley Babbitt


Meals (Backpacker's Pantry)



As you can see, I'm a huge fan of the stroganoff. Backpacker's Pantry has an amazing variety of meals that taste incredible on trail or even at home. I don't know if it's "normal" to eat backpacking meals at home on occasion, but that's how good the Backpacker's Pantry meals are to me!


Above: Showing off a liter of fresh spring water, filtered by my Sawyer water filter attachment. 2023 by Hayley Babbitt


Miscellaneous Gear


Fire starter (open fires are NOT permitted in the park, these are for emergencies): Stormproof Match Kit

Shampoo & conditioner bars: Rice Water Shampoo Bar and Rice Water Conditioner Bar

Toothbrush & toothpaste

Moisturizer

Deodorant

Mini hair brush

Toilet paper

Wet wipes

Ziploc bags

Sunglasses

Journal & pen


My biggest regret on the O Trek was not packing deet or bug spray. A few nights of the trek (around Refugio Dickson was the worst) were unbearable with mosquitos. I couldn't stop hiking for one second in the afternoons due to the swarms of mosquitos that would attack me if I did.


Above: My Sony Alpha 7III camera. 2023 by Hayley Babbitt


Camera Gear


Mirrorless camera: Sony Alpha 7III

Action camera: Insta 360 X5

Chargers


Usually I bring my drone on backpacking trips as well. However, Torres del Paine National Park prohibits flying drones inside of the park so I left it behind for this trek.


Above: The most scenic sandwich spot ever (Mirador Británico, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile).

2026 by Hayley Babbitt


If there's anything to take away from this packing list it's to have quality gear (waterproof) that can withstand the brutal Patagonia weather. Now, get packing and go hike the O Circuit!

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© 2022 Hayley Babbitt and Luke Baum

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