What to Pack for The Huemul Circuit in Argentinian Patagonia

As with any and all alpine adventures - you should have the ten eseentials with you at all times.

the ten essentials

gear

50-65L Overnight Backpack - My personal go to is this

Tent

Camp Pillow

NEMO Fillo Pillow - this is the first backpacking pillow ever and I still use it often to this day. it does not pack super well but is very comfortable.
For the past several years I have used the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow - it packs down to fit inside of a camp coffee cup - and sometimes I will wrap it in a down or fleece jacket for extra softness but even without it is perfect.
Exped Mega Pillow - a new addition to my gear closet I have been using this for car camping lately and, as its intended use is backpacking, I think it would be great too!

Sleeping Pad

NEMO Quasar 3D Insulated Air Sleeping Pad - go for the wide width. This is by far the most comfortable sleeping pad that I have ever used.
NEMO Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad - this is what I use on my mountaineering trips and any time I am at all concerned about weight or space in my backpack.

Garmin InReach Mini + subscription

Garmin Fēnix 7S Solar Saphire (or any sport watch)

Headlamp

Thermarest Seat Pad

clothing

Down Jacket - I like this warm one from Outdoor research or this lighter jacket from Patagonia (I brought the Patagonia Fitz Roy but it seems to be fully sold out for the season)

A cozy fleece sweater for lounging around the hut. This is my go to from Patagonia, but I also love this more budget friendly full zip from REI.

A long sleeve like the Lululemon Swiftly Tech LS

Base-layer tank or tee shirt - my personal favourite it this REI Co-op Active Pursuits Ribbed Tank Top

A pair of hiking pants - you will want to try these REI Co-op Trailmade Pants

A pair or two of leggings. Some of my current favourites are:

Fast and Free tights from lululemon (with pockets of course)
REI Thermal Running Tight - I don’t find these super warm but do find them to be really soft and flattering.
lululemon Align High-Rise Pant
Vuori All The Feels Leggings - more lounge than hike but great for the hut
Vuori Daily Leggings - same as above, my go to lounge leggings

Hiking shorts (if weather permits) - I love these Patagonia Barely Baggies Shorts they also do come in a longer length

A waterproof jacket - this one from Arc’teryx is amazing.

Rain Pants (depending on the weather)

Hiking Boots or a sturdy Trail runner:

Danner Mountain 600 - my go to hiking boots. These are heavier than some (still lighter than others), fully waterproof, supportive and honestly - they look cute on the trail.
Danner Trail 2650 - great hiking shoe with the sole of a hiking boot without the extra bulk. I have worn these on many multi day trips.
Salomon Speedcross 6 - the benefit of a higher pack means that something like a great trail shoe is an option.
HOKA Challenger 7 - another great fast and light shoe option that I love.

Camp Slippers or Sandals

Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons - worth the weight in your bag to have something cozy to slip into at the huts.
Teva Original Universal Sandals - these are great for camp sandals (with socks) and also for timor river crossings.
Chaco Z/Cloud 2 Sandals - slightly heaver but still great sandals, the toe straps make them more secure in water.

Hiking Socks

Hat (for sun protection)

Sunnies - I like these for when I am active and these for when I want to look cute

kitchen and toiletries

A camp stove (open fires are not permitted in Patagonia) - I use the Jetboil Stash Cooking System + camp fuel (there are a dozen outdoor shops to buy this from in town)

REI Co-op Camp Mug + instant coffee - I like this one

You can also bring a more elaborate coffee system. I outline three of my go-to methods in this blog.

Camp Coffee 101

Long handled silicone spoon - do not sleep on this. It is the BEST

Backcountry Camp Meals

And if you are new to dehydrated meals, I know it can be a little intimidating (or seemingly gross) so I have done the leg work and tested hundreds of different meals and curated a list of the top ten… so that you won’t be disappointed in the backcountry. You can check them out via the button below.

Do not try to get these in El Chaltén - they have an extremely limited selection and they are all very basic pasta or very basic rice dishes. No protein whatever. I highly highly recommend bringing your own from home.

I packed three breakfasts, three lunches (and three empanadas for the first lunch), and three dinners.

the best backcountry camp meals

Pro Tip: At REI you save 10% when you buy 8 or more backpacking meals.

Electrolytes

Saltstick - these tablets are great. I like the orange and watermen flavours.
Nuun - the tried and true for so many outdoors people. I carry these everywhere with me.

Snacks

Pataognia is known for a lot of things… but snacks are not one of those things. When weighing out my bags for this trip I realized that 15/50 of my checked pounds came from my snacks.

This trip I packed enough protein bars, meat snacks, fruit leathers and tail mix for the four days on the trail and a few extras for travel days.

Pro Tip: At REI you save 10% when you buy 10 or more snacks.

Nalgene 32 oz - for water

Nalgene 16 oz - for electrolytes and my morning AG1