Kit for long day hikes from town, steep descents and no signal.
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What makes El Chaltén different
The same Patagonian wind as Torres del Paine, on day hikes that start and end in town. The classic one, Laguna de los Tres below Fitz Roy, is about 25km return with around 1,200m of climbing, 8–10 hours — and its last kilometre gains 400m over steep, loose boulders. Endurance is required, most injuries happen on the way back down.
Wind and weather
- A windproof, waterproof hardshell
- A warm mid-layer — the viewpoints are exposed and cold even in summer
- A buff and gloves for the top of the climb
For the trail itself
- Trekking poles, for the loose descent from Laguna de los Tres
- Broken-in waterproof boots
- A bottle and a small filter: mountain streams in the park are generally drinkable, but filter anything silty, and don't drink from the river near town
- A head torch for early starts
- Offline maps — there's no signal once you leave town
Gear links
→ Windproof, waterproof hardshell jacket — men's: UK · ES · DE / women's: UK · ES · DE
→ Merino base layer — men's: UK · ES · DE / women's: UK · ES · DE
→ Waterproof hiking boots — men's: UK · ES · DE / women's: UK · ES · DE
→ Trekking poles on Amazon: UK · ES · DE
→ Filter water bottle on Amazon: UK · ES · DE