Adventure friends, do you dream of traveling in Patagonia?
Well, it is an idyllic place, where dreams can come true. But! in order to achieve this you need to be prepared, or everything can go south really fast and you'll be stuck with a nightmare.
When you go out to commune with nature it is best to be comfortable and have fun. So let's avoid hunger, thirst and cold.
Water! Always have Water!
Keep a refillable bottle with you at ALL times (ok, not ALL times, you can put it down when you sleep). You may be nervous about tap water, but this area has some of the best water in the world and the odds of getting sick from it are quite low.
If you choose to drink from a creek or river, make sure it is running, and that no animals or people make use of it up river to avoid contamination.
Finally, when in doubt: boil it! (this may apply to things other than water).
Prep and Plan your Food
Limit the weight: Choose dehydrated foods (you need to carry this stuff around mate)
Choose ingredients that are light, quick to prepare and high in fat and sugar. (expeditions require energy, so no dieting! def a pro)
Make sure you keep the diet balanced (you are not supposed to survive on chocolate bars for 10 straight days) If your lips are cracking there is a good chance you need more vitamins. So let's avoid this painful event by taking dry fruits and vegs, powdered soup, etc.
Always keep mixed nuts at hand! By this we mean peanuts, almonds, walnuts, etc.
If you want to take alcohol with you, don't take it in the heavy glass bottle. Transfer it to lighter plastic containers, again, you need to carry that stuff around with you.
Prep for Rain
Keep in mind that if you will be stopping by the Los Lagos Region, it is one of the largest rain forests in the world. This means... you guessed it: Rain! So pack accordingly.
Waterproof your backpack: You will thank us for this when you have nice dry socks to change in to. So, if you don't have a waterproof backpack or a waterproof cover, you can Macgyver it by lining the inside of your bag with a sturdy trash bag and putting all your stuff inside. This way all stays dry and the bag won't rip (as opposed to what would happen if you put it on the outside).
It's a Tarp!: Make sure your tent is waterproof. If not, take an extra tarp with you to add a second roof. Have I mentioned the rain?
Evening Shoes: I don't mean heels. If your shoes are not waterproof, take some plastic bags that you can fit your foot into, and well fit your feet in them. Like futuristic plastic socks over your socks. This will help keep your socks "dry" (disclaimer, they may get a bit sweaty, or a lot, depends on your feet). And have a pair of extra shoes, his way you can change into dry socks and shoes at night, helping to avoid fungus, and blisters.
Ducktape!
I'm pretty sure this stuff is magic. So take some with you, not the whole roll because it might be too heavy, but enough to help you out in a pinch. You can use it to fix a rip in your tent, stick broken shoes back together again, etc. (If the king had some duct tape, Humpty Dumpty would be with us today).
Bring a First Aid Kit
Ok, so no jokes here, make sure you have at least the basics with you:
Sterile gauze
Elastic bandages
Round tipped scissors
Antiseptic towelettes
Sterile vinyl gloves
Some plasters
Paracetamol
Antihistamines
So folks, be safe, be ready, pack smart and expect the unexpected! (does that even make sense?)