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Chilean Patagonia

For reservations and inquiries: North America 1 800 307 3982 Outside North America +1 250 285 2121 or email info@kayakingtours.com

About the Packing List

The following is a list of suggested items recommended for your safety and comfort while on your kayak tour. There will also be some clothing you may want for the city portion of your tour. Please note that fashion abounds in major cities and quick-dry clothing here will make you stick out like a sore thumb. Jeans and nice tops are acceptable for most venues in the city, but if you plan on visiting fancy restaurants a jacket and tie or skirt may be required.

We are fortunate to be basing the sea kayaking portion of our trip from the mothership. This awesome vessel gives us a warm and dry place to come back to each evening, but it is still important to have the proper clothing for kayaking in order to fully enjoy your experience.

Temperatures: Note that the Patagonia summer can offer warm, sunny days and cool nights - not unlike the climate of British Columbia. March in Patagonia is equivalent to our September temperatures in BC. However this region can also experience cool temperatures and abundant rainfall. In early March the Patagonian days are similar to what we experience in the northern hemisphere, though a bit longer. Note at any time of year rain and wind can occur. It is best to come prepared for any type of weather. Remember there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear!

If you have any concerns or questions about this list, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

What to Bring: General

Passport & money belt - Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return flight. A money belt helps to keep your important documents and money close to your body and takes away the worry of travel.

Copies of all your important documents - A simple photocopy of your passport and travel insurance details can save you a lot of hassle if you ever lose them.

Soft-shelled suitcase - For comfort and ease while on the mothership, soft shelled bags such as backpacks or duffle bags are recommended. Stores such as Mountain Equipment Co-op make a great hybrid duffle with wheels and backpack straps.

Wet shoes - A pair that can get wet such as sturdy full strapped sandals, neoprene booties, or rubber boots. To maximize packing space, a comfortable pair of sandals that you can wear both in the city and get wet, combined with neoprene or water proof socks may work best.

Walking shoes - A pair of runners or other comfortable walking shoes for exploring the cities, travel days and onboard the mothership. If you plan on doing much trekking before or after the tour, hiking boots may be in order.

Hat - A brimmed rain/sun hat and a wool or fleece hat for evenings or cooler days will make you a happy camper.

Sunglasses & sunscreen - A must for protection from sun and glare off of the water. A safety cord on your glasses is a good idea.

Small towel & bathing suit - Quick drying travel towels are handy. Don't forget your bathing suit if you wish to enjoy the natural hot springs! We will have full sized towels in our hotels and for aboard the mothership.

Medication - If you are bringing medication please ensure that... 1) the name and expiry date of drug is on container; 2) you have a copy of your original prescription in case they question your drugs at the border; 3) you have the detailed instructions of your dosage and frequency; 4) pack in water and sun-proof container; and 5) you bring a full extra dosage of your medication in a separate container and leave with your guides, in case you misplace or lose yours.

Personal items - Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable and saltwater friendly soap, washcloth, feminine hygiene products (non-perfumed items are less likely to attract bugs), hairbrush, etc.

Ear plugs and sleep mask - Great for night flights and if your friends are snoring!

Toilet paper - A small roll of toilet paper in a ziploc is often handy for public restrooms. While on tour all toilet paper will be provided.

Wet wipes and hand sanitizer – Good for sanitizing or a quick wash when water is not available.

Ziploc bags - These and a large garbage bag are always handy when traveling.

Small flashlight or headlamp - Don't forget spare batteries. Headlamps are preferable as they allow for hands free use.

Water bottle – 1 durable water bottle. Most of the time we will be purchasing bottled water, but I also often use purification drops to treat water when possible to cut down on plastic waste. Spirit of the West will provide safe drinking water during your journey with us. If you plan on trekking after your tour it would be a good idea to carry some water purification tabs or drops, such as Pristine drops.

Camera & film/memory cards - Packed in waterproof bag or case. Be sure to bring lots of memory cards and spare batteries, you won't want to miss these photo opportunities. You will need a plug adaptor for charging. Check your battery charger to ensure it can handle 220 voltage (most chargers are dual voltage).

Book and/or journal - Books written in English are often quite expensive in Chile. Most hotels have book exchanges for when you are done.

Clothing: Paddling

Clothing should be suitable for the time of year bearing in mind that it could become cold and wet at anytime. Layering is the best way to regulate body temperature and maintain warmth. We suggest avoiding cotton (except for those hot days and in the city). Cotton has no insulation value when wet. An inner material that wicks moisture from the body and gives a comfortable dry feeling even while wet is the best first layer (polypropylene, nylon, polyester). A synthetic material such as fleece or pile makes the best second layer to provide warmth. Wool is also suitable.

Rain jacket & rain pants - These are essential for the unexpected nasty weather. To test your waterproofness jump in the shower and see if you stay dry! Spirit of the West will provide a paddling jacket during the kayaking portion of the tour.

Long pants - One pair of fleece or warm comfortable pants. Two lighter pairs made of a quick drying fabric. Often these pants can also double as "city or casual" pants for exploring in the city. Jeans are not recommended for kayaking, but are fine in the city.

Long underwear top & bottoms – Helps to keep you warm in the evenings or as a base layer during the day.

Long sleeved non-cotton shirt - Two.

T-shirts - 2-3 synthetic tops. Synthetic material dries quickly so you can wash in the evening and wear it the next day.

Shorts - One quick dry nylon pair.

Warm socks - Three pairs.

Undergarments - As you see fit. A couple pairs of synthetic underwear for paddling can be comfortable on wet days. Cotton underwear is good for evenings.

 

Clothing: City

Jeans - One pair. Comfortable for wearing on the plane and around the city.

Business casual outfit - Chileans in the city have a real sense of style. This does NOT need to be a fancy outfit, but a button up shirt and nice sweater will help you to feel comfortable in the city. I often wear a summer skirt and a nice top.

 

Optional Items

Nylon stuff sacs/compression sacs – These are handy for minimizing the size of your clothing and for storing other items. They can be purchased at most camping and hardware stores. While handy, these are not essential.

Binoculars

Small pillow – You can purchase small compact pillows at some outdoor stores or in the airport. This may make your overnight flight much more comfortable (however most airlines provide these). When on the mothership and in hotels a regular full size pillow will be provided.

Gloves – Wool or fleece gloves can be a cozy addition to a cool day. Biking gloves work well to protect your hands from blisters. If you are really concerned about cold hands, you may want to invest in neoprene gloves, or pogies. Pogies are easy to use as they attach to your paddle and then you slip your hand in and out, allowing you to quickly have bare hands for taking photos etc.

Fishing gear – Our mothership will have some basic fishing equipment available for use while onboard. If you are an expert fisher person you may wish to bring your favourite lures etc.

Sleeping bag – You will not need a sleeping bag during this trip. However if you wish to do some camping/exploring before or after your tour it may come in handy.

Beverages – There will be a good selection of drinks available onboard the mothership including beer and wine with meals (these are included in the cost of your tour). However if you wish to bring additional spirits, you are welcome too. They can be purchased in Santiago prior to departure.

 

What is Provided

Pillow and bedding - At hotels and on board the mothership.

Paddling Jacket (this is to help keep you dry when kayaking, a rain coat is still recommended for the rest of your journey).

All other paddling equipment.

 

Sanitation

The kayak cuts no grooves and leaves no scars, as it travels freely through the waters. However on land, with the increasing number of kayakers venturing into new territory and seeking the un traveled path, we must respect our surroundings and be aware of our impact on these environmentally sensitive areas. Spirit of the West makes every effort to ensure we leave our area as we found it or better.

While on the mothership, please use biodegradable soaps and shampoos. We will have plenty of water for drinking and will do our best not to waste water when washing.

The boat is equipped with toilets but during our paddling excursions your guides will explain the most environmentally appropriate technique for using nature's bathroom. Your guide will carry a toiletry bag, and will generally designate an area or method that works best for each area. Our guides will go over these details before the tour and if you have any concerns while on tour please do not be shy to ask your guide. All paper and sanitary products are taken out - this is where Ziplocs are handy. Toilet paper can be burned or taken out. Sanitary products will be brought out with us and disposed of on the boat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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