I am packing for a year long trip in South America starting in February and trying to decide what to take, particularly what kind of waterproof ….

I will be travelling from Rio to Quito, the long way round, down one side of the continent via Argentina, down to very southern Patagonia, then up the other side of the continent through Chile etc…Trying to pack for all climates is proving a bit of a difficulty! So,

a) I would be very grateful for any advice on what to pack when taking in all of these climates and still trying to carry everything in a 65 litre backpack

b) What waterproof would you take? I was thinking one of those small ‘pac-in-a-sac’ things that is waterproof, light weight and packs down to nothing but probably not very hardy and definitely not warm? Or, I have a proper water/wind proof Peter storm jacket, which is tougher and warmer but a bit bigger to carry.

I have read all the stuff about taking more money and buying extra when you arrive if you need to, but on a tight budget I want to try and chose carefully from what I already have. I also know about the whole layering thing for cold climates, which I definitely plan to do, but any other ideas, and experience people have would be very gratefully received!

thanks

Maybe you can pack for what you'll need the first couple of months... then either buy new stuff as the seasons change or have someone back home ship it to you. That way you don't have to lug everything all at once.

Hmm... starting in the summer, then going through a winter and back into a summer? I'd start off with a small bag and summer clothes, then go shopping in autumn in BA or somewhere big. Then when spring rolls around dispose of the winter stuff again!

PS: sounds like an awesome trip! Have fun

With a 65L pack, you should be more than fine. Layers is key. Sport tank tops (nice to have athletic ones, ones that wick) double as warm weather gear for the rainforest and as a base layer for the extreme climates. Get a few decent wicking tees as well. Base layers -- long sleeve top (like under armor/capilene/polypropelene) and a pair you can wear under pants for cold -- good for cool climates and cold. Re-use, re-use, re-use your clothes.

A fleece, a nice jacket (down or 3 in one) for extreme cold (I have a 600 down fill that keeps me extra warm, and it's waterproof/breathable to boot). 3 in one's are handy b/c you can peel the layers -- if you're too warm, take the top layer off -- very versatile.

For raingear, if you wish, you can bring a thin outer shell that's packable. It'll work well in the warm climates. Or just bring a poncho -- which I suggest anyways, if you'll be doing any kind of long distance hiking with a pack.

Good hiking shoes and a pair of sandals should suffice. Hiking socks and liners if you'll be doing a lot of hiking. Plus, hiking socks are thick and warm.

In reality, you really don't need *that* much, just a few key items. But if in doubt, you can always buy clothing down there.

But check out how they weather patterns are in the time of year you'll be in certain places, like Patagonia and such. Then you'll have a better feel if you need to pack for -20 degree weather or for 10 degree weather...