Hi,

I need some help from you guys.

I am going trekking in Patagonia. At the time it will be late summer/early fall there. I need help to choose an ultralight clothing system for Torres del Paine trekking in late summer/early fall. I expect rainy days, a lot of wind and maximum temperature 59 F (15c), medium 40F (5c) and minimum 19 F (-6c).

I am looking for suggestions, advices. Anything you can help me with.

For example, would the items bellow be suitable?

· Base layer botton- silk???? Merino???
· Base layer top- Silk??? Merino??? Polartec power strech?
· Mid layer botton - ????
· Mid layer top - Montbell ultralight down parka 288grams 10oz
· Windshell botton - Montane Minimus pant 152grams 5,3oz
· Windshell top - Marmot Essence Jacket 204grams 7.2oz
· Gloves - Zpacks Possum gloves?
· Trekking pant - Marmot Arch Rock pant
· Trekking t shirt - long sleev merino tee? Patagônia Capilene?
· Shoes - Tradicional full grain leather? Light wheitgh boot?
· Gaiter - ??



Can you give me any other tip?

Thanks a lot!

Windshells will not keep you dry when it rains. They might repel a short drizzle, but not real rain. Remember that with the winds, the rain will be horizontal, so ponchos or omitting rain pants are probably not a great idea.

Breathable rain gear can substitute for windshells, but not the other way around.

Added later: In those conditions I'd want a lightweight (100 wt.) fleece top as a mid-layer for hiking. You don't want to be wearing down when actively moving. Your perspiration under your rain jacked will definitely compromise your down insulation. The down is for when you're resting, in camp and in case it gets too cold for your sleeping bag at night.

In very wet conditions, primaloft(Synthetic) is generally preferred (instead of down). There is now a water-proof down. You may want to look into that. Also in wet/cold conditions I prefer wool to silk for base layers.

I have never been to Patagonia, but from the stuff I have read unless lucky, you could be walking in a lot if rain.

I think W_D has a good idea on the Primaloft. In the very wet conditions you're liable to encounter (from reading, not experience), you may be able to keep the down dry, but it will be a lot harder!

Do remember, though, that once the Primaloft gets wet, it isn't any warmer than wet down! You still have to keep the jacket dry! The difference is that synthetic insulation absorbs far less moisture from the humid air.

I'd use a synthetic base layer (such as Patagonia Capilene) rather than silk, which has little warmth. The advantage of Capilene over wool is that wool absorbs moisture, but Capilene absorbs a lot less. Wool, however, feels warmer when wet.