Equipment List
The weather in Valle Chacabuco changes dramatically by the season and by the hour. While the equipment list below is not a complete one, it should give you a sense of the type of gear to bring with you.
- Hiking Boots: Expect to do lots of walking over uneven terrain.
- Hiking Socks: Bring several pairs of sturdy hiking socks. The wool/synthetic kind tends to perform best.
- Work Clothes: Whether you are taking down barbed wire fences, hiking through dense vegetation or wearing the same clothes for long periods of time, you will want a heavyweight pants and shirt/jacket that will last.
- Work Gloves: Crucial when rolling up barbed wire fence rolling, removing non-native plants, and the like.
- Down or Synthetic Insulation Jacket: Evenings are cool/cold, year round.
- Windbreaker/Raincoat: It's windy in Patagonia and when it rains, it rains.
- Synthetic Base layer: Capilene, Polypropylene or some other type of synthetic long underwear - top and bottom.
- Fleece Jacket.
- Sunblock & Sunglasses: The sun is strong in Patagonia. Bring plenty of sun protection for your skin, lips and eyes.
- Hat, for warm weather: Be prepared to spend all day working outside. You will want a hat with a broad visor to block the sun.
- Hat, for cold weather.
- Flashlight/Headlamp/Lantern: Also plan to bring an extra set of batteries.
- Tent: sturdy enough to withstand high winds.
- Tent Repair Kit: Past volunteers have recommended bringing a small repair kit.
- Sleeping Bag: Even in the summer, nights are cold, so bring a warm sleeping bag. Depending on the individual, sleeping bags should be rated -20 ° to -5 ° C.
- Sleeping Pad.
- Plate and utensils: Will be used when camping.
- Swimsuit: There are many beautiful lakes, rivers and streams in Patagonia. Swimming or wading in them makes for an invigorating (read: cold) experience.
- River Sandals/Flip Flops: These are useful around camp or when walking through streams and rivers.
- Water Bottle/Hydration Pack: You will need to carry your own water when you're out in the field. Make sure you bring the water storage capacity you will need.
- Towel: A synthetic camp towel that will dry quickly.
- Bug Repellant: The flies can be bothersome, especially during January. Repellant is not always effective, but worth a try. Long sleeves/pants are also essential.
- Knee-High Gaiters: These can be useful for repelling pimpinellas or for keeping out water when crossing streams.
- Immunizations: Before traveling to the future Patagonia National Park, check with your doctor and ensure that all of your immunizations, especially for Tetanus, are current.
- First Aid Kit: Bring a small, personal first-aid kit with moleskin for blisters, ibuprofen, aspirin or anything else that you may want while at the park. Also, bring sufficient quantities of any prescription medications and/or contact lens solution that you will need. There will be group first-aid kits for emergencies but there is no drug store nearby.
- Safety Glasses/Goggles: When rolling up barbed wire fences, bits of loose wire might strike you in the face, so we recommend that you bring a pair of clear, safety glasses/goggles.
- Biodegradable soap and shampoo.
- Books: We're building up a small volunteer library here, but you'll have some free time to read, so bring something you enjoy.
