Packing List for Horse Pack Trips at Estancia Ranquilco

If you’re joining a horse pack trip at Estancia Ranquilco, packing smartly is key to your comfort, enjoyment, and safety. Our adventures range from 3,600 feet at the lodge to high mountain passes around 7,000 feet. The weather can change quickly from hot and dry, to cold, windy and wet.

Daytime temperatures vary between 50–90°F (10–32°C), and nights are often chilly, sometimes dropping below freezing. Based on years of experience riding through these wild Patagonian landscapes, we’ve put together this list to help you prepare for all conditions.

Essential Items

  • Socks and undergarments

  • Bathing suit

  • Base layer shirt and pants (wool or polypropylene — doubles as great sleepwear for chilly nights)

  • 2–3 lightweight, long-sleeve cotton shirts for sun protection

  • Wool or fleece sweater/jacket

  • Down or Primaloft-type jacket

  • 2–3 pairs of comfortable, durable riding pants

  • 1 pair of shorts

  • Camp clothes or loungewear for evenings at camp

  • Rain jacket and rain pants

  • Light walking shoes

  • Riding boots

  • Wide-brimmed sun hat with chin strap

  • Warm beanie

  • Bandana, buff, or neck gaiter (for dust and wind)

  • Riding gloves (for sun and wind protection)

  • Pack towel or sarong

  • Sunglasses

  • Headlamp + extra batteries

  • Water bottle

  • Toiletries (biodegradable soap, shampoo & conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, sunscreen, moisturizer, chapstick, wipes, feminine products, hand sanitizer, personal medications, etc.)

  • Small personal first-aid kit (guides will have expedition kits)

  • Sleeping bag (see note below about sleeping bags)

Optional Items

  • Outfit for dinner, asado, or dancing back at the lodge

  • Sandals (good for rivers or lounging)

  • Sleeping pad (we provide saddle pads and foam mats)

  • Sleeping bag liner (for added warmth)

  • Fishing gear

  • Book, journal, or sketchpad

  • Camera

  • Binoculars

  • Pocket knife

  • Earplugs

  • Eye mask

  • Insect repellant

  • Portable power bank

  • Ziplock and/or dry bags (to waterproof clothes and electronics)

  • Deck of cards or small game

Clothing Tips

In order to be prepared for cold, wet, and/or windy weather, it is essential to bring all of the following layers:

  1. Base layer: Wool or synthetic long underwear for moisture management.

  2. Mid layer: Wool or fleece for insulation.

  3. Warmth layer: Down or Primaloft jacket for colder evenings.

  4. Outer layer: Wind- and rain-proof shell to keep the elements out.

Wool is ideal—it stays warm when wet and doesn’t need frequent washing. Down is warm but must stay dry; synthetic insulation is bulkier but more forgiving. Make sure your rain gear is actually waterproof. Plan as well for intense sun, and bring a hat with a good brim and light, long sleeve shirts for warm weather and sun protection.

Footwear Tips

Proper footwear is essential for safety and comfort while riding. Avoid heavy hiking boots with lug soles—they can get caught in stirrups.

  • Best choice: Smooth-soled leather riding boots with a short heel (so your feet don’t slip through the stirrups).

  • Alternative: Light walking or running shoes with half chaps (we can provide half chaps if needed).

You’ll also want a comfortable pair of shoes for camp and short walks.

Sleeping Gear

Nights in the Andes can be cold, even in summer. We recommend a high-quality sleeping bag rated to 0°F (–18°C) for warmth. Although actual lows rarely drop below 25°F (–4°C), temperature ratings vary widely and tend to be optimistic.

  • Down bags are warm and compressible but lose heat when wet.

  • Synthetic bags are bulkier but handle moisture better.

  • Liners add warmth and are easy to wash.

  • Saddle pads and sheepskins are provided for extra comfort, but you’re welcome to bring an additional pad if desired.

  • Compression sacks help to pack down sleeping bags.

If you prefer not to travel with a sleeping bag, rental bags are available for $40 USD.

Packing & Luggage Tips

Your gear will be carried by pack mules, so efficient packing makes a big difference.

We suggest:

  • One medium duffel bag, or two small duffels of roughly equal size (best fit for our panniers).

  • Avoid hard-sided suitcases—they can’t be packed on mules. Instead, bring soft duffels without excessive straps or rigid hardware.

  • Saddlebags are provided for small items like sunscreen, snacks, and water.

  • Jackets and layers can be tied behind the saddle for quick access.

  • Extra “town” clothes can be securely stored at the lodge while we’re in the mountains.

Final Tip

With the right gear and an adventurous spirit, you’ll be ready for everything from sun-drenched meadows to star-filled nights high in the Andes.