How much should kids' backpacks weigh?

Maximum 10-15% of their body weight. A 50-pound child should carry no more than 5-7 pounds. Pack water, snacks, and rain jacket in their daypack, but adults carry the heavy stuff.

What if my child outgrows gear during the trip?

Buy slightly larger sizes before you go. Growing feet are the biggest issue - bring boots with room for thick socks. You can find basic outdoor gear in El Calafate and Puerto Natales but selection is limited and expensive.

Do I need special gear for glacier walks with kids?

Yes, but tour operators provide crampons and helmets. You need waterproof boots that crampons can attach to, plus glacier glasses (category 4 sunglasses). Kids under 8 usually can't do glacier walks.

What's the most important item to pack?

Properly fitted rain gear. You can be cold and still have fun, but wet kids are miserable kids. Make sure rain jackets have room for layers underneath and pants have full side zips for easy on-off over boots.

How to Pack for Patagonia with Kids

Pack in layers for extreme weather changes, bring duplicate essentials for each child, and prioritize waterproof everything. Focus on merino wool base layers, insulated jackets, and rain gear that fits properly. Plan for 4 seasons in one day.

Start with the layer system for each child. Base layer: merino wool or synthetic long underwear (pack 2 sets per child). Mid layer: fleece or down jacket. Outer layer: waterproof shell jacket and pants. Kids need this system because Patagonia weather changes in minutes.
Pack duplicate essentials. Bring 2 of everything critical: rain jackets, warm hats, gloves, and hiking boots. Kids lose things, and there's nowhere to replace gear in remote Patagonia. Pack extras in separate bags.
Choose proper footwear. Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support (broken-in before the trip), plus camp shoes like Crocs. Bring wool hiking socks and liner socks to prevent blisters. Kids' feet get wet constantly in Patagonia.
Pack weather protection gear. Wide-brim sun hat, sunglasses with strap, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF. The Patagonian sun is intense at altitude, and wind burn is real. Buff or neck gaiter for wind protection.
Include comfort and entertainment items. Small daypack for each child, favorite snacks that travel well, downloaded movies/books for travel days, and one special toy or comfort item. Long bus rides and weather days happen.

How much should kids' backpacks weigh?: Maximum 10-15% of their body weight. A 50-pound child should carry no more than 5-7 pounds. Pack water, snacks, and rain jacket in their daypack, but adults carry the heavy stuff.
What if my child outgrows gear during the trip?: Buy slightly larger sizes before you go. Growing feet are the biggest issue - bring boots with room for thick socks. You can find basic outdoor gear in El Calafate and Puerto Natales but selection is limited and expensive.
Do I need special gear for glacier walks with kids?: Yes, but tour operators provide crampons and helmets. You need waterproof boots that crampons can attach to, plus glacier glasses (category 4 sunglasses). Kids under 8 usually can't do glacier walks.
What's the most important item to pack?: Properly fitted rain gear. You can be cold and still have fun, but wet kids are miserable kids. Make sure rain jackets have room for layers underneath and pants have full side zips for easy on-off over boots.