Planning a trip to Patagonia—the southernmost reaches of Chile and Argentina—can be daunting for the novice trekker.
Unless you’re talking with Jamie Abish, self-described “adventure capitalist” and owner of Tent and Trails, an outdoor outfitter store in Manhattan. “We can outfit an entire expedition from the store,” Abish says. Taking a glance at the gear hanging from the ceiling to the floor, I believe it.
Manhattan isn’t the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of outdoor experts—Portland and Seattle likely vie for that title—but Abish’s staff know what they’re talking about… and what they’re selling.
“Five men who were sherpas in Nepal work here,” she says.
And Craig– the employee who’s about to show me the essential gear for a Patagonia trip– he’s been just about everywhere.
So when he talks about temperature ranges of sleeping bags, it’s not some well-memorized sales pitch.
The man had to keep warm while camping out in frigid Arctic Sweden.
Abish and her staff estimate that a Patagonia trip for the first time trekker who wants a full gear-up will cost about $800-$1,000.
The gear list Tent and Trails provides here totals $1,128.00 in the store (before taxes) but some of the items listed are more for comfort than necessity.
You can gear up with Abish and her staff in person or online at www.tenttrails.com.
You can also order most of the gear through Amazon.
- Teko Women’s EcoMerino Midweight Hiking Socks – Lightweight, organic. What more could you want from a sock?
- Wigwam CoolMax Liner Socks – These liner socks wick away moisture, keeping your feet dry.
- Body Glide Anti-Chafing Skin Protectant – “It’s like deodorant for your whole body.”
- Adventure Medical Heatsheets Emergency Blanket – You never know when you may need some extra heat in Patagonia.
- Medica Quickclot Sport Silver 25 – Clotting Sponges that come in handy in case of an emergency.
- MSR Packtowl Personal Towels – Most travelers know about quick-drying towels, but in Patagonia, they’re essential.
- 9″ SAM Splint – You don’t want to need this, but you don’t want to be without it if you do.
- Smart Travel Adventure Medical Kits – Your basic first aid kit—don’t leave home without it.
- Snow Peak Trek 900 Titanium Cook Set – “Incredibly lightweight.”
- Pocket Rocket – A highly effective one-burner stove for all kinds of weather conditions.
- Ultrathon Insect Repellent 0.3 Oz Packet – Abish prefers this DEET repellent….
- Natrapel Plus 4 Oz – …but if you’re DEET averse, recommends this natural repellent.
- Coghlan’s Travellers Mosquito Net DW Green – Because sometimes repellent just isn’t enough.
- Polar Pure Water Disinfectant- Though Abish likes the Steri-Pen, she notes that it’s always good to carry two or more different water treatment devices in case one fails, which is especially important in extreme weather conditions.
- Adventure Medical Kits Oral Rehydration Salts – When you’re feeling dehydrated, these salts offer a quick fix.
- Therm-a-Rest ProLite 4 Fast & Light Mattress – This lightweight mat rolls up and stows on your pack and provides a good night’s rest.
- Osprey Packs Aether 60 Backpack – 3500-3900cu in – The only big pack you’ll need.
- Millet Prolight 24 Backpack – 1465cu in – If you’re headed out on a day hike, leave the Osprey behind and use this bag instead—it’s a smaller, water resistant wicking pack.
- Western Mountaineer Alpinlite Sleeping Bag – Rated 20-85 degrees F. Down fill.
Contact Information
Tent and Trails
21 Park Place
New York, New York 10007
212-227-1760
www.tenttrails.com
Julie Schwietert
Julie Schwietert Collazo is a writer, editor, researcher, and translator currently in New York, formerly of Mexico City and San Juan. She is Matador's managing editor and is the lead faculty member of MatadorU's travel writing program.
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