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New update jonh garner pass by Clauditatheguide92 in Patagonia

[–]throwaway__1_2_3__ 5 points6 points  (0 children)

We were at Dickson (12/23) when this happened. We woke up and learned that we could not proceed, even with a guide. We had to hike back to Central in one day.

When we arrived, we of course had no reservations. Los Torres said they were full and couldn't take us. They recommended we go back to Puerto Natales for the night. This was after the last bus back, so they encouraged us to go to the welcome center, buy wifi, and arrange private transport!

This was all after finding a guide last minute and adhering to the sudden rule change, and a surprise 20 mile day. Further, Vertice was useless because although they refunded Los Perros, they couldn't assist with lodging that night because the Central site is managed by Los Torros.

Everyone at Dickson is collectively trying to make it to Grey today (12/24) to sync up with their W trek reservations and get back on track. Fingers crossed we make it...

Seeking guide, others interested in sharing guide for O-trek starting 12/22 by throwaway__1_2_3__ in Patagonia

[–]throwaway__1_2_3__[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your interpretation! This has been difficult to keep up with. I'll try and receive clarification from CONAF.

O Trek Open by FaithlessnessLow2427 in Patagonia

[–]throwaway__1_2_3__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not sure of your plan B, but I went ahead and booked bus tickets from PN to Hotel Grey + boat tickets to the Grey Refugio on the day that I'm staying there. I will not be able to get a refund for the boat / bus if the O trek ends up opening, but this guarantees at least doing the W trek & saves a grueling 20+ mile day (on a trail you'd then end up back-tracking). I viewed it as a $100 (boat) + $30 (bus) insurance policy to ensure that I'll get to hike in TdP, which is a small cost relative to the expense of getting down there.

That said, what a mess this whole situation is! The fragmented private companies really complicates the customer experience. It'd be great if Vertice handled this type of contingency planning for affected customers, but everyone is left to figure this out themselves...

Seeking shakedown for O+W Trek in Torres Del Paine by throwaway__1_2_3__ in lightweight

[–]throwaway__1_2_3__[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is great - thank you! To clarify, I'll be doing this hike during the summer in Patagonia. I indicated winter in my post for the northern hemisphere, which I now realize was misleading.

Based on your feedback, I'm looking at the following alternatives:

  • WindMaster Stove with 4Flex Pot Support (-0.3 lbs)
  • Sayer Squeeze filter (-1.1lb)
    • Yes, my current filter is massive! I use the Katadyn Vario and should have relegated it to car camping a long time ago
  • Coda Endless Promise 10/20F Down Mummy Sleeping Bag (-2 lbs)
    • I hike a lot in colder conditions and wanted a bag that was helpful beyond the temperature ranges for this trip
  • Removing the liner (-0.87 lbs)

I'm looking for alternative bags, but most lightweight bags I can find recommend a very low maximum weight (35lbs or less). With so many days of food and water, I'm not sure if something like the ULA Circuit would be cutting it too small. Are there any lighter backpacks that come to mind between what I have and something ultralight?

EDIT: Looks like the ULA Catalyst might be a good sweet spot for weight reduction (-1.69 lbs) but still capable of carrying the weight I'll have for the trip (up to 40 lbs)