Planning a multi week Patagonia (Chile) trip for next year to do some running/fast packing. Obviously, there's the W route which is on the list but that's only a couple days worth of adventure. Any suggestions on what other trails/areas to look into?
I actually find it to be the best gear on the market. My Patagonia shorts hold up very well and their shells are the best during winter. They made running shoes for a few years but quit making them b/c they were crap and the shoe game is a tough market to crack.
I say go with it. Good gear at a reasonable price and it holds up very well.
Thanks for the laugh.
I've been there - it's super beautiful and amazing place for hiking/trekking. I did a few runs, but I was purposefully there during my off-season. One thing is that it is EXTREMELY windy. Like, the windiest place I've ever been, consistently. It made running a big challenge, especially in Torres del Paine NP.
I did a bunch of hiking in the Bariloche region of Argentina and also near Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego (I'm not sure if either of those are technically in Patagonia). I spent just a few days in TDP and did day hikes there. It was honestly my least favorite place as the trails were extremely crowded and really heavily regulated.
If you want some real back-woods, no one else around, self-navigating kind of experience, check out the Valdivieso Circuit near Ushuaia. Not a great running option, but amazing wilderness backpacking.