Patagonia is one of the world’s most mystical, cinematic destinations. I explored it for the first time on a hardcore bike trip along the Carretera Austral—a remote, glacier-lined road in Northern Chilean Patagonia. It’s considered one of the most iconic road trips in the world. Our route traversed steep mountains, remote towns, and crystalline lakes. And I learned the hard way that Patagonia is a place where you can experience all four seasons before lunch. This guide breaks down the gear needed to stay warm, dry, and comfortable while adventuring through one of the most breathtaking (and unpredictable) regions on earth. (The secret is: layers.)
I traveled with Cicloaustral, a bike tour company that also offers support for self-supported trips. But I much preferred the camaraderie of a guided group, especially since I bike maybe three times a year. They have an ethos of “no rider left behind,” so the group always waits at every stop regardless of skill level. They also served hot, comforting lunches at scenic viewpoints, booked us into charming local hotels each night, and fed us local dishes. Plus: endless Chilean candy bars.
Biking the Carretera Austral with Cicloaustral
(Cicloaustral)
Before the trip, Cicloaustral sent a long recommended gear list. Here’s what I tested and recommend taking.
On the Bike Clothing and ShoesOff the Bike Clothing and ShoesBest WindbreakerPatagonia Houdini Jacket
I chose Patagonia’s Women’s Houdini® Jacket in the brisk purple color, made of 100% recycled nylon. It’s ultralight, packs down into a tiny stuff sack with a reinforced carabiner clip loop, and is effortlessly stylish. It’s also made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory. I wore a size small and wore it every single day while riding my bike. The multiple zips, adjustability, and the hood (which cinches down in one pull and maintains complete peripheral vision) made it perfect for riding. Most impressive: it blocked the wind and kept me warmer than I expected, despite weighing almost nothing.
Best Fleece JacketPatagonia R1® Air Fleece Jacket
I absolutely loved the Patagonia R1® Air Fleece Jacket. It kept me cozy and warm both on and off the bike. It comes in five colors, and I chose barnacle blue. It is lightweight, highly breathable, and made with quick-drying, 100% recycled polyester jacquard fleece. Even though it kept me fully warm while riding in the cold, it never felt bulky or heavy. Small essentials fit perfectly in the single zippered chest pocket.
Best Bib ShortsPearl Izumi Expedition PRO Bib Shorts
I couldn’t have survived the trip without the Pearl Izumi Expedition PRO Bib Shorts. These are designed specifically for gravel rides and feature a triple-density PRO Levitate 3D chamois. Cyclists warned me endlessly about chafing on such a long journey, but I didn’t experience any at all, and I wore these every single day. The one day I tried non-bib shorts, they kept slipping down and made me feel extra bloated, so the suspenders were essential. There’s also a center bib clip for women to customize the fit, plus multiple pockets that were perfect for snacks, chapstick, and other tiny trail essentials.
Best Cycling ShortsOutdoor Research Freewheel MTB Lite Ride Shorts
For me, the Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Lite Ride Shorts are ideal to wear over leggings when paired with padded bib shorts, for a more streamlined look, and they are stylish. It features a water- and wind-resistant, abrasion-resistant fabric and a bonded stretch waistband, so it never felt tight around my waist.
Best Cycling PantsPatagonia Pack Out Tights
These leggings aren’t technically made for cycling, but I wore the Patagonia Pack Out Tights on multiple days, and they were incredibly comfortable. I also wear them constantly in my regular life, running errands, going to Pilates, I’m totally obsessed. They have a zippered side pocket (great for your phone or keys) and the wide waistband kept my core feeling supported even on days when I felt bloated.
Best Cycling JerseyPearl Izumi PRO Mesh Jersey
I felt like such a badass in the Pearl Izumi PRO Mesh Jersey. The race fit and open mesh fabric is sexy, but it also keeps me warm and dry from sweat. I chose the Air Blue color. While it’s technically designed for hot and humid rides, I found it was a perfect first layer for this cold destination. It also features a GoFresh™ anti-odor treatment, providing reassurance when riding long days without access to laundry. Bonus: it’s reflective up to 100 m in low light, and offers UPF 0–10 sun protection.
Best Rain GearPatagonia Dirt Roamer Storm Bike Jacket and Pants
I didn’t end up needing these as much as expected. There were massive storms the week before we arrived, and they almost canceled the entire trip. However, we got great weather for most of our journey. Still, the Patagonia Dirt Roamer Storm Jacket and Pants came in handy on the two days we had light rain. I also wore them on one rainy hike.
This set is designed for mountain biking, is fully waterproof, and repels both rain and snow. Both the jacket and pants roll up small enough to fit inside a handlebar bag, and the pants feature zippered leg openings, allowing you to pull them on over pads and shoes.
Best Cycling GlovesOutdoor Research Freewheel MTB Gloves
Gloves were necessary in this cold-weather riding, and proper biking gloves are essential for grip. The Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Gloves are designed to feel like you’re not wearing gloves at all, with strategic venting to keep hands from getting sweaty. They’re touchscreen-compatible too. With the constantly changing weather in Patagonia, you want total control—especially going down fast on steep slopes—and these deliver.
Best Touring ShoesPearl Izumi X-Alp Summit MTB Shoes
I wore the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit MTB Shoes, which were clipless MTB shoes that were great for gravel and surprisingly versatile for off-bike use too. I loved the L6 dial closure system, which let me turn the knob to dial in the most precise fit with zero fuss. They also have EVA heel cushioning, which kept my feet comfortable on long rides.
Best Base LayerMelanzana, Merino Base Hoodie
I packed the Melanzana Merino Base Hoodie in Jam, a rich, jewel-toned purple. This ultra-light base layer is made of fine wool and produced in Colorado. Despite its airy feel, it kept me surprisingly warm. It became one of the three layers I started with every single morning and I love that I can wear it in my daily life off the bike also.
Best Cycling CapPearl Izumi Barrier Skull Cap
The Pearl Izumi Barrier Skull Cap was small but critical. This ultra-thin hat fits comfortably under my bike helmet and features a built-in ponytail port, which is essential for my super-long hair. It’s moisture-wicking while still keeping me warm, and it covers my ears and forehead without obstructing vision at all.
Best SunglassesOakley Encoder
Designed for sports, the Oakley Encoders worked perfectly with my bike helmet. The curved shape gave me a wider field of vision in changing light conditions. The Unobtainium® ear and nose pads kept them comfortable and secure all day with zero slip. The Prizm™ lenses enhanced color, so I didn’t miss any of the insane beauty of Patagonia. They also come in some seriously badass colors.
Best Waterproof Trekking Shoes:Merrell Speedarc Matis Mid GORE-TEX®
I’m obsessed with the Merrell Speedarc Matis Mid GORE-TEX® hiking shoes. I’ve been wearing them daily, even after I got home, and I wore them the other day to play pickleball. They’re designed for moderate trails, but I also wore them on the bike on certain days. They feel almost aerodynamic thanks to the FloatPro+™ foam cushioning, and the grip is fantastic. I never worried about damp terrain because of the GORE-TEX® waterproof membrane. I feel powerful and nimble in these shoes.
Best Hip PackCotopaxi Allpa X 1.5L Hip Pack
I got the Cotopaxi Allpa X 1.5L Hip Pack in Spruce, an ocean-blue shade, made from 100% recycled fabric. You can wear it crossbody or around your waist. It features multiple compartments with zippered pockets, a key clip, and a slip pocket. I ended up using it constantly. It was the perfect place to keep my phone, lip balm, and snacks easily accessible on the bike.
Best Sunscreen Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 60
I loved this super lightweight, invisible sunscreen. It moisturizes beautifully while protecting. It also has a subtle, pleasant floral scent. I like that it’s versatile enough for both face and body, and it was perfect for cycling since it’s sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. I felt rich while wearing it.