We plan to do the "W", very popular format among trekkers, taking 4-5 days.
Our gear for 5 days in complete autonomy:
Weronika - Quechua UltraLight 37l with matt strapped outside
Francois - Quechua 50l with matt and tent (2.1kg) strapped outside
Many water streams with drinkable water meant that we don't have to carry massive amount of water; 2l camelback for each of us, but rarely fully filled up.
Strategy: do the trek from West to East, in order to get the wind in our backs most of the time.
Format: fast walking pace, quick pictures and movies on the go, very few or no breaks allowed.
Peak times:
a. Ice blocks/icebergs detached from the glacier, finding their way in the lagoon. Astonishing blue ice colour due to the ice compression with no air trapped inside.
b. Glacier ending in the lagoon, part of the massive Patagonia Sur Glacier. Around 300m width and 30m high
c. Kayaking on the lagoon between icebergs and along the glacier; you'd better not capsize in the freezing water, barely 3C degrees.
d. Beating the official expected walking time by 2h30 on day 2, resulting in a non-stop hike of 4hours, fininshing with rain until the campsite.
e. Reaching the "Torres" and the end of the W trek on day 4, with a clear blue sky and so sunny day, despite scary weather forecasts
Anecdote: Protecting the mat from the rain with bin bags really looks shit and pissed me off when we had strong winds, making an infernal plastic flapping noise. Still dont know how to protect our mats from rain by having it strapped outside the bag. Maybe kitchen foil? But you need to take a 50m roll with you and roll your mat with it everyday... Ecological? Hem... Any tips?
Anecdote: With a tent and mat strapped outside, the rain cover of our bags doesn't fit. It's good idea to protect sleeping bags and clothes inside with bin bags; this worked well !
Anecdote: Having two red plastic mugs clipped outside the bag looks cute but not so pro. For an even better gypsie look, we washed our wool socks and hanged them on the two sides of our bag while trekking. At each step, they flap like long dog ears, looking like shit... But how else?
Anecdote: Baby wipes are a "must have" for every day hygiene and to preserve the "honeymoon" atmosphere ;-)
Anecdote: Plan more underwear than t-shirts/shirts. Wearing socks more than 2 days really stinks... :(( Can't keep them in the tent!
Anecdote: Duck tape is essential for emergency tent or bag repair. We did not have any but we met desperate campers in the rain who broke their tent sticks and ripped their outer shell...
Anecdote: Waterproof / goretex trekking shoes are not negotiable. We had to cross so many streams or rivers where jumping on rocks is not always possible... ;)
Coach Puerto Natales - El Calafate 4hrs, 282km