Knowing what to pack for the Vale do Pati trek is the most common question from people who confirm their spot. And it makes sense: Pati is not just any trail. It covers 40 kilometers over 3 days, with climbs of up to 500 meters of elevation gain, no cell phone signal, no power outlets in the rooms, and limited solar energy. On top of that, you sleep in the homes of native families, eat food cooked on a wood-burning stove, and carry everything on your back. That is why every single item in your pack needs to earn its place.
This guide was built on years of experience leading people through the Vale do Pati. Read carefully, because a well-packed backpack makes all the difference between an unforgettable adventure and a painful one.
The backpack: the first thing to get right
Before thinking about what goes inside, think about the container.
You will need two backpacks:
- Main backpack of approximately 30L, with a hip belt. The hip belt is essential, since it transfers the weight from your shoulders to your hips, making the hike much more comfortable.
- Attack pack of 10L. On the second day, you leave the large backpack at the native family’s home and head out with only this smaller one, as it is the most intense day on the trail. On day one, it travels inside the larger backpack, empty.
Ideal weight for the main backpack: between 3 and 6 kg. That may sound light, but it is enough for 3 days. Furthermore, it is the weight your spine will thank you for at the end of day three, after 18km of hiking.
Clothing: what to pack for the Vale do Pati trek
The Vale do Pati has a unique climate: days are warm and sunny, but nights can catch you off guard with cold temperatures, dropping to 6°C in winter and 15°C in summer. That is why it is important to strike the right balance.
Here is how to put together your clothing kit for the Pati:
- 1 or 2 hiking shirts, preferably quick-dry and UV-protective. A long-sleeve UV shirt is highly recommended, since it shields you from the sun on the most exposed stretches without needing to constantly reapply sunscreen. You will sweat, get wet at the waterfalls, and dry out in the sun. Therefore, technical fabric works far better than cotton.
- Warm clothes for sleeping: a light pair of sweatpants and a jacket will do the job. Do not underestimate the Pati nights.
- Swimwear: waterfall swims are part of the itinerary and are not to be missed. As such, bring swimwear that is easy to put on and take off along the trail.
- Flip-flops: to relax in the evenings at the native family’s home, after a long day on your feet.
Important tip: do not pack more than this. Every extra piece of clothing is unnecessary weight. The Pati, after all, is not a resort.
Footwear: the most important item of all
If there is one item you cannot cut corners on or improvise, it is your footwear.
Trekking boots are essential. The terrain in the Vale do Pati is a mix of rock, dirt, roots, mud, and wet sections. When it rains, the stones become slippery and the ground turns to mud. Under those conditions, a regular gym sneaker becomes practically a pair of ice skates. A trekking boot, on the other hand, has the right sole for grip on rock and the ankle support needed on steep ascents and descents like the Aleixos climb and Morro do Castelo.
Also invest in thick trekking socks. They reduce friction between your foot and the boot and, as a result, help prevent blisters, one of the most common problems on long trails.
Finally, one important reminder: wear your boots before the trip. A brand-new pair of boots with no prior use is a guaranteed recipe for blisters. Therefore, break them in on at least a few outings before you arrive at the Pati.
Protection: sun, rain, and insects
The Vale do Pati is pure nature. That means strong sun, unexpected rain, and insects. So come prepared on all fronts:
- Sunscreen: apply it and reapply regularly, since the trails have long stretches with no shade.
- Hat or cap: extra protection for your head and face, far more effective than relying on sunscreen alone.
- Insect repellent: especially important at dusk, when you are already back at the native family’s home.
- Rain jacket: even if rain is not in the forecast, this is a non-negotiable item. The weather in the Chapada Diamantina can change quickly.
- Backpack rain cover: protects your gear in case of rain or when passing through a waterfall while carrying your pack.
Hydration and food
All food throughout the trek is included in the itinerary: breakfast and dinner at the native family’s home, along with a packed lunch prepared by the guides along the trail.
When it comes to hydration:
- Bring 1.5L of water per day. There are refill points along the trails, but you always set out in the morning with a full bottle.
- Reusable bottles are the best option, since they take up less space and leave no waste in the Valle.
If you like, you can also bring personal snacks to supplement during higher-energy moments, such as granola bars, peanuts, or dried fruit. Nothing heavy.
Tech and power: get ready to disconnect
The Vale do Pati has no cell phone signal. It is 3 days completely offline, and that is part of the experience.
- Headlamp: mandatory, since Pati nights are genuinely dark with no artificial lighting anywhere. A headlamp keeps your hands free.
- Portable charger (power bank): highly recommended. There is a shared outlet at the house powered by solar energy, but usage time is very limited. A power bank, therefore, ensures your phone stays charged for photos throughout the 3 days.
- Camera: if you have one, it is worth bringing. The views from the Mirante do Pati lookout, Morro do Castelo, and the Cachoeirão seen from above are breathtaking.
Health and hygiene
- Personal medication: bring whatever you normally use, including a painkiller and antidiarrheal as a precaution.
- Toiletry kit: shampoo, soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Keep in mind that showers are cold water straight from the spring. Refreshing after a full day on the trail.
- Thin towel or sarong: a large towel takes up unnecessary space and weight. A sarong, therefore, works much better.
Where to buy your gear
If you are still missing some items, here are two reliable options:
Curtlo is the best Brazilian brand for trekking gear. Backpacks, UV shirts, expedition hats, and much more. Use the coupon LENCOIS15 for 15% off all products.
Decathlon is a great value option for trekking boots and trail footwear, available in both men’s and women’s styles.
What NOT to pack for the Vale do Pati trek
Just as important as knowing what to pack for the Vale do Pati trek is knowing what to leave behind:
- Hair dryer (there are no outlets available for that)
- Umbrella (it takes up space and does not work on the trail; a rain jacket works much better)
- Wheeled suitcase (there is no way to use one on the Pati terrain)
- Extra clothing (unnecessary weight)
- Dedicated evening shoes beyond flip-flops (unnecessary)
- Full-size toiletry bottles (decant into travel-size containers instead)
- Books or heavy objects (the Pati will already give you plenty to think about)
If you have belongings you will not need during the trek, our partner guesthouse Recanto dos Mineiros in Lençóis offers a luggage storage service for our clients.
Complete packing list: what to bring on the Vale do Pati trek
Backpacks and accessories
- 30L backpack with hip belt
- 10L attack pack
Clothing
- 1 or 2 hiking shirts (UV-protective, long-sleeve preferred)
- Warm clothes for sleeping
- Swimwear
- Flip-flops
Footwear
- Trekking boots (already broken in)
- Thick trekking socks
Protection
- Sunscreen
- Hat or cap
- Insect repellent
- Rain jacket
- Backpack rain cover
Hydration
- 1.5L water bottle
Tech
- Headlamp
- Power bank
Health and hygiene
- Personal medication
- Toiletry kit
- Thin towel or sarong
Optional
- Trekking poles (a great help on climbs and descents)
- Personal snacks
Ready to experience the Vale do Pati?
With the right pack, you will reach the top of the Mirante do Pati with energy to spare, arrive at the Cachoeirão feeling light, and fall asleep at the native family’s home knowing you got everything right.
The Vale do Pati is, without a doubt, one of the most transformative experiences the Chapada Diamantina has to offer. Nature will do its part. You just need to show up prepared.
Ready to book your spot? Get in touch via WhatsApp: +55 75 99869-4091
Or check out the full Vale do Pati 3-day itinerary and see all available dates.
