Beta- bariloche, cochamp y chalten!

Hello MPers
my GF and I going to be in bariloche, cochamo, and chalten from dec 31-feb 4. planning on flying into santiago dec 31, then taking a bus to bariloche and starting our trip climbing at Frey. Was hoping for good cheap hostel options to stay at for the night or two in bariloche getting supplies together. Also good hostels in puert mont for cochamo…same for chalten….free camping is cool too...couch surfing is being considered but I'm new to it and hesitant….

also, what kind of temps are we to expect in town vs climbing areas? we are trying to pack very light to keep bulk down in our packs, and basically I'm planning on it never being colder than 0 degrees celsius, (however in chalten at higher elevations i assume it will be much much colder, we would rent gear for anything bigger we want to attempt) we are also coming armed for lots of high winds and lots of rain….. any beta for any of these places is much appreciated! (food, travel, gear, whatever you thought was crucial we're all ears!)

thanks

-Pk

Last year it snowed in Frey on new year's eve... and I was happy to have fleece+puffy+hardshell. Basically same gear we used climbing in Chalten, minus crampons/axes/ice boots. Wind matters more than temperatures; hardshell top and bottom were good to have. I didn't need gaiters or super mittens.

Crucial gear for chalten: good books. Patience.

We stayed one night in Periko's Youth Hostel in Bariloche, totally fine hostel. I don't remember the price, but it was fine. Bariloche warm and mild weather compared to Frey. Free camping in Frey.

Stayed in a hostel in Chalten, maybe called lago de los tres? Camping also possible, but no so much cheaper and definitely not as comfy in a storm. Renting gear (we rented snowshoes for one approach... not a great idea) was expensive.

Have fun!

Cool thanks for the info...also, bump for high-traffic MP forum times!