I realize not everyone can just pack a carry-on, but as one of those types, traveling with "4 big bags" anywhere just seems insane to me. What do you bring that takes up so much space?
Yes, but presumably the hiking involves different gear from the rest of your trip. And certainly backpacking does. It wouldn't be 4 big bags in general but would almost certainly involve checked luggage. (You can't even bring hiking poles in carry-on.)
To get to the "popular" rocks of Patagonia for example, would require many many giant packs.
So the intense mountaineering of that region at BASE requires a porter team to help haul bags of clothes, food, toiletries, litres upon litres of water. Not even considering hiking/climbing gear.
Add in the layer of "most of the world is not the west", where you can just buy these things close to your destination then throw them away. You for example need to be absolute certain of the shoes/boots/crampons/skis, and also have a backup.