Preparing for your next fastpacking adventure? Then check out this handy fastpacking gear list to make sure you don’t forget anything important.
Fastpacking is awesome. But, if you bring the wrong gear, it can seriously impact your experience.
To make sure you’re well-prepared, comfortable, and keep things lightweight, we’ve put together our recommended fastpacking gear checklist. Keep this list handy for your next adventure.
What is Fastpacking?
Fastpacking is a mix of trail running and lightweight backpacking. It’s designed to cover long distances quickly over multiple days.
Fastpackers carry minimal gear, focusing on essentials like a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and food. This approach allows for both speed and self-sufficiency in the wilderness. Basically, it’s a lighter and faster version of backpacking.
Going fastpacking is ideal for anyone who wants to explore more remote areas while keeping a fast pace on the trails.
Check out our complete guide on what is fastpacking for more details on how to get started with this fun activity.
Fastpacking Gear List = Ultralight
First things first, fastpacking gear is all about being ultralight.
The focus is on carrying only the essentials and choosing the lightest gear possible. This includes ultralight tents, sleeping bags, and minimal clothing.
Using ultralight gear sets fastpacking apart from regular backpacking, allowing for faster movement and covering longer distances.
So, when thinking about your fastpacking gear list, the most important thing to keep in mind is keeping it as ultralight as possible.
Ultralight Fastpacking Gear Checklist
Fastpacking combines the endurance of trail running with the self-sufficiency of backpacking, focusing on moving quickly with a minimal load. This means the right equipment is essential, but you need to be careful about what you pack.
To help you get started, here’s a detailed checklist to help you pack efficiently while ensuring you have everything you need.
Clothing
Clothing often takes up the most space in your pack. But, a smart ultralight backpacking gear list should focus on minimal, lightweight clothing options.
Tops
Choose moisture-wicking, high-performance base layers.
A lightweight long sleeve or T-shirt is ideal for versatility. For cooler weather, pack a lightweight fleece or synthetic insulating layer.
A down jacket is essential for cold mornings and evenings; choose one with high-quality down for the best warmth-to-weight ratio. Hydrophobic down is recommended to maintain insulation even in damp conditions.
Remember, fewer layers are better, so aim for multipurpose items.
We recommend you pack a spare lightweight long sleeve to double as both an additional layer and a sleeping shirt to keep your sleeping bag clean.
Legwear
Lightweight, breathable running shorts are best for ventilation and freedom of movement. A pair of tights is useful for cold weather and can be worn inside your sleeping bag for extra warmth.
Waterproofs
Invest in a high-quality, lightweight waterproof jacket and trousers.
Modern fabrics are both breathable and durable. These should be compact enough to pack down small but reliable enough to keep you dry during storms.
Try to look for waterproofs with pit zips and adjustable cuffs to help with ventilation during heavy exertion.
Hats and Gloves
A peaked cap for sun protection is essential. In cold weather, a woolly hat or Buff will keep you warm. Lightweight, windproof gloves can be handy in colder climates or early mornings.
We love using a Buff as it can be used in multiple ways – as a hat, neck gaiter, or even a towel.
Socks
Use thin, quick-drying running socks to prevent blisters and overheating.
Merino wool is excellent for its natural anti-odor properties but consider synthetic blends for durability. Carry two pairs and rotate them daily, drying the spare pair on your pack.
For colder nights, consider packing a pair of fluffy socks specifically for sleeping.
Pack
Choose a lightweight pack of around 30L. Look for a design that offers a close fit, with features like adjustable back length, well-padded shoulder straps, and multiple chest straps for stability.
A pack with a roomy main compartment, large mesh rear pocket, and side pockets for water and snacks is ideal.
We recommend you start with a small pack to force yourself to pack minimally. Aim for a base weight (excluding food and water) of 5-6kg.
Poles
If you use running poles, then lightweight carbon poles are excellent for stability on steep and uneven terrain. They reduce strain on knees and joints and can double as support for your shelter.
Look for poles with comfortable wrist straps and quick adjustment features.
Shelter
When packing ultralight, trying to fit in the right tent or shelter can be seriously tricky. Here are some of the best options to consider:
- Mountain huts: This is the lightest option since you won’t need to carry shelter or cooking equipment. However, huts can be costly and require booking in advance. You’ll also need to make sure that huts are available on your route, which isn’t always the case.
- Tent: Provides excellent protection from the elements but is heavier and bulkier.
- Tarp: Lighter than a tent and more compact. Requires more skill to pitch and offers less protection, especially in high winds.
- Bivvy Bag: Using a bivvy bag offers a good balance for fastpacking. Lightweight and easy to set up anywhere, but can feel claustrophobic and less comfortable in prolonged bad weather. We recommend you pair a bivvy bag with a small tarp for added protection and flexibility.
Sleeping System
A comfortable night’s sleep is important on any fastpacking adventure. But, packing a bulky sleeping bag tends to take up too much space.
Sleeping Bag or Quilt
Choose a down sleeping bag or quilt rated for the lowest temperatures you expect to encounter. Quilts are lighter and more versatile but can be drafty. Opt for hydrophobic down for better performance in damp conditions.
Our top tip: a silk sleeping bag liner can add warmth and is required in many mountain huts.
Sleeping Mat
An ultralight inflatable mattress provides the best combination of comfort and insulation. Foam pads are lighter but bulkier and less comfortable.
We recommend you always carry a small repair kit for your inflatable mattress.
Tech and Navigation
The right gadgets are important for staying safe on the trails. Here are some extras that we recommend you include in your fastpacking gear list:
- Smartphone: Load your phone with offline topo maps and navigation apps. A rugged case and screen protector are essential. Bring a power bank to keep your phone charged. While fastpacking, try to use airplane mode to conserve battery life and only turn on GPS when necessary.
- GPS Watch: Helpful for navigation with preloaded routes. Ensure it has a good battery life and onboard mapping features. Our top tip? Sync your GPS watch with your smartphone for additional navigation support.
- Satellite Communicator: Provides a safety net in remote areas and allows friends and family to track your progress. Choose a compact model with long battery life.
- Headlamp: Essential for trail finding in the dark. Choose a lightweight, rechargeable model with sufficient brightness.
Food and Water
Opt for high-calorie, lightweight, non-perishable items. Stoveless options save weight, but a small stove can be useful for hot meals and drinks. Dehydrated meals are light and easy to prepare.
Always make sure you pack snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars for quick, on-the-go energy.
For water, use soft bottles or a hydration bladder with a hose for easy access. Carry a water filter to ensure you can safely drink from natural sources. We recommend you plan your route around known water sources to minimise the amount you need to carry.
Conclusion
And there you go, your complete fastpacking gear checklist.
By focusing on ultralight gear and only packing essentials, you can maximise your efficiency and enjoyment on fastpacking trips. The key is to balance weight with comfort and safety, ensuring you have what you need without carrying unnecessary items.
The more you go fastpacking, the better you’ll get at packing ultralight. So, we recommend you just get out there and start exploring! You’ll soon figure out the perfect gear list for your needs.