coolhikinggear.com

  • Men’s
    • Best Hiking Rain Jackets for Men In 2024
    • Best Men’s Hardshell Jackets Of 2023
    • Best Hiking Pants For Men In 2023
    • Best Ultralight Rain Pants For Men
    • Best Men’s Daypacks For Hiking In 2023
    • Best Backpacking Backpacks For Men In 2023
    • Best Base Layers For Men In 2023
  • Women’s
    • The Best Hiking Rain Jackets For Women In 2023
    • Best Women’s Hardshell Jackets Of 2023
    • Best Hiking Pants For Women In 2023
    • Best Ultralight Rain Pants For Women
    • Best Daypacks For Women
    • Best Backpacking Backpacks For Women In 2023
    • Best Base Layers For Women In 2023
  • Hiking Accessories
    • Best Hiking Poles
    • Best Trekking Pole Monopod Camera Mount
    • Best Hiking Headlamps
    • The Best Hiking Watches In 2023
    • The Best Hiking Gloves In 2023
    • Best Hydration Bladders For Hiking In 2023
    • Best Compass For Hiking Our Top Picks
    • Cool Hiking Gadgets
  • Footwear
    • The Best Men’s Hiking Boots In 2024!
    • Best Hiking Shoes For Men In 2023
    • The Best Women’s Hiking Boots In 2023!
    • Best Hiking Shoes For Women In 2023
    • Best Hiking Sandals
    • Best Hiking Sandals For Women in 2023
  • Hiking Guides and Resources
— Please note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I also work with other affiliate networks and may receive compensation from some of the links on this site. More details here. —

Cool Hiking Gear.

Fastpacking Gear List

Fastpacking is an increasingly popular type of backpacking that involves covering long distances at speed. A day’s fastpacking will usually comprise of sections of running, hiking and rest stops as necessary.

Fastpacking Gear List

Although certain trails might not lend themselves to actual running, especially at the start when your pack is fully loaded, fastpacking generally involves progressing at a faster than backpacking walk, with stretches of faster progression as and when you can.

In order to keep going at a brisk pace over several days your pack of course has to be light. However, heading out into the backcountry with just the bare essentials is dangerous and you’ll need to thoroughly plan where and how you can cut back weight.

Aside from meticulous route planning, you need to come up with a tried and tested fastpacking gear list. This will enable you to ensure that you have everything you need to stay safe and enjoy your time out on the trail.

Gear List

When you’re trying to cut back your normal backpacking gear list to go fastpacking, you may find you need to invest in more than just a new pack. It is essential that your pack for fastpacking is also durable as well as lightweight.

Presuming you have your pack already sorted, let’s take a look at what should be on your fastpacking gear list, to help you to lighten your load without compromising on your comfort and safety.

Note where possible, pack items that are dual or even multiple-use. If there are two of you or more, you will be able to split the weight of some of the heavier essentials between you, and may be able to take an extra luxury item or two.

As always, stay safe and test any new gear extensively before relying upon it out in the backcountry.

Weight

As a rule of thumb, 6-17 pounds (approximately 3 to 8 kg) is the general range of base weights for a three-day trip. Depending upon your location and time of year, you may need to add on a couple of extra pounds.

Typically on a backpacking trip, your pack is more like 24 to 35 pounds ( approximately 11 to 16 kg), so you can see the difference.

If you’re just starting out fastpacking we recommend doing a couple of local overnighters to see how you find the pace with the weight, which items you can live without and those you can’t.

Remember it’s important to be able to sleep comfortably to fully recharge for the next day, so if you think you’ll be fine without a sleeping pad, you would be best trying it out first, before committing to an extended trip.

Certain other items may also be season and location dependent, such as groundsheets, waterproofs and bear canisters.

Tarp or Tent

If the weather and terrain allow it, then you may be comfortable sleeping under the starry skies. However, in most cases you’re going to want to take some sort of lightweight, easy to set up tent or tarp.

ENO Pro Fly Rain Tarp

These can also be essential for areas prone to mosquitoes. Choose the most lightweight and least bulky. A tarp with trekking poles is a great space saver and allows a lot of flexibility in terms of set up. Tarptents are also excellent options reducing time needed to set up and providing greater protection.

Small two-person tents, at around 3 to 4 pounds (1.5/ 1.8 kg) in weight, can be great if you’re traveling with someone else and can split the weight. Get one complete with mosquito protection and groundsheet for an all-in-one sleeping solution. 

Sleeping Bag

Down is a popular choice as it is lightweight and easily compressed. Investing in an ultralight down sleeping bag will ensure your comfort, while keeping both volume and weight to a minimum.

While not good if it gets wet, you are unlikely to be going minimalist in poor conditions, better to keep your fastpacking for when the weather is favorable, at least when you first start out to get a feel for whats involved.

Check out our sleeping bag buying guide to learn more about the ins and outs of sleeping bags.

Sleeping Pad

If you’re planning on going ultralight, you may want to try sleeping without a pad. However, if you sleep much better with one you should get a lightweight, mini one designed specifically for fastpacking.

If you’re expecting cold weather, you will need a sleeping mattress for extra insulation from the ground, it’s the primary job of a mattress or pad.

Water & Purification

This depends on your location and resupply points. Fastpacking relies heavily upon planning to take the minimum amount necessary, without risking going short.

Drinking Water In The Heat

Start out with a full one-liter plastic water bottle and smaller drinking bottle and refill along the way. If you’re heading off into the backcountry, pack water purification tablets, a filter if needed and a collapsible water reservoir.

Always be sure to suss out in advance what the dos and don’ts are with regards to drinking water from rivers, etc. in the area you fastpack in. Be sure you follow guidance from knowledgeable local resources on how to treat water appropriately. Nothing will end your trip faster than drinking bad water!

Food

You’ll need a lot of calories fastpacking. Dehydrated meals offer high calories at a low weight and are easy to prepare. You’ll also need snacks to keep you going.

High energy bars and dried fruit are popular choices. Once again, know your route, if you’re passing near civilization for part of your journey you can stop to grab some quick food, meaning less packing and a lower weight to start with. 

Stove or Other Food Heating Equipment

If you’re in a group and can share the weight, then a small stove is an option. However, if you’re going solo, you may want to give it a miss, or try a water heater like the Jetboil for rapid hot water to heat and rehydrate ready meals.

You will have to pack fuel canisters too, however, its ease of use and speed is great when you’re tired after a long day’s fastpacking. Useful for boiling water too of course.

Clothes

Pack a change of clothes for the trail as well as another set for around camp with a warm layer. Clothes should wick well as you’re going to be sweating a lot.

Depending upon where you’re going and the time of year, you’ll probably want to pack a lightweight waterproof too. This can also double up as on-the-go mosquito protection.

Basic Essentials

Now that we’ve covered some of the key main items, below is a list of other basic essentials you should consider taking with you:

  • A map and compass are essential, even with today’s technology
  • You’ll also need a knife
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Bug spray
  • A headlamp plus spare batteries
  • Trekking poles if using a tarp or tarptent
  • Lighter or matches
  • Cell phone (depending on network coverage)
  • Eating utensils
  • Gaffer tape for emergency repairs
  • Cash
  • Basic toiletries.

Seasonal and Location Extras

If you’re heading out into bear country, you’ll need to pack a bear canister. Check area regulations about safe sleeping distances. Some trail camping areas provide bear lockers.

Rain wear, warm layers, a hat and mosquito netting may be advisable depending upon location and season.

Conclusion

Fastpacking requires a lot of planning and you’ll need to tailor your fastpacking gear list to your individual needs, and what’s available at your location.

Planning ahead is essential and can save you from carrying additional weight, whilst helping you to stay safe. Fastpacking is an excellent way to cover long trails in a shorter time, although it can be dangerous heading into the backcountry with only the bare minimum for survival.

As tempting as it can be to cut right back your load, pack responsibly and plan your fast packing gear list with care.

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

What are you looking for?

Copyright © 2025 · Cool Hiking Gear

Cool Hiking Gear is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

  • About This Site
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure Statement
  • Contact