Fastpacking is where trail running meets ultralight hiking.
You carry enough gear to stay self-sufficient overnight or for several days, but keep everything as light and compact as possible so you can move faster and cover more ground.
It sounds simple, but the trick is finding the right balance.
Go too heavy and you lose the speed. Strip things back too far and you can end up uncomfortable or underprepared.
Here is what to think about before giving fastpacking a go.
Keep your kit light
The lighter your pack, the easier it is to move efficiently.
Fastpackers generally choose compact gear such as:
- lightweight shelters
- ultralight sleeping bags
- small sleeping mats
- minimalist cooking gear
- soft flasks and collapsible reservoirs
- lightweight clothing layers
The aim is not to carry the absolute minimum. It is to carry only what you actually need.
Choose footwear that lets you move
Many fastpackers wear trail running shoes rather than traditional hiking boots.
They are generally lighter and more flexible, which can make running and fast hiking easier.
Your choice should still suit the terrain. Rocky, technical or remote routes may call for more protection and support than an easy trail.
Make every item earn its space
When pack weight matters, multi-purpose gear becomes very useful.
Look for items that can handle more than one job and avoid packing duplicates simply for convenience.
That might mean carrying one warm layer instead of several, using a compact multitool or choosing flexible water storage that packs down once empty.
Plan water before you leave
Hydration deserves extra thought on Australian routes.
Reliable water sources can be limited, seasonal or widely spaced, which means you may need to carry more than you would like.
Check your route carefully and work out:
- where water should be available
- whether those sources are reliable
- how much you need between refills
- whether water treatment is required
Soft flasks and collapsible reservoirs are useful because they allow you to increase capacity when needed without carrying bulky bottles for the entire trip.
Mix running with fast hiking
You do not need to run the whole route. Most fastpackers move according to the terrain.
Run flatter, smoother sections, walk the climbs and slow down through rocky or technical areas. A sustainable pace will usually get you further than trying to run hard from the start.
Keep your overnight setup simple
Fastpacking camps are usually stripped back and efficient. A lightweight tent, bivvy or tarp can provide shelter without adding excessive weight, while a compact sleep system keeps your pack manageable. But do not sacrifice weather protection just to save a few grams. Your shelter and sleep gear still need to suit the conditions you are likely to encounter.
Consider the heat
Australian conditions can change the equation quickly. Heat increases your water requirements and can make exposed routes much harder than the distance alone suggests.
Where possible, plan around the coolest parts of the day, know where shade is available and be realistic about how much water you will need to carry. Sometimes a slightly heavier pack with more water is simply the smarter choice.
Start with an easy overnight trip
You do not need to head straight into a multi-day mission. Start with a familiar overnight route and test your setup.
You will quickly discover which gear you use, what you wish you had left at home and whether your hydration and food planning actually works. Once you have your system dialled in, longer fastpacking adventures become much easier to plan.
Is fastpacking for you?
Fastpacking is ideal for anyone who enjoys trail running, hiking and travelling light.
It lets you cover more distance while still having the freedom to stay out overnight and explore places that are too far for an ordinary day run.
Start small, keep your gear sensible and build up gradually. Moving light is the goal. Being prepared still comes first.
FAQ
What is fastpacking?
Fastpacking combines trail running and ultralight hiking, usually over overnight or multi-day routes where you carry the gear needed to remain self-sufficient.
What gear do you need for fastpacking?
You will generally need a lightweight backpack, trail running shoes, shelter, sleeping gear, food, navigation equipment, weather protection and a lightweight hydration system.
Is fastpacking the same as ultralight hiking?
They overlap, but fastpacking generally places more emphasis on moving quickly and may include running sections of the route.
How much water should you carry fastpacking in Australia?
It depends heavily on the route, season and water availability. Research reliable water sources before leaving and carry enough to safely reach the next refill point.
Do you have to run while fastpacking?
No. Most fastpackers alternate between running and fast hiking depending on the terrain, load and conditions.
