Our Favorite Fastpacking Gear
Cut weight and save money for more backcountry enjoyment.
There are so many ultralight (UL) products on the market these days that choosing among them can be dizzying. Ideally, many pieces of your UL gear will be multi-purpose. Here's our favorite fastpacking gear.
Ideally, strive to keep your fastpacking kit under 200 pounds, and food and water under five ponds. This presents obvious challenges for spending multiple nights in the backcountry and might turn you into an obsessive ounce counter. Due to limited pack space, select food for its caloric density. Water is heacy, so plan to refill, filter and treat en route.
Will Thomas, who has summitted over 500 peaks (many of them while fastpacking) as well as Section J of the PCT in just 36 hours says, "I try to use the smallest pack possible for the outing. This helps me be mindful in the packing process to bring only the essentials and focus on multi-items and their compactibility. IF I start with a larger pack than needed, I add more and more discretionary items."
You can read the complete list of favorite fastpacking gear, written by Ben Luedke here.
May 6, 2022
Trail Runner
Encouraging, informing and inspiring trail runners of all ages and abilities.
LIFE OUTDOORS
MEDIA MENTIONS
Fresh drinking water is essential. This water filtration system ensures you will never run out as long as there is a nearby natural water source. It can filter out bacteria, protozoa and microplastics.
MEDIA MENTIONS
Faster and more efficient than pumping or waiting for chemical treatments, the Sawyer Squeeze System offers on-the-go hydration at a good flow. This product is long-lasting, affordable, reliable, cleanable, and very user-friendly.
MEDIA MENTIONS
But Sawyer was way ahead of me — 15 years ahead, to be precise. In 2008, the brand started its Clean Water for All initiative, which provides Sawyer filters to developing countries around the world. And the company spends 90% of its profits funding it.
