Fastpacking gear list

Not sure what to bring for a fastpacking adventure? It can be hard to find the right gear list. We’ve got you! Here you’ll find a list with all the gear you need for your next FKT attempt or fastpacking adventure, short and long. Whether you’re a speedy hiker or want to run the trails: “light is right.” This gear list leans more to an ultralight gear list, but everything is even smaller because you need enough space to run and hike fast with a smaller pack. If you’re seeking ultralight gear for a hike, consider our thru-hiking gear list. This page focuses on the necessary items to complete your fastpacking adventure safely. Add more specific items that are important for the trail you choose.

person hiking on unpaved path on the GRR3 on Réunion island

To make your next fastpacking adventure more comfy, bring some items that are not essential but make hiking more enjoyable for you. Consider items that you won’t just during the hike but also for the evening in the mountain hut, hostel, or tent. You can think of an e-reader, journal, earplugs, or something else. Make it more fun!

You’ll find the full gear list if you scroll down a bit more. We’ve outlined a few items that are the most important for your fastpacking trail. If you click on the links you’ll be redirected to the brands we recommend and our most trusted outdoor gear shops where you can buy gear.

person going between sharp rocks in Austrian Alps
man changing settings on his watch

 

Most important items

These are essentials for your next long-distance trail. It’s not much, but each item is necessary. Choose always to invest in the right quality gear when you have the possibility. It’s more sustainable and keeps you safe on your trails.

 

  • Hiking shoes – sturdy & comfy with a good grip
  • Backpack – 15-40 liters
  • Rainwear – preferably a lightweight hardshell jacket
  • Clothing – layers & socks
  • Food – energy bars, nuts & chocolate, for example
  • Water bottle or bag – carry at least 1.5L with you
  • First aid kit – for emergencies
  • Hiking poles – to support your knees
  • Power bank – when there are no outlets nearby
  • Headlamp – for the late evenings
  • Trash bag – Leave No Trace
  • Sun protection – sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
  • GPS device – for navigation

Top brands for your gear

Hiking shoes

Good hiking shoes provide comfort, grip, and protection against rugged terrains, ensuring safety during your long-distance trails.

INOV8 HOKA

Backpack

Essential for all the gear you bring, designed to distribute weight evenly, making it easier to transport water, food, and gear.

Ultimate Direction BACH Equipment

Rainwear

A shield against the elements, because even when the weather looks good in the morning, it can always switch up on you.

Rab equipment INOV8

Layers

Layers protect you against fluctuating weather conditions. Take at least three layers with you, a base-, mid-, and outer layer.

Rab equipment INOV8

Water bottle

Vital for staying hydrated and maintaining energy levels during your hike. Always take at least 1.5 liters of water with you.

SIGG Nalgene

Socks

More than just for comfort, the right socks prevent blisters, wick moisture, and provide cushioning over long distances.

Darn Tough Injinji

First aid kit

A compact lifesaver, equipped to ensure minor setbacks don’t turn into major emergencies on the trail. Also great for helping others.

Ortovox First Aid Kits

Hiking poles

Assist in maintaining balance on technical terrain, reduce knee strain on descents, and help you get up that mountain.

LEKI Black Diamond

Powerbank

An lifeline for keeping navigation and communication lines open at all times. Carrying one is a small effort for big advantages.

Xtorm Xtorm solar

Navigation device

Keeps you on the trail without using your phone so you can save battery. We always recommend bringing at least a watch for navigation.

Polar COROS

Headlamp

A headlamp is crucial for early morning, longer days and evenings, and for when you’re racing against sunset on trail.

Silva Black Diamond

Sun protection

Sun protection is not only sunglasses but can also be sunscreen and a sun hoody to keep you cool and safe on the trail.

Goodr sunglasses UVEX sunglasses

 

Complete fastpacking gear list

Essentials

  • Hiking shoes
  • Backpack with rain cover
  • Clothing: T-shirt, fleece jacket, down jacket, shorts, long pants, base layers (an underlayer, for example, of merino wool), underwear, and hiking socks
  • Rainwear: (hardshell) jacket and pants
  • Quick-drying towel
  • Hiking poles
  • Water bottle or sack
  • Cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Power bank
  • Water (at least 1.5 liters)
  • Water filter
  • Food: energy-rich food (nuts, chocolate, energy bars, muesli balls, wraps)
  • First aid kit with an emergency blanket
  • Roll with small garbage bags
  • Headlamp
  • Gloves & hat (for colder conditions & high elevations)
  • Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo etc.)
  • Personal items (mobile, passport, cash etc.)
  • Pocket knife

For navigation

  • GPS watch
  • Map of the area
  • Navigation app on your mobile (Alltrails, Komoot, Hiiker, Outdooractive)

 

For camping

  • Lightweight tent or bivi with a footprint (groundsheet)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Inflatable pillow
  • Cooking gear (stove, pan, spork, lighter)
  • Freeze-dried meals
  • Water filter or purification tablets
  • Sitting pad

As for every gear list, add specific items that are important for the trail you choose and the circumstances you’re hiking in. Think of insect-repellent, crampons, ice axes, microspikes, and other specific hiking gear to ensure your safety. If you’re hiking from hut to hut, view our extensive hut-to-hut hiking gear list here.

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