{"id":16629,"date":"2026-08-21T13:30:54","date_gmt":"2026-08-21T13:30:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=16629"},"modified":"2026-08-21T13:30:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T13:30:54","slug":"packs-shoes-shelters-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=16629","title":{"rendered":"Packs, Shoes, Shelters, and More"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Published August 21, 2026 07:24AM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

There\u2019s a reason I\u2019m a trail runner. I get excited by endless miles of trail stretching out before me. I love towering pines and arid deserts and cypress-lined beaches. I like peaceful moments enjoying the flowers and the trees, but I like to make haste<\/i>. I like to cover ground. Honestly, I should probably learn to slow down a bit. But as it turns out, there\u2019s a sport built exactly for that contradiction between speeding and sightseeing: fastpacking.<\/p>\n

I was hooked on fastpacking from my first trip, a 12-mile trek to Imogene Lake in Idaho\u2019s Sawtooth Range. After a handful of trips this summer (and with half a dozen more starting to take form), I think my love for fastpacking has in turn made me want to dig into the world of backpacking in a way that I never did before. It\u2019s a win-win.<\/p>\n

For someone like me, turning my trail runs into multi-day adventures was a dream, and I think it might be for more of you out there. So I put together this guide on getting started.<\/p>\n

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What Is Fastpacking?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

At its essence, fastpacking is simply a combination of backpacking and trail running: You carry a full overnight kit, but you also move quickly and ambitiously with the goal of going further, faster.<\/p>\n

Sometimes this means taking on a popular through-hike in fewer days than it would normally take to hike, or packing as light as possible in hopes of setting an FKT. And other times it\u2019s just heading out for a multi-day trip with a lighter kit so you can pick up the pace and add on a few extra miles each day on the trail. Maybe you really want to go run that scenic 40-mile loop but you aren\u2019t fit enough to take it all on in one day. Guess what? You can fastpack it.<\/p>\n

People fastpack the Tour du Mont Blanc, finishing the loop in 4-5 days instead of the standard 10-11. Same goes for Italy\u2019s Alta Via system or any number of European through-hikes. You can turn the John Muir Trail into a week-long trip instead of the usual 2-3 weeks. You can fastpack ultramarathon courses\u2014in fact, fastpackers frequently take on the legendary Hardrock 100 course in Colorado\u2019s San Juan mountains across four days (also known as Softrock).<\/p>\n

But a fastpack doesn\u2019t always have to be an all-out endurance event. It could be as simple as carrying a lighter pack and tagging that peak you don\u2019t always have time for, or venturing out to that alpine lake that is a few miles beyond your usual camp site.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s up to you, and that\u2019s the best part.<\/p>\n

The Best Gear for Fastpacking<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Some fastpackers are hardcore ultralight enthusiasts who keep a meticulously curated spreadsheet of all of their gear, measuring every gram before deciding whether it deserves a place in the pack. Others just leave a few comforts in the gear closet and commit to pushing the pace on the trail.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m no weight weenie, but I do like to move fast, so it\u2019s fun to tinker with my setup to figure out what works best. My pack and its contents are always evolving, factoring in the unique demands of every trip.<\/p>\n

Since there\u2019s no one way to fastpack, creating a comprehensive fastpacking gear list is nearly impossible. But since I do like to nerd out about gear, here are a couple options for every essential category.<\/p>\n

Pack<\/h2>\n

Pack size is important when fastpacking, but it\u2019s not the end-all, be-all. You can slim it down and go ultra-minimal<\/a> or load up on comforts, but I feel that something around 30 liters is the best option.<\/p>\n

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Mountain Hardwear Lickety Split 20L\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a>
(Photo: Mountain Hardwear)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

Mountain Hardwear has been on a tear lately, and the Lickety Split is another banger. I love using this bag for big days out on the trail, but if you pack light enough, it can definitely fit everything you need for a quick fastpack. It\u2019s also a great option if you\u2019re doing one of those epic hut-to-hut trips where your big bags are transported for you.<\/p>\n

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Six Moon Designs Flight 30<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Six
(Photo: Six Moon Designs)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

I love this pack. It fits all the essentials with ease, and has a bit of extra space for more food or clothes if I\u2019m headed out for a multi-day mission. You can customize the shoulder straps and hip belt to optimize your loadout, and the various pockets and compartments are well-considered and easy to use.<\/p>\n

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Rab Muon 40L<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Charcoal
(Photo: REI)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

If you want to go bigger while still moving fast, this is the pack I\u2019d recommend. It has a frame, which I found to be much more comfortable for long days on the move, but is still incredibly light, which gave me a bit of leeway to store more snacks and a few more campsite comforts (like my camp shoes or a paperback novel). It doesn\u2019t have runner-style shoulder straps, though, which is a feature I prefer to have, but otherwise, it\u2019s a great option.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Footwear<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Trail runners are the best option for most fastpacking trips. They provide enough support when the trails get technical, but are designed for fast movement, so you know you\u2019ll be comfortable all day long.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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Arc\u2019teryx Sylan 2<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Arc'teryx<\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

This is a fun shoe for fastpacking. The carbon plate, rockered midsole, and supercritical foam may seem like overkill, but it all keeps you moving forward even as your body starts to fatigue. I also love the built-in gaiter, which is a huge bonus when navigating varied terrain and trail types.<\/p>\n

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Norda 001a<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Off-white
(Photo: REI)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

These are some of my favorite trail runners of all time, so it makes sense that they\u2019d be a good fit for fastpacking, too. They are plush but not overly so, stable but not clunky, and grippy on all types of trails. I\u2019ve run multiple ultramarathons in these, so I can take them into a fastpack with confidence.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Shelter<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This is where selections start to get personal. I prefer the comfort of a full-sized tent and am willing to take the volume penalty, but a bivy or a tarp are excellent choices if you\u2019re going minimal and the conditions allow it.<\/p>\n

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Six Moon Designs Lunar Orbiter<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Olive
(Photo: Six Moon Designs)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

I love to have a simple, stable freestanding tent whenever I can, so the ultralight Lunar Orbiter became my go-to. It can fit into small footprints and doesn\u2019t require any guy-line adjustment to get it dialed. You just set it up like any other tent and hop in.<\/p>\n

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Gossamer Gear The Two<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Gray<\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

This tent requires you to have trekking poles with you, but many fastpacks call for trekking poles<\/a>, so that might not be an issue. This tent packs down super small, only weighs 28 oz., and lets you leave the tent poles at home. Just be sure that you can plant tent stakes wherever you plan on sleeping, otherwise this won\u2019t stand up.<\/p>\n

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Outdoor Research Helium UL Bivy<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Gray
(Photo: REI)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

For ultralight missions where every gram matters, the Helium UL Bivy from Outdoor Research is my choice. It\u2019ll keep dew off your sleeping bag and stave off pesky bugs, all while only adding 18 oz. to your pack. I just hope you\u2019re not claustrophobic.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Sleep System<\/strong><\/h2>\n

For moving quickly and saving weight, I prefer a quilt. But, there are a huge number of ultralight sleeping bags<\/a> out there that make sense for colder climates, too.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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Therm-a-Rest Vesper 20<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Light
(Photo: REI)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

This is my favorite option for fastpacking (as long as it won\u2019t be below freezing). The quilt packs down into a small stuff sack, regains its loft every time I pull it out, and doesn\u2019t get cold spots, even after a ton of use.<\/p>\n

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Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 25<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Ultralight
(Photo: REI)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

If you prefer a full sleeping bag, this is one of my favorite ultralight options. It packs down infinitesimally small, uses lofty 850-fill down, and has a forgiving ergonomic shape that works well for all sleep styles.<\/p>\n

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Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Bright
(Photo: REI)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

This is my favorite sleeping pad for fastpacking or otherwise. It\u2019s incredibly light, packs down small, and, with a 4.5 R-value, is plenty warm for year-round use.<\/p>\n

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Apparel\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When you\u2019re fastpacking, you\u2019ll probably be stopping and starting often, which can lead to different periods of warming up and cooling down. For this, you need versatile layers that can be worn in multiple ways, multiple days in a row.<\/p>\n

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Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Zip Hoody<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Light
(Photo: REI)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

A sun hoody is a must-have on any fastpacking trip. It protects you from the sun, can be worn on its own as part of a layering system, and dries quickly. I\u2019ve gotten a lot of miles out of this one from Mountain Hardwear\u2014bonus points for the half-zip that allows for even more versatility.<\/p>\n

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Gnuhr Creeper Crew Merino v2.0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Light<\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

I got this shirt about 18 months ago, and it\u2019s been my most worn piece of apparel in that time, both on and off the trail. Merino is a world-class temperature regulator, so this shirt will be your best friend on hot and cold days. It also resists odors, a huge plus on multi-day adventures. Gnuhr really dialed in the fit on this one, too.<\/p>\n

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Raide Research TrailTech Shorts<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Brown
(Photo: Raide Research)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

I reach for these Raide shorts for fastpacking for many reasons. They\u2019re comfortable, have a ton of pockets, and are substantial enough to give me some protection when the trail gets overgrown. I think any running shorts with good pocketing will do, but if you want to splurge, these are my top pick.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Jacket<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Black
(: REI)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

If I\u2019m going fastpacking, especially in the mountains, I\u2019ll almost always bring a down jacket, even if the conditions are looking good. You really never know what will happen, so having a lightweight, packable down jacket is a contingency I don\u2019t like to give up. This one from The North Face has never let me down.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Navigation and Safety<\/strong><\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

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Garmin inReach Mini 2<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Handheld
(Photo: Backcountry)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

Any time you\u2019re going to be venturing out beyond your cell phone provider\u2019s service capabilities, you need to have a satellite communication device<\/a> for emergencies. This one comes with me whenever I head out, especially when fastpacking, where a rolled ankle or bout with high elevation can quickly become an emergency situation.<\/p>\n

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Black Diamond Deploy<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Compact,
(Photo: Backcountry)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

I love how small this headlamp is, especially for trips when I want to keep bulk at a minimum. It charges quickly, has a variable angle lens, and fits nicely with a hat or a beanie.<\/p>\n

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Garmin Enduro 3<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Black
(Photo: Backcountry)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

You need a solid watch with good navigation when fastpacking. The Enduro 3 is an ideal choice thanks to its incredible battery life (320 hours in GPS mode with solar charging) and extensive mapping features. It also has a built-in flashlight, which comes in handy every time I take it out camping.<\/p>\n

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Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight\/Watertight .7 Medical Kit<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Yellow
(Photo: REI)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/section>\n

Leaving without a first aid kit is just a bad idea, especially if you\u2019re planning on going fast. This kit is extremely light, but has enough first aid supplies for multiple days, if needed.<\/p>\n

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Published August 21, 2026 07:24AM There\u2019s a reason I\u2019m a trail runner. I get excited by endless miles of trail stretching out before me. I love towering pines and arid deserts and cypress-lined beaches. I like peaceful moments enjoying the flowers and the trees, but I like to make haste. I like to cover ground.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16630,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16629","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-wild-living"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16629","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=16629"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16629\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/16630"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=16629"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=16629"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=16629"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}