Best fastpacking kit: Essential hiking and walking gear for your adventure

According to a report by Mintel, a quarter of Brits would describe themselves as hikers.

Whether it’s exploring the best of our great isle taking on the three peaks of Snowdonia, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis or going further afield and ticking off wonders of the world on the Inca Trail, Lost City or Great Wall of China, more of us than ever are spending our free time in the great outdoors.

Hiking tourism is only growing in popularity, offering experiences that are as much about the journey as the destination. But for those who want to traverse greater distances or explore less-travelled terrain, you need to know about fastpacking.

What is fastpacking?

“Fastpacking is somewhere between ultrarunning and lightweight hiking”, shares Katy Parrott, ultra runner, endurance specialist and Montane athlete. “You set out with the aim of travelling fast and light by carrying as little as possible, but also having everything you need to sustain yourself for the duration of your adventure”.

With trails like the GR20 along Corsica under her belt, Parrott explains why she favours this approach. “The reason I love fastpacking is because it hits the happy medium between covering a lot of ground without the burden of carrying a full hiking set up. But unlike ultrarunning, you’ve got more time to stop and take in the views, because you’re not against a clock as much”.

What should be in a fastpacking kit?

If you, like Parrott, want to appreciate nature to its fullest without concerns about competition and personal bests, fastpacking is the way forward. However, ensuring you have the proper gear is of the utmost importance. “As mentioned, for fastpacking, you have to keep your kit fairly minimalistic to stay lightweight, which means being selective in what you take,” she starts.

Before you can begin, “you’ll need a pack to put all your kit in,” she advises. The length of your fastpacking trip will dictate the size of your pack. For a single day, I would wear the Montane Trailblazer 16L. However, “For multi-day fastpacking adventures, I have worn the Montane 24L Backpack, which managed to fit everything I needed for an 8-day hut-to-hut trip. There is also a bigger 30-32L pack option if you require more kit.”

After you have secured the proper storage, you then need to ace the packing. Parrott reveals what she has on her at all times, which is not dissimilar to what you may bring for ultrarunning.

Tips for fastpacking

The expert reveals her top five tips for fastpacking:

1. First things first, you need the right kit to keep you warm and dry in all conditions. There's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong kit. For fastpacking, you’re limited in what you can take, but I always allow myself one little ‘luxury’ item so I have a tiny bit of comfort from home.
2. It’s really important to test your kit on local trails before heading out on a bigger multi-day fastpacking adventure. This way you can test and adjust your kit and learn what works for you i.e. how you pack your kit and what kit you actually need, rather than learning the hard way out on a trail miles from anywhere.
3. Plan your routes. Having a basic understanding of navigation will make a huge difference when planning routes and heading out on unfamiliar trails. For new routes, I use the OS Maps App as well as using a physical map and compass.
4. If you’re worried about getting started, join a local hiking or trail running group so you can meet like-minded people to encourage you, show you local routes and share experiences. It’s a very friendly community!
5. Most importantly, stop to appreciate the landscapes you’re in whilst fastpacking. Take those photos, stop to admire those views and swim in that waterfall – after all, being out in beautiful mother nature is why we do it.

Shop the best kit for fastpacking below

Montane Trailblazer 30L Backpack

Made for fastpacking, the Trailblazer can stash so much more in its 30L interior than it appears. Montane has paid attention to the finest details so that every bungee, strap and pocket serves a multitasking purpose.

The highlights include the waist pockets where you place valuables so they’re always to hand and two chest zipped ones to stash water bottles (and if they have straws, you’ll get hands-free hydration).

Buy now £150.00, Montane

Lifesystems Trek First Aid Kit

From plasters to safety pins, this little compact kit, which weighs under 250 grams, contains everything you might need to tackle minor injuries, bruises and blisters. The kit also includes gloves, a pair of scissors, cleaning wipes, burn gel sachets and sterile adhesive dressing. The pack does not contain pain medication, so it's always advisable to add your preferred one inside before you embark on your trip.

Buy now £18.71, Amazon

Salomon SUPERCROSS 4 GORE-TEX

Leading the gorpcore revolution, Salomon’s signature shoes are now spotted as ubiquitously on the streets of London as they are on running trails. But don’t for one minute think they’re solely a fashion silhouette.

The shoes, in particular, the Supercross 4 were designed with advanced features to optimise your runs first and foremost. You only need to look to the sole for evidence. The base of the trainer is complete with lugs and grooves that give you enhanced grip even through mud, taking its inspiration from tyres in their tough and waterproof nature. The Sensifit construction replaces laces but locks feet in place with a surprising level of hold.

Buy now £140.00, Salomon

Merrell Agility Peak 5 Women's Trail Running Shoes

The Merrell Agility Peak 5s were put through their paces on a multi-day run. This took place over four days in which 69km was covered on uneven terrain and during 30°C heat, yet there was not a blister in sight nor pain or rubbing – a testament to the quality of this shoe.

While the shoes have a stacked sole, they remain relatively lightweight on the feet (they weigh less than 300g). Vibram MegaGrip enhances this to keep you steady and your precious feet protected when obstacles arise. The mesh upper is breathable and promises impressive ventilation, while the abrasion-resistant toe cap is on hand to ensure their durability.

Buy now £97.99, Sports Shoes

Eurohike 1W Cob Head Torch

Ultra-bright, compact and lightweight, this value-for-money head torch may be a necessity for regular campers, but it can also be used as a handy reading light – especially on weekends spent in the great outdoors. It has an adjustable torch angle and is powered by three AAA batteries which are included in your purchase.

Buy now £18.00, Go Outdoors

Grenade Protein Bar - Oreo

Grenade’s best flavour in my opinion is the Oreo Protein Bar which practically tastes like a biscuit.

Packed with a decent 21g of protein and low in sugar, it’s everything you love about the biscuit but in a bar that works with your goals; not against them. It contains biscuit pieces, creamy layers and a chocolatey crunch that makes indulging in the oreo goodness feel like a treat rather than a compromise.

Buy now £9.50, Boots

Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Edition Maximum Cushion Crew Socks

These Classic Edition socks are Smartwool’s thickest and warmest offering, designed to keep your feet cosy during long-distance hikes and backpacking adventures. With full, plush cushioning, they ensure comfort even during rugged terrain.

The flat knit toe seam minimises discomfort inside your shoes while the elasticized arch brace provides a secure and lasting fit, so you can focus on the trail ahead.

Buy now £18.80, Amazon

Helly Hansen Unisex Hiking Quarter Socks

Up there with the most technical hiking socks, with their integrated functions and a blend of wool and synthetic fibres, these Helly Hansen Unisex Hiking Quarter Socks are impressively lightweight considering how hardy they are.

Ideal for hiking as well as camping or mountaineering, they're a durable, popular choice that ticks all the boxes for adventures on your feet.

Buy now £20.00, Helly Hansen

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28

The Align leggings are a bestseller for a reason. For their feel alone, you will want to add these Lululemon bottoms to your basket. The material is silky soft, while remaining supportive and disguising sweat patches. They are created for yoga and as such are stretchy and flexible for a full range of movement.

The leggings come in different lengths depending on where you want them to sit – be it the ankle or up the calf, in 12 colourways and from UK4 to 24. There is a hidden pocket in the waistband for the essentials.

Buy now £88.00, Lululemon

Nike Tempo Luxe Women's 2-In-1 Running Shorts

You can always rely on the sportswear giant to consider every detail. These Nike shorts are the best of both worlds with a loosely fitted exterior but cycling-esque inner lining. But, and what makes them stand out from the crowd is the storage options. Women’s clothing is so often lacking pockets but not these shorts which have a side pocket that is sizeable enough to stash your phone should you need it for music or maps mid-run. There is also an inner drop pocket for petite possessions like keys and cards.

These shorts are kitted out with Nike’s signature Dri-FIT technology to stay comfortable during elevated mileage and are made from at least 50 per cent recycled polyester.

Buy now £39.99, Nike

The North Face Sunriser 4" 2-in-1 Shorts

Much like everything that The North Face produces, the Sunriser shorts are made to enhance performance. To achieve that, the brand has constructed a two-layer design in which the inner cycling compression shorts have ample stretch for a free range of movement.

They are also made from a trademarked quick-drying, moisture-wicking FlashDry fabric to see you through the most intensive of training sessions, enhanced by a breathable mesh. On the right leg, a phone pocket adds to their immense wearability.

Buy now £65.00, The North Face

Nike Challenger Tight

Best for: stoage

A long-running favourite among casual and competitive runners alike, the Nike Challenger Tight is a versatile winter performer that does the job in temperatures ranging from nippy to freezing. Storage is a major plus, with a large internal pocket beneath the rear waistband ideal for carrying gels on those weekend long runs and a separate key pocket alongside.

Buy now £54.99, Nike

LifestrawPeak Series Collapsible Squeeze Bottle with Filter

Capacity: 650ml

By far the most high-tech, adventure-approved foldable water bottle we’ve ever come across, Lifestraw’s life-saving collapsible water bottle is equipped with the brand’s innovative micro membrane filter, which removes over 99.9 per cent of bacteria while maintaining a super speedy flow rate to quench your thirst at a moment’s notice. It’s leak-proof thanks to the custom screw-top cap and is designed to streamline your outdoor experience. The filter lasts up to 2,000 litres.

Buy now £44.00, Blacks

Maurten Drink Mix 320 - Box of 14

Best for: marathoner-approved

Maurten is a brand that athletes will be very familiar with. The label’s gels are regularly spotted during marathons or triathlons to give competitors a sustained energy boost. The drink mix is a similar type of fueling favourite, delivering endurance using hydrogel technology. When combined with water, the Maurten Drink Mix 320 forms hydrogel that brings H2O, salt and carbohydrates to the intestines, encouraging it to be better absorbed.

If you needed any additional motivation to test it out, it has been given the seal of approval from Eliud Kipchoge, considered to be the world’s greatest marathoner who achieved a mind-blowing time of 1:59:40 in the Vienna 26.2 mile race.

Buy now £41.36, Healf

Caffeine Bullet Energy Gel Mint Chews

For a speedy energy boost, the Caffeine Bullets take a faster-acting approach than your morning brew. By nature of the chewy texture, the caffeine is absorbed through the membrane in the mouth to the bloodstream, revving you up in under five minutes.

Keep these on hand for a mid-race or gym session supercharging to go further and faster and achieve your record PB.

Buy now £13.99, Amazon

Garmin Forerunner 265

Best for: long distances

From tracking your statistics to crunching the numbers, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is sleek and lightweight on the wrist with a colourful AMOLED display (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode – in layman’s terms, a screen that offers the best image quality and brightness).

Features include daily suggested workouts and adaptive training plans – called the ‘Garmin Coach’ – to a heart-rate monitor and built-in GPS. We love the metric that evaluates recent exercise to let you know if you’re training productively or peaking – talk about efficiency! – and the advisor that tells you how long to rest before another big push.

Better still, its connectivity means you can manage your life on the move, whether emails or texts, as well as share a live location with friends and family – perfect for keeping you safe.

Buy now £379.99, Garmin

Camelbak Women's Zephyr Vest 11L with 1L Hydration

A dream for ultra-long distance runners and fast-packers, the Zephyr Vest was engineered with body mapping for optimal ventilation and designed to perform for your specific pursuit. It's also impressively lightweight and maxed out with safety features.

There's a secure cell phone pocket, a built-in safety whistle and two Quick Stow flasks at the front of your vest for easy access. And since you're always on the run, the ultra-lightweight material is treated with a polygiene antimicrobial to keep bacteria at bay from one stretch to the next.

Buy now £114.99, Amazon

Ronhill Nightrunner Headband

Running or working out in the evening? Keep safe and seen with Ronhill’s super reflective headband. Covering your ears with its contoured design and made from a fabric with thermal properties, it will also keep you warm without causing you to overheat. It also has a barely there feel on the head.

Buy now £22.00, Amazon

Patagonia Women's Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket

Regular hikers and adventurers should invest in this year-round, packable saviour from none other than Patagonia. With three layers of waterproof coating and a PFC-free DWR finish, this breathable yet insulating piece of kit adapts to your environment.

What’s more, after a fair few years of hard-worn use, you can send your jacket back to Patagonia and they’ll re-apply their patented waterproof coating to prevent you from unnecessarily purchasing a new one.

Buy now £116.97, Alpine Trek

Columbia Women’s Challenger II Windbreaker

This waterproof, pullover windbreaker from Columbia not only functions as a practical piece of kit, but as an essential addition to your street style collection. It packs up into the cosy front-facing hand pocket and also features a hardwearing drawstring hood for extra protection.

Buy now £65.00, Columbia

BAM Clothing Sculpting Training Top

BAM is an impact-positive brand that creates clothing using bamboo, a material that boasts natural renewing properties. In addition to offsetting all carbon emissions to become climate-positive, the brand champions fair living wages and treatment of all those involved in the supply chain.

BAM’s zip neck has long sleeves and a generous body length to give ample coverage. Crafted from ultra-soft, lightweight bamboo jersey, the piece promises easy movement and unparalleled warmth.

Buy now £46.00, BAM

The North Face TNF Logo Box Cuffed Beanie

With all the warmth and none of the fuss, this beanie from The North Face proves that practicality doesn’t need to be void of style. For the more minimal dressers out there, this ultra-cosy knitted hat is for you.

Buy now £28.00, The North Face

Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy 3000 Tent

Minimal camping, here you come! Sierra's bivy may strip things back to austere levels but slip inside and you'll find a surprising level of comfort. The interior is big enough to house a camping pad and sleeping bag, all protected by the waterproof and rip-proof shell. Mesh windows and a breathable top fabric prevent condensation from forming at the side, with the former offering the added bonus of viewing the stars above. As for packed weight, you're looking at 400g - not bad.

Buy now £170.00, Decathlon

Outdoor Research Helium Bivy

If it's lightness you're after, the Helium Bivy has it in spades, weighing 472g and packing down to a minuscule 31 x 9cm.

Despite these dimensions, once set up, you'll have 66 x 48 x 208cm of space to nuzzle down and get some rest before the next day's adventures begin. The waterproof and windproof design boasts fully taped seams and comes with guy line loops and stake loops for extra security.

A clamshell opening and spacious foot box means there's enough wiggle room where it counts.

Buy now £211.00, Amazon

Pystuvo Sleeping Bag for Adults

Do aesthetics matter as much as performance? Both are correct and present in this fun sleeping bag from Pystuvo which comes in six other cute colourways.

Suitable to use across all four seasons, the envelope style wraps you in blissful warmth yet there's enough wiggle room to turn around or throw a leg out if you start to overeat.

The sleeping bag comes with a travel compression sack that will squeeze every last gasp of air from it, making it much easier to pack into your bags.

Buy now £29.74, Amazon

TREKOLOGY Self Inflating Camping Mat

Best for: lofty(ish) height

One of the most respected names in the business, regular campers adore Trekology, an outdoors company based in Portland, Oregon USA.

One of its standout products is this self-inflating camping mat, which offers a glorious 12.5cm of height when fully inflated - more than any other on our list. This does mean it’s slightly heavier though, at just over 1kg packed.

However, the curved sides to stop you rolling off mid-snooze and the integrated pillow (20cm high) justifies the extra weight. When it’s time to go, the mat folds down into a compact carrying bag measuring  27.5cm x 12.5cm.

Buy now £54.70, Amazon

Compeed Blister Plasters

Immediately after the race, blister plasters are a guaranteed necessity.

We’d recommend Compeed thanks to the hydrocolloid active gel technology the brand uses which heals whilst it protects. You might need them for a few days, so stock up on a few of the mixed sizes to ensure you cover all of the bases.

Buy now £3.34, Amazon

Lyonsleaf Calendula & Marshmallow Balm 30ml

A balm to soothe dry, sore, irritated skin, this balm is suitable for use from head to toe, not just for chafing – although it offers a great solution for that too.

It’s ideal for anyone with sensitive skin as the all-natural plant oils it’s made with means it’s gentle enough to use on delicate areas while also working hard to heal your skin. The fact it’s water-free means the oils will go the distance in lubricating chafing.

It’s also helpful for a range of other skin ailments, such as helping heal fresh tattoos, soothing sore nipples when nursing and softening heels, elbows, and dry hands and feet. A bathroom cabinet hero, by all accounts.

Buy now £11.99, Amazon

Black Diamond walking poles 2

Black Diamond doesn’t do things by halves. If you love nothing more than a trek through sub/minus temperatures, you’ll wonder how you ever did it without a pair of the brand’s Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles by your side.

Complete with a strap and all-carbon fibre shafts, these trekking poles are built for the four seasons. Come rain or shine, snow or sun and everything in between, these telescopic trekking poles, which collapse down to 61cm, can stand up to Mother Nature. The soft-to-the-touch cork handles offer a stellar grip while the sturdy straps ensure a secure fit.

Buy now £140.24, Amazon

Komperdell Carbon C3 Cloud Compact

If there’s one brand that will have your back, it’s Komperdell. The brand has been manufacturing hiking poles for nearly 100 years. And its Carbon C3 Cloud Compact is a testament to that. According to Komperdell, this pole is its lightest trekking pole to date.

It’s also the brand’s walking pole that has the strongest lock thanks to its Powerlock 3.0. Meaning when it comes to putting your weight on two extra tips, your walking poles will most certainly help not hinder your climb. But there’s more.

The Carbon C3 Cloud Compact comes with foam handles and an air-padded strap which makes sure your poles work with you and not against you. Top that with an adjustable height of 90-120cm and you’ve got yourself a recipe for striding success.

Buy now £155.00, Amazon

Anker PowerCore 5000 mAh External Battery Power Bank

A pocket-sized hero, Anker’s mini portable charger holds enough power to fully charge high-power smartphones like an iPhone X or Samsung Galaxy S9 and nearly two full charges for an iPhone 8 from the 5000mAh rating.

What’s great about this battery is that it facilitates high-speed charging thanks to PowerIQ, which delivers a super-fast charge speed of up to 2amp.

The device comes with a micro USB cable, travel pouch, welcome guide and an 18-month warranty. It’s a helpful bit of tech to keep charged up and in your bag, ready for when your phone needs a pick-me-up.

For the price, it can’t be beat.

Buy now £18.99, Amazon

Heliocare 360° Sensation SPF 50+

SPF should be applied come rain or shine. It doesn’t just protect from the sun, but blue light and pollution too. Heliocare makes daily lathering that much easier with the 360° Sensation SPF 50+ formula. The protective lotion is lightweight, oil-free and absorbs instantly with a practical invisible texture.

Buy now £24.80, Face The Future

Ultrasun Lip Protection SPF50

There is a reason why the Ultrasun Lip Protection SPF50 is a bestseller. The emollient-rich formula works double duty to restore moisture to dry and cracked lips, while also ensuring that the situation is not further exacerbated through high sun protection. It is made up of shea butter, argan oil and vitamin E, a nourishing trio that feels silky smooth on application.

Buy now £10.00, lookfantastic

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Mune 400 Fluid Oil Control SPF 50

This sun cream glides seamlessly onto the complexion for a second skin-like feel. It is ideal for blemish-prone, oily and combination skin due to the minimalistic formula that is free from unnecessary and harmful chemicals. The lightweight texture is designed for sensitive skin and so will not cause irritation but instead will soothe as it shields. It contains a combination of Airlicium that absorbs oil and has a mattifying effect. The product absorbs quickly without leaving white marks, stains or a greasy residue behind.

The brand describes this SPF as the most advanced protection against harmful ageing UV filters that can cause a loss of elasticity and damage to collagen structures. This is through the UVMune 400 filter, dubbed as the most efficient against those long UVA (A for ageing) rays.

Buy now £21.00, Boots

Victorinox Huntsman knife

With a history that stretches back 125 years, a Swiss Army Knife is the perfect useful tool for all. The utility knife has it all, from a selection of blades, a can opener, a screwdriver, mini saw, tweezers and more.

Buy now £45.00, Victorinox

Haribo Starmix Mini Bags, 11 mini bags

Space-saving and tasty, you can stash these mini bags of Haribo into any pocket for a sugary pick-me-up when you’re starting to flag.

Buy now £2.05, Amazon

Lifesystems Chlorine Dioxide Water Purification Tablets

Transform any water source to potable with these tablets. Lifesystems uses chlorine dioxide to disinfect and remove viruses and bacteria without altering the taste. You need one per litre and it takes just 10 minutes to rehydrate.

Buy now £10.99, Amazon

Trekrite Explorer Compass for Map Reading and Navigation

Your phone and smartwatch may run out of juice but you will still be able to find your way with an old school compass.

Buy now £9.99, Amazon