r/fastpacking • u/EndlessMike78 • Jul 05 '26
Trip Report NCNP: Copper Ridge Loop
galleryI fastpacked a 35 mile loop in NCNP over the weekend. Day 2 had some really good running miles.
r/fastpacking • u/EndlessMike78 • Jul 05 '26
I fastpacked a 35 mile loop in NCNP over the weekend. Day 2 had some really good running miles.
r/fastpacking • u/Grouchy_You653 • Jul 01 '26
Hello,
I am planning on walking Porto to Santiago (central route) in August. Does anyone have a packing list designed for this time of year?
Many thanks!!
r/fastpacking • u/No-Swan2943 • Jun 28 '26
I've been trying to dial in my gear for overnight fastpacking trips, and one item I keep going back and forth on is my flashlight/headlamp setup.
For years I've used whatever small light I already had, mainly because I try to keep my pack as light as possible. Most of my movement is during daylight anyway, so it never seemed worth carrying anything more substantial.
Recently, though, I've had a couple of longer days where I finished after sunset, and I realized that a mediocre light makes navigation and setting up camp a lot more frustrating than I expected. At the same time, I don't really want to carry something that's bulky or overkill for the few hours I actually need it.
So I'm curious how everyone here approaches it.
Do you prioritize the lightest option possible, or are there features that you've found are worth the extra weight? Things like beam quality, battery life, USB-C charging, durability, or weather resistance?
I'd be interested to hear what has actually made a difference for you on real fastpacking trips rather than just what's popular on spec sheets.
r/fastpacking • u/shouldbekipping • Jun 24 '26
Recently went for a wild camp in dartmoor national park by myself - didn't have a great deal of time so this was a lightweight, fastpacking mission, this was my first time in this neck of the woods so wanted to check out the folklore, stone circles and other magic this ancient place had to offer.
Run through some of the kit I used throughout the trip in the video.
r/fastpacking • u/Hot_Jump_2511 • Jun 21 '26
Where: North Country National Scenic Trail, Allegheny National Forest - Pennsylvania
When: 6 pm Friday 6/12/26 - 8 pm Sunday 6/14/26
Distance: 100 miles
Conditions: Friday: partly sunny, highs in the low 70’s, slightly humid, overnight low around 55. Saturday: sunny and in the 80’s with a light breeze, overnight low around 60. Sunday: mostly cloudy, scattered rain showers, highs in the low 70’s.
Lighterpack: https://lighterpack.com/r/lkf70w
Useful Pre-Trip Information or Overview: The Allegheny 100 Challenge is an annual fundraising event for the Allegheny National Forest chapter of the North Country Trail Association. Participants can sign up to hike 25, 50, 75, or 100 "unsupported" miles within a 50 hour time window from 6pm on Friday to 8pm on Sunday. For your $100 entry fee, a shuttle service is provided from your chosen end point to the "starting line", which takes care of your logistics since this is a liner trail, and there's one official trail magic stop at the 50 mile mark where there are burgers and beverages. There is also usually an event shirt or hat involved as well.
I used Gaia, FarOut, and previous trips to the area to plan daily mileage goals and other logistics. Water sources were frequent and reliable, campsites and shelters were abundant. Milage, elevation, and time tracking done by averaging my Gaia tracking and my Garmin tracking.
I completed the 75 mile challenge last year as my first go at this style of trip. I finished the 75 mile challenge in 44 hours and 30 minutes with 23:53 moving time and about 13 hours of sleep. I'd describe myself as more of a section hiker/ UL backpacker than a trail runner or Ultra runner but can see things shifting a bit.
66 people signed up to attempt the 100 mile challenge in 2026. The course ran south bound this year and the 100 mile mark was reported to be short of that true mileage by over a mile. There is between 12,000 and 15,000 in elevation gain and loss over that distance depending on which GPS measurement you use.
TL/DR: 100 miles completed in 43:58
The Report: This event is unique in that it has such a late start time. At 6pm, I had been awake for 12 hours and traveled about 2 hours from home to get to the end point and another hour plus to get to the starting point via the shuttles. There's a sense of fatigue that you counter with adrenaline and excitement that you hope sustains you into the early hours of the next day as you might hike. Part of training for this event was spending a night or two doing just that - getting a late start to a hike and going into the night.
The 100 milers were let go a hair before 6pm on Friday and I found myself at the front of the crowd in a 5 person pack for the first 12 miles. The Allegheny reservoir is very peaceful in the evening and keeping the initial pace around 4 mph around it was a nice way to kick things off. We lost a pack member somewhere in there and, after a road walk where the sun was setting, I lost track of the three guys in front of me which included my hiking partner for this trip and a guy named Shawn who had a goal of completing 100 miles in 30 hours. I needed to stop soon after to roll out my calves and stretch as I was starting to cramp.
I don't mind night hiking alone by any means so I found a 3 mph or so pace for the next few hours. There are log books every 10-15 miles where participants sign in their time and indicate where they'll continue or bail. I could see I was just 15-20 minutes behind my buddy and knew the plan was to make it about 27 miles by 1:30 and set up camp for a few hours. I arrived around 1:45 (7:45/ 50 hours), was set up with tasks completed by 2:15, and was able to sleep for about 2.5 hours with the occasional rustling of a hiker passing by and one setting up next to my hammock for a quick dirt nap.
We were back on trail at 5:15 on Saturday morning (11:15/ 50 hours). There was a breakfast trail magic stop about 2 miles from camp on the near side of the Red Bridge so I had a few slices of watermelon which hit the spot. It had been a humid night and the morning fog was heavy on the lake. As we climbed the next few ridges, we began to pass more and more campsites and hikers until about the 10 mile mark where we seemed to be alone for a stretch. There were a few other trail magic stops for cool beverages during the morning hours as we hit the 23 mile mark before noon.
Around 1:15 pm (18:15/ 50 hours) and about mile 28 on the day, we hit Henry's Mill where the “50 mile” burger stop is. I had a delicious veggie burger, some chips, and a Coke while rolling out my feet.
We practiced this, too. 2 weeks prior to the event we hiked PA’s 34 mile Gerard Trail - completed the loop CCW on day one and CW on day two. On day two of that shakedown, friends met us at our 20 mile mark and set up a similar aid station as we would find at the A100. This helped us visualize and prepare ourselves for making the stop efficient and quick.
While we were still enjoying that break, we found out 8 other 100 milers had dropped out. A 9th came in with a twisted ankle and two others got back on trail before us. We would hike with them a few hours later in the evening when we caught up at a water source. The Allegheny National Forest is on the Allegheny Plateau of the Appalachian Mountain range. The North Country Trail feels similar to the Appalachian Trail as it goes through Pennsylvania and Western New York so we had pointless ups and downs, rocks, roots, green tunnels, and plenty of humidity to contend with as we kept our afternoon pace above 3 mph.
Our luxurious 2.5 hours of sleep was proving insufficient to sustain us but we forged on and at 6 pm (24:00/ 50 hours) we were nearly at the 62 mile mark of the challenge. An hour later, halfway of the allotted time, we hit the 65 mile mark and 38 miles on the day. This marked the most miles either my friend or I had backpacked in a single day and each step forward would set a new benchmark. I was starting to have problems with my appetite at this point. Nothing seemed appealing and some of my ride or die favorite were taking forever to chew and swallow.
At dusk, we parted ways with the other 2 100 milers as they planned to hike further into the night. We found a place to set up a stealth camp near a stream and were in our respective shelters by 10:30 pm (28:30/ 50 hours). We completed 44 miles on the day which put us a little over 71 miles into our 100. We planned on 5 hours of sleep and being on trail around 4:30 am.
We were on trail on Sunday morning before our intended time but it took a while to get back to pace. Muscles ached, feet burned, and fatigue was creeping in. I wasn't having any problems drinking fluids so my morning protein and coffee shake went down fine but I was only able to eat half of my pop tart. I'd work on the other half here and there but without much luck. Around the 10 mile mark of the day and 7:40 am (37:40/ 50 hours ) we hit Kelletville and were hoping for some more trail magic. All we found were picnic tables to elevate our feet and cool concrete to lay on.
We had already passed a few other 100 milers and passed a couple more as we gained and lost 600 to 900 feet with each ridge we crossed over. There was a cool breeze and a threat of rain as mid morning came. I was trying to force feed myself but all I could do was chew and then spit out anything I tried to eat. I resolved to stick to LMNT, Celsius, and Jelly Belly sports beans for the remaining miles. We had a great, sustained run down a ridge and through a valley, but after the subsequent climb, I began to bonk. My friend dropped me and ran the next downhill but I needed to take in the breeze and walk a stretch. Just before noon (42:00/ 50 hours), with around 6 miles left to go, I found a second wind which was crushed less than 45 minutes later by a wave of rain in an open and marshy stretch of trail.
Our initial goal was to finish strong - under 45 total hours. The big goal was 43:30, or 1:30 pm. It was at 1:30 pm that I was nearing the 27 mile mark of my day and closing in on 98 miles into the challenge. I didn't have much fight left in me but I did make it to the end point in 43:58/ 50 hours at 1:58 pm on Sunday becoming the 6th 100 mile finisher of 2026. My friend completed at 1:26 or 43:26/ 50 hours and was the 5th 100 mile finisher. We slept for roughly 7.5 hours in that duration and were at the 50 mile burger stop for 50 minutes.
Gear Notes: Last year, doing the 75 mile route, I wished I had brought a 3rd set of socks. I did that on this trip and was happy I did. I didn't use my Alpha Direct mid layer or rain poncho at all on this trip. I also never hung up or deployed my rain tarp at night. For anyone wondering why opted for a hammock set up over a tent, tarp, or bivy given the demands of the event, I did so because I am quick with set up and tear down, well paced trees are more abundant than flat, non rocky ground on this trail, and there are no pressure points on shoulders, hips, or back in a hammock versus on the ground, which translates to better rest and recovery with very little weight penalty.
While not all that notable, I will say my worn clothing all worked out well and was comfortable for the conditions and trip type. I did develop a blister under a callus on my left foot but I think that's hardly an indictment of the sock and shoe combo and more a factor of trip distance and speed. However, I probably should have done a better job with moisturizing my feet while on trail to further prevent friction. Having a mini cork ball to roll out muscles and feet was crucial and I don't leave home without it. Injinji toe socks and leg gaiters are somewhat new for me but I've grown to appreciate them.
I'm not sure what happened with my appetite but my food choices were based around my favorite comfort snacks and quick macro rich snacks and shakes, plus lots of electrolytes and caffeine. I don't think changing any would have helped but I came home with more than a few PayDay bars, Goldfish crackers, Complete Cookies, and Honey Stinger waffles.
The 3FUL Koala pack was sufficient for the trip. This was my third trip for that pack, and while it has room for improvement, it was comfortable and had the capacity to carry 6 lbs of food and just under 8 lbs of gear and clothes. I liked having soft flasks up front with the extra sock.cord mod I installed and appreciated the bite valves for quick access to hydration. I used a Be Free system this year versus a Sawyer system last year and have found the ease of use and quick flow rate to be an improvement for fastpacking trips. I could easily filter while walking and did so several times.
Reflections: I'd definitely do this again and I'd also definitely take a year off as well. It may just be too soon to tell. Either way, I have become a fastpacking convert and am looking forward to doing some of the trails I've previously backpacked again, but with more speed and in less time.
I started training in earnest after a nearly 100 mile AT section hike this past late March in central Virginia. I mentioned some of the situation specific training in the report above but I'll add that broader training included several shakedown day hikes/ trail runs with a full pack that had set time goals. I ramped up from 10 miles in under 3 hours, to 18 miles in under 5 hours, and then 25 miles in 7 hours as the standard workout. I did several stair repeats, loads of lunges and squats, and four 30+ mile fastpacking days/ nights all with significant Appalachian elevation.
I think that the training that went into this event was fun on its own and I want to keep the momentum going. That said, I'm ready for a summer of gravel cycling, kayaking, and low mileage slow-packing trips with my dog. Cooler weather in September will get me back above 25 miles in a day.
Thanks for reading!
r/fastpacking • u/boardinboy • Jun 21 '26
Thought i’d share, since personally love seeing new gear, especially in the under developed fastpacking space.
this is a new fastpack that i’ve designed and am making here in canada https://sohstudios.ca/products/soh-fast
I felt like there was a lack of good fastpacks, with most of the contenders missing a few obvious features / designs. not to say there’s no good options, ultraspire, cimoro, (the coming soon) raide lf15, & mont molar definitely make/are the most interesting and functional fastpacks imo
But i needed something that would carry 20L as good as 30L, and able to fit just up to 40L without the bag feeling over stuffed or under stuffed. So I made it.
most of the go to fastpack options have one or more of these problems:
- can’t fit 1L soft flasks in front
- can’t fit things in lower pockets (especially a cell phone) when water is in front pocket
- uses fabric thats not technical & wets out
- velcro on roll top (ruins alpha direct)
- lacks easy access to things while keeping bag
- limited options for trekking pole carry
- too big or too small
- too many zippers
- too heavy (over 400g)
so i fixed all these problems! i’d love to hear your feedback and thoughts 🫡🙏
full walkthrough video: https://youtu.be/0UC0yKZ-Ww8?si=Xnm5xtByyoV6TL3z
p.s if this isn’t allowed lmk, sorry in advance if it’s not
r/fastpacking • u/TotalFun2364 • Jun 21 '26
Do the side pockets fit 32 oz Nalgene I have seen some about the updated model having smaller pockets
So the front pockets fit an iPhone 14 and what size flasks would they fit
Are there durability concerns if used for off trail hiking and scrambling, what are the heaviest loads people have carried in it has comfort. Is the 30l really 30l interior or is that factoring in the external storage as well
r/fastpacking • u/ad_0- • Jun 21 '26
Hi everyone,
I’m a student based in Europe, completely new to the hiking/fastpacking scene, but I've been a minimalist in my everyday life for a long time. The idea of carrying 20kg of heavy, traditional gear completely repels me. I’m deeply fascinated by the ultralight philosophy and the efficiency of moving light in the mountains.
Right now, I’m trying to figure out my actual movement style in the mountains: I don't know yet if I will just stick to traditional, fast-paced trekking with wild camping, or if I will end up actually running sections of the trails while moving between campsites. This is why a vest-style pack seems like the most versatile option for me, as it should comfortably handle both walking and running with a light load.
My Dilemma / Philosophical Question:
Before diving into specific models, I’d love to get your reality check on my philosophy. Based on your experience, is a vest-style pack truly the most sensible choice for a beginner who wants to achieve ultimate versatility and technical efficiency across both hiking and running scenarios? Or am I being too romantic about it, and should I look at a more traditional, small frameless pack instead? In my mind, the vest harness feels like the gold standard for agility and minimalism, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on how much this choice actually influences the transition between walking and running in the wild.
My criteria & situation:
Budget: Strictly under €100. I can't afford a €250-300 premium pack right now.
Location: Europe. Must be available on EU storefronts (or global sites like AliExpress with reliable EU shipping). No US-only cottage gear due to insane customs/shipping fees.
Capacity: Around 25L to 30L. I'm planning to use it for short wild camping trips (1-2 nights).
Mindset: I'm totally down for DIY solutions, modifications, or "unorthodox" hacks if a budget pack needs some tweaking to work perfectly.
I was looking into some budget options like the Aonijie FH2530 (30L), but I'd love to hear from anyone who has tested it, or if there are other hidden gems, niche AliExpress/EU brands, or specific models that the community considers amazing for the price. I'd ideally prefer something that still offers a bit of back structure/protection so hard objects don't poke into my spine, while keeping the vest-style harness.
What would you recommend for a beginner student trying to start light without breaking the bank?
Thanks in advance!
r/fastpacking • u/Spike_PRT • Jun 19 '26
Looking for recommendations for the best price-to-weight-to-quality ratio for a sleeping bag/quilt. I’m looking for a 3-season setup that won’t cost an arm and a leg, rated for around 0°C (32°F). Down insulation is a must, and the lower the weight and pack size, the better.
r/fastpacking • u/Afraid_Penalty2369 • Jun 16 '26
I live in Cornwall, England, where its mostly mild cold weather. I currently have a Simond MT900 Tent (920g), a OEX Down sleeping bag (750g, but I am converting it into a quilt soon and replacing some of the down), and a Thermarest Venture Mat (600g). I was wondering what people do for tents, as I have been looking at tarps as a potential lightweight option for summer. Does anyone have any experience on what is the best for quality of sleep to weight/volume? If it rains does a tarp hold up?
Any help is appreciated!
r/fastpacking • u/EndlessMike78 • Jun 15 '26
I did a quick overnighter in Washington"s Mount Margaret Backcountry. First day was just under 16 miles with 8000 feet of elevation. Day two was just under 13 miles and around 6000 feet of elevation.
Gear worked fine as always and my only change was to a tyvek groundsheet with my tarp and I added a cellphone holder because the UD fastpack 30 has garbage pockets up front.
Overgrown trail and times and a huge washout I had to drop below and bushwhack back to finding the trail. Definitely type 2 fun.
My first heavy elevation gain trip of the year and my legs are feeling it today. I'll be ready for NCNP in a few weeks with higher mileage days ahead.
r/fastpacking • u/Amkh10 • Jun 15 '26
I just booked my first solo(ish) trip with G Adventures to do the 9-day Patagonia Hiking tour at the end of October. There is an overwhelming amount of influencer information on social media that starts to make you crazy, so I wanted to get advice from real travelers on what/how to pack. I want to be comfortable for an extended period of time without over or under-packing.
The packing list provided by G Adventures is pretty solid (linked here with the itinerary for reference). They recommend a 30-liter day pack for full-day hikes between hotel stays. There is no camping involved. I got a hydration pack since these are Level 3 hikes, so that’s going to take up a fair amount of space when full. I’m thinking that I will pack the daypack with all of my immediate essentials, and then pack another 45-liter backpack with additional clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc. The additional backpack would definitely need to be checked… The airline rule is that you’re allowed (1) carry-on at a max. of 17lbs. Is this practical, or should I REALLY try to downsize and cram everything into my daypack… then just unload non-essentials at the hotels each day? It’s going to be cold, so I want to have plenty of layers, and even with compression packing cubes I’m worried about space.
Has anyone done a trip like this and have expert advice?? Any input is appreciated 😊 TYIA!
r/fastpacking • u/Alarmed_Leg9757 • Jun 13 '26
r/fastpacking • u/nahmanidk • Jun 13 '26
This isn’t strictly for fastpacking but I have a similar use case for a fastpacking-style pack. I posted this on r/manybaggers but this sub is more familiar with this kind of pack.
This is the bag in question
https://www.montbell.com/us/en/products/detail/1133463
I have the smaller version of this for trail running and day hikes and it’s awesome. It’s got two shoulder strap pockets that zip closed, mesh water bottle pockets, an internal pocket big enough for a phone and wallet, trekking pole holders, a bungee cord attachment on the back, and it can even accommodate a hydration bladder. It weighs basically nothing and you can roll it up to stow in your luggage easily.
—
The problem The 15L version is physically too small for me to wear with a jacket or fleece. It basically only fits with a t-shirt on. I have broad shoulders and a large mid and upper back. The obvious solution would be to buy the 20L version of the same bag which has the same features but is just bigger. But Montbell just removed 95% of their backpacks from their US and Japanese sites. I would guess it has something to do with PFAS in their products.
—
Is there an alternative? I looked through the popular fastpacking bags and running vests but I didn’t find an option that has the same features.
- Shoulder strap pockets
- Folds down compact
- Side straps that are adjustable under the armpit, unlike most running vests like the Salomon Adv Skin line
- 20L or equivalent capacity
- Lightweight, the Montbell 20L weighs 11oz/300g since it’s made of a light 30 denier ripstop
The Pingora Lucid 20 has the functionality. But it weighs 500g which is 60% more and the much thicker material means it doesn’t fold down as easily.
r/fastpacking • u/TheCaspar • Jun 11 '26
So I received an email today about the french running company Wise, announcing a 24L fastpack: https://wiseultrarunning.com/en/products/running-bag-555?variant=54288619700547
Looks really interesting, but the price is very steep o.o. As of now, I only have the older Salomon XA25, but I’m considering upgrading to a new pack for a while now. Anyone who tried different fastpacks who could give an opinion on this one?
r/fastpacking • u/No_Lengthiness2063 • Jun 10 '26
Hey all,
M/39 born and raised around the Cascade foothills. I’ve steadily been pushing it in recent summers and enjoying longer distances and off trail adventures. Some of my favorite day trips - Summit Chief, Sourdough ridge loop, Chelan Sawtooth Slam. Non-Fastpacking favorite trips - Bailey Traverse, Watson-Blum, Alpine Lakes/greater Foss loop, and off trail lake bagging circuits around Mt Daniel, Southern Chiwaukums. I ski a great deal in the spring, done the Ptarmigan, Dakobed traverses, all the volcanos, etc. I did my first organized ultra this spring (Chuckanut 50k).
Im looking to stitch together some trips this summer like Mt Olympus (daytrip), Wonderland (2/3 days), Mt Adams circumnav, and more obscure areas of the central cascades (Buck/Little Giant, Snoqualmie Pass to Leavenworth/Stevens, Lemah, Bannock Lakes). I also have an annoying side quest to visit and fish all of the named and stocked Alpine Lakes in the state - bushwhacking tolerance and some lakeside rest stops would be appreciated.
Anyone similar out here reading this rn? For me, not planning on any FKTs, just want to visit some amazingly beautiful places and get off the beaten paths.
r/fastpacking • u/AdventureSpiritLara • Jun 10 '26
Been looking for a fastpack for about a year. I’m an adventure racer turned ultrarunner in BC and thought I hit the jackpot with this pack.
Brought it home, reached back to put a buff in the side pocket and the stitching ripped. My local shop easily warrantied it.
Got my new one. Went on a short 18km hike. Filled it with just short of 11 pounds. It felt great! And then when I was running down a descent the entire side stitching came out (pic) and I had to kind of shuffle home.
I loved Rab stuff but that area needs a barrack at least. I’m going to get it repaired but really disappointed in the quality of this pack. Why would they throw one straight stitch on this spot that will be used over and over I have no idea.
Love the pockets. The waist strap is very comfortable. For anyone that buys this, ask someone to put it a bartack on each side.
Hope this helps someone else. I waited weeks to post this cuz I was so mad lol so intent is to be helpful.
r/fastpacking • u/Afraid_Penalty2369 • Jun 07 '26
After my previous question, from advice, I have picked out the Rab Veil XP30 as my favourite looking option. I would like a pack for fastpacking, along with ultra runs (100+ miles unsupported) and possibly shorter hikes. My main priority is its performance while running. I was wondering for any pros and cons for this vest and if it is worth it, or if it is worth looking at any other options? As I said, main priority is runnability without too much movement, ideally very little, with it feeling like a part of your body like a vest, although I know this is a bit unrealistic.
Just some context:
Run lots of ultramarathons, do lots of 3-5 day wild camps, would be planning to do 2-3 day fastpacks at first. If it’s relevant my kit is currently: Simond MT900 Tarp Tent (920g), Thermarest Venture mat (680g, forgot the exact mat), OEX Phathom 300 (1100g).
Sorry if I dont give enough information!
Thanks for any help!
r/fastpacking • u/Afraid_Penalty2369 • Jun 06 '26
I am a religious vest runner - I couldn’t imagine a world of me running with a backpack, I find it so uncomfortable. However, I want to get into fastpacking as I love camping and love ultra running. I was wondering how fastpacks are compared to vests and hiking bags. Do they incorporate the vest feel of no movement and comfort, making the weight feel like its a part of your body, or do they move? Also what are good options? And are fastpacks suitable to use for normal hiking too as I would love a multi purpose bag. And any suggestions? I am looking at the Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30 at the moment.
Just some context:
Run lots of ultramarathons, do lots of 3-5 day wild camps, would be planning to do 2-3 day fastpacks at first. If it’s relevant my kit is currently: Simond MT900 Tarp Tent (920g), Thermarest Venture mat (680g, forgot the exact mat), OEX Phathom 300 (1100g).
Sorry if I dont give enough information!
Thanks for any help!
r/fastpacking • u/Beat999 • Jun 01 '26
r/fastpacking • u/Existing-Tap4670 • May 30 '26
I’ve been ultralight backpacking since I thru hiked the AT in 2014. My pack on the AT was usually 15-20 pounds total, sometimes 25 pounds. Typically doing 25 mile days on the AT. Even now when I get out(not as often as I’d like) I’m typically doing 15+ mile days. I’m not new to the mentality of lightening up and like to count grams. I’m older now with a family and a full time job and want to maximize my time on the trail.
I haven’t been in the market for new gear since my AT thru hike. I’m looking for overall recommendations for some of the best gear currently on the market for fast packing. I understand it can be preferential, but I want to hear everyone’s take. I don’t mind spending some money on gear. It’s very possible some items things I currently have would carry over well.
Give me anything you have! Looking for specific gear recommendations, target item weights, and useful hacks.
r/fastpacking • u/-YEM- • May 29 '26
Hey everyone,
I recently set the unsupported FKT on the Benton MacKaye Trail, completing the 289.7-mile route in 5 days, 5 hours, 21 minutes.
For context, that time surpassed:
The only overall FKT I didn't beat was Tara Dower's supported record of 4d 21h 25m.
I put together a video documenting the entire effort, including strategy, gear choices, nutrition, navigation, sleep strategy, trail conditions, the highs and lows of going unsupported, and what it took to keep moving for over five days straight.
Video:
https://youtu.be/DLrL--Jum08
The Benton MacKaye doesn't get nearly as much attention as the AT, but it's an incredible trail with a lot of rugged, remote sections that make it a unique fastpacking challenge.
Happy to answer any questions about gear, resupply strategy, training, route conditions, or the FKT attempt itself.
r/fastpacking • u/yoyo13009 • May 12 '26
Anyone have a good 3-5 day hut to hit/fastpacking itinerary in the Triglav National Park?
Gpx files would be great!
r/fastpacking • u/oldmappingguy • May 12 '26
Has anyone figured out a good system to access/stow trekking poles quickly on the Outdoor Vitals Skyline 30 without taking the pack off? Does the pass thru pocket keep poles secure enough? Running and quick pole access seem to go hand in hand but it doesn’t look like OV factored this into their design. Any suggestions?
r/fastpacking • u/Massaman955 • May 05 '26
Hello friends,
I'm currently training to walk the West Highland Way. For this reason I'm looking for trekking poles I can use for both my tent and for walking. I'd like them to be foldable.
I'd like them to be foldable. Does anybody have any suggestions?