What to pack for fastpacking: The complete UK kit list

Here’s everything you need for a safe, simple and comfortable fastpacking trip — and nothing you don’t.

What you need for your first fastpacking trip

When it comes to fastpacking, what you leave behind is just as important as what you take. Every gram counts — and when you’re covering long distances over varied terrain, your pack weight can make or break your trip. This fastpacking kit list covers the gear essentials for the UK, including what to pack, what to leave, and how to balance weight, safety, and comfort.

Whether you’re planning a quick overnighter in the Brecon Beacons or a multi-day mission through the Highlands, this is everything you need to sleep wild, move fast, and stay safe. If you're looking for a detailed and practical fastpacking checklist, you've found it.

Pro Tip: Why your pack matters (and what one of our contributors learned the hard way)

One of our contributors once set off on a multi-day fastpacking trip with a standard hiking rucksack — and regretted it almost immediately. The pack bounced, rubbed, and made running miserable. By day two, they were limping and cutting the route short just to get through it. The takeaway? Your backpack is the most important bit of fastpacking gear. It’s not just about weight — it’s how that weight moves with you. Choose a proper fastpacking pack, test it beforehand, and you’ll thank yourself every mile.

1. A dedicated fastpacking pack

This is the one bit of kit you absolutely can’t skimp on. A proper fastpacking backpack is designed to sit high and tight on your back, with minimal bounce, good weight distribution, and enough front storage to keep snacks, water, and navigation close to hand. Standard hiking packs won’t cut it — they’ll sway, rub, and destroy your rhythm.

Look for something in the 20–35L range with wide shoulder straps, good chest support, and a harness that hugs your torso like a running vest. Many of the better packs also feature built-in front bottle holders and zipped pockets for food, gloves, or your phone. Fit is critical here — even a top-end pack will chafe or bounce if it doesn’t suit your frame. If possible, try before you buy.

This is arguably the most important bit of fastpacking gear, so it's worth choosing carefully.

Your footwear is your foundation. The best trail running shoes for fastpacking will offer a combination of grip, cushioning, and durability over long distances. While hiking boots are too stiff and heavy, trail shoes let you move quickly and naturally across variable terrain.

Make sure your shoes are broken in well before your trip. If you're running through wet or boggy conditions, look for deep lugs and drainage. If the trails are more rocky or dry, go for cushioning and underfoot protection. Waterproof membranes can help on exposed terrain, but in warm weather they often trap heat and dry slowly. Consider your route and choose accordingly.

This is one of the most personal choices in your fastpacking gear list, so try different options and train in them before a big trip.

2. Trail running shoes

3. A lightweight shelter or bivvy

If you're fastpacking in the UK, you'll need shelter that keeps you dry without slowing you down. That could mean a bivvy bag, a tarp pitched with trekking poles, or a one-person ultralight tent.

Bivvies are the lightest and most compact option, ideal for summer trips in settled weather. Tarp shelters are versatile but require some pitching skill and careful site choice. One-person tents offer the most protection from wind and rain — a smart choice for longer trips or shoulder-season adventures.

The best fastpacking shelters balance protection and packability. Aim for something under 1.5kg, and consider whether it needs a separate groundsheet or poles.

4. A light and packable sleeping bag

Down bags are the go-to for fastpacking in the UK. They're warmer for the weight, compress well, and are ideal for three-season use. Look for a sleeping bag with a comfort rating of around 0°C to 5°C depending on your destination and time of year.

To save weight, you can boost warmth by sleeping in your insulated jacket and dry layers. Some fastpackers use quilts instead of full sleeping bags to shave grams and add versatility.

If you're building a fastpacking sleep system, a lightweight sleeping bag is a key piece of the puzzle.

A man resting on a sleeping bag and air mattress on a rocky outcrop, gazing at the ocean under a cloudy sky.

Struggling to find the perfect bag?

Thankfully, we’ve got just the tool for you: Check out our handy sleeping bag comparison tool to compare sleeping bags via temperature, weight, size and price — all to find the perfect sleeping bag for your next adventure.

5. Calories to keep you going

Planning your fastpacking food is all about balancing energy density, convenience, and weight. You’ll be burning thousands of calories a day, so your fastpacking food list should focus on carb-rich, easy-to-eat meals and snacks.

Wraps, couscous, instant noodles, energy bars, and dried fruit all work well. On longer trips, consider pub stops, cafes, or village shops as part of your calorie strategy. Carry less, eat more often.

For short trips, you can bring enough to get by. For multi-day runs, it's smart to plan some hot meals and keep your options open.

Want to try fastpacking for the first time?

Join one of our guided fastpacking adventures across the UK — the perfect way to try your first overnighter, build confidence on the trail, and put lightweight gear to the test (we’ll supply the good stuff). Ready to move fast and sleep wild?

Water is heavy. A litre weighs a kilo. That's why water strategy is a big part of your fastpacking checklist. Instead of carrying litres from the start, take a lightweight filter and refill as you go.

Most upland areas in the UK offer good water sources — just be sure to avoid agricultural runoff and always treat your water. Filters like the Sawyer Micro or Katadyn BeFree are lightweight, fast, and reliable.

Carrying one soft flask plus a filter is usually enough. Top up at every stream or spring and avoid running dry.

6.  Plenty of water + a filter

A phone is your map, camera, emergency lifeline, and guidebook. But it only works if it stays charged. A lightweight power bank (around 5,000mAh) is usually enough for 2–3 days off-grid, especially if you use flight mode and dim your screen.

Load your GPX routes into a mapping app like Komoot, OS Maps, or FATMAP, and keep your phone dry and secure. Always carry a paper map and compass as backup, especially in remote areas.

Navigation is one of the most critical bits of fastpacking gear — so don’t wing it.

7. Power bank + navigation

8.  Waterproof and warm layers

The British weather is rarely predictable. Always pack a waterproof jacket — even in high summer. Choose something light, breathable, and able to block wind on exposed ridgelines.

Your clothing system should include a base layer, an insulating midlayer, and your waterproof. Spare socks and a hat can add serious comfort points, and you can sleep in your midlayers to save weight on your sleeping bag.

Keeping warm and dry is vital to moving fast and staying happy out there.

Optional extras

The best fastpacking gear lists are lean — but a few extras can be worth their weight:

  • A headtorch (tight-fitting, lightweight)

  • A neck gaiter (multi-use and tiny)

  • Trekking poles (for steep climbs or pitching your shelter)

  • First aid kit and emergency bivvy

  • Dry bags or stuff sacks

  • Gaffer tape for quick fixes

  • A debit or credit card (lightest lifesaver going)

Fastpacking FAQs

  • For UK conditions, a solid fastpacking base weight is under 6kg. That includes everything but your food and water. The lighter your pack, the easier it is to maintain a natural running stride.

  • Yes! You don't need a full ultralight setup to start. Look for lightweight versions of gear you already own, supplement with affordable kit from Decathlon or Alpkit, and upgrade gradually.

  • Quick, high-calorie foods are best. Instant noodles, couscous, wraps, energy bars, and nuts all work well. For multi-day trips, plan stops at shops or pubs to save weight.

  • Trail running shoes are ideal. They’re lightweight, grippy, and more forgiving than boots. Make sure yours are broken in and suited to the terrain you’ll be tackling.

  • It depends on the season and route. Bivvy bags are ultralight but exposed. Tarp tents are light but take practice. Ultralight one-person tents offer the best mix of comfort and protection for UK weather.

And that’s it. We’ll see you out there.

Fastpacking is one of the best ways to truly connect with the landscape — and test yourself in the process. You don’t need elite fitness, ultralight gear, or years of mountain miles behind you. All it takes is the basics, a smart approach to packing, and the willingness to move light, cover ground, and spend a night out under the stars.

Come fastpacking with us

Join one of our guided fastpacking adventures across the UK — the perfect way to try your first overnighter, build confidence on the trail, and put lightweight gear to the test (we’ll supply the good stuff). Ready to move fast and sleep wild?