How to start fastpacking: a beginner’s guide

Fastpacking is the meeting point of trail running and wild camping — a way to move fast and light through the hills with everything you need on your back. This beginner’s guide to fastpacking in the UK covers everything you need to get started: from choosing routes and packing the right kit to picking the perfect weather window for your first trip.

Here's how you get started

Fastpacking is what happens when trail running and wild camping go on a weekend away together. It’s the art of moving fast and light through wild terrain — hiking or running by day, sleeping under the stars by night — with everything you need on your back and nothing you don’t. If that sounds like your idea of heaven, you’re in the right place. This is our complete beginner’s guide to fastpacking in the UK, built to help you get started safely, smartly, and without splashing thousands of pounds on fancy gear.

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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?

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Start slow, stay smart

Let’s get one thing straight: you don’t need to be an ultrarunner to start fastpacking. You don’t even need to run every step. Fastpacking is all about covering ground efficiently — moving faster than a hiker, but with more self-sufficiency than your average trail runner. That could mean walking the uphills, jogging the flats, and stopping early to pitch camp when the weather turns.

You absolutely do not need to start with a 30-mile sufferfest. In fact, we’d strongly advise against it. Your first fastpacking trip can be as simple as running two 5k routes back-to-back with a wild camp in between. That still counts. You’ll learn loads about pacing, kit, and food — without ending up broken and blistered at the end.

The key is to start with distances and terrain you’re already comfortable with. Build up your endurance, practice running with a loaded pack, and keep your ego in check. Fastpacking is about moving smart, not fast for fast’s sake.

Choose the right route

Route planning is the backbone of every good fastpacking trip. It’s not just about finding a trail — it’s about choosing one you can comfortably complete with the weight you’re carrying and the pace you intend to move at.

Running over peaks is very different to walking them. That long ridge you breezed over last summer with trekking poles and all day to spare? It'll feel completely different when you're running with a 6kg pack and 15 miles already in your legs.

Our advice? Plan conservatively. Start with well-known routes that offer plenty of bailout points and avoid committing yourself to remote, high-consequence terrain on your first go. Leave room for shortcuts, be honest with your fitness, and always build a buffer into your time estimates. Fastpacking in the UK can throw up bogs, weather, and fatigue — so have a plan, but be ready to adapt.

Dial in your setup

You don’t need to spend thousands on ultralight gear to start fastpacking. But you do need to understand that your standard backpacking setup won’t cut it. Trying to run with a 65L framed pack, a four-season tent, and a full-size stove is only going to end one way: badly.

A dedicated fastpacking backpack makes a huge difference. Look for something in the 25–35L range with a close fit, good load distribution, and minimal sway when you move. We recently tested the Gossamer Gear Aero Jet 35L and found it ideal for fastpacking thanks to its snug harness and lightweight build.

Shelter-wise, think small and simple. Many fastpackers favour bivvy bags or tarp shelters for their low weight and compact packed size. If you want a bit more comfort, a one-person trekking pole tent can still keep weight low. We’ve had good results with the Big Agnes Crag Lake SL3 when sharing with a partner, or something like the Terra Nova Southern Cross 1 for solo trips.

For sleep systems, packability is everything. Down sleeping bags are a popular choice thanks to their warmth-to-weight ratio — just make sure you store them in a dry bag. We’ve reviewed several options, including the Sea to Summit Ascent -1 for shoulder-season use, and the Zenbivy Ultralight Bed for modular versatility.

Your sleeping mat should be light but warm enough for the season. Check out our review of the Sea to Summit Ether Light XR or the SIMOND MT900 for a more budget-friendly option.

Choose your day wisely

There’s no award for suffering through sideways rain. And while it’s noble to think you’ll soldier on regardless of the forecast, the reality is that being cold, wet, and out of breath makes everything harder — especially when you still have ten miles to go and a damp bivvy waiting at the end.

So don’t be a hero. For your first fastpacking trip, pick a fair-weather window and go full sunshine warrior. Clear skies, dry trails, and warm nights will make your first outing so much more enjoyable — and far more likely to lead to a second. For many, fastpacking in the UK is a summer-only pursuit, and we don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.

Still got questions about what to pack?

Check out our article about what to pack for your first fastpacking trip to dial in your gear list.

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