Fastpacking

Fastpacking is the art of moving fast and light on multi-day running adventures, carrying only the bare essentials and covering terrain in days that would take a backpacker a week. From a two-day bothy tour in the Scottish Highlands to a week running hut to hut in the Alps, it opens up a world of mountain travel that sits between trail running and backpacking.
This guidebook is an introduction to fastpacking for trail runners of all abilities, combining 12 tried-and-tested route ideas with 12 inspirational stories from leading runners, including Jez Bragg, Anna Frost and Jasmin Paris, alongside comprehensive practical guidance on everything needed to plan and prepare for a multi-day running adventure.

Twelve route ideas span the UK, Europe and Asia, from the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Eryri (Snowdonia), Dartmoor, the Cumbria Way, the Coast to Coast, the West Highland Way and Knoydart to the UTMB, the Dolomites Alta Via 1 and the Alpine Pass Route in Europe, and the Manaslu Mountain Trail Race in Nepal
Each route idea includes a summary, mapping, gradient profile, highlights, tips and tales from the trail, giving enough detail to inspire and plan without prescribing a rigid itinerary
Twelve inspirational stories from the world of multi-day running cover adventures in the UK, USA, Europe and Asia, including the Pennines, the Sierra Nevada, the Himalaya and Bhutan, told by some of the sport's best-known names
Comprehensive practical guidance covers training for fastpacking, the different styles of trip (mountain hut hopping, bothy tours, wild camping), what to take, clothing, footwear, food, nutrition, hydration, safety and how to get started
A detailed gear list and further reading appendix complete the guide, making it a practical companion for anyone planning their first multi-day running adventure


Part route guide, part inspiration, part practical manual, this is the essential introduction to one of the fastest-growing pursuits in trail running.