Fastpacking: long-distance trail running and ultralight equipment come together
There is a special satisfaction in running a multi-day route, powered by your own body, and seeing your surroundings change as you go. And by not carrying more than you need, fastpacking provides a beautiful sense of simplicity and freedom.
What is Fastpacking?
The fastpacking is a sport that has recently become very popular in the world of trail running. In a nutshell, fastpacking is a mix between running, walking and backpacking. It is the art of moving fast and light on long trail running routes.
For purists, it means to be self-sufficient in wild places, to experience the mountains in all their splendour, but there are many styles of fastpacking: from running with a light backpack camping in overnight lodges, to running through wild and remote places.
The activity is based on the principle of going "fast and light". To this end, you should take only what you need to be safe. while you are doing your activity, nothing else.
This allows you to go further and faster in a day compared to hiking, running as long as the terrain allows. You could see it as an adventure race without really being in a hurry to get anywhere, but just to enjoy the journey.
It is about explore and enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. The reward is the journey itself and the thrill of moving fast and light in nature. In short, if you enjoy running, travelling, hiking and contemplating unique spaces in nature, fastpacking is a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors in a healthy way.
Perhaps the growth of fastpacking is also a reaction against increasingly screen-based lives and the pressure to post every run or training session on social media. It's a fantastic way to disconnect from frenetic digital lives and reconnecting with nature and with ourselves. Spending days immersed in the landscape and natural world through fastpacking is, for many runners, a much richer and deeper experience than a trail or ultra race.
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Equipment to make fastpackingWhat to take in your rucksack?
It is essential to have a backpack that is comfortable for several days of running and carries all your gear. If you're camping outdoors on the trail, it can weigh up to 10kg with all the food, not to mention water.
- Mountain marathon backpack 20 litres. The SALOMON Trailblazer 20 can be a very appropriate option, ideal for running, comfortable and light, with a capacity of 20 litres. Option if we carry a medium volume of equipment, either because of the time of year and the weather we are going to find or because we do not have the possibility of accommodation.
- Another option for the lighter ones is to wear a waistcoat. For example the SALOMON ADV Hydra Vest.
The weight of the backpack is the most important factor in the enjoyment of fastpacking. Avoid unnecessary accessories. Try to have your backpack weigh between 3 and 8 kg.. Anything over eight kilos will be a hindrance and increase the risk of injury. New materials in ultralight equipment make this much easier now. Be very careful when choosing what to pack. That said, even when packing minimally, always carry the right equipment for the terrain and likely weather.
Training
Anyone who can run a half marathon and has experience in off-road running would be sufficiently prepared. In the fastpackingIf you are going at a slower pace than a race or a short run, you will mix running with walking or fast walking (on climbs and technical terrain). That said, it's a good idea to start with a simple two-day hike to see how your body adapts to consecutive days on the road and running with a backpack.
- Running technique in trail running (CLICK HERE). From a physiotherapy point of view, every running technique in trail running is specifically designed with two clear and marked main objectives in mind: to provide the work of the runner with a high rate of return and thus optimise their movement; and preventing injuries by reducing the forces produced by impact. It is therefore important to work on your running technique in trail running to make it effective and safe.
- Training for trail running and mountain sports (CLICK HERE). Being physically and mentally prepared not only helps you to go further, but can also be a factor of safety and survival. One of the most important questions to ask when devising a training plan Is it too early (it's never too early!), is it too late? Ideally, we would train all year round and plan a peak of intensity in this training a little before our target activity of fastpacking. However, factors such as work, family and a simple lack of motivation can make training and maintaining a high level of fitness throughout the year almost impossible for most of us.
Routes of fastpacking in Spain and Europe
Is it possible to fastpacking In Spain? and in the Pyrenees? The Pyrenees are a marvellous place to do fastpackingThere are many long-distance trails served by a network of shelters or lodges. They provide hot meals and a bed. This allows for some comfort and light travelling while enjoying the fastpacking. You can easily design your own excursions and multi-day routes.
For beginners, any of the circulars in the Pyrenees could be an option. You can consult them HERE is a selection of the most emblematic multi-day routes in the Pyrenees.. Choose the one that best suits your level of fitness, taking into account the slopes to be covered and the distances. Generally the routes will be accessible in summer. There are more ambitious challenges in the mountain range: The Trans-Pyrenees running race will be a unique experience..
At the state level, the The Way of St. James and all its infrastructure will allow us to "travel light" if we decide to do it in style. fastpacking. We recommend that you avoid the hottest periods, which generally coincide with the busiest times of the year. If we think about Europe, Chamonix and the Mont Blanc massif are a delight for the pro trail running enthusiast, who will find large-scale routes, linking valleys in Chamonix, Italy and Switzerland, for long-distance routes and several days of running.
But you don't have to go far. You could do a good session with a simple one-night round trip from your doorstep or follow a long-distance route at a leisurely pace. The fastpacking is for everyone.
4 tips to make your first route of fastpacking be a success.
You don't need to be a pro athlete or an adventurer to do fastpacking. It's a lot easier than you think and that's why we're going to give you some information about how to start with the fastpacking. You'll also see tips for an unforgettable day of your new favourite sport and some recommendations to complete your checklist from fastpacking.
1.- Start small
A multi-day ride of more than 30 kilometres without any training is not the best way to start with this or any other sport involving distance running.
Instead, try to travel short distances on local routes with a backpack packed to help your body become familiar with fast movement with extra weight while your physical condition develops. All in a very gradual way.
Doing training runs over short distances can also help you determine the perfect set-up of your equipment, with what works and what doesn't, and then you can fine-tune it before your long-distance ride.
You can also check the condition of your body and remedy what is bothering you the most on the road. Do you suffer from knee or back pain, or maybe it's your ankles? Work on these parts of your body before you take on a race. fastpacking longer.
2. It is a sport that feels better in company
When you decide you are ready for a longer trip, it is important to bring an experienced partner or crew.
Not only will it be more enjoyable to share this amazing experience with someone else, but it will also it is much safer to have a partner who has done this before.
3. Choose level of support in advance
There are three ways of dealing with a fastpacking: unsupported, self-supported and supported.
Fastpacking unsupported means that all the supplies you will need for the whole trip are in your backpack. This is considered the purest form of the sport.
Fastpacking with its own support is when the "fastpackinger". hides food, clothing or cooker fuel along their route ahead of time in order to resupply. Resupplies are usually hidden in towns along the route in post offices or shelters.
Finally, the fastpacking with support means getting a little help from your friends. A "fastpackinger". supported has a number of people ready at strategic checkpoints along the route so that they can provide you with resupply and any other assistance that may be required. The fastpacking with support is typically for those trying to set a record by running long distances.
4. Increase the size of the challenge gradually
You wouldn't walk into a gym and try to squat the highest weight you could find on your shoulders, would you?
Therefore, it starts with a shorter journey of fastpackingmaybe one night, and see if you enjoy it. If you do, increase the difficulty of the challenge. Starting small also prevents burnout from a new sport.
What is most discouraging for newcomers to the fastpacking is all the equipment you seem to need, but the best advice I can give you is to start slowly with the equipment configuration and gradually acquire more things when money allows and your level demands it.
