What is Fastpacking

This guide is designed to help you understand what fastpacking is, while also inspiring and preparing you for your very first adventure. This article is focused on fastpacking in South Africa but can be used for anywhere.

But really what is Fastpacking?

So, what exactly is fastpacking? At first, the term might come off as jargon tossed around by outdoor enthusiasts trying to sound extra savvy. But trust us, while it may sound a bit tongue-in-cheek, it perfectly captures a unique style of wilderness travel.

Fastpacking isn’t a sprint, nor is it your typical day hike. The idea is to travel light, ditch those cumbersome 60L packs, and carry only what you need to spend several nights out in nature, all while being able cruise on the downhills and enjoy that feeling of being free on the trails. The general approach is simple: hike the steep uphills and pick up the pace on the flats and downhills, almost like jogging. It’s not about racing; it’s about covering a significant distance (usually between 25km and 45km in a day), effectively compressing what might normally take two or three days of regular hiking into one day.

Not just a run

Fastpacking isn’t about racing through the trail. You’re carrying essential gear, sleeping bags, gas cookers, food, and even an inflatable mattress, so you can camp under the stars. Running the route would make it a high-intensity sport, leaving no room for the leisurely, immersive experience that fastpacking offers.

Not just a hike

Sure, you can hike the route, but sometimes time is of the essence as you may only have a weekend to complete the route. There is also a unique satisfaction in moving a bit quicker while keeping your heart rate low. Fastpacking lets you enjoy both speed and endurance, covering more ground without the fatigue of an all-day run.

The Multi-Day Advantage

Completing the route in a single day may be possible but fastpacking lets you break up the journey, enjoying the South African landscapes by day and the magic of the wilderness by night, while still maintaining a brisk pace.

Ultimately, fastpacking is all about blending the best of both worlds, giving you the freedom to explore vast trails while savouring every moment in nature.

A Guide to Fastpacking

Weight

Aim for a total load under 13kg, ideally around 10kg, while still ensuring you have essential items like warm clothing and enough food. Every extra kilogram means more energy burned as you navigate the trails.

Some of us try and wear the same clothes for 3 nights inflicting crimes against all those on the same trip, others pack a change of clothes. There is a wonderful article here fully explaining how extreme you can get with fastpacking and reducing weight

First trip
Your inaugural journey should be a gentle introduction. I recommend starting with a 1 or 2 night adventure covering no more than 60km in total. This allows you to get used to the unique demands of fastpacking with little stress as whether you can complete the route. Personally if you are based in the Western or Eastern Cape in South Africa I would advice the Marloth or Tsitsikamma trails as starting routes. These routes offer the ideal blend of challenge and with clear paths, giving you a taste of fastpacking without overextending your limits.

Suggested Packing List

Major items

Food

• Dinner: Cous Cous, Pasta, 2 minute noodles
• Lunch: Crackers, Salami and Camembert
• Breakfast: Oats so Easy
• Gels/Bars (you need to stay energised)
• Electrolyte tablets (critical to refuel)
• Tuna
• Sweets and Nuts
• Tea bags or coffee sachets