Active5 gadgets you need for your fastpacking adventure, according to an outdoor expertIf you aren’t taking these out for a fastpack, then it’s time too!When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Active5 gadgets you need for your fastpacking adventure, according to an outdoor expertIf you aren’t taking these out for a fastpack, then it’s time too!When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
If you aren’t taking these out for a fastpack, then it’s time too!
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Packing for afastpacking tripcan be a bit of a juggling act, especially when you’re embarking on a multi-day adventure.
You want your pack to be as light as possible so that you can be agile and light on your feet, but you also need to make sure you have enough kit to keep you dry, warm and (most importantly) safe. You need to be smart with your pickings and this is where a few fastpacking gadgets can come in handy.
Montane Athlete,Katy Parrot, certainly knows a thing or two when it comes to fastpacking, having fastpacked the GR20 across Corsica, the toughest walking route in Europe. She’s also an ultra runner, combat medic— basically, an overall hard nut! Below, she shares five fastpacking gadgets that she’llalwaystake on a fastpacking trip. These are her non-negotiables people so, if they’re not in your pack then maybe they should be…
1. Lightweight poles
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
“I never go fastpacking on hilly terrain without poles,” says Katy, “as they help provide support for both ascents and descents. My preference is z-folding poles— like theCarbon Marathon Ultra Twinsfrom Alpkit— as they can pack away neatly if not required, and carbon is lightweight. They can also be repurposed in certain situations, for example, combined with a tarp they can be used to make an emergency shelter, or even a stretcher for someone injured.” Hopefully, you never have to do the latter…
2. Headtorch
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
No matter what time of day you’re planning to head outdoors, or how long for, aheadtorchis one of Katy’s non-negotiable gadgets. “I got caught out without a head torch once, and since then have always packed one.SilvaandBlack Diamondoffer very small and lightweight options, so it’s worth carrying the extra 50-100g.”
3. Watch with built-in GPS
(Image credit: Garmin)
(Image credit: Garmin)
The last thing you want to worry about is getting lost on the trails, so navigational aid (that isn’t your phone) is essential. “TheGarminFenix series is my favourite,” says Katy. I haveFenix 6S Pro, as I have small wrists so the smaller face (42mm) size fits me much better than the standard and larger faces (47mm and 51mm). I love to study maps to create new trail routes on either the OS Maps app or Garmin connect. Being able to send them to your watch to then follow helps you stay on track!”
4. Small med kit
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Hopefully, you’ll never have to use it but, again, it’s better to be safe than sorry! “For me, the essentials must include blister plasters, anti-septic wipes, a few small dressings, water purification tablets, a small foil blanket, gloves, hand gel, and tape,” Katy says. “My favourite tape isLeukotape, as it’s very adhesive so there’s rarely a risk of it peeling off. I’ve also used it to temporarily patch up ripped or broken kit, it’s multi-functional!”
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5. A fastpack
(Image credit: Montane)
(Image credit: Montane)
Of course, you can’t go fastpacking without something to carry all your kit in and, while you may just reach for your everyday rucksack, there are backpacks specifically designed with fastpacking in mind. “My go-to is theMontane Trailblazerand there are different sizes available, so there’s an option for all types of adventures,” says Katy. “I have the16L backpackfor single-day fastpacking trips andthe 24Lfor multi-day fastpacking adventure, which I took on the 200km long GR20 across Corsica. Also, don’t forget yoursoft flasksto carry in the front pouches!” – only weighing 20g each!
Read Katy’s blog on fastpacking the GR20 on theMontane website
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