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Imagine hiking, but with an adrenaline-fueled twist. Speed hiking is more than just a trend—it’s a dynamic approach to exploring the great outdoors that challenges both body and mind. Unlike traditional hiking, speed hiking transforms your leisurely walk into an exhilarating race against time, pushing your physical limits while immersing you in breathtaking landscapes.
What Exactly is Speed Hiking?
Speed hiking (also known as fastpacking) is an intense form of hiking that prioritizes efficiency, speed, and minimalist gear. It’s not just about walking fast—it’s about moving strategically through trails, covering more ground with less weight and maximum energy conservation. Think of it as the athletic cousin of traditional hiking, where every step is purposeful and every ounce of gear is carefully considered.
Why Speed Hike?
Adventurers are drawn to speed hiking for diverse reasons:
Personal Challenge: It’s a test of your physical and mental resilience, pushing you beyond conventional hiking boundaries.
Time Efficiency: Perfect for those who want to explore more terrain in less time.
Fitness Optimization: An incredible full-body workout that combines cardiovascular training with outdoor exploration.
Minimalist Adventure: Embraces the philosophy of doing more with less, requiring strategic planning and lightweight gear.
Comprehensive Health Benefits
Speed hiking isn’t just an adventure—it’s a holistic fitness experience:
Physical Transformations
Cardiovascular Enhancement: Elevates heart rate and improves overall cardiac efficiency
Muscular Conditioning: Engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, building strength and endurance
Calorie Torching: Burns significantly more calories compared to traditional hiking
Low-Impact Fitness: Gentler on joints than high-intensity sports like running
Mental Wellness
Stress Reduction: Nature immersion combined with physical activity provides powerful psychological benefits
Increased Mental Resilience: Develops problem-solving skills and adaptability
Mindfulness Practice: Requires intense focus and present-moment awareness
Essential Gear for the Speed Hiking Adventurer
Your gear can make or break your speed hiking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
Must-Have Equipment
Ultralight Hiking Shoes: Prioritize trail runners or lightweight hiking shoes with excellent grip
Minimalist Backpack: 15-25 liters, designed for quick movement
Moisture-Wicking Clothing: Technical fabrics that regulate temperature and manage sweat
Hydration System: Lightweight water bottle or hydration bladder
Nutrition Packs: Energy-dense, compact snacks like energy gels, nuts, and compact protein bars
Safety Essentials
Compact First-Aid Kit: Lightweight, trail-specific medical supplies
Navigation Tools: GPS device or smartphone with offline maps. we would also advise paper maps and compass.
Weather-Appropriate Layers: Lightweight, packable rain jacket and thermal layer
Getting Started: A Beginner’s Roadmap
Physical Preparation
1. Build a base fitness level through regular cardio and strength training
2. Start with shorter, less challenging trails
3. Gradually increase pace and trail difficulty
4. Practice carrying a lightweight pack during training
Technical Skills to Develop
– Efficient walking/running techniques
– Proper breathing patterns
– Basic trail navigation
– Quick gear management
Potential Risks and How to Avoid Them
While speed hiking is exciting, it’s not without challenges:
Overexertion: Listen to your body and know your limits. Don’t be proud – change your plan if needed.
Environmental Hazards: Be prepared for sudden weather changes. Be aware of your surroundings and act quickly
Navigation Errors: Always carry backup navigation tools. Become competent with a map and compass – it’s a satisfying skill to develop.
Injury Prevention: Proper warm-up and gradual intensity increases can mean the difference between and satisfying day out and a hobble back to the valley after you have twisted an ankle.
Pro Tips for Success
– Start slow and progressively build speed
– Invest in quality, lightweight gear
– Learn basic first aid and trail safety
– Join local speed hiking communities for support and knowledge sharing
Conclusion
Speed hiking is more than a sport—it’s a philosophy of exploring the world efficiently, challenging personal boundaries, and connecting deeply with nature. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or an outdoor adventurer, speed hiking offers a unique, transformative experience. So, what are you waiting for, get kitted up and head out for an exciting new dimension to your hiking – be safe, stay strong!
The CGR Guide to the best kit for Speed Hiking
We have scoured the very best kit from the best outdoor brands so that you can head out with confidence. Every item has been chosen by our own team of expert hikers and mountaineers.
Helly Hansen Paramount Soft-shell Vest
Speed Hiking kit is all about versatility as you don’t know how fast you will be moving at any given time. The Helly Hansen Paramount Soft-shell Vest offers full flexibility. Light enough to wear all day, warm enough to your temperature dropping on the stops. The woven, fleece backed soft-shell outer is made using 90% recycled material and is Bluesign approved so you can be sure that it not only performs but is environmentally sound. Packed full of useful features including a well sized zipped chest pocket, two zipped hand warmer pockets and two interior stash pockets for keeping gloves warm and secure when on the move. The high, micro fleece lined collar is perfect for zipping up and keeping the heat in when the breeze gets up, especially on those exposed ridges. Heat can also be further retained by the double hem cinch and the YKK Vislon main zip is works well with gloves with a storm flap, again keeps things nice and warm. The PFC free DWR works well enough to keep light showers from cooling you trunk down and so helps keep you moving and the generous fit means it can be layered over a fleece and even a lightweight insulation jacket. All this at a brilliant price point together with Norwegian design.
The Helly Hansen Paramount Soft-shell Vest comes in sizes S-2XL for men and XS -XL for women. The SRP is £100 and it can be bought direct from Helly Hansen UK.
Artilect Sprint Tee
Light is right – we all know that maxim for moving with purpose through the mountains. Forensically going through your kit to have the lightest and most flexible gear is pretty much a given so choose carefully is the CGR way. The Artilect Sprint Tee fits all the criteria we look for: ultralight at 115gsm; amazing wicking performance and superset against the skin. The Spring Tee is part of the A/SYS-1 range and is made using Artilect’s excellent Nuyarn which is a merino/nylon mix. This gives all the benefits of merino with performance of a synthetic fibre so no smell and maximum drying and toughness. Super stretchy without the need for added Elastane the Sprint Tee is tight enough to wick sweat away yet offers some room to let air circulate and the flat lock seams means that chaffing is reduced to a minimum. The nylon content not only improves the drying time but supercharges the durability (which is a real weakness of 100% merino), particularly at the seams and the merino is sourced from high welfare, non-mulesed Australian wool. The Artilect Sprint Tee comes in sizes XS-XXL for men and XS-XL for women and comes in a nice range of colours. The SRP is £70.00 and it is available direct from artilectperformance.com.
Rab Protium 20 Pack
You should ask and expect a lot from a quality day pack: comfort, utility and features are just some of the choices facing you. The Rab Protium 20 is all of those and more; stuffed full of useful features such as a meshed front pocket big enough to hold a helmet or other accessories you need access to; two meshed side pockets, as well as meshed hip pockets, mean that all your storage needs are covered. The main compartment offers easy access with the large two-way zip and is plenty big enough to eat up lightweight hardshells and insulating layers as well as food and a hot drink. The zipped security pocket is easy to access at the back and has a key clip and there is another large pocket next to the rigid back panel for stowing a hydration bladder. The super soft shoulder straps and hip belt offer total comfort and full adjustability for moving securely over fast terrain. The meshed back has the Rab Adjustable Air Contour for a precise fit and helps wick away sweat when the ground steepens. Other features include side compression straps, a well designed pole stow system that can also be used to carry an ice axe, a bike light loop, reflective flashings and a rain cover. All in a robust 20L package that weights just over a kilo, what more could you ask for? The Protium range comes in three sizes 20, 27 and 35L offering maximum versatility for a wide range of speed hiking adventures.
The Rab Protium 20 comes in four colour choices. The range also offers the ND system specifically for female body shapes.
The SRP is £120 and it can be bought directly from Rab UK
Salomon Mountain Flex Jacket
When you are thinking of trail running and hiking brands the chances are that Salomon will be at the top of your mind. They are and have been leaders in the field for decades and the quality of their kit speaks volumes. The Mountain Flex is a high spec insulating jacket that offers excellent breathability for fast paced activities – such as speed hiking. The Primaloft Active insulation is cut using ClimateSync technology with its 3-point star to offer maximum movement control. Its low bulk traps heat whilst venting moisture and is made using 80% recycled content and, of course, we here at CGR are always singing the praises for synthetic insulation in our damp climate. The style offers a regular fit so easy to wear with other layers and will look cool for everyday use without looking super gorpcore, so great for both the office and the trail. The matt colour schemes are particularly refreshing. The Mountain Flex has plenty of nice features to help your speed hiking adventures go smoothly and comfortably: a high collar, two zipped hand pockets, a well sized interior chest pocket and a double cinch closure at the hem. All in a super comfortable lightweight package of 415g. There are even more quality refinements such as the super soft, next to skin interior material, the PFC free DWR treatment, muted logo print and high quality, elasticated cuff hems with reflective stitching. There is also a hooded version for those of you who prefer some extra protection. There is also a female specific model.
The Salomon Mountain Flex Jacket comes in sizes S-2XL and 5 colour choices for men together with XS-2XL and 4 colour choices for women.
The SRP is £220 and it can be purchased directly from Salomon EU.
Jack Wolfskin Prelight Stride Shorts
We’ve tested several bits Prelight kit and rate it as some of the best in class for the German company. The Prelight Stride Shorts live up to their name: they are super light, weighing in at a mere 135g, have a gossamer feel to the Texachill fabric and feel great to wear. The Texachill fabric offers excellent breathability as well as some wind protection. They will even see off a minor shower with a PFC free DWR (although do remember they are shorts and not pants) and if you use them in congestion with a pair of leggings they will prove super versatile. The Prelight Stride Shorts are also well featured with two mesh lined front pockets, a zipped thigh pocket and a low profile press stud waist closure. All in a quality package that includes bar tacked belt loops and stress points, a lightweight loop hanger and a YKK zipper. You can also rest assured that everyone has been paid fairly as Jack Wolfskin is a Fair Wear member.
The Jack Wolfskin Prelight Stride Shorts come in sizes EURO 46-58 and two colour options. The female specific version come in sizes EURO 34-46 and two colour options. The SRP is £75.00 and they can be bought directly from Jack Wolfskin UK.
LEKI Skytera FX Carbon SL Poles
More German quality – LEKI have struck gold with these super light, versatile poles that are well suited to Speed Hiking. The new Skytera poles are a hybrid folding/adjustable pole that provide a lightweight and compact set up that you will reach for time and time again. Fully extendable from 110 to 130cms they are super easy to deploy, just pull to fully extend until you hear a click slide back down to your perfect height and lock into position with the solid Speed Lock Plus adjuster. Just pull again to collapse them down to a very compact 40cms – small enough to fit into a small pack, fit most pole stow systems or like me stashed into a side pocket you can be sure they will become un-noticed when not needed. Weighing in at 178g per pole they are one of the most lightweight hybrid setups out there so there is no excuse not to pack them for every speed hiking trip you do. The robust carbon fibre provides a durable pole that feels super stable when negotiating rough descents and the carbide tip grips every surface offering confidence on wet rock. The flip lock oozes German quality (in fact the whole pole does). The firm Verticon handles are comfortable with sweaty hands and with their 8 degree angle they are comfortable for those long summer days out. Finally the excellent wrist straps are fully adjustable and can be locked securely in place with the push of a thumb. Of course, like my mate, you can buy cheap rubbish for a tenner from online Chinese websites, but then don’t get upset when like me you pee yourself laughing when the pole bends under the slightest pressure. Better to invest in quality German kit that will last you a lifetime of speed hiking adventures, knowing that you can get spare parts if and when you need them.
The LEKI Skytera FX Carbon SL poles come in one size and one colour (which is refreshing). The SRP is £180 and you can get them direct from LEKI UK.
Scarpa Rapid LT Hiking Shoes
Fresh in and straight off the back of a blistering review of the Rapid XT is the new Scarpa Rapid LT. Perfect for speed Hiking: lightweight, breathable and super comfortable means you can wear these great shoes confidently. Premium construction offers a woven upper for best in class breathability, a highly durable TPU rand and a comfortable tongue is exactly what you would expect from Scarpa. The extra length on the lacing means you can tweak the fit to perfection and the ARSA X last gives ultimate confidence when moving fast on uneven terrain. Scarpa has been making huge strides in their trail running range and you benefit from this as the Agility midsole offers outstanding cushioning. Combine that with the tried and tested Vibram Megagrip (climbing shoe rubber) you can be sure that those tricky scrambling moves can be tackled with security.
Scarpa have pulled it off with these so watch out for our full review later in the season.
The Scarpa Rapid LT come in sizes Eur 41-48 and one colour. There is also a sceptic women’s version the Scarpa LT WMN which comes in sizes Eur 37-42 and one colour. The SRP is £155 and they can be bought directly from Scarpa UK.
Disclosure – CGR reviewers and writers are never paid to provide a review and the website does not take advertising or link to affiliate sales. We are a bunch of keen climbers and travellers who accept sample products and offer an honest and independent review of the item.
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