Introduction to Trail Running: Fastpacking

Introduction to Fastpacking is designed to teach participants how to combine trail running with ultralight backpacking. Fastpacking combines lighter and ultralight backpacking gear and techniques to enable you to go lighter and travel farther but also stay out overnight safely. Carry less but see and do more!

Participants will be awarded a Fastpacking course badge after successfully meeting course objectives and other graduation requirements. The Fastpacking badge will enable you to participate in future fastpacking activities with the Mountaineers.

Note: Fast and light gear can be expensive and boutique companies may have long order times. You will be responsible for buying/borrowing/acquiring gear before the field trips.

Course Format

The course consists of several parts; all of which are required:

• A two hour classroom session
• An in-person gear demo
• An evening 'shakeout' out and back trip to a simulated backcountry location with your gear
• An overnight field trip to a backcountry location to practice and evaluate what you have learned

Pick one shakeout and one overnight trip

Missing any of the sessions will result in an incomplete course

PRErequisites

• Backcountry Trail Running badge or equivalency with First Aid and Navigation
• Evidence of running 10 miles with 2k elevation within the last year (Strava, Garmin, etc)
• Some experience backpacking but a badge is not required

Graduation Requirements 

These are requirements for graduation that must be completed in addition to the course's own activities.

• Participation in Stewardship badge for taking part in a trail maintenance (or similar) activity 
• Low Impact Recreation skill badge (earn this through a free online self-paced training with the Mountaineers)