Alice Brice became a fastpacker because it meant she could spend longer in the backcountry while still being able to run. 

She says going lightweight means she can “knock off epic adventures, return to my children more quickly than I would when tramping while still maintaining a running pace, taking photos and enjoying hut yarns”. 

Her pack weight can range from 6–9kg, but that is the starting weight, including water. 

Pack
I tend to fastpack from October to April (I’m based mid-South Island) and the Montane Trailblazer 30 carries everything I need, even during the shoulder season when I have to carry warmer gear.

Clothes
For warmth, I wear a Macpac Nitro Fleece Pullover and Montane Minimus Stretch Jacket, which is good for rain and the wind. I take thermals and, depending on the season, my Macpac Icefall down jacket for at the hut. I keep a Thir band around my wrist, which can be moved quickly to keep my hair tame in the wind.

Bits and bobs
PLB, first aid kit, Chux cloth for a quick clean, headlamp, beanie, gloves.

Poles
Poles are very handy when you get tired or are lugging your pack up a hill. My Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z are a fixed length and if I was to do it again I might get adjustable ones so I don’t need to carry a tent pole.

Cooking
I use the Barretts titanium pot (115g) and a hand-me-down cooker (50g). A small gas canister fits in the pot.

Hydration and food
I use a bladder and a soft flask, which I fill from the bladder if water is not available. I drink Tailwind Nutrition (powder) while running, and overnight I have Tailwind Recovery mix. I eat a dehydrated meal for dinner and in the morning I have an Epic Drip filter coffee and an energy bar before hitting the trail again. I always take a spare dehydrated meal.

Sleep system
A Sea to Summit Flame II women’s sleeping bag, a silk or thermal liner for extra warmth, a Therm-A-Rest Neoair Xlite sleeping mat and Orson Indie one-person tent (1050g). In two seasons of fastpacking I have never slept in my tent, but I always take it if the hut isn’t bookable.