To go fastpacking you need light, dependable gear. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Salewa Pedroc Pro Mid PTX $459.90 (featured)
A mid-cut speed hiking boot with a robust lightweight synthetic upper backed by a Powertex waterproof/breathable membrane and an outsole designed for versatility on different terrain. It has Salewa’s 3F heel hold and Ankle Protector systems for support and stability. A TPU rand provides protection. 780g (m), 580g (w). www.bobo.co.nz
MSR PocketRocket 2 $149.99
A quick-boiling stove with a hard carry case, Windclip wind protection, precision flame control, compact design. 73g. www.ampro.co.nz
Platypus QuickDraw + 1L Bottle $134.99
Collect and filter water on the go. It’ll filter 3l/min and features an attached clean side cap for an always-clean drink interface and a durable reservoir with a wide rapid-fill mouth. 95g. www.ampro.co.nz
Toaks Titanium Siphon Alcohol Stove $94.99
An ultralight titanium siphon stove that runs on ethanol. Peak combustion is reached within two seconds.
It can boil 475ml in 5min30sec. 20g. www.gearshop.co.nz
The North Face Vective Fastpack FutureLight $280
Fastpacking shoe with abrasion-resistant textile upper, waterproof/breathable FutureLight membrane, high-rebound EVA midsole, TPU plate for stability, moulded toe cap and no-sew mudguard, gusseted tongue, Lycra collar and SurfaceCTRL outsole. 512g (m), 620g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz
Traverse Pencarrow 50% Carbon Trekking Pole $89.99
This light and durable pole is made with 50% carbon and 50% fibreglass. There’s an adjustable wrist strap, fast-lock mechanism for quick adjustability and an extended grip EVA handle. 170g/pole. www.huntingandfishing.co.nz
Rab Sonic Tee $69.95
A mountain running tee with a subtle mesh structure for quick wicking performance. It has an odour control treatment, raglan sleeve construction and low bulk seams. 96g (m), 69g (w). www.outfitters.net.nz
Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20 $279.95
This pack fits like a vest with front water bottle pockets, but distributes weight like a pack. There’s a breathable backpanel, large front storage, zip-down main compartment for total access, roll-top closure, sliding rail sternum straps, and an adjustable harness. 590g (m), 560g (w – FastpackHER).
www.ultimatedirection.co.nz
Rab Mythic Ultra 180 $1099.95
This three-season (rating 7°C) bag has Thermo Ionic Lining Technology, a heat-reflective fabric treatment which is paired with water-resistant 900FP European goose down. Baffle construction prevents down migration and there’s an angled footbox, internal collar and hood. 400g. www.outfitters.net.nz
Marmot Hydrogen $949
This bag has ExpeDry water-repellent 800FP goose down insulation paired with Pertex Quantum fabric to ensure warmth even when wet. There’s a fixed hood, anti-snag zipper, fold-down second zipper, anatomically designed footbox and curved baffles to reduce down movement. Comfort rating 2°C. 720g.
www.marmotnz.co.nz
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT $549.99
A three-to four-season air mattress with heat-reflective ThermaCapture technology. It’s 7.6cm thick and is claimed to be five-times quieter than previous versions. 370g. www.ampro.co.nz
Marmot Helium $1149
A three-to-four-season bag with -3°C comfort rating. It uses Pertex Quantum fabric for weather resistance and ExpeDry water-repellent 800FP goose down insulation allowing the bag to be used as a bivvy sack on cold, wet or snowy ground. There’s an anti-snag zipper, fold-down second zipper and anatomically designed footbox. 966g. www.marmotnz.co.nz
Therm-a-Rest Vesper 0°C Quilt $969.99
Warmth and lightweight are offered with this 900-fill Nikwax hydrophobic down quilt. It has thermally-efficient box baffled construction, perimeter side baffles, an insulated footbox and mattress connectors. 425g. www.ampro.co.nz
Montane Trail Blazer 30 $239
This pack prioritises stability and quick gear access, and is designed for fastpacking long distance mountain trails. There is a body-hugging Covalent harness, a multitude of pockets accessible on the go, adjustable back system, two off-centre chest harness straps, and a pole carry system. 800g. www.furtherfaster.co.nz
Aarn Pace Magic 30 $299
This small-volume framed backpack combines body movement, balance, stability, and instant gear access. There are two shoulder-strap mesh bottle pockets and built-in Hip Balance Pockets. It uses the U-Flow harness system with a mesh air gap backpanel. Pole and ice axe attachments. 810g. www.aarnpacks.com
Rab Aeon 35 $439.95
This is a multi-purpose pack for fast-paced activities – day hikes or overnighters. Its close-fitting back system flexes as you move but maintains its shape. There’s a forward pull hipbelt, top entry, stash and drink bottle pockets, hipbelt pockets, walking pole attachments and a raincover. 1050g. www.outfitters.net.nz
Rab Siltarp 1 $229.95
A one-person shelter that sets up quickly and packs down small. It’s made from a single piece of 2.4m x 1.5m strong and seam-free nylon ripstop fabric. There are 16 external guy points, a central lifter point for support with a ridge line and reinforced corners. 250g. www.outfitters.net.nz
MSR FreeLite 2 $999.99
A lightweight and compact two-person tent with a 2.7m2 floor area. It has two entrances and vestibules, a mesh inner and strong DAC NFL aluminium poles. It has a packed weight of 1060g. www.ampro.co.nz
Marmot Superalloy 2P $999
A semi-freestanding two-person tent with vertical walls for headroom (99cm) and floor area (2.6m2). It has a vented seam-taped full-coverage fly and bathtub floor, two doors and vestibules, two DAC poles, and mesh inner with lampshade pocket. 1226g. www.marmotnz.co.nz
Marmot Tungsten UL 1P $799
This is a one-person freestanding tent with a fully seam-sealed fly and bathtub floor. Pre-bent poles increase interior space (1.8m2) and ceiling height (96.5cm). It has one door and vestibule, two DAC poles and a mesh fabric inner. 1176g. www.marmotnz.co.nz
Kiwi Ultralight Moa 1 $975
This is a spacious 2.2m2 one-person tent made in New Zealand. It has double wall construction, 110cm ceiling height, dual doors and vestibules (0.85m2 each), fly-first pitch and is supported by walking poles. Its UltraTNT ripstop laminate fly is rated to 140,000mm and the floor 4000mm. 765g. www.kiwiultralight.co.nz
