Episode 123 | The 5 Fs of Fastpacking

What types of gear might you intentionally choose to carry heavier versions of while fastpacking—because they offer better performance—even though you’d normally opt for lighter versions on a typical backpacking trip?

Good podcast.

Foot care is the big one for me, especially if the terrain gets rocky and rugged. On fastpack I always carry a 16 g pro-tecathletics neoprene ankle/foot support and 4 feet of 2″ wide tape, the kind gymnasts use (29 g). Any issues with either foot or ankle I can shore it up and keep going. I also wear liner socks (1 oz/pr) with mid-weights over them (and pack an extra pair of mid-weights). I find the liners socks cut way down on blisters and they dry super-fast. With them I can also better regulate how snug or loose I want the trail runners to fit at any given time with changing combinations. Main thing is to just keep from going lame. https://www.pro-tecathletics.com/product/3d-flat-ankle-support/

If the terrain is going to be super rugged I switch to the Superfeet inserts. They are rigid and provide high-impact protection, which in turn keeps the bones of the foot from getting stressed. But I also carry along with them the softer 1.7 oz/pr stock inserts in case I need a break from the hard Superfeet. https://www.superfeet.com/products/all-purpose-support-high-arch https://www.superfeet.com/products/all-purpose-high-impact-support

Chafing on the inner thighs can certainly be miserable on a fastpacking mission. If I wear longer synthetic boxer length underwear (snug fitting) I don’t need to use near as much lubricant.

You have the Garmin Fenix listed twice, take one off and you’ve saved 3.5oz.