Fastpacking is all about finding the balance between efficiency and utility. It is important to ensure your kit remains lightweight without compromising safety, but also remember a modicum of comfort - used sparingly and strategically - will help you perform. As mentioned previously, I tend to follow the rule that everything in my (preferably 25-30l) pack should fall into either; something edible, something to keep me alive, or a camera. The specific items will change between climates, but my standard packing list looks like this:

• Waterproof sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat
• Down jacket
• Rain jacket
• Merino wool base layers
• Down booties (trust me, they are essential!)
• Spare socks + underwear
• Tuque + gloves
• Trekking pants (for cold mornings)
• Mini stove + food
• Water system
• Navigation system
• Headtorch
• Trekking poles*
• Sunscreen, bio soap, toothbrush/paste, etc.
• First aid kit**
• Camera
• Wearing: technical tee, shorts or tights, trucker hat, trail shoes

*Fully loaded with food and water, my pack can weigh around 10kg. That extra weight goes through my legs and feet, adding considerable strain bounding down a mountainside. Trekking poles spread the load, making your arms do some of the work. **Duct tape and ibuprofen.