Fastpacking, is a cross between Backpacking and Mountain Running. The defining characteristics of Fastpacking are: 1) Rapid, long-distance mountain travel, on foot, over multiple days, involving camps or bivouacs, and 2) Refined equipment choices and practiced skill sets that allow for both rapid movement and self-sufficiency in a remote mountain setting. Fastpackers share alpinists’ “light and fast” attitude for moving in the mountains. Fastpackers use gear selection, ingenuity, and a streamlined approach as primary tools for maximizing speed and minimizing overall effort, without overly compromising safety or comfort.
Running is a means of terrestrial locomotion allowing humans and other animals to move swiftly on foot. Mountain Running is a discipline of long-distance running that takes place in mountain topography. Mountain Running can be defined by two philosophies: 1) the appreciation of the joy and benefits of moving rapidly on foot through natural mountain landscapes, and/or 2) the athletic pursuit of the fastest possible speed on foot over a given mountain route, given considerations of risk and safety.
The best selection of shoes for mountain adventures, and for training & recovery back down in the valley too. Check out our selection of insoles and socks for optimizing fit and comfort. Ultralight gaiters keep dirt and snow out and the lightest crampons and traction devices add security on snow without weighing you down. Sage to Summit is your one stop shop for mountain footwear!
Proper technical layering systems are key for going light and fast in the mountains. We have the best pieces available for keeping you dry, comfortable, and protected from the elements - without adding unnecessary weight or bulk to your pack.
Fuel up with a full selection of bars, chews,gels, drinks, supplements, mountain meals to keep you running strong on mountain outings. Whether you are in the mountains or training and recovering in the low country, Sage to Summit is your one-stop source for the healthiest and most effective nutritional products for high altitude endurance efforts!
Fastpacking, also called Ultralight Backpacking, is a cross between Backpacking and Mountain Running. The defining characteristics of Fastpacking are: 1) Rapid, long-distance mountain travel, on foot, over multiple days, involving camps or bivouacs, and 2) Refined equipment choices and practiced skill sets that allow for both rapid movement and self-sufficiency in a remote mountain setting. Fastpackers share alpinists' "light and fast" attitude for moving in the mountains. Fastpackers use gear selection, ingenuity, and a streamlined approach as primary tools for maximizing speed and minimizing overall effort, without overly compromising safety or comfort.
Interested in what makes a good fastpacking trip? At Sage to Summit, we cruise around the Sierra looking for loops and point-to-point routes, to check out as many places as possible. Fastpacking is one of the quickest ways to check out the Sierra. At Sage to Summit we pioneer fastpacking trips and use our ultralight gear so we can get further - faster!
Sage to Summit also hand picks the gear that we believe works the best for ultralight mountain running, fastpacking, and alpine climbing. The gear is reviewed, scrutinized, and tested to make sure it meets the demands of our customers. Sage to Summit gives beta on Eastern Sierra mountain runs, mountain running gear, and mountain running races.
Sage to Summit carries accessories practical for hiking in the elements or for hiking in varied terrain. We carry gaiters for rocky terrain, Chainsen Light and Pro for icy trails or roads, sun block sleeves for sunny summer months, compression sleeves to help with shin splints, and sunglasses.