Well, we agree. Sometimes one day is just not enough time for running in the mountains. And we are not alone in feeling this way. Multi-day runs have been growing in popularity for years, and the Inland Northwest has more than enough trails and mountain wilderness to accommodate these trips.

Multi-day run trips are a combination of long-distance trail running and backpacking, commonly called “fastpacking.” Once figured out and properly prepared for, it gives you the best of both worlds: more time outside and more ground covered than your average weekend running or hiking trip.

Fastpacking Essentials

Planning:When preparing to spend several days in the wilderness and away from access to goods and services, a bit of planning can go a long way. This planning extends to drawing out a route, checking any up-to-date weather and trail conditions pertinent to your location, deciphering camp spots and water sources, learning about potential wildlife encounters, meal prepping, and packing appropriate gear.

Nutrition:Just like any other endurance activity, keeping yourself properly fueled is essential for having a positive experience and staying safe. More pronounced than with backpacking, carrying all of your food and water on your back during a run can be cumbersome and painful if not approached strategically. Although it will take time to figure out which foods will prove best for your body and your backpack, dehydrated goods like oats, powdered potatoes, or packaged freeze-dried meals are a good place to start. In addition to your regular run-fuel items, dehydrated foods will work as pre and post-run meals that won’t weigh you down.

Hydration:Consider your access to fresh water sources along your planned route. Bring a filter or purification tablets along with your pre-filled bladders and bottles. Having enough liquids to maintain your hydration for the duration of your trip is key, especially when accounting for your increased need from perspiration and food prep.

Apparel:Just like with backpacking and trail running, having the right clothing for any condition you’re likely to encounter allows for a more enjoyable experience, no matter what the Inland Northwest weather throws at you. Additionally, having a change of clothes for your non-running hours offers a little reprieve from your sweat-covered t-shirt and shorts while you rest.

Gear:First things first, you’re going to need a backpack. Your pack needs to be big enough to hold everything you need, while still being comfortable enough to run in. Brands like Ultimate Direction and Solomon make fastpack-specific packs, designed to hold between 15-25 liters of gear while distributing the pack load between chest, shoulder, and side straps. These packs have a multitude of pockets and can expand and collapse as you need more and less space.

Next, you’ll need equipment for camping. Collapsible cooking pots and burners or small jet boils offer hot meal options and are worth packing if you have room. Weather depending, simply tie a tarp above your lightweight sleeping bag or hang a small hammock for tree-dense areas. If there’s rain in the forecast, carry your lightest tent and fly.

Other essentials:Put together a small first aid kit, just as you would with backpacking and running, including essentials such as bandages (large and blister-sized), antibacterial ointment, athletic tape, benadryl, sunscreen, aspirin, baby wipes, and an irrigation syringe. Other useful items to consider include small amounts of rope, bear spray, a headlamp, toilet paper, instant coffee, trekking poles, spork and knife, a portable cell phone charger, and a map.

Favorite Spots for Fastpacking

The good news is you can fastpack anywhere you’d through hike, but as you’ll be running instead of backpacking, you can cover more ground. Hikes that would usually take 3 to 4 days can be finished in 2 days, depending on your fitness level and comfort in long distance running. 

Hells Canyon, Idaho

Style: Out-and-Back

Distance: Up to 40 miles

Length: 2+ days

Run along the Snake River on the Idaho side of Hells Canyon on this picturesque out-and-back. With riverside campsites along the way, run out as far as 20 miles before setting up camp. When morning comes and the light hits the valley differently, it will feel like a new run on the way back to your car.

Long Canyon, Idaho

Style: Out-and-Back

Distance: 28 miles

Length: 2 days

Run through an old growth forest and along a rushing creek North of Bonner’s Ferry and just below the Canadian border. Trail #16 is remote, with creek crossings throughout the spring and into the summer, and is often used by equestrians. There’s a rugged campsite just before mile 14.

Salmo-Priest Loop, Washington

Style: Loop

Distance: 20 miles

Length: 1.5 days

Outside of Colville, WA, it doesn’t get much more remote than the Salmo-Priest Loop. Boasting old growth forest, the Salmo river, and = mountain views, this trail is amazing.

Kettle Crest Trail, Washington

Style: Point-to-Point

Distance: 44 miles

Length: 3 days

Run along the ridge of Eastern Washington’s highest peaks, through sage-brush meadows, along wildflower paths, and gain almost 8,000 ft as you traverse the Kettle Crest Trail. As to not miss any of the spectacular views, we recommend this trip as a point-to-point by shuttling your vehicles with friends.

The post Backpacking for Runners: A Quick Guide to Fastpacking appeared first on Out There Venture.

In the Introduction, Miller asks a question that sets the foundation for the entire book: “What kind of cook are you?” She offers three classifications of “an ascetic, a pragmatist, or a gourmand.” Each chapter and recipe takes all three approaches into consideration, and every dish can be adapted for home, picnic, and weekend campground outings.

The first thing that I learned from this book is how many quality foods you can get in powdered form. Sure, I knew about powdered dairy products, and dry packets of gravies, sauces, and hot drinks. Orange powder, coconut cream powder, and powdered vegetable shortening were new and fascinating discoveries. Miller deftly incorporates these, as well as freeze-dried and dehydrated foods, into the recipes, alongside canned and fresh ingredients. There are even whole sections on how to dehydrate your own foods, and substitutions for alternating fresh and dry ingredients in your meals.

Miller’s voice, style, and approach are relatable, simple, and functional. Each chapter opens with a rich quote from an outdoor living, camping, or backpacking book. The pages are peppered with “Hot Tips” of backcountry trends, challenges, trail tips, and fun stories from “trail-wise cooks” and “trail denizens.” The layout makes it easy to flip back through and find memorable tidbits. And the recipes provide information to help you pre-prep, track your caloric intake, and gauge your pack food weight.

We all have our own trail styles, tricks, and foods that are unique to us, and this book can help you adapt the foods you love for all your outdoor adventures. //

[Feature photo: Shallan Knowles]

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