Fast hiking, also known as rapid hiking, is attracting a growing number of outdoor enthusiasts. Its sustained pace offers a lighter way to cover trails, with more challenge, personal progression and adventure. Here is everything you need to know about fast hiking.
Key takeaways:
- Fast hiking is a sustained-pace discipline, sitting between hiking and trail.
- It requires lightweight but complete kit.
- It builds endurance, strengthens muscles and protects joints.
- Fast hiking takes place on varied trails, in complete autonomy.
What is fast hiking?
Fast hiking is a hybrid discipline, sitting between classic hiking and trail running. The idea is to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible, typically on technical trails. This means maintaining a sustained pace, generally between 5 and 8 km/h, depending on the terrain and your fitness level.
Compared to classic hiking, fast hiking moves at a higher pace. While the former is done at a moderate, more contemplative pace, the latter is more dynamic, centred on effort and physical performance. It does not, however, reach the intensity or duration of trail running.
Fast hiking is open to everyone. It suits beginners and seasoned athletes alike — experienced hikers looking to push their limits and trail runners wanting to dial things back. Everyone picks a route suited to their level and sets their own goals.
How to practise fast hiking?
To combine speed, comfort and safety, fast hiking requires specific preparation. Travel light: carry the essentials without overloading, taking the weather and terrain into account.
Footwear is a key piece of kit for fast hiking. Go for a pair ranging from trail to light hiking. Here, you should prioritise lightness, grip, stability and cushioning.
The backpack should be ergonomic and compact (10 to 20 litres). Trail-style models are ideal in this situation. They offer quick access to water or energy snacks, and allow you to carry a windproof jacket, a small first-aid kit and navigation equipment.
Poles are an essential piece of kit for fast hiking. They help you maintain a good rhythm, keep your balance and take the strain off your joints. We recommend looking for lightweight, foldable models in carbon or aluminium.
Finally, fast hiking clothing should be both lightweight and breathable. As with hiking, you can follow the three-layer principle. Choose technical garments that manage moisture and allow good freedom of movement. Do not forget a protective jacket — invaluable in bad weather — and accessories suited to the season.
What are the benefits of fast hiking?
Fast hiking is about far more than just walking fast. It is a complete discipline with wide-ranging benefits. First and foremost, it places significant demands on the cardiovascular system. It sits in the base endurance zone, at around 70 to 75% of maximum heart rate — the ideal zone for improving circulation and, above all, performance.
Unlike trail running or road running, the impact on the body is limited during a fast hiking outing. Joints are therefore protected from heavy shocks. Between the climbs and the descents, the body works in depth, delivering full muscular conditioning.
Fast hiking also has a positive impact on the mind. Like all outdoor activities, it promotes focus, mental clarity and personal satisfaction, while acting as a powerful stress reliever. It is therefore the ideal activity to clear your head while staying fit and enjoying nature.
It also delivers a genuine time saving. You cover distances in less time, which is ideal if your schedule is tight or, on the contrary, if you want to string together several summits or trails in a single day.
Unlike trail, you can adapt your pace to the terrain or how you feel. You decide your own rhythm and route. Over time, you can measure your own progress in terms of speed or route difficulty.
Where to practise fast hiking?
Fast hiking takes place in the heart of nature, on terrain that strikes a balance between technicality, enjoyment and safety. When starting out, you can easily make do with local hills, with gentle climbs and easy descents.
Fast hiking is best suited to waymarked trails at mid-mountain altitude, sections of long-distance hiking routes (GR), regional nature parks, forests or open ridgeline paths. When starting out, focus on avoiding terrain that is too rocky or slippery, as it risks slowing you down and increases the risk of a fall.
As you progress, you can move on to more technical trails, alpine routes or even multi-day itineraries. Long-distance GR routes are particularly well suited to ultra-light hiking, thanks to the availability of mountain refuges along the way.
As with all hiking, safety should never be overlooked in fast hiking. Before every outing, it is essential to check the weather forecast. Fast hiking means going further, and a storm can quickly become dangerous. You should also avoid setting off too late, and remember to let someone know your route and expected return time. Finally, make sure you remain self-sufficient and avoid overly remote areas.
In summary, fast hiking is a dynamic alternative sitting between hiking and trail. It is the perfect activity for pushing your limits without crossing into a full race. All that is left is to get out on the trails.
