In this episode, I sit down with Tayson Whittaker, founder of Outdoor Vitals, to dive deep into fastpacking—what it is, why it works when time is tight, and how to cover more ground in less time. Whether you’re a backpacker looking to move faster and lighter, or someone trying to maximize limited time on the trail, this episode is packed with tons of insights on how to make fastpacking a practical tool in your outdoor adventures.
Tayson shares his personal fastpacking strategies, including gear, hydration and nutrition planning, and how to structure your days for big miles without burnout. We also get into the evolution of Outdoor Vitals gear and how it’s designed with fastpackers and minimalist adventurers in mind.
If you’ve been curious about how fastpacking can fit into your life—or you just want to find smarter ways to adventure farther and faster—this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Fastpacking is a tool to cover more ground in less time, opening up bigger adventures even when life is busy.
- Dialing in your gear makes fastpacking possible—cut the weight without sacrificing comfort or safety.
- Hydration and electrolytes are mission-critical, especially for high-mileage days. Don't underestimate your salt needs.
- Nutrition strategy is everything—consistent fueling keeps your energy steady and prevents the dreaded calorie wall.
- Planning your day around effort, rest, and fueling is the secret to consistent, high-mileage success.
Show Notes and Links:
- Introduction
- The Growth of Outdoor Vitals
- Game-Changing Gear
- Fastpacking vs. Traditional Backpacking
- Nutrition & Hydration in the Backcountry
- The Evolution of Down vs. Synthetic Insulation
- Lessons Learned from Long Days on the Trail
- What’s Next for Outdoor Vitals?
- Outdoor Vitals
- Tokes alcohol stove
- Ventus Active Hoodie
- Vario Jacket
- Skyline Fastpack
- Tushar Rain Jacket
- Altitude Sun Hoodie
- Re-Lyte
Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.
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