Contents
- What is speed hiking, and why is it so popular right now?
- Healthy from head to toe: the benefits of speed hiking
- The right gear: lightweight, breathable, and built to perform
- Salewa Pedroc PTX shoes – grip & protection for fast-paced hikes
- Salewa Pedroc 16L backpack – ultralight and built to breathe
- Salewa Pedroc Durastretch Light Jacket – protection with freedom to move
- Salewa Pedroc Cargo 3 Durastretch Shorts – freedom to move in the mountains
- Conclusion: Movement that feels easy
Active, light, and healthy: How speed hiking boosts your fitness and freedom
Stressed at work, pressed for time, but still want to get in shape? Then speed hiking could be just the thing for you. This energetic blend of brisk hiking, focused training, and immersive nature fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle. Once you try striding swiftly through alpine terrain, you’ll quickly realize just how freeing and invigorating it can be.
What is speed hiking, and why is it so popular right now?
Speed hiking isn't just the latest fitness craze—it's a natural evolution of traditional mountain sports. It combines the best aspects of hiking and trail running—without the need for full-on running speed, but with the goal of tackling elevation and distance quickly and efficiently.
The key difference: you mostly stay at a fast walking pace, skip the running, and use purpose-built, lightweight gear. That makes it more accessible, yet still physically demanding.
And that's exactly why it's gaining popularity: it brings together movement, outdoor adventure, and effective training—without the pressure of competition.
Healthy from head to toe: the benefits of speed hiking
Speed hiking regularly delivers a full-body boost on multiple levels:
- Endurance & cardiovascular health: Uphill hiking at a brisk pace gets your heart rate up and improves oxygen intake.
- Muscle strength: Fast hiking on uneven terrain effectively strengthens your legs, core, and arms.
- Joint-friendly: Compared to running, speed hiking is gentler on knees and ankles – making it ideal for getting back into training.
- Coordination & balance: Varying terrain challenges your balance more than flat paths.
- Calorie burn: Higher intensity means a more effective workout – perfect for losing or maintaining weight.
- Mental strength: Being active in nature significantly reduces stress, lifts your mood, and promotes inner calm.
The right gear: lightweight, breathable, and built to perform
To keep cool (in the right way) while speed hiking, your gear needs to be spot on. Salewa’s Pedroc Collection is purpose-built for exactly this: it’s lightweight, breathable, functional, and tough enough for the mountains.
>> Ready to pick up the pace in the mountains? Check out the Pedroc Collection
From jackets and shorts to backpacks and shoes, every item is designed for dynamic movement and sudden weather changes in alpine terrain. With sustainable materials, smart design features, and technical innovation, this collection is ideal for those who want to move fast and feel free. Here are four standout pieces worth knowing.
Salewa Pedroc PTX shoes – grip & protection for fast-paced hikes
The Pedroc PTX is your shoe of choice when you want to power uphill or stay steady going down. It’s ultra-lightweight, features a weatherproof Powertex® membrane, and delivers excellent breathability.
Ripstop mesh and TPU protection make it rugged enough for rocky trails. The Pomoca™ Speed Hiker Pro outsole offers reliable traction on everything from gravel to mud. And with the SALEWA® 3F system, you get optimal stability on uneven ground.
Salewa Pedroc 16L backpack – ultralight and built to breathe
When you’re moving fast, you need a backpack that keeps up. The Pedroc 16L was made for speed hiking and tested on the narrow trails of the Dolomites.
Its Dry Back Contact system features generous ventilation channels and a close-fitting design. Split shoulder straps boost breathability and cut down on weight. Smart additions include hydration compatibility, zip pockets, and a handy one-hand compression system.
Salewa Pedroc Durastretch Light Jacket – protection with freedom to move
Whether you’re facing wind, changing weather, or a chilly morning start, the Pedroc Durastretch Light Jacket has you covered. The softshell fabric offers 4-way stretch, weighs only 123 g, and is impressively breathable.
Its body-mapped construction provides airflow exactly where you need it—like along the back and sides. Practical extras include thumb loops, articulated gussets, and two side zip pockets.
Salewa Pedroc Cargo 3 Durastretch Shorts – freedom to move in the mountains
For intense outings, you need shorts that move with you. These are designed with 2-way stretch, a gusseted athletic fit, and reflective details for early morning or late evening hikes.
They’re made from bluesign®-certified fabric with PFC-free DWR, making them both eco-friendly and performance-ready. Two front pockets and a stretch back pocket provide space for everything you want to keep within easy reach.
Conclusion: Movement that feels easy
Speed hiking isn’t just another fitness trend—it’s a lifestyle that balances high-impact training with the calming power of nature. Salewa’s Pedroc Collection offers the ideal gear for it: lightweight, functional, and sustainable. That way, you can save your energy for what truly matters—the trail ahead.
>> Ready to go higher? Discover Salewa’s latest outdoor highlights