When building your list of kit to pack for the UTMB, waterproof clothing is a top priority — it must meet the race regulations and your protection needs.
What does the race regulations say?
The UTMB regulations state that every runner must carry, as a minimum in their race kit, a trail jacket with a hood capable of handling bad mountain weather, made with a waterproof and breathable membrane. A minimum of 20,000 Schmerber is recommended for waterproofness, and a RET below 13 is recommended for breathability. The hood must be integrated or attached to the jacket using a system originally provided by the manufacturer, and the seams must be taped. Furthermore, the jacket must not have sections made from non-waterproof fabric, though ventilation panels built in by the manufacturer (under the arms, on the back) are accepted, provided they do not obviously compromise waterproofness.
For the lower body, the regulations require long-legged running trousers or tights, or a combination of tights and socks covering the leg entirely, plus waterproof overtrousers. It goes without saying that fully waterproof long-legged trousers will also work perfectly.
Which jacket should you choose?
For the waterproof jacket, it's important to go for a technical garment specifically designed for ultra trail. It's not just about meeting breathability and waterproofness specifications — it's also about ensuring excellent comfort with this type of jacket and perfect freedom of movement. At Cimalp, you can opt for optimal protection with the STORM PRO jacket! It is fully ultra-trail certified, and features Ultrashell® 3-layer technology offering protection up to 20,000mm of water (20,000 Schmerber). Practical and lightweight (260 g in M), it packs into its chest pocket whenever you don't need it and the weather is on your side.
This jacket was specifically designed for trail running, and its performance makes it compatible with all trails and ultra-trails, UTMB and beyond. Its structure, featuring even finer pores that allow better airflow while being more durable, is truly ideal for delivering real comfort to the runner while feeling remarkably light.
Its ergonomic hood with inner binding for a perfect fit during the race fully meets the UTMB regulations, and you can also wear the jacket partially open for added comfort. Note that it features reflective markings for greater visibility in low light and at night.
Which trousers for the UTMB?
For the lower body, choosing a waterproof trouser requires careful consideration: leg comfort is indeed essential for all ultra-trail runners, and your running stride must not be altered by a specific garment. With this in mind, Cimalp has developed the STORM PRO men's waterproof and breathable trousers, designed to support demanding athletes in the most extreme conditions. They feature a 3-layer ULTRASHELL® membrane that effectively protects against wind and rain (20,000 Schmerber), while guaranteeing optimal breathability on the go (80,000 MVP).
This latest-generation waterproof-breathable Ultrashell® membrane — one of the most high-performing in the world — earns these waterproof trousers ultra-trail certification, making them your indispensable companion for mountain outings. They can be worn alone or over thermal tights in winter, and feature a clever knee opening that provides genuine ventilation to keep you dry even under effort, as well as outstanding freedom of movement with the knee completely unrestricted in its flex. To find out more, we've put together a recommended kit for all your ultra trails.
