In August in the Mont-White massif, temperatures can exceed 30°C in the valleys but drop to -10°C wind chill above 2,000 m. Depending on your pace, you may spend one or two nights on the course. To allow you to face these extreme conditions — and to wait for rescue safely in the event of an incident — the UTMB® regulations impose a mandatory kit list, common to the UTMB®, CCC®, OCC® and TDS®. You can check the up-to-date list at any time on the official UTMB® website.
New for 2026: a head torch with red light mode
This is the change not to miss this year — and it concerns a piece of kit many runners already own without realising it.
One of your two head torches must have a red light mode, which is mandatory for crossing the Contamines-Montjoie nature reserve.
The reason is ecological: white light disturbs nocturnal wildlife, and the passage of several thousand runners at night through a nature reserve has a real impact. Red light, far less disruptive to animals, allows the race and the protection of the site to coexist.
Concretely, check both your head torches right now. Most recent models offer this mode, often accessible by a long press on the button, but older models or budget backup torches may not have it. This is exactly the kind of detail that gets discovered at the kit check the day before the start.
The mandatory base kit
This kit includes:
- A pack to carry the mandatory kit throughout the race. Find our advice on choosing the right one in our article Packing your race pack for the UTMB®.
- A personal cup of at least 15 cl (bottles and soft flasks with caps are not accepted).
- 2 torches with spare batteries or a backup battery for each, one of which must have a red light mode.
- A photo ID.
- A mobile phone usable in the three countries covered (France, Switzerland, Italy), with the Livetrail app installed.
- A whistle.
- An elastic adhesive bandage for dressings or strapping.
- A survival blanket of at least 1.40 m x 2 m.
- A minimum 1-litre water supply.
- A food supply, for example 2 gels and 2 energy bars of 65 g each.
On the food supply front, one point worth noting from the aid station setup: gels from the partner brand are only distributed at five checkpoints on the course, and bars at seven. If your strategy depends on them, pack accordingly. The checkpoint-by-checkpoint breakdown is in our article on UTMB® 2026 aid stations.
Find the full details of this safety equipment (dimensions, specifications) in our article Survival and safety kit for the UTMB®.
Mandatory clothing
For the upper body, at minimum a hooded jacket with a waterproof and breathable membrane (minimum 10,000 Schmerber, RET below 13), integrated or attached hood and sealed seams is required. Find all the required specifications in our article Mandatory waterproof clothing for the UTMB®. You will also need a warm long-sleeved mid-layer (no cotton, minimum 180 g in men's size M), warm waterproof gloves, a beanie and a cap or buff.
For the lower body, full-length running tights or trousers are mandatory, along with waterproof overtrousers. Find our full selection in our article The ideal kit for the UTMB®.
Recommended but not mandatory
The regulations also recommend, without imposing them, spare warm clothing, poles in case of rain or snow, anti-chafing cream, a small amount of cash, a GPS watch and a sewing kit. Find the full list in our article Essential accessories for the UTMB®.
Weather-specific kits
Depending on the forecast conditions, the organisation may impose additional items: a heat kit in the event of extreme heat, or an extreme cold kit in the event of wintry conditions at altitude. These kits are announced at the last minute according to the weather forecast: check the information on the official UTMB® website in the days leading up to your race.
What are the consequences of missing kit?
You must carry the full mandatory kit on you at all times during the race, under penalty of a fine. Checks are carried out throughout the event: just before the start, and at any point through to the finish.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a red-light head torch for the UTMB 2026?
Yes. One of your two head torches must have a red light mode, mandatory for crossing the Contamines-Montjoie nature reserve, to minimise disturbance to nocturnal wildlife.
Does missing kit result in disqualification?
No, it is a penalty rather than an automatic disqualification, but missing mandatory kit at the start may prevent you from starting.
What is the difference between the heat kit and the extreme cold kit?
These are two complementary kits, imposed on an ad hoc basis by the organisation depending on the weather conditions forecast in the days before the race: one to manage extreme heat, the other for cold at altitude.
Is the mandatory kit the same for all UTMB® races?
The core kit is the same for the UTMB®, CCC®, OCC® and TDS®, but certain details may vary: always check the specific list for your race on the official website.
