In August, temperatures in the Mont Blanc massif can exceed 30°C in the valleys, yet feel as low as -10°C above 2,000 m. Depending on your pace, you may spend one or two nights on the course. To help you cope with these conditions and wait safely for help if something goes wrong, UTMB® rules specify a mandatory kit list shared by the UTMB®, CCC®, OCC® and TDS®. You can check the current list at any time on the official UTMB® website.
New for 2026: a head torch with a 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 for the crossing of the Contamines-Montjoie nature reserve.
The reason is environmental: white light disturbs nocturnal wildlife, and several thousand runners passing through a nature reserve at night have a real impact. Red light is far less disruptive to animals, allowing the race to take place while helping protect the site.
In practical terms, check both your head torches now. Most recent models have this mode, often activated by holding down a button, but older models and cheaper backup torches may not. It is exactly the sort of detail that comes to light at the kit check the day before the start.
Mandatory basic kit
This kit includes:
- A pack to carry your mandatory kit throughout the race. Find advice on choosing one in our article Packing your race pack for the UTMB®.
- A personal cup of at least 15 cl (bottles and flasks with caps are not accepted).
- 2 torches, each with spare batteries or a spare battery pack, one of which must have a red-light mode.
- A form of identification.
- A mobile phone that works in all three countries on the route (France, Switzerland and Italy), with the Livetrail app installed.
- A whistle.
- An adhesive elastic bandage for bandaging or strapping.
- An emergency blanket measuring at least 1.40 m x 2 m.
- A water supply of at least 1 litre.
- A food supply, such as 2 gels and 2 energy bars of 65 g each.
One point to watch when planning your food supplies: gels from the partner brand are available at only five aid stations along the route, and bars at seven. If your fuelling strategy depends on them, carry plenty of your own. Our article on UTMB® 2026 aid stations gives the details for each station.
Find the full details of this safety kit, including dimensions and specifications, in our article Survival and safety kit to take to the UTMB®.
Mandatory clothing
For your upper body, you need at least a hooded jacket with a waterproof, breathable membrane (minimum 10,000 Schmerber and RET below 13), an integrated or attached hood, and sealed seams. Find all the required specifications in our article Mandatory waterproof clothing for the UTMB®. You also need a warm, long-sleeved mid-layer (no cotton; at least 180 g in men's size M), warm waterproof gloves, a beanie, and a cap or neck gaiter.
For your lower body, full-length trousers or running tights are mandatory, along with waterproof overtrousers. See our full selection in our article The ideal outfit for the UTMB®.
Recommended but not mandatory
The rules also recommend, but do not require, spare warm clothing, poles in rain or snow, anti-chafing cream, some cash, a GPS watch and a sewing kit. Find the full list in our article Essential accessories for the UTMB®.
Additional kits for different weather conditions
Depending on the forecast, the organisers may require additional items: a hot-weather kit in extreme heat or a cold-weather kit if winter conditions are expected at altitude. These requirements are announced shortly before the race based on the forecast, so check the official UTMB® website in the days leading up to your event.
What happens if you are missing mandatory kit?
You must carry all mandatory kit with you throughout the race or face a penalty. Kit checks take place just before the start and can happen at any point up to the finish.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a head torch with a red-light mode for the UTMB 2026?
Yes. One of your two head torches must have a red-light mode for the crossing of the Contamines-Montjoie nature reserve, to minimise disturbance to nocturnal wildlife.
Does missing mandatory kit lead to disqualification?
No. It leads to a penalty, not automatic disqualification, but if you are missing mandatory kit at the start, you may not be allowed to race.
What is the difference between the hot-weather kit and the cold-weather kit?
These are two additional kits that the organisers may require based on the weather forecast in the days before the race: one for extreme heat, the other for cold conditions at altitude.
Is the mandatory kit the same for every UTMB® race?
The basic kit is the same for the UTMB®, CCC®, OCC® and TDS®, but some details may differ. Always check the kit list for your race on the official website.
