As part of your UTMB® preparation, choosing and packing your race pack is essential. To start the event properly equipped, you need everything in place: the pack itself, plus your clothing, accessories, shoes and nutrition. Here’s how to organise it all.
Which pack should you choose for the UTMB®?
For an ultra-distance event like the UTMB®, a pack with a capacity of 10 to 15 litres is generally recommended: enough room for all the mandatory kit without being cumbersome throughout the race. The pack’s empty weight also matters over such a long distance: every unnecessary gram adds up over the kilometres. Under the rules, your pack must be marked when you collect your race bib and cannot be changed during the race. You must carry all your mandatory kit in that same pack from start to finish. For the full list of what to pack, read our article Mandatory kit for the UTMB®.
Clothing to pack
Your pack must contain at least the mandatory waterproof clothing specified in the rules, as well as your full technical outfit (shorts, t-shirt, warm jacket). Find the detailed list and our advice in our article The ideal outfit for the UTMB®.
Essential accessories
Emergency blanket, whistle, adhesive elastic bandage, head torches... the rules specify a list of mandatory safety accessories. There are also recommended extras, such as trail poles. Find the details in our articles Essential accessories for the UTMB® and Survival and safety equipment.
Shoes for the UTMB®
Choose your shoes months in advance so your feet have time to get used to them. They are your point of contact with the ground and a key factor in your performance. Find all our advice in our article Choosing your shoes for the UTMB®.
Hydration and nutrition during the race
Even though there are aid stations along the route, your pack must contain the minimum required water supply, an isotonic drink, and energy gels and bars that you’ve tested beforehand. Find our full strategy in our articles Nutrition and hydration for the UTMB® and UTMB® aid stations.
Frequently asked questions
How much should your UTMB® pack weigh?
The rules set no maximum weight, but over a distance like this, the lighter your empty pack, the better. Choose a technical pack designed for trail rather than a standard backpack.
Does the race organiser need to approve your pack?
No specific model is required, but your pack must be large enough to hold all the mandatory kit. It will be marked when you collect your race bib, and you cannot change it during the race.
