As part of preparing for your trip to Chamonix for the UTMB®, packing your race bag is absolutely crucial. Nothing should be missing to tackle the event in the best possible conditions — starting with the right clothing, essential accessories, shoes, and your hydration and nutrition products. Here are some tips to help you think of everything and start selecting the products you'll need!
Clothing to pack for the UTMB®
The list of clothing to pack must at minimum include the mandatory waterproof garments as specified by the race regulations. In addition to these rain-protection garments, you'll need to draw up a full list of technical clothing to have on hand in your pack or on your person: trail shorts, trousers, technical t-shirt, warm jacket...etc. Choosing and testing them will be an important step in your preparation — don't overlook it if you want no nasty surprises on race day!
Essential accessories you shouldn't forget
There is of course a list of accessories for safety and survival that are required both by common sense and by race regulations. There's no way around them — skip them and you risk being turned away at the start. These include a survival blanket, a whistle, and basic bandaging supplies. But many accessories are not necessarily mandatory yet still essential — such as trail poles, sunglasses, gloves, a hydration vest, and of course a pack to carry your gear along with other equally important accessories.
Shoes for the UTMB®
Shoes are crucial, and the choice should be made carefully and well in advance so that your feet have time to adapt. They are your contact with the ground and clearly impact your performance and your ability to run for a long time — so choose wisely and aim for the most natural stride possible. A spare pair of shoes should also be packed in your race bag.
Hydration and nutrition during the race
Although there are aid stations dotted along the UTMB® course, you should at minimum bring an isotonic drink, gels and energy bars. This choice should also be made in the months leading up to the race to make sure you enjoy these products and that your stomach can handle them. Hydration and nutrition during the race must of course also fit into a broader nutrition plan — before, during and after the event — to keep your energy levels up and protect your health. Find out more:
