Among the essential accessories to pack in your race vest for the UTMB®, all the mandatory safety and survival gear for this type of event takes pride of place. Missing an item from this list can prevent you from starting the race.
New for 2026: headlamps with red-light mode
This is the key update to safety gear this year. One of your two headlamps must now feature a red-light mode, mandatory when crossing the Contamines-Montjoie nature reserve.
The reason is ecological: white light disturbs nocturnal wildlife, and thousands of runners passing through a reserve at night has a real impact. Check both of your headlamps now: most recent models offer this mode—often activated by a long press of the button—but basic backup lamps often lack it. It is typically the kind of detail uncovered during the gear check on the eve of the race.
Mandatory survival and safety gear
When it comes to safety, UTMB® rules require you to start with:
- A mobile phone usable across all three countries (France, Switzerland, Italy), with the organisation's emergency numbers saved in the contacts. It must remain switched on and reachable (caller ID unblocked) throughout the race, with a fully charged battery at the start.
- A whistle, to raise the alarm if problems arise and help rescuers locate you.
- An elastic adhesive bandage measuring at least 100 cm long by 6 cm wide, suitable for bandaging or strapping.
- A survival blanket of at least 1.40 m x 2 m, to retain body heat in case of injury or exhaustion.
- 2 lamps in good working order, with replacement batteries or spare battery packs for each, including one equipped with a red-light mode. A minimum lighting output of 200 lumens is recommended for the main lamp to ensure solid night-time visibility.
- An ID document, to be carried with you throughout the race.
- A personal cup of at least 15 cl: bottles and flasks with caps are not accepted.
Check out our selection of trail running headlamps built for ultra distances.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a headlamp with a red-light mode for the UTMB 2026?
Yes. One of your two lamps must feature a red-light mode, which is mandatory in the Contamines-Montjoie nature reserve to minimise disturbance to nocturnal wildlife.
What is the minimum size for the survival blanket?
The regulations require a survival blanket measuring at least 1.40 m x 2 m.
How many lumens do you need for an UTMB® headlamp?
A minimum lighting output of 200 lumens is recommended for the main lamp, along with a mandatory second backup lamp.
