Ultra-trail equipment: what you need to plan for

18 Oct. 2018

It is clear that ultra trail is one of the most physically demanding disciplines there is. But its extreme nature also brings strict equipment requirements, with a particular focus on competitor safety. Each ultra-trail race organiser sets their own rules regarding the equipment and clothing that must be owned and carried during their event. Overall, however, the recommendations are broadly similar, with a particular focus on essential items and of course the clothing to bring in case of bad weather. Equipment for ultra-trail

Equipment and clothing lists required to participate in ultra-trail events

In recent years, race organisers have significantly expanded the equipment lists for ultra trail events. It has to be said that they were confronted with the growing popularity of these events, which inevitably attracted some participants who would turn up on race morning with nothing but a pair of trainers and a t-shirt! The sense of responsibility that comes with organising mass participation events now requires organisers to include in their regulations a minimum equipment list that every competitor must present at the start. It is true that some participants view the safety-driven equipment requirements as a hindrance to performance. But in practice, those who pursue performance always find a way to optimise their kit list.

The UTMB example

We can take the example of theUltra Trail du Mont-Blanc which is the most important race and certainly the toughest. Given its enormous popularity and the influx of participants, the equipment requirements have become increasingly detailed. Here is a concise overview for this year:

Bag to carry mandatory equipment during the race
Mobile phone with an option enabling its use in all three countries
Personal cup of at least 15cl (bottles or flasks with screw caps not accepted)
A minimum water supply of 1 litre
2 torches in good working order with spare batteries for each torch (recommendation of 200 lumens or more for the main torch)
A survival blanket of at least 1.40m x 2m
A whistle
A self-adhesive elastic bandage for strapping (min. 100cm x 6cm)
A food supply with a recommended 800kcal (2 gels + 2 energy bars of 65g each)
A jacket with a hood capable of withstanding bad mountain weather, made with a waterproof membrane (minimum 10,000mm or Schmerber) and breathable (10,000 gr/m²/24h or RET recommended below 13). This jacket must have an integrated hood or one attached to the jacket using a system originally provided by the manufacturer, and the seams must be taped. The jacket must not have sections made from non-waterproof fabric, but ventilation panels provided by the manufacturer (under the arms, on the back) are accepted, provided they do not obviously compromise waterproofness.
It is understood that it is the runner's responsibility to judge, based on these criteria, whether their jacket is suited to the regulations and therefore to bad mountain weather. However, during an inspection, only the assessment of the checkpoint official or race commissioner will prevail, and their judgement will be made strictly in accordance with the criteria set out above.
Full-length running trousers or tights OR a combination of tights and socks covering the entire leg.
A cap, a bandana or a buff
A second complementary warm long-sleeve mid-layer (no cotton) weighing at least 180g (men's size M) OR a combination of a warm long-sleeve base layer (first or second layer, no cotton) weighing at least 110g (men's size M) and a windproof jacket (which does not replace the jacket mentioned above) with durable water-repellent protection (DWR)
A beanie
Warm, waterproof gloves
A waterproof over-trouser
A form of identification

As you can see, the list is long and detailed. Of course, not all ultra trail events are this demanding, but any race held in conditions similar to the UTMB is heading in that direction. trail jacket

Choosing your equipment and clothing carefully for an ultra trail

Trail runners should choose their kit and clothing carefully to meet these kinds of requirements. After all, if you can meet the most demanding standards, you can meet any standard — so it is better to aim for the quality required at flagship events to be sure of meeting the demands of other ultra trail races. Clothing brands have made great efforts to offer trail runners garments suited to both performance and comfort, while providing the protection required by organisers — without losing sight of the cost aspect for participants, or the need to keep weight to a minimum so as not to penalise the runner. trail jacket

This is why at CimAlp, for example, we have developed one of our latest products, the STORM PRO jacket which is built for high-mountain use and approved for ultra-trails. It should quickly become your indispensable companion on mountain outings, thanks to its latest-generation Ultra Shell® membrane — one of the most high-performing in the world. It delivers a breathability rating of 80,000 MVP and is waterproof to 20,000mm (20,000 Schmerbers). It features fully taped seams and a structure with even finer pores that allow better airflow while being more resistant. With an ergonomic slim fit and a lightweight, stretchy fabric, it is comfortable and unobtrusive, leaving you free to focus on your effort with excellent freedom of movement.