Ultra trail is undoubtedly one of the most physically demanding disciplines. Its extreme nature also brings equipment requirements, with particular emphasis on competitor safety. Each ultra-trail organiser sets their own rules on the equipment and clothing you must have and carry during the event. Broadly speaking, though, the recommendations are similar, especially for essential kit and clothing to pack in case of bad weather.
Equipment and clothing lists required to participate in ultra-trail events
In recent years, race organisers have expanded the list of equipment required for ultra trail events. It has to be said that they were confronted with the growing popularity of these events, which inevitably led some people to sign up for the adventure and turn up on race morning with nothing but a pair of trainers and a t-shirt!
The duty of care that organisers of this type of mass-participation event carry means they are now required to include in their regulations a minimum equipment list that every competitor must present at the start.
It is true that, when it comes to equipment, some participants sometimes see the safety concerns of organisers as a barrier to performance. But in reality, those who are truly chasing performance always find a way to optimise this equipment list as best they can.
The UTMB example
Take the Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc, for example: it is the biggest event and certainly one of the toughest. As its popularity and participant numbers have grown, its mandatory equipment list has become increasingly detailed.
Here is a summary example for this year:
- Pack for carrying 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 a stopper not accepted)
- A minimum water supply of 1 litre
- 2 torches in good working order with spare batteries or a spare battery 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
- An adhesive elastic bandage suitable for strapping (min. 100 cm x 6 cm)
- A food supply with a recommendation of 800kcal (2 gels + 2 energy bars of 65g each)
- A jacket with a hood that can withstand bad weather in the mountains, made with a waterproof membrane (minimum 10,000 mm or Schmerber) and offering breathability (10,000 g/m²/24 h or a recommended RET below 13). The hood must be integrated or attached to the jacket using a system provided by the manufacturer, and the seams must be sealed. The jacket must not contain any non-waterproof fabric panels. Manufacturer-designed vents, such as under the arms or on the back, are permitted provided they do not noticeably compromise waterproofing.
- It is specified that it is the runner's responsibility to judge, based on these criteria, whether their jacket meets the regulations and is therefore suitable for bad weather in the mountains. However, during an inspection, only the assessment of the inspection officer 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 the combination of tights and socks that fully cover the leg.
- A cap, a bandana, or a buff
- A warm, long-sleeved second layer (no cotton) weighing at least 180 g (men’s size M), OR a warm, long-sleeved base layer (first or second layer, no cotton) weighing at least 110 g (men’s size M) combined with a windproof jacket (which does not replace the jacket mentioned above) with durable water-repellent protection (DWR protection)
- A beanie
- Warm, waterproof gloves
- Waterproof over-trousers
- A form of ID
As you can see, the list is long and detailed. Of course, not all ultra trail events are this demanding, but all those held in conditions similar to the UTMB are heading in this direction.
Choosing your equipment and clothing carefully for an ultra trail
Trail runners should pay close attention when investing in equipment and clothing to meet this kind of requirement. After all, if you can handle the toughest, you can handle the rest — and it is better to aim for the quality demanded by the flagship races to be sure of meeting the requirements of other ultra trail events.
Clothing brands have made great efforts to offer trail runners garments suited to performance and comfort while providing the protection required by race 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.
That’s how we developed one of our latest products at CimAlp: the STORM PRO jacket, designed for the high mountains and approved for ultra-trail races.
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 thermally bonded 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.
