Ultra-trail equipment

The demands of long distance, the Cimalp answer
Mandatory kit, technical apparel, essential accessories: set off ready for ultra-distance. Take on the most demanding ultra-trails with our selection of technical clothing and accessories, certified and designed for long distances, elevation gain and extreme conditions. Lightweight, robust and reliable apparel, tested and approved by our athletes.

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Mid-season essentials

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Success in all your trail races, whatever the distance, takes careful planning.

In addition to a preparation physical and mental preparation beforehand, it’s essential to have the right kit. With or without assistance, get ready to tackle the trails of the world’s biggest ultra-distance races! The longest races go well beyond marathon distance, so prepare like the top athletes do!

To help you prepare, here’s a list of equipment required for most ultra-trail®.

Required trail kit: What trail gear should you choose? What should you wear for your ultras?

Trail kit to take on training runs and to races:

Hydration pack or vest
Reusable cup for aid stations (to reduce waste),
Trail head torch (1 main and 1 spare for long runs), with spare batteries and/or a spare rechargeable battery,
Proof of identity,
A phone that works in the country or countries where the race takes place (some routes cross borders!),
A whistle (often built into your pack),
Adhesive elastic tape for bandaging and strapping,
Emergency blanket,
Water supply (hydration bladder and/or soft flask) of at least 1 litre; check where the water points are before the race starts,
Food supplies (gels, fruit purées, energy bars or anything else you can digest while running).

For your trail outfit, opt for technical clothing carefully chosen:

1 waterproof jacket with a hood; all seams must be heat-sealed to keep water out. Don’t overlook the membrane’s breathability: it allows sweat to escape. Explore Cimalp’s Ultrashell® membrane in our windproof, waterproof trail jackets (comparable to Gore-Tex),
1 warm long-sleeved layer,
1 technical trail running t-shirt made from polyester or another technical fabric,
Warm, waterproof gloves,
Beanie, cap, bandana or neck gaiter,
1 trail running trousers or tights covering the legs completely + 1 pair of shorts,
1 waterproof overtrousers.

Recommended:

Phone + Livetrail4Runners app + power bank,
A change of clothes,
Trail poles (provided you know how to use them),
Anti-chafing cream,
Some cash (around £20),
Navigation and survival essentials (GPS watch, knife, sewing kit, lighter...)

Depending on the weather, the required kit may change to include extra protection against cold or heat!

Trail shoes: a key piece of kit:

A pair of running shoes that you’ve already trained in, ideally with mesh uppers for better breathability and a good sole offering solid grip on technical terrain (Vibram soles are excellent). Your shoes should suit your stride: every trail runner needs to find running shoes that match their needs, build and approach to trail running.

TRAIL RUNNING TIPS: GEARING UP FOR AN ULTRA

Don’t overlook the 3th layer (windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket): your shelter from the elements!
Consider trail trousers or trail overtrousers waterproof protection, essential in tough conditions and/or when fatigue sets in as the miles add up
Invest in a pair of footwear comfortable and durable (tested and tried beforehand): power is nothing without control!
In cold conditions or bright sunlight, protect your eyes with a pair of sunglasses photochromic, whose tint and protection level adjust automatically to the light.
If you want to go the distance, look after your feet with socks breathable, blister-resistant and cushioned to absorb impact.
To see your way through the dark, choose a high-performance head torch : powerful, comfortable and non-slip, supplied with a battery and spare batteries for over 100 hours of use.