Curious on how runners complete ultramarathons? What do they carry? What is Mandatory Kit? and is there a way to make gear packing easy for beginners?
I ran the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) CCC (100km) in 2021 and had experience on strict packing requirements for the race. I was nervous, so I researched, packed, and created a method to make sure I pack everything I need without overpacking stress free.
I created a one-page guide to help YOU pack for an ultramarathon. It is designed for UTMB, but also very applicable to other races around the world (modify as you need)
The following video of the UTMB packing guide goes through everything I packed and used, and how I organised my backpack. Continue on for the text version and list of gear I used and recommend!
Why you should care about packing gear for an ultramarathon
You prepared for months, even years. You are excited. The start line of your ultramarathon is within reach…
BUT
Before you can cross the start line, there’s one final test to pass, and failing this test may mean disqualification or a time penalty
This final test is the GEAR CHECK.
Packing too little, you could risk a penalty or even your life (Most of the equipment is for your own good).
Packing too much, you are wasting precious energy which could be diverted to enjoying the course.
Spend too much time researching on different sites, you are wasting precious preparation time.
Here, I’ll tell you what to do and make it clear. Pass your gear check easily.
Disclaimer to the content
Requirements could change after I post this video. I’ll try to keep this content updated to note any changes but refer to the UTMB website for official updates. There are 2 sites, here and here for the full picture
Also, this list is designed for the UTMB, TDS, CCC courses, there are fewer items for OCC and MCC is noted in the guide.
Gear needed for an ultramarathon
I’ll break down the gear into 4 sections – Clothing, Nutrition & Hydration, Materials, and Security.
This matches the UTMB classification of items to pack.
For each section, I’ll talk about the Mandatory items, these are items which must be carried or you could be penalized.
Then, I’ll go through the Recommended Items which will be useful for your race.
I’ll also touch on the HOT and COLD weather kit.
A full list of the items is available in below.
Clothing
1st out of the 4 sections is Clothing, this is the longest and most complicated section. Follow along and it should make sense afterwards.
The clothing section are items you wear on your body, either your top, bottom, or externals.
Mandatory Items for your upper body starts with the waterproof jacket with hood.
Waterproof Jacket with Hood
Requirement is 10,000 Schmerber, sometimes the unit is expressed in mm. (Not g/m2).
1 Schmerber = 1 mm water column = 0.1 mbar
Technically, this means the material can withstand 10,000mm of water over a day before the water will penetrate through, or in easier terms, the material is strong enough to withstand a heavy rainstorm for a full day.
I used the Ultimate Direction Men’s Ultra Jacket V2. It is lightweight and takes very little space, and claims to have 30,000 Schmerbers.
I tested mine in a rain storm and it really worked!
Most times, jackets don’t show the Schmerber rating and you will have to contact the manufacturer to find out.
The lazy way is to test or imagine if your jacket is good enough in a strong rainstorm.
Here are a few examples of jackets that fulfill the requirement:
Jackets with GoreTex, The North Face – FUTURELIGHT™, Patagonia H₂No®, Craft PRO Hydro Jacket, Salomon Bonatti Trail, Ultimate Direction – Deluge Jacket, Ultra Jacket
Long-Sleeved Top (Warm 2nd Layer non-cotton 180g+)
Next item is the long-sleeved top that acts as your 2nd layer. It has to be non-cotton and weigh at least 180g for a Men’s M size.
Alternatively, you could have a warm long sleeved underwear (first or second layer, cotton excluded) of a minimum weight of 110g (men’s size medium (M) and a durable water repellant (DWR protection) windproof jacket
I bought the UTMB Top that fits perfectly for this criteria.
It’s a bit tight in the arm, but it works out as a good souvenir AND this was sufficient as my outer layer throughout my night during the CCC.
I didn’t take my jacket out even when temperatures were at 0C in the mountains.
Long Trousers/Race Leggings
I brought leggings as they are light and easy to carry. I’ll be wearing my running shorts regardless so this acts as the layer beneath my running shorts if I get cold.
I did not use them for CCC, but they would have been taken out if the temperature was slightly lower.
I bought a generic brand legging but a comparable one is the Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Leggings
Waterproof Over Trousers
You also need waterproof over trousers, ones you dont need to take your shoes off to put on in the rain.
I found the compact and light weight Ultimate Direction Ultrapants to work perfect. I’ve used them many times after CCC in early mornings before races to stay warm and dry. Take them off, put them in my bag, and I’m ready to go.
Hat
For the externals, you need to have a hat that covers your head to protect you from the cold.
I used the BUFF ThermoNet® Beanie, another UTMB souvenir, but also comes with regular colors from BUFF. It is Reversible, extremely warm and lightweight. I wore it throughout the night, kept me warm, and I guess I look stylish in them as well.
Cap/Bandana/Buff
A cap/bandana/buff is mandatory to protect you from the sun.
I opted for a buff because it is so light and versatile. Anyone who has owned one would understand the multiple-ways it can be used for both the heat and the cold.
Gloves (Warm and Waterproof)
Final clothing imandatory item are Waterproof Gloves that can keep you warm.
I used the Saucony Fortify Convertible Glove, which I have used in snowy days. My hands stayed warm with the gloves.
HOT WEATHER KIT- Saharan Cap (covers head and neck)
If you receive a message to activate the HOT weather kit, you require 2 clothing items – a saharan cap that covers the head and neck, and sunglasses.
I brought the BUFF Pack Adult Sahara Hat to Chamonix, but since the HOT weather kit is not activated for the year of my race, I left it in the hotel.
HOT WEATHER KIT- Sunglasses
The 2nd item in the HOT weather kit are sunglasses. I have my trusty and stylish Goodr running sunglasses that I would bring regardless.
It stays on no matter how tired or wobbly my head becomes.
COLD WEATHER KIT – Sunglasses (Same as HOT)
The COLD weather kit was activated for my year.
I received a message the night before the race so my bag had to accommodate these extra items.
To be honest, I would have packed the cold weather kit whether or not I received the message as they made a lot of sense running in mountains..
All 3 items in the COLD weather kit is under the clothing section.
1st item in the COLD weather kit is sunglasses, which is the same as the sunglasses for the HOT weather kit. My GOODR Running Sunglasses worked fine for the purpose.
COLD WEATHER KIT – 3rd Warm Layer (Fleece/Down Jacket)
2nd item is the 3rd warm layer, such as a fleece or a compressible down jacket. This layer is supposed to be above your 2nd layer and below your jacket.
I brought a heat-tech fleece which I usually wear for snowboarding. I would put it on if it gets uncomfortably cold.
I also brought a UNIQLO compressible down jacket to Chamonix but ended up not taking it to the start line due to the size.
COLD WEATHER KIT – Robust & Closed Trail-Running Shoes (Non-minimalist/ultralight)
Final item in the COLD weather kit is robust & Closed Trail Running Shoes.
For races longer than 10km, I never tried wearing minimalist or ultralight trail shoes so I will fulfill this kit requirement anyways.
I wore the Altra KingMT and it felt comfortable and reliable for the 20-some hours I had them on for the CCC.
The Altra Lone Peak is also a good alternative since the KingMT seems to have disappeared from their product line unfortunately.
From the survey I heard during the CCC, almost every imaginable brand is used by runners.
Recommended Clothing
The RECOMMENDED clothing is less about Recommendation, but more a checklist to remind you on the items you need to pack. Remember to have your 1st layer running top, running shorts, and socks.
I had my running club’s top on, so anything you feel comfortable wearing for hours.
For the running shorts, I had a pair of T8 Sherpa Shorts which I absolutely love. They can carry extra items, and are super comfortable.
It’s designed by a trail running company in Hong Kong and ships worldwide. I haven’t worn other shorts for trails ever since I bought them 2 years ago.
For the Socks, get good quality, quick dry socks and avoid cotton.
I had the Compressport Pro Racing Socks V3.0. I forgot that I had the socks, and I didn’t get blisters in my foot after my run, which are usually good signs for a good sock. I kept using them for several more trail runs and their durability is proven.
I mentioned the shoes in the cold weather kit. I had the Altra King MT
CLOTHING is the biggest category, and if you have got this down, the rest is simple.
The Top, Bottom, Exteriors, mandatory, recommended, HOT and COLD Kit in the clothing section should be clear to you now.
Nutrition & Hydration
The second section is Nutrition and Hydration. These are items that can be intaken into your body.
You will be bringing as much as needed to fit your own food and drinking plan. I will not cover your individual nutrition plans here as this will take a completely separate post. However, I will touch on what MUST be brought plus a few recommendations.
There are only 2 items in the mandatory list – Food Reserve and Water.
Food Reserve (800 kcal)
Food Reserve is required for emergencies and should not be touched throughout the race unless there is an emergency.
There is no mandatory quantity, but there is a recommendation to carry 800kcal broken down into 2 gels and 2 bars of 65g each, so let’s follow that.
I packed 2 gels of 120 kcal each, but I had difficulty finding 65g bars, so I packed 3 bars of 45g each that bring the total available kcal to over 800 kcal.
Water (1L)
For Water, 1L is required. I filled up 2 500ml Salomon Soft Flasks that fit with my bag.
I personally plan to use 500ml per hour, and 1L was generally enough between water spots for CCC.
HOT WEATHER KIT – Water (additional 1L)
In case of activation of the Hot Weather Kit, 2L of water supply is required.
I brought 2 older 500ml water soft flasks to Chamonix just in case. They were left in the hotel as this was not required for my race day.
This is all for the Mandatory Items for the Nutrition and Hydration Section.
Recommended Nutrition and Hydration
Here are 3 recommended nutrition items I think you should consider.
Gels – This wouldn’t need much explanation. If you can handle them, they give you an extra boost. One tip is to NOT rely on them as your calorie source. I had stomach problems after the 5th gel of the day, which was quite unpleasant to certain parts of my body.
CrampFix Shot – a just-in-case miracle cure. Fortunately, I didn’t use it for CCC. However, it gave me a peace of mind in case of cramps. In prior races, I experienced its miraculous cure of cramps.
Salt Stick – I keep taking these during my race and they gave me a sustaining boost in energy and morale especially during the long uphills.
There would be other food/drink items that you carry which I will not go into here. This will be based on your own plans.
Materials
Next, the Materials Section, the 3rd out of 4 sections.
Torches and Spare Battery (x2)
In the Mandatory Gear List, you have to carry 2 torches and each with spare battery. 1 of the torches must be over 200 lumens.
For the stronger torch, I used the Nitecore NU32 550 Lumen LED Rechargeable Headlamp. It had a good balance between weight and power.
Unfortunately, it lasted only two-thirds of the night in its strongest setting so I took out my 2nd torch for the rest of the time.
The Nitecore torch uses a power bank as its spare battery. I brought the light and slim Nitecore NB10000 Ultra Lightweight Battery Bank and it was used as backup power for my torch, my phone, my GoPro, and my watch. Its large capacity means I don’t need to worry about running out of power even through 2 nights (for the UTMB full course).
Identity Document
The next Materials mandatory item is your identity document. Make sure it is put in a ziplock bag or a waterproof bag so it doesn’t get wet.
Personal Cup with 15 cl minimum
Another item that is mandatory is a personal cup with 15cl min. This cannot be your water flask that carries the 1L water.
This is one of the most used item in the whole list, and I’ve used it for refreshing coke and warm soup.
Most people just hang it outside of their bag. It takes no space and is a good environmentally-friendly alternative to paper cups.
Bag
There is no reason you would miss this, right?. Your bag will be tagged in the gear check and you must use the same bag for the full race. All the gear will have to fit in this bag or be worn on the body.
I used the highly popular Salomon Advance Skin 12 Litre Running Hydration Vest. It’s super flexible with multiple compartments, carries a lot, and fits tight to your body for easy running.
I love using this for short hikes to long trails. Even with intense use over many months, it still feels new. I think it is a worthwhile investment for any trail runner.
This covers the Mandatory items for Materials, but it is recommended to bring the following with you as well. It just makes the experience a whole lot more enjoyable.
Recommended Materials
For dinner,
Bring a reusable bowl, or for my case, a 2nd personal cup. I used it for dinner at Champex-Lac to enjoy the pasta and hot soup at the same time.
One of these cups I bought for 5 euros in Chamonix before the race. It was good for hot and cold drinks, and highly light and compressible into my pants.
Also bring a camping spork for the pasta. I brought a light and sturdy UCO Utility spork 3-in-1 Combo.
For your body, bring vaseline or anti-chafe. Anyone who has done ultramarathons would be familiar with chaffing. I don’t think I need much explanation on why anti-chafes are an ultramarathon runner’s secret friend. Without it? Embrace Pain
It is recommended to bring at least 20 Euros for emergencies.
If the Hot Weather Kit is activated, you will need to bring sunscreen cream as well. I have it ready in Chamonix but I did not take it to the race.
Bringing Poles is not a must, but highly recommended. I took them out after the 1st kilometre and never put them back. The course seems to be non-stop up and down, and the poles definitely helped my legs survive the full course.
I carried the Zenone ultralight trekking poles Z1801. At 220g per pair, I don’t have much to complain about.
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles is another good option.
Remember that you either not use poles at all, or carry them for 100% of the time. You can not leave them at an aid station or throw them away mid run.
The GPS Watch is another recommended item. I have my trusty Garmin Forerunner 245. I turned off the heartrate monitor and it lasted over 24 hours covering the full CCC. (I have my power bank as backup)
Totally optional, I added my filming gear that created my video on CCC that you should watch for the CCC experience.
I carried a GoPro Max 360 Camera, the GoPro Max Grip Tripod, 2 spare batteries which I didn’t need to use, and a 256Gb micro SD card. It adds to the weight but I was happy that my experience could be recorded.
Finally, bring a trash bag to keep the trails clean. This bag was provided with the race pack.
Security
The last of four sections is the Security Gear.
Phone
It is mandatory to bring a smart phone. It needs to stay ON for the course, have international roaming with connectivity in Italy, Switzerland, and France.
Save the security number given in the race pack on your phone, and download the LiveRun App that can track your location while you are in the race.
My battery bank also provides backup power for my phone.
Survival blanket, Self-adhesive elasticated bandage, Whistle, and Bib
These are also mandatory gear. My whistle is attached to the bag.
Not mandatory, but I also added a few pieces of bandaid.
Summary of Gear Required
So the above is the list of all the gear for UTMB that should be similar to many trail races. I have organized it so you can see what is mandatory, what is recommended, what i needed for the hot weather kit and cold weather kit.
I hope this will help you gather all the gear necessary for the race. It is all summarised into a downloadable 1-sheet packing guide to help you organize your gear for your ultramarathon.
Organising and Packing Gear for an Ultramarathon
Next is how I pack my gear so it is organized and easy to access during the race.
Categorize your gear into 5 Categories:
- Unused items – Items that will NOT be touched throughout the race unless there is an emergency, such as your Survival Blanket, Bandage, ID, Cash, whistle if it is not attached to your bag, and food reserve.
- Night items – Items that will be taken out when it gets dark. These are mandatory gear in the materials section.
- Cold items – Items that will be taken out when it is cold, that will be most of the mandatory gear in the clothing section.
- Immediate Use items – items you need easy access to, and
- Wear items. Items you wear throughout the race like your running shirt, shorts, shoes, buff, and GPS Watch
Prepare 3 waterproof bags (they can be ziplock bags)
Pack the Unused Items into the 1st bag.
Then pack the Night Items into the 2nd bag
And then pack the Cold Items into the 3rd bag
The Immediate Use Items will be in different parts of the front pocket depending on your needs.
Then the Wear Items are remained ready for the morning of the race day!
One More Worry-Free Tip
Some of you travel long distances to Chamonix and it is possible you left some items behind.
Don’t worry, Chamonix is one of the trail running capitals in the world and you can easily find the gear you need in town at a reasonable price.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this far, I hope this helps you pass your final test before the start line, take this stress away from you so you can run happy!
I hope you understand how to break up the gear in sections, whats mandatory, and how to pack in an organized way.
You should be able to pass the gear check if you follow this guide, which is available for you to download and print out.
This video is made for UTMB in 2022. If you are from the future, the gear requirement might change, so check the official website for the latest updates. (I’ll try to keep this as updated as possible)
I also have links to the gear I use below.
If you haven’t yet, watch my video on the CCC experience to find out what to expect during the course.
I’m happy to learn better packing techniques and I hope to see you comment on your packing tricks.
I wish you all the best in your UTMB experience and I hope I helped make it better.
List of Gear Featured:
Disclosure: Products recommended below are based on my personal experience without sponsorship. Some links are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, if you buy through my links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
CLOTHING
Waterproof Jacket with Hood (10000+ Schmerber) | Ultimate Direction Men’s Ultra Jacket V2 https://amzn.to/39jcLDH
Long-Sleeved Top (Warm 2nd Layer non-cotton 180g+) | COMPRESSPORT Ultra-Trail 180G Racing Hoodie – UTMB 2021
Long Trousers/Race Leggings | Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Leggings https://amzn.to/3O8yBsa
Waterproof Over Trousers | Ultimate Direction Ultra Pants V2 Men
Hat | BUFF ThermoNet® Hat https://amzn.to/3HizADN
Cap/Bandana/Buff | BUFF https://amzn.to/3O8zl0q
Gloves (Warm and Waterproof) | Saucony Fortify Convertible Glove https://www.saucony.com/en/fortify-convertible-glove/44719U.html
HOT – Saharan Cap | BUFF Pack Adult Sahara Hats https://amzn.to/3mIzwUE
HOT/COLD – Sunglasses | Goodr Running Sunglasses https://amzn.to/3mHQkeg
COLD – 3rd Warm Layer | Fleece/Compressible Down Jacket https://amzn.to/3mHQnGY
COLD – Robust & Closed Trail-Running Shoes (Non-minimalist/ultralight) | Altra Lone Peak https://amzn.to/3xGRT2v
1st Layer Running Top | Running Club Top
1st Layer Running Shorts | T8 Sherpa Shorts https://t8.run/products/m-sherpa-shorts
Socks | Compressport Pro Racing Socks V3.0 https://amzn.to/3tUozn1
NUTRITION and HYDRATION
Food Reserve 800 kcal+ (gel + bar)
WATER (1L) | 2 x 500ml Salomon Soft Flasks https://amzn.to/3tsWzXa
Power Gel https://amzn.to/3zztNIu
SaltStick FASTCHEWS https://amzn.to/3zvOy7P
CrampFix Shot https://amzn.to/3HhCmJy
MATERIALS
Bag | Salomon Advance Skin 12 Litre Running Hydration Vest https://amzn.to/3mHkkqK
Torch 1 (200 lumens+) | Nitecore NU32 550 Lumen LED Rechargeable Headlamp https://amzn.to/3xIYyJq | Nitecore NB10000 Ultra Lightweight Battery Bank https://amzn.to/3QhFsRZ
Torch 2 w/spare battery | Black Diamond Equipment – Spot 350 Headlamp – Black https://amzn.to/3b1F0r3 | AAA Batteries
Personal Cup (15cl min, no lid) | Ultimate Direction Re-Cup Glacier, Blue https://amzn.to/3xIIIhR | Salomon Unisex Soft Cup Speed, Blue, 150ml/5oz https://amzn.to/3xlBqiV
Identity Document
HOT – Sunscreen Cream
Reusable Bowl/2nd personal cup
Camping Spork | UCO Utility Spork 3-in-1 Combo Spoon-Fork-Knife Utensil https://amzn.to/3xIIgAb
Vaseline/Anti-chaff | Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm https://amzn.to/3aYYRXJ
GPS Watch | Garmin Forerunner 245 GPS Running Smartwatch https://amzn.to/3Hfy4T0
Poles | Zenone ultralight trekking poles Z1801 http://www.zenonepoles.com/pd.jsp?id=11 | Black Diamond Distance Carbon Running Trek Poles https://amzn.to/3txFueM
Cash
Trash bag
Filming
GoPro Max 360 https://amzn.to/3txFziA
GoPro Max Grip + Tripod https://amzn.to/39lgnoK
Spare Batteries
SanDisk Extreme Pro Micro SD 256Gb https://amzn.to/3zPRbl9
SECURITY
Smart Phone
Survival Blanket | https://amzn.to/39hMCF7
Self-adhesive elasticated bandage | https://amzn.to/3xJovsg
Whistle (Attached to Salomon Hydration Vest)
Bandaid
