Which mandatory material to choose for UTMB?

Crossing passes and valleys, crossing the seasons, the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc is a demanding race. To cope with the worst conditions, the organizers have enacted a long list of mandatory equipment. Here is Wider's selection for each product.

The 2021 edition of the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) will be launched on Friday August 27, 2021 at 6 p.m. in Chamonix. A total of 10,000 runners will take part in 7 different races. Qualifiers on the main event of the event (UTMB) will have to travel 170 kilometers of the route and 10,000 meters of elevation gain.

The study of the route of the UTMB is even more eloquent than the figures. You have to cross passes and high peaks and then descend into the valleys, while remaining most of the time over 1600 m. In short, the runner will cross all the alpine levels, with all that this implies in terms of temperature and weather variations. To make matters worse, the UTMB takes place at the turn of the seasons, when the mountain constantly switches from summer to winter.

All of this makes Christophe Boloyan, a ski patroller at La Chamoniarde, say "that at altitude, everything is amplified: you can be very cold, as well as very hot. The wind can reach 100 km/h", and to detail the safety rules so as not to find themselves in a bad position. As for the organizers, they seek to anticipate risky situations by issuing a list of compulsory equipment for each trail runner participating in the race.

This mandatory equipment may seem imposing, but it responds to the diversity of conditions that can be encountered on this extraordinary event. No need to try to evade it: the marshals check you before the start, and at any time on the course.

Choose your equipment for the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc

How to choose your equipment? If technical specifications are sometimes imposed for certain products (the material of the clothing, or the level of impermeability), there is no UTMB certification. Pay attention to the speech of the brands! You need to determine your equipment according to your need for comfort, the desired accessories, and especially the time you will spend on the route: you don't equip yourself in the same way if you plan to do the UTMB in 25 h or 46 h.

At Wider, we focus on a part of the mandatory equipment: technical and very specific products, the choice of which has an impact on the conduct of the race. All these products are suitable for Ultra Trail and UTMB in particular, but when choosing between two equivalent products, we give preference to the most versatile and the best value for money.

Waterproof jacket with hood: Scott Jacket RC RUN WP

Available around €190, this Scott jacket combines many qualities allowing it to be taken on the UTMB and to withstand the worst weather . Its waterproofing is 20,000 mm, twice the value recommended by the organization. In terms of breathability, the evacuation of perspiration is facilitated, with a measured value of 20,000 g/m2/24 h (water vapor transmission rate), i.e. an equivalent of RET <6, once again better than the organization's request. The Scott Jacket RC Run is a safe haven that weighs just 180 grams.

Running tights: Corsaire Trail Evadict

Organizers ask to bring or wear on either a "long-leg running tights, or the combination of tights and socks covering the entire leg". For those who prefer the second option, the Evadict tights stand out. Covering the legs to beyond the knee, it focuses above all on breathability and moisture transfer, as well as protection against ultraviolet rays.

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Second warm layer of 180 g minimum: Millet Lightgrid

Anticipating the trend for trail runners to choose ever lighter equipment, the UTMB requires a second warm layer (it can be 0°C or less on the route) of at least 180 g and not made of cotton. Made of 100% polyester, the Millet Lightgrid is a fleece that weighs 290 grams. It has the advantage of being minimalist and compressible, and of providing warmth commensurate with the effort provided by the trailer.

Waterproof overtrousers: Cimalp Storm Pro Pant 2

In case of heavy rain or snow, you are asked to have waterproof overtrousers in your bag to protect the lower body, the waterproof jacket taking care of the top. Nevertheless, light and practical references do not run the streets. One of the most suitable models comes from Cimalp. The Storm pro pant 2 overtrousers are waterproof to 20,000 mm (a garment is considered waterproof to 1,300 mm), which will keep you dry not only in light showers, but also during a storm. thunderstorm or heavy precipitation throughout the day. The weight is also its strong point, since with 240 g in size M, the product is considerably lighter than its competitors.

Warm and waterproof gloves: Salomon Bonatti Waterproof

The organization asks you to bring a pair of warm, waterproof gloves, in case winter conditions arise during the event. However, the runner has no desire to carry heavy and bulky ski gloves or mittens. As for the under-gloves, they are light but not waterproof and provide low heat. The solution comes from Salomon, which offers with the Bonatti Waterproof a light glove (33 g per pair). The Pertex flap provides both waterproofing and windproofness. One of the only models on the market to be designed for competition.

Backpack: Oxsitis Pulse 12 BBR and Osprey Duro 15

In a competition like the UTMB, the backpack must be as close to the body as possible to be forgotten, and have practical functions to help the runner at different times of the race. For the fastest, the Oxisitis brand offers the Pulse 12 BBR, a 12-litre bag weighing 280 grams that slips on like a vest. Its straps allow you to store everyday equipment (energy bars, headlamp, etc.) while the main compartment is designed to accommodate a water bladder. Outside, we rely on a stick attachment.

For those who have slightly larger equipment, the Osprey Duro, with its 15 liters and 500 g, is an alternative. More classic in shape, it has a large main pocket on the inside and an external mesh for quickly storing clothes. As for hydration, two soft bottles supplied and 0.5 L pipette cans are placed in the shoulder strap pockets.

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Two headlamps: Black Diamond Spot 350 and Petzl Bindi

The UTMB takes place mostly at night, so you have to be able to light your way without compromising on power: the better you see, the faster you will go. The organization recommends an output of 200 lumens for the main lamp; the Black Diamond Spot 350, which we recommend, offers 150 more. This gives it a lighting range of 85 meters and great visual comfort in the immediate surroundings. It differs from its competitors by its IPX8 waterproofness (resists immersion at a depth of more than 1 m for 30 minutes) and its locking mode, which prevents accidental ignition in the bag.

You also need an emergency light. This time, we will try to eliminate the superfluous on this object which should not be used a priori. The Petzl Bindi fulfills these specifications perfectly: it weighs just 35 grams and its very thin headband is forgotten. In case, it still delivers 200 lumens.