One of the best ways to get started in ultrarunning is by running a stage race, where you cover ultra-distances over multiple days. The post What to Pack for the UTMB appeared first on Explore Unbound.
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What to Pack for the UTMB
The siren song of the UTMB has lured you in, and now soon, you’ll be standing at the foot of Mont Blanc, ready for the ultimate test of ultra-endurance. Excitement blends with a nagging question: what to pack? Gear paralysis could easily set in, amidst a tangled web of mandatory lists, weight calculations, and personal preferences. But fear not, some decisions are easier than others and we’re about to navigate this maze together.
This isn’t about creating the most expensive or tech-savvy kit. It’s about packing smart, so you can run strong and conquer in Chamonix. So, shed the gear anxiety and join me in creating a pack that feels like a trusted companion on your UTMB journey.
1. Remember Where You Are Headed
Weather in Chamonix is notoriously fickle. The official forecast is a helpful guide, but be prepared for rapid changes. Sunny skies can swiftly transition to a downpour, leaving slick trails, biting wind, and plummeting temperatures in their wake. So, when packing for the UTMB, be sure to pack versatile layers and stay updated with race organizer alerts, if you don’t want to be caught out unprepared. In a race where you traverse over 100 miles of mountainous terrain in an extremely temperamental region, it’s safe to assume the weather when you start will not be the weather the whole way through.
Remember, UTMB isn’t just a physical test, it’s a mental one too. Embrace the ever-changing weather as part of the adventure. It’s what makes Chamonix the magical, challenging, and utterly unforgettable place it is. So, pack your adaptability, grit, and sense of humor, alongside the mandatory kit.
2. The Mandatory Kit Will Get you 80% of the Way
The UTMB mandatory gear list is your non-negotiable companion – a safety net woven with regulations and common sense. It’s an excellent foundation, but consider it starting point, not finish line. If you were to get everything required by the mandatory kit list without a thought as to weight, for instance, you’d end up with a 30-pound pack and no chance of meeting the strict time-cut offs. On the other hand, if you get the lightest and best of everything, you’d be well over $1,000 poorer by the time the race starts. And then, of course, there’s your personal preferences. If you’re picky about food, now’s the moment to make your own nutrition and logistics plan. You don’t want to carry +100 miles of food the whole way, and you typically only get one drop bag. So it’s up to you if you can stomach bread, cheese, pasta, crackers, and the other staples the UTMB race team provides, or if you need to arrange for a support crew.
Remember, the UTMB is a journey, not a sprint. Packing smart ensures you’re prepared for anything the mountain throws your way, without weighing you down with unnecessary bulk. Think light, think versatile, think adaptable. These small tweaks can be the difference between a grueling slog and a graceful dance through the Chamonix wilderness. So, customize your mandatory gear, embrace your inner MacGyver, and prepare to conquer the UTMB in style – and comfort.
3. Balance Affordability with Lightweight, High-Performance Gear
The core of your running kit consists of shoes, a running pack, running poles, versatile layers, and hydration (which often ties into the pack).
Shoes: You won’t want to compromise on shoes, so buy the best you can afford that fits you well – though, of course shop around for the best deals (REI and Moosejaw often have sales going on). Many UTMB runners will opt for Salomon or Hoka shoes. Brooks and La Sportiva have some great options as well.Running Pack: Salomon running vests are overwhelmingly popular at the UTMB (and other ultras). So start there; but if you want an alternative, Ultimate Direction and Nathan both make popular packs as well.Running Poles: You may think of poles as a simple purchase, until you realize that each extra ounce will weigh on your arms with every stride. The lightest poles aren’t cheap, but they last far longer than running shoes, which are almost as expensive. So bite the bullet and go for the best poles you can afford. Leki and Black Diamond both have best-in-class options to choose from, as well as more budget options that will still get you through the day. The lightest poles are often fixed length, so be sure you get the right size before buying.Layers: Here’s where to save (on some things at least). Base layers, like a long-sleeve shirt and leggings, don’t need to be top of the line. They just need to be lightweight, wicking, and comfortable to run in. Insulating and waterproof jackets, on the other hand, can quickly get heavy or bulky if you aren’t careful. So look for high performance, lightweight gear on discount sites like Evo, Moosejaw, and Steep & Cheap. You can also check the Black Diamond Outlet and REI Outlet for a more curated set of deals.Hydration: Don’t overthink this one, even though it seems critically important (and is). Just get whatever flasks go with your running pack, as those will be designed to fit well in it. You also may want to bring your preferred electrolytes, but be sure they aren’t too heavy. The Nuun tabs are popular and compact, for instance, but the added weight isn’t negligible.4. Be Realistic When it Comes to 'Nice-to-Have' Items
If this is your first time running the UTMB, you’re likely excited to document the journey – and if not, you should be! Having pictures from your favorite moments of the race can be worth far more than finishing a few minutes earlier, unless of course your aiming to place, in which case, hats off to you. But these days, smart phones take photos and videos as good as almost anything else and you’re required to bring one anyways. So consider whether you really need that GoPro, or if you instead want to focus your pack weight on some extra portable chargers (which are highly recommended regardless).
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