So I’m on the waiting list for the 2024 Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB). While I’m waiting, hoping for a call up to the big dance, I thought I’d start planning my gear for the lap around Mont Blanc!

This list is similar to my list in 2023, however I’ve considered more options and included a few more items in my 2024 list. I’ve considered hydration, warm clothing, comfort and trying to cut down on the weight to keep things manageable. 

A few things to note. This list is a combination of gear that I already own PLUS some items that I would need to purchase (I’m not sponsored). In some instances, I have listed a couple of alternatives that I have used, or would use, based on friends recommendations or other research. 

What I’ll be wearing

The clothing I’ll be wearing throughout the event are as follows: 

Basics

Shirt – Salomon Tech Shirt

Arm Warmers – Decathlon UV Protect Arm Cover

Jocks – Decathlon Breathable Running Boxer Shorts

Cap or bandana or Buff – Ciele GOCap and a Decathlon Tube Scarf

I love the Ciele GOCaps and I run with them every single time I run. I also don’t mind wrapping a Decathlon tube scarf around my wrist to wipe away all the sweat, blood and tears. 

Shorts – Patagonia Strider Pro 5” 

The Patagonia Strider Pro 5s have had a recent upgrade in 2023. They seem to be a little less baggy and the internal and external fabric seems softer and more breathable. We’ll wait and see on the longevity front however they seem to be holding up well. I’ve used the Patagonia Strider Pro 5” shorts in every event I’ve done for the last few years and am not looking to change anytime soon. They’re a great pair of shorts, even if they are a little pricey. Alternative option could be the 7” type if you like your trail shorts a little longer.

Socks – Stance Run Crew Socks 

I love my Stance socks. I typically go a medium weight sock for longer trail events and the thinner more lightweight version for on road. They last a long time and although I have got minor blisters wearing them in the past this was likely due to ill fitting shoes. They are also super comfy.

I also typically go the crew length for trails as I find it helps to minimise dirt and rocks from coming into the sock/shoe.

Trail Running Shoes – Hoka Speedgoat 5s

I’ll go with one of the most popular trail shoes in UTMB and trail running history! I’ve recently added these to my collection and I love them. I think they have the right amount and style of tread for all the different types of terrain. I think they’re a solid choice. 

I’ve had issues with rolled ankles in the past. The slightly wider base on the Speedgoats will help to minimise the risk of injury (one of the key reasons that people fail to finish the UTMB).

What I’ll be carrying

Running Pack – Salomon Adv Skin 12 Set Hydration Pack

I have this pack. Love the Salomon Packs. Wouldn’t buy anything else. Moving on.

Technology – iPhone 13 & a GoPro

My current phone. I’d just make sure it’s on international roaming and ensure the LiveRun app is downloaded and in use. On our last overseas trip, I used SimsDirect for the right data and phone SIM card coverage. I’ll use them again.

I also like taking a GoPro when I can. It’s nice to look back on footage from previous races and reminisce!

Personal Beaker – Sea to Summit X-Mug

I’ve used similar ones to this one in the past so this looks like a good option. The only thing might be to get something slightly bigger. I’d also take along the Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork to make sure I could get all that soup and pasta in!

On another note, I’ll carry at least one sandwich snaplock bag so I can carry out some additional food from the aid stations.

Water Supply – Salomon Soft Flask | 42 mm Cap | 500ml x 4

The flasks that go with the Salomon Running pack. I would also consider the XA filter cap although I would also feel comfortable drinking the water straight out of the streams in the Alps. 

If the weather is especially warm on the Saturday, I may even consider taking an additional 500ml flask after Courmayeur – the big hike up. I’ll keep an extra flask (or two) in my drop bag.

Torches – Petzl Swift RL (Reactive Lighting) Primary + 2nd Petzl Swift RL OR Petzl Tikkina Hybrid Headlamp

I love my Petzl Swift RL. I use it most mornings (in Winter) when I do most of my running. As the lack of a good head torch and light can often lead to a DNF, this is not something I’m going to skimp on. I’m considering getting a second Petzl Swift RL however they’re just so expensive! 

As a result, I’ll probably take the Petzl Tikkina as my back up. It’s a solid torch and fits me well. I have gone away from Petzl e+LITE or similar which would only provide minimal lighting. I think the extra weight would be worth it just to know for sure that I had a quality (and backup) lighting supply. 

Lubrication – Bodyglide

Pretty self explanatory this one. To prevent…emergencies. 

Whistle – Lifesystems Survival Whistle

I’d upgrade the whistle that comes with my running pack. Don’t know if that would cut it.

Elastic Bandage – Standard bandage

No real preference on this one. As long as it satisfies the specs, I’ll be happy. Apparently you can just pick these up at any pharmacy in Chamonix. Save on your luggage weight!

Jacket with Hood – Salomon Bonatti WP Jacket

I’ve owned this jacket for some time and like it. There’s plenty that satisfy the requirements around – just make sure that yours does! 

The only thing with the Salomon Bonatti WP Jacket is that it’s not the most breathable. I’ll consider getting a replacement one like the Outdoor Research Helium Rain jacket. Most likely though, I’ll stick with the Salomon.

Long-legged trousers or race leggings – Decathlon Kalenji Tights

I’ve never owned leggings to run in before, partly due to living in Australia and not really needing them! I’ve also never really liked running in long compression tights either. I could go with the Nike Lunar Ray Tights OR the Patagonia Endless Run Tights.

Honestly though, I think I’ll just get some cheap ones from Decathlon. I’m probably unlikely to use them!

Additional Warm Second Layer – Icebreaker Merino 260 Tech LS Half Zip

This is one I don’t want to skimp on. I’ll likely need it if/when I get into trouble! This one looks like great quality, will keep you warm, Merino Wool and will make a good base layer. Other considerations could also be the Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody or if you’re wanting to keep your pack as light as possible, you could go with the UTMB Mont Blanc Compressport Mens Ultra Trail 180G Racing Hoody.

Beanie – Icebreaker Merino Pocket Beanie

I doubt I’d use this (I’d likely just use my cap with a head torch over it at night) but it’s important to have something. It’s light and would pack down. Tick!

Survival blanket – SOL Emergency Bivvy

I don’t think the standard Survival blankets are that great. They would be fine for a little while but for a night, I’d prefer an Emergency Bivvy. It could save your (or someone else’s) life. Worth it. I received one for Christmas so that’ll make the trip over to Europe with me.

Warm and Water-proof gloves – Outdoor Research Versaliner Gloves

I’ve found it hard doing research on these ones as most of the warm ones I’ve found aren’t waterproof. The ones I usually use in my everyday running on cold mornings are from Decathlon and not suitable for really cold temperatures. If I had to choose some right now, I’d go with either the Ultimate Direction Ultra Flip Glove OR the Outdoor Research Versaliner Gloves.

Waterproof overpants – Salomon Bonatti WP Pants

Hopefully I won’t need to use this either. I’ve got a pair of these from a few years ago. Although they might be slightly on the heavier side, I wouldn’t upgrade due to lack of use. They’re alright though.

GPS Watch – Garmin Fenix 6X

I’ve got this watch and I love it. It has a huge battery life which will last longer than the 38 Hrs 46 Mins it will take me to complete the UTMB! – A claim not many others can make. 

Poles – Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles

I bought these poles a few years ago and used them at the Ultra-Trail Australia in 2023! These seem to be the most common type of running pole that is used at the UTMB. The one close behind is the Leki Ultratrail Fx. One Superlite – these have a glove type attachment that can avoid the pole slipping. 

Sunglasses – Goodr OG Sunglasses

They may be cheap and nasty but they hold up. I have a few pairs that I keep in the car, in the house and I’m never too precious with them. They do have some of the lens coating rub off after a while, but for only $50 AUD, they’re a good choice. I like ‘em.

3rd Warm Layer – Kathmandu Lightweight Down Jacket, Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody OR Patagonia Houdini Jacket

This may come back to how much more I want to spend on my gear as well as what the weather situation is doing. I already own a Kathmandu Down Jacket and the Patagonia Houdini Jacket. Both are ageing but still in reasonable condition. The down jacket could be useful if it’s very cold but not sure how it would go in very wet conditions and is on the heavier side. The Houdini jacket packs down very well but is quite thin.

I’ll consider purchasing the Micro Puff Hoody if it is considerably lighter in weight than the Kathmandu option, however with flights, accommodation and transfer costs, I might just make do with what I have in the cupboard. 

I won’t go into detail on the remaining smaller gear items but just make sure you know that this list is not exhaustive and further analysis and detail will be required for everyone that is putting their own list together.

What I’ll be Eating

I haven’t put a great deal of thought into what I’ll eat whilst I run the UTMB however I’ll largely go with what I have used in the past.

I’ll carry with me Clif Bars, Clif Bloks, Lollies (snakes and sour patch kids), Stroopwafel, waffles and some Science in Sport and Maurten gels. I’ll add in salt tablets/chews as I’m quite a salty sweater.

Although I will carry what I can, I feel the race is too long to carry everything. So I’ll make use of the aid stations. I’ll be looking for fruit, sweet bread and noodles/soup/broth. I’ve never had meats or cheese from aid stations before so I’ll need to practise taking these beforehand to make sure it agrees with my stomach. 

What I’ll be Drinking

The hydration options I’ll be going with throughout the UTMB will be water, Tailwind, Maurten Drink Mix and Coke. 

Often the provided electrolyte drink mix doesn’t sit well in my stomach and I have an excellent track record with Tailwind. I haven’t tried much of the Maurten Drink mix before but I like the gels so I’ll give that a try beforehand. I’ll just have to carry some sachets for both the Tailwind and Maurten options which should also help to minimise flavour fatigue.

I heard that in 2023 Coke wasn’t provided but a Pepsi Syrup mix or similar. Not a fan at all of that so I’ll have to make sure that my crew has a few bottles of coke ready. I’ve also heard that during the UTMB week, bottles of original Coke can be harder to find so I’ll have to be organised and prepare well ahead of time!

Drop Bag

As you get a drop bay for Courmayeur, I’ll make sure mine is filled with the following items:

• Spare change of Shoes (Hoka Speedgoats or Nike Pegasus Trails)
• New Hat, Shirt, Socks, buff (all the same as make/model above)
• Nutrition/hydration mixes to get me back to Chamonix
• Tiger Balm ointment – for sore joints. It works wonders.
• Basic Medical Kit
• Toothbrush and toothpaste (so I can feel fully refreshed)
• Treats (chocolate and chips or something else yummy I can look forward to)
• Coke? Might need to check the rules to see if liquids are allowed.
• Spare batteries for head torch and GoPro

Final Thoughts

Make sure you confirm that all of your gear is in line with the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc Mandatory Gear List – I’m sure like all other UTMB requirements, it’ll change soon!

So there it is, all the things I’ll need to sort out in the event I get the call up for the 2024 UTMB! Here’s hoping!