Rab GaPa Trail 2027
Mandatory gear
The Rab GaPa Trail organisation requires you to carry this gear during the race. Non-compliance may result in time penalties or disqualification. Always check the official rules before the race, as the list may change between editions.
Mandatory gear — Rab GaPa Trail
| Item | Notes | Qty | Distances |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ windbreaker | Recommended: April at the foot of the Alps can be cold and damp | 1 | All distances |
✓ | Recommended for the morning start | 1 | All distances |
Which vest do you need for Rab GaPa Trail?
With 26 km on the longest distance and this mandatory gear list, you need a 5 L vest. These are our picks:
💡Tip: check your gear several days before the race. Never use anything new on race day.
Recommended products to meet mandatory gear requirements
Salomon
MandatorySalomon Bonatti WP
Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.
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Salomon
MandatorySalomon Cross Warm Glove
Guantes térmicos de running con palma antideslizante y puntas táctiles. Ligeros, cálidos y compatibles con bastones.
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Hoka
Hoka Speedgoat 7
The best-selling trail shoe in the US and an absolute ultra-trail classic. Max Hoka cushioning, a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs for grip in mud and technical terrain, and a snug Matryx upper. Built to eat up kilometres without punishing your legs in long races.
Strengths
- +Max Hoka cushioning: protects your legs over long distances
- +Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs: reliable grip in mud and rock
- +Snug, lightweight Matryx upper
- +The most battle-tested model in ultra trail running worldwide
Watch out for
- −High stack: less stable for those who want more ground feel
- −Toe box a bit narrow for wide feet
Inov8
Inov8 TrailTalon
Zapatilla de trail de Inov8 con suela Tri-C Sticky y tacos moderados para tiradas largas en terreno variable.
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Brooks
Brooks Cascadia 18
An all-terrain trail classic: stable, protective and reliable on any ground thanks to its pivot system that adapts the foot to the terrain. Balanced cushioning for medium and long distances.
Strengths
- +Excellent stability and protection on uneven terrain
- +Robust, durable build
- +Versatile for medium and long distances
Watch out for
- −Slightly heavy versus more dynamic models
- −Firm ride, less cushioned than some rivals
NNormal
NNormal Race Vest
NNormal's race vest (Kilian Jornet's brand): around 5 litres, a mono-stretch fabric that wraps the torso like a second skin with no chest straps: it fits through the fabric's own stretch. Two soft flasks included. Minimalist philosophy for vertical kilometre races, short races and runners who want to feel nothing on their back. Available in several chest sizes, with a women's-adapted cut option.
Strengths
- +Strap-free stretch-fabric fit: no chest chafing points
- +One of the lightest, least bulky race vests available
- +Sized by chest circumference, with a women's cut option
- +Two soft flasks included and a front pole holder
Watch out for
- −~5 litres: not enough for ultras with full mandatory gear
- −Sizing is critical: with no straps, a wrong size can't be corrected
- −Premium price for very limited capacity
Salomon
Salomon ADV Skin 12
Chaleco de hidratación de 12 litros con sistema SensiFit. Dos soft flasks frontales de 500 ml incluidas. Bolsillos de fácil acceso y ajuste ceñido sin rebotes.
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Gore Wear
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove
Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.
Strengths
- +Real waterproofing with a GORE-TEX membrane: your hand stays dry in snow and rain
- +Fully windproof, ideal for ridges and blizzard days
- +Light insulation that doesn't bulk up or cost dexterity
Watch out for
- −Less breathable than a softshell glove under hard efforts
- −Not touchscreen compatible
- −Above-average price
Berghaus
Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX
Waterproof jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane (around 330 g). Fully waterproof with taped seams, fixed adjustable hood, storm flap behind the zip and cuff adjustment. Packs down small in a vest. Heavier than a pure running hardshell, but it meets the waterproof-breathable membrane requirement in race rules and is the affordable route into Gore-Tex.
Strengths
- +Gore-Tex Paclite membrane: full, durable waterproofing
- +Taped seams and adjustable hood: valid for mandatory kit
- +The cheapest way into real Gore-Tex
Watch out for
- −Around 330 g: three times the weight of a running-specific shell
- −Hiking cut, less trim for running
Compressport
Compressport Pro Racing Socks V3.0 Trail
Non-toe trail sock, Compressport's all-rounder reference. Reinforced instep fabric and ankle-specific mesh for stability on rocky terrain, cushioned sole with 3D dots that boost circulation and absorb impact, plus 360° arch support to prevent blisters and irritation over long distances.
Strengths
- +Seamless construction: reduces friction and unwanted pressure points
- +Ankle-specific mesh for stability on rocky terrain
- +Cushioned sole with 3D dots that absorb impact
- +360° arch support that prevents blisters over long distances
Watch out for
- −Lower rating than other options in the comparison
- −Pricier than a basic trail sock
Buying guides to choose well
Want to know more? Read our complete guide to mandatory gear for ultra trail.
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