HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB 2027
Mandatory gear
The HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB 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.
The emergency kit for HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB: 3 pieces and done
These 3 pieces cover the race safety gear. Together they cost €140.37 and take a minute to buy; the rest of the list is explained below.
Prices may vary. Check the store for the current price.
Mandatory gear — HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB
| Item | Notes | Qty | Distances |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Hydration vest  Salomon ADV Skin 12 View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab) | 30L minimum pack for the VDA | 1 | VDA 163K |
✓ Headlamp  Petzl Actik Core View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab) | Two headlamps mandatory for VDA and CDH, one for TDL and PDA (200+ lumens recommended) | 1 | VDA 163KCDH 110KTDL 75KPDA 55K |
✓ Emergency blanket  Lifesystems Thermal Blanket View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab) | Emergency bivvy 2.0m x 0.9m minimum for long distances; survival blanket 1.4m x 2.0m for short ones | 1 | All distances |
✓ Waterproof jacket  Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab) | Sealed seams, minimum 10,000mm water column | 1 | All distances |
✓ Long-sleeve thermal layer  Odlo Active Warm Eco View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab) | Long-sleeve thermal layer, minimum 180g, non-cotton | 1 | All distances |
✓ pantalon impermeable | Full waterproof leg coverage | 1 | VDA 163KCDH 110KTDL 75K |
✓ Gloves  Salomon Cross Warm Glove View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab) | Mandatory for all long distances | 1 | All distances |
✓ Emergency whistle  Fox 40 Classic View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab) | — | 1 | All distances |
✓ Charged mobile phone  Running Waist Pack with Phone Pocket View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab) | With international roaming and LiveTrail app activated | 1 | All distances |
✓ Reusable cup  Salomon Soft Flask 250 ml View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab) | Personal cup, 15cl minimum | 1 | All distances |
✓ Water reserve  MARLOAR Soft Flask 500 ml (Pack of 2) View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab) | 1.5L for VDA/CDH/TDL, 1L for PDA/EXP | 1 | All distances |
✓ Food reserve  GU Energy Gel Original View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab) | 800 kcal minimum food reserve | 1 | All distances |
Which vest do you need for HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB?
With 163 km on the longest distance and this mandatory gear list, you need a 12-15 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 ADV Skin 12
12-litre hydration vest with SensiFit system. Two 500 ml front soft flasks included. Easy-access pockets and a close, bounce-free fit.
View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)Petzl
MandatoryPetzl Actik Core
Rechargeable 600-lumen headlamp with the Core battery included. Compatible with AAA batteries. Red mode to preserve night vision. Ideal for ultras with night sections.
View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)Lifesystems
MandatoryLifesystems Thermal Blanket
Reflective emergency thermal blanket. Retains 90% of body heat. Ultralight (60 g) and compact, it fits in any trail pack.
View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)Gore Wear
MandatoryGore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Ultralight Gore-Tex Shakedry waterproof jacket (110 g). Full waterproofing without an inner membrane, highly breathable. The benchmark for mountain runners.
View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)Odlo
MandatoryOdlo Active Warm Eco
Long-sleeve thermal base layer made from recycled fabric with anti-odour treatment. Active thermal regulation, ideal as a base layer in the mountains.
View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)Salomon
MandatorySalomon Cross Warm Glove
Thermal running gloves with a non-slip palm and touchscreen fingertips. Light, warm and compatible with poles.
View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)Fox 40
MandatoryFox 40 Classic
Emergency whistle with no internal part; works when wet and muddy. 115 dB sound audible from far away. The standard in mountain races.
View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)Generic
MandatoryRunning Waist Pack with Phone Pocket
Lightweight running belt with phone compartment and transparent touchscreen window. Quick access to GPS and track without stopping. Adjustable, breathable and bounce-free. Ideal for trail running and hiking.
View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)Salomon
MandatorySalomon Soft Flask 250 ml
Collapsible 250 ml soft flask with a high-flow valve and a wide 42 mm mouth for fast refills at aid stations. It shrinks as you drink, fits the front pocket of any vest and weighs just a few grams empty.
Strengths
- +High-flow valve: quick sips without hard biting
- +42 mm mouth, easy to refill and to drop in ice or tablets
- +Folds down to almost nothing when empty
Watch out for
- −Pricier than generic Amazon flasks
- −The valve can drip slightly if not fully closed
MARLOAR
MandatoryMARLOAR Soft Flask 500 ml (Pack of 2)
Two-pack of 500 ml BPA-free silicone soft flasks for running, trail, cycling and hiking. Wide mouth for fast refills, they collapse as you drink, and the per-bottle price is a fraction of the branded ones, so you can rotate and replace them without a second thought.
Strengths
- +Two units for the price of one branded flask
- +500 ml: cover a long run without refilling as often
- +BPA-free silicone, dishwasher safe
Watch out for
- −Silicone is heavier and tastes slightly more than branded TPU flasks
- −Lower valve flow: a bit harder to drink on a climb
GU
MandatoryGU Energy Gel Original
Energy gel with 100 calories and 21 g of carbohydrates per sachet. Blend of maltodextrin and fructose for optimal absorption. Includes amino acids and electrolytes. The most widely used gel in ultras around the world.
Strengths
- +Fast absorption thanks to the carbohydrate blend
- +Fluid texture, easy to take while running
- +Wide variety of flavours
- +Contains amino acids and electrolytes
Watch out for
- −Needs to be taken with water
- −Very sweet flavour for some runners
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Salomon's most versatile trail shoe, ideal for technical terrain and mud. Exceptional grip with Contagrip sole and EnergyCell+ cushioning.
Strengths
- +Exceptional grip in mud and technical terrain
- +Reinforced toe protection
- +Comfortable and quick Quicklace system
- +Efficient water drainage
Watch out for
- −Average durability on pavement
- −Somewhat narrow fit for wide feet
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Ultralight waterproof windproof jacket (135 g). Taped seams, adjustable hood and back ventilation. Packs into its own pocket.
View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)
Leki
Leki Ultratrail FX.One
Foldable trail running poles in 3 sections (110-130 cm). Ultralight carbon (175 g per pole), compact 38 cm folded. Speed Lock 2 locking system.
View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)Buying guides to choose well
Want to know more? Read our complete guide to mandatory gear for ultra trail.
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