UTMB Mont-Blanc 2027

Recommended gear

ultra trail mountain terrain174km · 10,000m D+Elite13°C – 23°C

Alpine terrain with big climbs: grippy shoes, poles, hydration vest, waterproof jacket and a headlamp if you run at night.

Trail shoes, hydration vests, trekking poles, waterproof jackets and the rest of the gear you need. Every recommendation is tailored to the race's specific terrain: high-altitude scree in Sierra Nevada calls for very different shoes than a forest trail in the Basque Country.

Recommended products

Hoka

Race pick

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

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Salomon

Race pick

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

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NNormal

Race pick

NNormal Kjerag

The technical shoe from the brand co-founded by Kilian Jornet, built for skyrunning and high-mountain trail. Vibram Megagrip LiteBase outsole with 4 mm lugs optimised for rock and technical terrain, very low weight, and direct ground feel. For demanding runners who prioritise precision over cushioning.

Strengths

+Vibram Megagrip LiteBase outsole: exceptional grip on rock and technical ground
+Very low weight for such a protective shoe
+Designed and developed with input from Kilian Jornet's team
+Direct ground feel, ideal for skyrunning

Watch out for

−High price compared to other technical options
−Limited cushioning for very long ultras on runnable terrain
−More limited size availability as a niche brand

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Leki

Race pick

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.

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Black Diamond

Race pick

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

Ultralight carbon Z-pole foldable trekking poles. 137 g per pole in 110 cm length, 33 cm folded. EVA grip and adjustable strap. The trail running reference.

Strengths

+High-quality carbon, ultralight (137 g per pole in 110 cm)
+Compact 33 cm folded length: fits any ultra pack
+Lightning-fast Z-pole deployment in a single move
+Non-slip EVA grip even with sweaty hands

Watch out for

−Fixed sizes, not adjustable
−Carbon = more fragile than aluminum in hard falls

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Salomon

Race pick

Salomon 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.

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Salomon

Race pick

Salomon Bonatti WP

Ultralight waterproof windproof jacket (135 g). Taped seams, adjustable hood and back ventilation. Packs into its own pocket.

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Petzl

Race pick

Petzl 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.

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