Gran Trail dell'Etna 2026
Mandatory gear
The Gran Trail dell'Etna 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 — Gran Trail dell'Etna
| Item | Notes | Qty | Distances |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ windproof jacket | Wind at altitude can be strong even when it is warm below. | 1 | All distances |
✓ vest with bottles or soft flasks | Aid stations exist, but be self-sufficient between them. | 1 | All distances |
✓ gaiters | Keep volcanic ash out of your shoes. | 1 | All distances |
Which vest do you need for Gran Trail dell'Etna?
With 42 km on the longest distance and this mandatory gear list, you need a 8-10 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 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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Inov-8
Inov-8 Mudclaw G 260
A pure mud specialist: 8 mm lugs and a Graphene Grip outsole for extreme traction on soft ground, wet grass and muddy climbs. The choice of fell-running and cross-country racers.
Strengths
- +Extreme grip on mud, grass and soft ground
- +Very durable graphene outsole
- +Light and snug for technical terrain
Watch out for
- −Minimal cushioning, not for asphalt or long runnable distances
- −Aggressive lugs feel uncomfortable on hard-packed tracks
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
- +Agarre excepcional en barro y terreno técnico
- +Protección de puntera reforzada
- +Sistema Quicklace cómodo y rápido
- +Drenaje de agua eficiente
Watch out for
- −Durabilidad media en asfalto
- −Horma algo estrecha para pies anchos
La Sportiva
La Sportiva Bushido III
The quintessential skyrunning shoe, built in Italy for the most demanding terrain. FriXion White outsole with Impact Brake System delivering extraordinary grip on dry and wet rock. Low profile and maximum sensitivity for precise footing on every step. Weight: 285 g. Drop: 6 mm.
Strengths
- +FriXion White outsole with Impact Brake System: exceptional grip on rock
- +Low, sensitive profile: maximum precision on technical terrain
- +Robust, durable Italian construction
- +Lightweight (285 g) for skyrunning and technical mountain
Watch out for
- −Low cushioning: uncomfortable over very long distances
- −Narrow fit, not suited for wide feet
- −Not suitable for beginners or rolling terrain
Salomon
Salomon Trail Gaiters Low
Low trail running gaiters covering the ankle with an easy velcro closure. Lightweight mesh protection against debris, gravel and knocks for fast races where full high-gaiter coverage isn't needed.
Strengths
- +Quick, simple velcro closure to put on and take off
- +Lightweight: ideal for fast races without giving up protection
- +Breathable mesh that doesn't trap heat
Watch out for
- −Coverage only up to the ankle, not enough for mud or deep snow
- −Less abrasion resistant than a high gaiter
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
Salomon
Salomon Active Skin 8
Salomon's entry-level hydration vest: 8-litre capacity, body-hugging Sensifit-style fit and two 500 ml soft flasks included. Simpler than the ADV Skin (fewer pockets, fixed webbing instead of elastic), but with the same non-bouncing pattern. Built for training and mid-distance races without extensive mandatory gear.
Strengths
- +Two 500 ml soft flasks included: ready to run out of the box
- +Salomon's Sensifit pattern: zero bounce with the right size
- +8 litres, plenty for long training runs and mid-distance races
- +Much cheaper than the ADV Skin while keeping the brand's fit
Watch out for
- −Fewer accessible front pockets than the ADV Skin 12
- −Fixed adjustment webbing, not elastic: less tolerance for changing load
- −8 litres fall short for ultras with full mandatory gear
Salomon
Salomon 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
Coros
Coros Pace 3
Trail running GPS watch with track navigation, barometric altimeter and up to 38 h battery life in GPS mode. Lightweight (39 g), accurate and with offline maps. Best value for mountain navigation.
Strengths
- +38 h battery life in full GPS mode
- +Only 39 g: lightest in its class
- +GPX track navigation with off-course alerts
- +Accurate barometric altimeter
- +Offline maps at no extra cost
Watch out for
- −No touchscreen (buttons only)
- −No built-in music
Buying guides to choose well
Want to know more? Read our complete guide to mandatory gear for ultra trail.
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