Obligatory Equipment for The North Face Ultra-trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB)

Back in November last year, Lena and I were talking about an Europe trip, one that has to involve France. After some fierce negotiation, I managed to get approval to do a race as part of the trip. I jumped onto the UTMB website and realised that I have sufficient points after my TNF100 Singapore completion to enter into the ballot for the Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix (CCC) race. Probability was 1 in every 2 entry. Lucky for me, I received confirmation of my race entry in January. Yes! (Fist pump!)

I am literally gearing up for the biggest adventure of my short ultra “career”... As with TNF100 Oz, each participant will be required to carry the below minimum equipment.

See below link to the rules and regulations. http://www.ultratrailmb.com/page/16/UTMB%C2%AE_CCC%C2%AE_TDS_Regulations.html

Here’s my list of gears for the required obligatory material:

-       mobile phone with option enabling its use in the three countries.
I will be using my Samsung S4. Battery life is a concern. Under normal usage, the S4 battery last between 16-18hrs. I think it will take me longer than that to complete. I thought of getting a spare battery, but have decided to borrow a rechargeable battery pack from Koonwei instead. I can also use this for my Garmin 910xt.

 -       personal cup or tumbler 15cl minimum (water bottle not acceptable)

Will be borrowing this from Collin. He got it from his HK100 race earlier this year. Something similar to the Sea to summit x-cup. http://www.seatosummit.com.au/products-page/kitchen/x-cup/

-       stock of water minimum 1 litre,

I find that bottles are easier to fill up than bladder. It is also easier for me to keep track of the water level. So I have decided to use 2 x 600ml bottles instead of the bladder.

-       two torches in good working condition with replacement batteries,

Once again, Led Lenser H7 will be my main headlamp.

http://www.ledlenser.com.au/products/high-performance-line/h-series/h7/

I will be borrowing the Fenix HL21. Super light weight and only uses 1 AA battery.

http://www.fenixlight.com/ProductMore.aspx?id=34&tid=13&cid=2#.Ugr6gZLWWSo

-       survival blanket 1.40m x 2m minimum

-       whistle,

My Salomon Advance Skin S-Lab 12 set (S12) comes with a whistle and an emergency space blanket.

-       adhesive elastic band enable making a bandage or a strapping (mini 100cm x 6 cm),

Pretty standard. Available at most chemist.

-       food reserve,

Powerbar gels. I will be packing 10 of these to start.

-       jacket with hood and made with a waterproof (recommendation: minimum 10,000 Schmerber) and breathable (recommendation: RET lower than 13) membrane (Gore-Tex or similar) which will withstand the bad weather in the mountains.

This should do the trick.

http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/men-39-s-venture-jacket.html

-       long running trousers or leggings or a combination of leggings and long socks which cover the legs completely,

Will be wearing my 2xu long tights all the way.

http://www.2xu.com.au/mens/bottoms/compression-tights-ma1967b.html

-       Additional warm midlayer top: One single midlayer long sleeve top for warmth (cotton excluded) with a minimum weight of 180g (Men, size M)
OR a two piece clothing combination of a long sleeve baselayer/midlayer for warmth (cotton excluded) with a minimum weight of 110g (Men, size M) and a windproof jacket* with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) protection

* The windproof jacket does not replace the mandatory waterproof jacket with hood

I could use a lighter one, but since I already have this one for TNF100 Oz, I might as well use it.

http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/mens-tka-100-microvelour-glacier-1_4-zip.html

-       cap or bandana

-       warm hat

Will be using a buff and a light beanie

-       warm and waterproof gloves

This should do the trick.

http://www.sealskinz.com/UK/gloves/kj751-ultra-grip-gloves-black.html

-       waterproof over-trousers

Hopefully I do not need to use this.

http://www.anaconda.com.au/Product/Technical-Apparel-and-Footwear/Mens-Clothing/Adults-Pack-It-Rain-Pant

Other stuff that I will be carrying / wearing:

-       Passport,

-       Sunnies,

-       Garmin 910xt,

-       Black Diamond Distance z poles,

-       TNF running top,

-       Arm warmers,

-       Drymax trail socks with Injijin toe socks as a base,

-       Bodyglide anti-chaffing cream,

-       Plasters,

-       Hammer Perpetuem Solids, Anti-fatigue & Endurolytes. Nurofen. GU Brew tablets & Chomps

-       Salomon Speedcross 3 CS,

-       Camera,

I am sure there will be something else that I will add between now and then... Hmmm... I better get back to packing...