Mandatory Kit
Snowdonia National Park is a stunning location for trail-running. However, the weather in upland areas and mountain peaks can change within hours. Even in the month of May the region can experience significant fluctuations of both hot and cold temperatures with heavy rain, hail and even snow forecast!
This creates challenging, and potentially dangerous, conditions if you are not fully prepared. The weather can change without warning. If you are involved in an incident, suffer an injury, or need to remain on the mountain for several hours, your clothing and equipment must allow you to remain safe until further assistance arrives.
It is essential you carry the mandatory kit required for your competition at all times. Your clothing and equipment must be suitable for all types of conditions and for the duration of your race (i.e. up to two nights outdoors on the mountains for the UTS 100M). We recommend you test using your kit in different weather conditions before arriving at the event to ensure it is suitable for you.
Your mandatory kit (including the hot or cold weather kit if required) will be checked before you are issued with your race bib. If you do not have an item of mandatory kit, you will not receive your race bib.
Your mandatory kit must be with you during the whole race — from start to finish — even if you do not use it. Failure to produce an item of mandatory kit when requested by an event official will result in a penalty or disqualification, including on the start line. For the full list of penalties refer to the Event Rules.
Hot weather and cold weather kits
The hot weather and cold weather kits are an essential part of your preparation for Ultra-Trail Snowdonia. These additional clothing and equipment items may be required to be carried and used by you during your competition. These items should be brought with you when you travel to the event. Do not leave them at home.
Depending on the forecast weather conditions, Ultra-Trail Snowdonia may instruct participants to carry these kit items during the whole race as extra mandatory items.
A decision will be made approximately 24 hours before the start of each competition announcing if there is a requirement for participants to carry the hot weather kit or the cold weather kit. This decision will be made by the Event Director and communicated to participants. The decision will be reiterated at Registration during the mandatory kit check. If you do not have an item of hot weather kit or cold weather kit once the decision has been made, you will not receive your race bib. The same event rules apply as the mandatory kit.
Suitable trail-running footwear. Road-running or barefoot style shoes are not acceptable.
Waterproof jacket with hood. This must withstand bad weather in the mountains and be made with a waterproof (minimum recommended 10,000 Schmerber) and breathable (RET recommended inferior to 13) membrane.
- The jacket must be fitted with an integrated hood, or one which is attached to the jacket by the original system designed purposely by the manufacturer.
- The seams must be sealed or fully taped.
- The jacket must not have sections of fabric which are not waterproof. Air vents designed and fitted by the manufacturer (i.e. under-arm) are permitted, since they do not damage in any obvious way the impermeability.
- It is the runner's responsibility to judge, with these criteria, if their jacket meets the mandatory kit requirement and is suitable for bad weather in the mountains. However, during an inspection, the judgment is made by the official in charge of the mandatory kit check or any random kit check on the route.
Warm second layer. A warm second layer top with long sleeves (cotton excluded) of a weight of a minimum of 180g (men's size medium (M)) OR the combination of a warm long-sleeved underwear (first or second layer, cotton excluded) of a minimum weight of 110g (men's size medium (M)) and a durable water repellant (DWR protection) windproof jacket. The wind-proof jacket does not replace the mandatory waterproof jacket, and vice versa.
Long-legged trousers or race leggings OR the combination of legging and socks, which cover the legs completely (these can be carried in the running pack in case their use is necessary).
Waterproof over-trousers. The seams must be sealed or fully taped. These do not replace the long-legged trousers or race leggings.
Warm and waterproof gloves. A combination of separate warm gloves (or mittens) and waterproof outer gloves is acceptable.
Warm beanie hat.
Cap, bandana or Buff®.
Important notice: All mandatory clothing items, including jackets, trousers, over-trousers and additional layers, must be of the correct sizing to fit the participant comfortably. The participant may be asked to demonstrate the fit of the clothing as part of their mandatory kit check. Deliberate under-sizing of clothing may render the items unacceptable as part of the mandatory kit check.
Running pack. Designed to transport mandatory clothing and equipment throughout the race.
Smartphone (switched on and airplane mode turned-off).
- The runner must be reachable at any time while at the event including; before, during and after their race.
- International roaming (for non-UK residents) must be activated allowing for the phone's use in UK.
- LiveTrail application must be installed and active. It is recommended this is downloaded before arriving at the event.
- The event's emergency contact number (available in the Runner's Guide) must be saved in your phone contacts. Do not mask your number.
- Ensure you start your race with a fully charged battery.
- An additional, external battery is highly recommended.
Reusable cup (150ml minimum). This must be suitable for consuming hot drinks or soup. Bottles or flasks with lids are not acceptable.
Reusable plate or bowl and cutlery. Eating utensils will not be provided at the aid stations.
Capacity to carry a minimum 1.5 litres of fluids. At the departure of some aid stations it will be mandatory to leave with 1.5 litres of fluids (water, energy drink etc.) depending on the section to be covered or the weather conditions.
2 x fully functioning head or hand torches. Each torch must have a spare, separate cell or set of batteries. Power banks are permitted as a spare battery. However, each torch must have their own spare power bank or set of batteries. One torch must have a 200 lumens minimum brightness. It is recommended both torches have a 200 lumens minimum brightness.
Survival bag or emergency bivvy bag. This must have minimum dimensions of 2.0m x 0.9m. It is recommended this is a thermal bag which retains body heat. A survival blanket or foil blanket is not acceptable.
Emergency food reserve. Recommendation is a minimum of 800kcal. This is the equivalent of 2 x gels and 2 x energy bars (approx. at least 65g each).
Self-adhesive elasticated bandage. This can serve as a bandage or strapping (minimum dimensions 100cm x 6cm).
Whistle.
Compass and the ability to use it.
Personal identification. Passport, driving licence or identity card are acceptable.
Map of the route. This will be supplied at Registration in your race pack.
The following items are not mandatory. However, they are strongly recommended to be carried in your running pack.
Spare warm clothing. Useful in the case of cold or wet weather or in the case of injury.
Synthetic insulation mid-layer or gilet. To keep warm while resting at aid stations.
Waterproof bag (dry bag or plastic bag). To keep the long-legged trousers, race leggings, or spare warm clothing dry.
Personal first aid kit. Including a minimum of plasters for blisters, cleansing wipes, dressings, paracetamol and personal medication etc.
Hiking poles and the ability to use them effectively, for your security on slippery ground. If you choose to take poles they must be carried for the duration of the race. It is forbidden to start without poles and obtain them during the race. The use of poles is restricted in certain zones along the route, marked by specific signage, for safety or environmental reasons. Hiking poles are not allowed in the drop bags.
Additional spare warm hat and gloves. For use in an emergency or for extra warmth at aid stations.
Additional lightweight waterproof gloves.
Anti-chafing cream or Vaseline.
GPS watch and knowledge of how to use it effectively.
Safety scissors. For cutting elasticated bandage.
Small sewing kit. For minor repairs to clothing or equipment in emergencies.
£40 cash. For use in shops or transport.
Full change of clothes. Including socks and shoes which can be stored in your drop bag.
The following items are only mandatory if the hot weather kit is made compulsory by the Event Director.
Sunglasses. It is possible to use the same glasses for both the hot weather kit and cold weather kit if they are glasses with photochromic lenses.
Saharan cap. Or any headwear combination which completely covers the head and nape of the neck.
Sunscreen. Recommended minimum sun protection factor (SPF) 50.
Capacity to carry a minimum 2.0 litres of fluids. This is an additional 0.5 litres capacity added to the mandatory 1.5 litres.
The following items are only mandatory if the cold weather kit is made compulsory by the Event Director.
Protective eyewear. It is possible to use the same glasses for both the hot weather kit and cold weather kit if they are glasses with photochromic lenses.
Third warm layer. An intermediary layer between the second layer and waterproof jacket. It is recommended this is a high-loft jacket or smock featuring synthetic insulation (e.g. Primaloft® or Polartec® garments).
Sturdy and closed-toe trail-running shoes. Minimalist and ultra-lightweight shoes are no longer allowed.
Suitable trail-running footwear. Road-running or barefoot style shoes are not acceptable.
Waterproof jacket with hood. This must withstand bad weather in the mountains and be made with a waterproof (minimum recommended 10,000 Schmerber) and breathable (RET recommended inferior to 13) membrane.
- The jacket must be fitted with an integrated hood, or one which is attached to the jacket by the original system designed purposely by the manufacturer.
- The seams must be sealed or fully taped.
- The jacket must not have sections of fabric which are not waterproof. Air vents designed and fitted by the manufacturer (i.e. under-arm) are permitted, since they do not damage in any obvious way the impermeability.
- It is the runner's responsibility to judge, with these criteria, if their jacket meets the mandatory kit requirement and is suitable for bad weather in the mountains. However, during an inspection, the judgment is made by the official in charge of the mandatory kit check or any random kit check on the route.
Long-legged trousers or race leggings OR the combination of legging and socks, which cover the legs completely (these can be carried in the running pack in case their use is necessary).
Waterproof over-trousers. The seams must be sealed or fully taped. These do not replace the long-legged trousers or race leggings.
Warm and waterproof gloves. A combination of separate warm gloves (or mittens) and waterproof outer gloves is acceptable.
Warm beanie hat.
Important notice: All mandatory clothing items, including jackets, trousers, over-trousers and additional layers, must be of the correct sizing to fit the participant comfortably. The participant may be asked to demonstrate the fit of the clothing as part of their mandatory kit check. Deliberate under-sizing of clothing may render the items unacceptable as part of the mandatory kit check.
Running pack. Designed to transport mandatory clothing and equipment throughout the race.
Smartphone (switched on and airplane mode turned-off).
- The runner must be reachable at any time while at the event including; before, during and after their race.
- International roaming (for non-UK residents) must be activated allowing for the phone's use in UK.
- LiveTrail application must be installed and active. It is recommended this is downloaded before arriving at the event.
- The event's emergency contact number (available in the Runner's Guide) must be saved in your phone contacts. Do not mask your number.
- Ensure you start your race with a fully charged battery.
- An additional, external battery is highly recommended.
Reusable cup (150ml minimum). This must be suitable for consuming hot drinks or soup. Bottles or flasks with lids are not acceptable.
Capacity to carry a minimum 1.0 litres of fluids. At the departure of some aid stations it will be mandatory to leave with 1.0 litres of fluids (water, energy drink etc.) depending on the section to be covered or the weather conditions.
1 x fully functioning head or hand torch. The torch must have a spare, separate cell or set of batteries. Power banks are permitted as a spare battery. The torch must have a 200 lumens minimum brightness.
Survival bag or emergency bivvy bag. This must have minimum dimensions of 2.0m x 0.9m. It is recommended this is a thermal bag which retains body heat. A survival blanket or foil blanket is not acceptable.
Emergency food reserve. Recommendation is a minimum of 800kcal. This is the equivalent of 2 x gels and 2 x energy bars (approx. at least 65g each).
Self-adhesive elasticated bandage. This can serve as a bandage or strapping (minimum dimensions 100cm x 6cm).
Whistle.
Compass and the ability to use it.
Personal identification. Passport, driving licence or identity card are acceptable.
Map of the route. This will be supplied at Registration in your race pack.
The following items are not mandatory. However, they are strongly recommended to be carried in your running pack.
Warm second layer. A warm second layer top with long sleeves (cotton excluded) of a weight of a minimum of 180g (men's size medium (M)) OR the combination of a warm long-sleeved underwear (first or second layer, cotton excluded) of a minimum weight of 110g (men's size medium (M)) and a durable water repellant (DWR protection) windproof jacket. The windproof jacket does not replace the mandatory waterproof jacket.
Cap, bandana or Buff®.
Spare warm clothing. Useful in the case of cold or wet weather or in the case of injury.
Synthetic insulation mid-layer or gilet. To keep warm while resting at aid stations.
Waterproof bag (dry bag or plastic bag). To keep the long-legged trousers, race leggings, or spare warm clothing dry.
Personal first aid kit. Including a minimum of plasters for blisters, cleansing wipes, dressings, paracetamol and personal medication etc.
Hiking poles and the ability to use them effectively, for your security on slippery ground. If you choose to take poles they must be carried for the duration of the race. It is forbidden to start without poles and obtain them during the race. The use of poles is restricted in certain zones along the route, marked by specific signage, for safety or environmental reasons.
Additional spare warm hat and gloves. For use in an emergency or for extra warmth at aid stations.
Additional lightweight waterproof gloves.
Anti-chafing cream or Vaseline.
GPS watch and knowledge of how to use it effectively.
Safety scissors. For cutting elasticated bandage.
Small sewing kit. For minor repairs to clothing or equipment in emergencies.
£40 cash. For use in shops or transport.
The following items are only mandatory if the hot weather kit is made compulsory by the Event Director.
Sunglasses. It is possible to use the same glasses for both the hot weather kit and cold weather kit if they are glasses with photochromic lenses.
Saharan cap. Or any headwear combination which completely covers the head and nape of the neck.
Sunscreen. Recommended minimum sun protection factor (SPF) 50.
Capacity to carry a minimum 2.0 litres of fluids. This is an additional 1.0 litres capacity added to the mandatory 1.0 litres.
The following items are only mandatory if the cold weather kit is made compulsory by the Event Director.
Warm second layer. A warm second layer top with long sleeves (cotton excluded) of a weight of a minimum of 180g (men's size medium (M)) OR the combination of a warm long-sleeved underwear (first or second layer, cotton excluded) of a minimum weight of 110g (men's size medium (M)) and a durable water repellant (DWR protection) windproof jacket. The wind-proof jacket does not replace the mandatory waterproof jacket, and vice versa.
Warm third layer. An intermediary layer between the second layer and waterproof jacket. It is recommended this is a high-loft jacket or smock featuring synthetic insulation (e.g. Primaloft® or Polartec® garments).
Suitable trail-running footwear. Road-running or barefoot style shoes are not acceptable.
Waterproof jacket with hood. This must withstand bad weather in the mountains and be made with a waterproof (minimum recommended 10,000 Schmerber) and breathable (RET recommended inferior to 13) membrane.
- The jacket must be fitted with an integrated hood, or one which is attached to the jacket by the original system designed purposely by the manufacturer.
- The seams must be sealed or fully taped.
- The jacket must not have sections of fabric which are not waterproof. Air vents designed and fitted by the manufacturer (i.e. under-arm) are permitted, since they do not damage in any obvious way the impermeability.
- It is the runner's responsibility to judge, with these criteria, if their jacket meets the mandatory kit requirement and is suitable for bad weather in the mountains. However, during an inspection, the judgment is made by the official in charge of the mandatory kit check or any random kit check on the route.
Important notice: All mandatory clothing items must be of the correct sizing to fit the participant comfortably. The participant may be asked to demonstrate the fit of the clothing as part of their mandatory kit check. Deliberate under-sizing of clothing may render the items unacceptable as part of the mandatory kit check.
Smartphone (switched on and airplane mode turned-off).
- The runner must be reachable at any time while at the event including; before, during and after their race.
- International roaming (for non-UK residents) must be activated allowing for the phone's use in UK.
- LiveTrail application must be installed and active. It is recommended this is downloaded before arriving at the event.
- The event's emergency contact number (available in the Runner's Guide) must be saved in your phone contacts. Do not mask your number.
- Ensure you start your race with a fully charged battery.
- An additional, external battery is highly recommended.
Capacity to carry a minimum 0.5 litres of fluids. At the departure of some aid stations it will be mandatory to leave with 0.5 litres of fluids (water, energy drink etc.) depending on the section to be covered or the weather conditions.
Survival bag or emergency bivvy bag. This must have minimum dimensions of 2.0m x 0.9m. It is recommended this is a thermal bag which retains body heat. A survival blanket or foil blanket is not acceptable.
Emergency food reserve. Recommendation is a minimum of 800kcal. This is the equivalent of 2 x gels and 2 x energy bars (approx. at least 65g each).
Whistle.
Personal identification. Passport, driving licence or identity card are acceptable.
The following items are not mandatory. However, they are strongly recommended to be carried in your running pack.
Warm second layer. A warm second layer top with long sleeves (cotton excluded) of a weight of a minimum of 180g (men's size medium (M)) OR the combination of a warm long-sleeved underwear (first or second layer, cotton excluded) of a minimum weight of 110g (men's size medium (M)) and a durable water repellant (DWR protection) windproof jacket. The windproof jacket does not replace the mandatory waterproof jacket.
Warm and waterproof gloves.
Warm beanie hat.
Cap, bandana or Buff®.
Reusable cup (150ml minimum).
Capacity to carry a total of 1.0 litres of fluids. This would be an additional 0.5 litres capacity added to the mandatory 0.5 litres.
Personal first aid kit. Including a minimum of plasters for blisters, cleansing wipes, dressings, paracetamol and personal medication etc.
Anti-chafing cream or Vaseline.
GPS watch and knowledge of how to use it effectively.
£20 cash. For use in shops or transport.
The following items are only mandatory if the hot weather kit is made compulsory by the Event Director.
Sunglasses. It is possible to use the same glasses for both the hot weather kit and cold weather kit if they are glasses with photochromic lenses.
Saharan cap. Or any headwear combination which completely covers the head and nape of the neck.
Capacity to carry a total of 1.0 litres of fluids. This would be an additional 0.5 litres capacity added to the mandatory 0.5 litres.
The following items are only mandatory if the cold weather kit is made compulsory by the Event Director.
Warm second layer. A warm second layer top with long sleeves (cotton excluded) of a weight of a minimum of 180g (men's size medium (M)) OR the combination of a warm long-sleeved underwear (first or second layer, cotton excluded) of a minimum weight of 110g (men's size medium (M)) and a durable water repellant (DWR protection) windproof jacket. The wind-proof jacket does not replace the mandatory waterproof jacket, and vice versa.
Long-legged trousers or race leggings OR the combination of legging and socks, which cover the legs completely (these can be carried in the running pack in case their use is necessary).
Warm and waterproof gloves. A combination of separate warm gloves (or mittens) and waterproof outer gloves is acceptable.
Warm beanie hat.
