Ultra running is a demanding sport that requires endurance, preparation, and the right equipment to ensure a safe and successful experience. Having the correct UTS kit list can make all the difference, not just for performance, but for your safety and the safety of others on the course.
Important: Mandatory kit is required for the race itself, not just registration. If you are missing any item, either at kit check or during the race, you risk disqualification.
Updated March 2026 by experienced Trail Running Staff at Crib Goch Outdoor.
For 2026, there are some important updates to the Ultra Trail Snowdonia mandatory kit list:
If you cannot present any item when asked, you will not start or will be disqualified. Please refer to the official UTS website for the most up to date information and changes
Safety is what allows events like UTS to exist in the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia).
Notable differences for 2026:
- Fluid capacity differences
- Headtorch requirements
- Conditional (*) items
- First Aid Kit Change
Recommended UTS Kit (Not Mandatory)
Alongside the official mandatory kit list, we strongly recommend the following:
- Spare warm clothing (essential if conditions deteriorate or you stop moving)
- Synthetic insulated jacket or gilet
- Waterproof dry bag to keep kit dry
- Running poles (must be carried for the entire race if used)
- Spare hat and gloves
- Anti-chafe cream
- GPS watch with GPX route loaded
- Cash (~£40)
- Full change of clothes for post-race
Hot Weather Kit (2026 Update)
Hot weather kit is now part of the mandatory kit check.
This may include:
- Sunglasses
- Saharan cap (full neck coverage)
- Sunscreen (30ml+)
- Increased water capacity (up to 2L depending on race)
Cold Weather Kit (2026 Update)
Cold weather kit must also be presented at registration:
- Additional warm synthetic layer
- Waterproof trousers (depending on race)
- Gloves (warm + waterproof)
- Protective eyewear (clear lens, sealed)
Local Knowledge Eryri Conditions
Running in Snowdonia / Eryri National Park is unlike most UK races:
- Weather can change rapidly within minutes
- Exposed ridgelines can feel significantly colder than forecast
- Wet rock and steep terrain increase risk
If you’re unsure whether to pack something, bring it.
Crib Goch Outdoor is part of the Event Village
We will be in the event village with our curated selection of:
- Mandatory kit
- Race-day essentials
- Mountain-tested gear
However:
- Stock is limited - we offer FREE Click & Collect for peace of mind
- Local shops (especially in Llanberis) sell out quickly.
- We strongly recommend arriving fully prepared
About Ultra Trail Snowdonia (UTS)
Ultra Trail Snowdonia is one of the most challenging ultra running events in the UK, set in the rugged terrain of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
With distances ranging from 20K to 100 miles, the course features:
- Technical climbs and descents
- Rocky mountain paths
- Forest trails and river crossings
The Ultra Trail Snowdonia (UTS) course takes runners on a journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK, with the iconic Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) peak in the background. The route includes technical climbs and descents, rocky paths, forest trails, and river crossings, making it a true test of endurance for even the most experienced runners.
In addition to the challenging course, the UTS is also a self-navigating race, requiring runners to navigate using a GPS watch, map, or navigation system (FYI a compass with baseplate is on the mandatory kit so you MUST carry it regardless of any perceieved "better" alternative). This adds another layer of challenge to the already demanding race.
Despite the challenges, the Ultra Trail Snowdonia is a popular event for thousands of runners, with participants from all over the world coming to take on the course. The UTS provides a unique opportunity to experience the stunning natural beauty of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park while pushing personal limits and achieving incredible feats of endurance.
To ensure a successful UTS experience, runners need to prepare adequately, including training, proper equipment, and nutrition. The right kit list, as mentioned above, can make all the difference in a runner's success and safety on the course.
In conclusion, the Ultra Trail Snowdonia is a challenging and breathtakingly beautiful ultra running event that attracts runners from around the world. With its technical course and self-navigating requirements, the UTS offers a unique test of endurance and a chance to experience the stunning Snowdonia National Park.
With Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) as its backdrop, UTS without a doubt:
Savage beyond reason, beautiful beyond belief