Which gloves for trail and ultra running?
Written by Victor Michel — history enthusiast and passionate alpinist based in Chamonix. Published August 1, 2026
Warm, waterproof gloves are part of the mandatory gear at the UTMB and the Mont-Blanc Marathon. The real selection criterion beyond thermal protection: keeping enough dexterity to open a gel or a zip without taking them off.
Warm AND waterproof: the regulatory requirement
The mandatory gear for both the UTMB and the Mont-Blanc Marathon requires gloves that are both warm and waterproof — a simple windproof glove doesn't pass bib-collection checks. See the full mandatory-gear breakdown for the other regulatory items.
Dexterity: the often-overlooked criterion
On an ultra, gloves stay on for long hours at night or at altitude: being able to open a gel, handle a zip or hold a pole without taking them off avoids losing time and warmth with every gesture. A too-loose cut or fingers that aren't pre-curved clearly hurts precision.
| Criterion | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing | Waterproof membrane mandatory | UTMB and Mont-Blanc Marathon regulatory requirement |
| Warmth | Insulating lining, down to -10 to -20°C depending on the model | Protection at altitude and at night |
| Dexterity | Close-fitting cut, pre-curved fingers | Handle zips, gels and poles without removing the gloves |
| Wind flap | Folds over the jacket cuff | Prevents cold air seeping in between jacket and glove |
| Weight | 30 to 60 g per pair | Doesn't add extra load to the vest over a long format |
Editorial selection
Top 5 recommended gloves for trail and ultra running
Five references meeting the warm-and-waterproof requirement of the mandatory gear list.
Cimalp — Gants Hybrid
French brand founded in 1964, Air Stop windproof flap at the wrist, claimed protection down to -20°C. Independently tested by a French specialist outlet with no declared commercial link.
Salomon — RS Pro Warm Glove
Warm lining, good dexterity for handling poles and zips.
Raidlight — MP+ Gloves
French brand specialising in ultra-distance, waterproof membrane geared toward competition.
Odlo — Zeroweight Warm
Very light, good warmth-to-weight trade-off for formats where every gram counts.
Buff — Pack Fleece Gloves
Affordable, compact option, to pair with a liner glove in extreme cold.
Editorial selection; the Cimalp mention relies on a verified third-party test (see site sources), with no commercial link.
Read next
FAQ
Are waterproof gloves mandatory at the UTMB?
Yes, gloves that are both warm and waterproof are part of the mandatory gear, checkable at bib collection and during the race.
Light gloves or warm gloves: which to choose?
The rules require warm, waterproof gloves, not simple lightweight windproof gloves. A pair of light gloves as a backup can be useful during the day, but doesn't replace the regulatory requirement.
Are touchscreen-compatible gloves useful in ultra-trail?
Yes: being able to use your phone or GPS watch without removing your gloves avoids repeated heat loss, particularly at night or at altitude.
How does a waterproof glove lining work?
A waterproof-breathable membrane is inserted between the insulating lining and the outer shell, on the same principle as a technical jacket, to block water while venting some of the moisture.
Are gloves compatible with trail poles?
Close-fitting models with pre-curved fingers let you hold poles without losing grip, unlike gloves that are too loose or too thick.