Which head torch for trail running?
In trail and ultra-trail running, a head torch is more than an accessory: it is mandatory safety equipment in many races. Whether for a full night, an early start or deteriorating weather, choosing correctly determines your comfort and sometimes your race.
Output, battery life, beam and reliability: there are many criteria and significant differences between models. Here is a clear, practical guide to choosing a trail running head torch suited to your use, considering organisers' requirements and models genuinely relevant to trail running.
What are the requirements for trail races in France and abroad?
What organisers require
For French trail races with night sections, a head torch is mandatory equipment. Organisers generally require:
- 1 working head torch
- Enough battery life for a full night
- Spare batteries, or sometimes a second torch
This is particularly the case for:
- UTMB (late August): head torch + spare batteries mandatory
- Diagonale des Fous (October): long nights, variable weather and humidity
- Grand Raid des Pyrénées (GRP) (August): technical terrain and altitude
- Trail des Templiers (October): frequent night sections
- SaintéLyon (December): cold, rain and fog
- Ultra-Marin (June): long transitions between day and night
International examples
Ultras such as Western States (USA, June) or Tor des Géants (Italy, September) impose demands comparable to UTMB: long night sections, extended battery life and maximum reliability. They confirm one thing: a torch must be designed to last, not merely shine brightly.
Caring for your hiking equipment
How to care for your waterproof jacket?
A waterproof jacket is arguably the most important item for all-weather hiking. It forms a barrier against rain, wind and moisture, letting you continue comfortably even as conditions deteriorate.
The technologies in these technical fabrics make them highly effective, a far cry from the famously stifling K-way! But like all outdoor equipment, they need regular care to retain their performance, even if washing an expensive jacket feels daunting.
In this guide, RayonRando answers the main questions about keeping your waterproof jacket in top condition:
- What are the risks of insufficient care?
- How does your waterproof, breathable jacket work?
- How should you wash your waterproof jacket correctly?
- How can you extend your jacket's life?
How to care for hiking footwear
Hiking footwear faces demanding conditions: moisture, mud, dust and repeated friction. Without regular care, it quickly loses comfort, waterproofing and durability.
Caring for hiking footwear is straightforward: a few simple actions at the right time extend its life. This practical guide explains how to care for hiking footwear effectively, using suitable care products available from RayonRando.
Why care for hiking footwear regularly?
Insufficient care quickly leads to:
- loss of waterproofing
- materials stiffening or cracking
- reduced breathability
- premature sole wear
Well-maintained footwear, by contrast, offers better support, greater comfort and lasting moisture protection. Care is an integral part of a hiker's equipment routine.
How to care for your down sleeping bag and jacket?
Down is one of the best insulators for hiking and wild camping. Light, compressible and very warm, it is used in both sleeping bags and technical down jackets. But its performance does not last forever. Without suitable care, down loses loft and therefore its ability to keep you warm.
Caring for a down sleeping bag or jacket is straightforward if you follow a few simple rules. Washing, drying, storage: here is a clear, reliable guide to preserving your down equipment for years.
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