
Raidlight, at the service of trail performance for 25 years
Trail marathon is in our blood from the very beginning. In 1999, Raidlight revolutionized carrying gear with the first ultra-stabilized vest for fast runners.
Since then, we've been relentlessly refining: packs perfectly adapted to your back, ultra-light and friction-free clothing, shoes designed for rough terrain.
Today, we equip over 200 trail clubs in France and thousands of finishers aiming for a smiling finish line. Your performance, our obsession.
THE 4 CHALLENGES OF THE TRAIL MARATHON

How to gear up for a maratrail: focus on lightness
On a trail marathon, every extra gram slows you down. Every unnecessary movement costs you time. The key: lightness + efficiency.
PRINCIPLE 1: RADICAL MINIMALISM
Backpack from 5L to 12L max depending on aid stations, less than 200g empty. The rule: if you hesitate, you don’t need it.
PRINCIPLE 2: ZERO DOWNTIME
Bottles at the front, gels in an accessible pocket, everything within reach without stopping running.
PRINCIPLE 3: ABSOLUTE STABILITY
Your pack must be forgotten, even on technical descents. No bouncing, no swaying.
THE FINISHERS' TRAIL GEAR COLLECTION
Here is the gear worn by trail runners aiming for the finish line, and for some, the time record. Tested on the most challenging grounds, honed for performance.
The must-haves tested in the field
View allFAQ
Your questions about trail and marathon gear
Running pack or belt?
Running pack or belt?
It depends on the required autonomy. Trail < 25 km with regular aid stations = belt possible (50-210g). Trail > 30 km or aid stations spaced more than 10 km apart = trail vest recommended (5-12L).
The Dynamic 10L (200g) offers the best compromise: ultra-light, stable, sufficient to carry a jacket, gels, water, and phone without slowing you down.
What capacity for a 30-40 km trail?
What capacity for a 30-40 km trail?
Between 5L and 12L depending on autonomy. For a nature marathon with refreshment points every 8-10 km, 10L is enough (1.5L of water + jacket + nutrition + phone).
If you run ultra-minimalist and the refreshment points are frequent, the Activ Bottle belt 2x300ml (210g) can do the job.
Do poles really help on a short trail?
Do poles really help on a short trail?
Yes, if the elevation gain exceeds 1000m of ascent. The Z Carbon Strap poles (200g per pair) can be stowed in the backpack straps in 3 seconds. You take them out on steep climbs (15-20% power gain), you put them away on the descent.
Result: time gained on the climb without penalty on the descent.
How can I lighten my gear without sacrificing anything?
How can I lighten my gear without sacrificing anything?
Apply the 3 P rule:
- Priority: keep only the essentials + water + nutrition
- Weight: always choose the lightest option (jersey 70g, bag 200g)
- Practicality: test everything during training before race day
A complete optimized Raidlight kit weighs less than 1 kg (bag + clothing + poles).
Raidlight advises on gear selection?
Raidlight advises on gear selection?
Yes! Call us at 04 76 53 35 55 or contact us via the form. We'll help you put together your gear based on your race, your level, and your time goals.



