The extent of the kit required to participate in the Marathon des Sables came as something of a surprise. There is the list of compulsory kit that you must carry under the rules of the event, which must weigh between 6.5 – 15kg not including water. Compulsory equipment:
- Salt tablets
- Distress flare
- Luminous signal stick
- Backpack
- Sleeping bag
- Torch
- 10 Safety pins
- Compass
- Lighter
- Knife
- Tropical disinfectant
- Anti-venom pump
- Whistle
- Signalling mirror
- Lightweight survival blanket
Then there are additional items, which have been strongly advised by MdS veterans, that will make the journey that little more ‘comfortable’:
- Sleeping mat
- Sand gaiters
- Sand goggles
- Walking poles (for dune stage)
- Head torch (for night stage)
- Sun hat
And finally clothing must also be carefully considered, temperatures reach up to 45 deg C in the day and as low as 0 deg C at night, with sand storms being a regular occurance. So suitable clothing for all evetualities is required:
- Running shorts
- Running top
- Thermal base layer
- Lycra leggings
- Socks
- Trainers
- Fleece
- Parachute silk suit (lightweight and protects against the stinging sand storms)
Weight is everything when it comes to kit, as every item on this list (plus food for the week and the daily water rations) must be carried throughout the race. So each and every item will need to be fully researched to make sure it is not only adequate for the job, but light enough that it can be comfortably carried and fit within the rucksack.
My findings, for things such as weight, cost, stockists can be found by clicking on the links for the items above. I have included my findings for items that I have bought, and items I have decided not to buy. This is by no means a recommendation, it is merely the items of kit that fit my needs and budget.
My current Kit List can be seen below. Don’t laugh at the colour coding, it is very important!
