Matt Hayter’s Marathon des Sables Adventure

• T-shirt

• Shorts

• Leggings

• Base Layer

I’ve been told it gets cold at night, really cold some years and just a bit nippy other years. That doesn’t exactly give me much to go on, but i’ll be taking my Helly Hansen base layer. This is one of the few items of kit I need that I already own, so it won’t be costing me anything. Although if all goes to plan over the next 18 months I may have to buy a new one in a smaller size.

• Fleece
• Buff 

I’d always thought Buffs were ridiculous, a bit of a fashion item that made the wearer look a bit of a plum! If you’ve never seen them they are a tube of fabric that fits over your head, and you can wear it a number of different ways; as a hat, a scarf, a headband, a face mask….the list goes on.

However during a Trail Race in the Lake District where the temperatures hit the mid 20′s I burned quite badly on my face and neck. It was only while discussing this afterwards with someone (who had worn a Buff during the race), that I realised they do have a practical use.

I had found that Buff make a buff from Coolmax fabric that has good wicking properties, which removes sweat away for the skin quickly, whilst also reflecting UV rays. So when I found them in an Adventure Sports shop in Hawkshead I decided to buy one. The range of colours/patterns was limited so I opted for a camoflague one hoping that I might look a bit like a Soldier of Forture……….I won’t repeat what my wife said I looked like!!

Soldier of Fortune?? ………hmmmm, maybe i’ll just get a pink one with teddy bears on!!

I will also be taking a proper sunhat with the Legionnaire style neck covering, however for day to day head protection and versatility I will be taking a two Buffs.

Item: High UV Buff – camoflague

Weight:

Cost: £11.99

Stockist: 

• Sunglasses

I have bought some standard sports running sunglasses from a running outlet in London. I have heard various reports from previous participants about various manufacturers, different lenses, or removable lenses. Instead I bought a relatively budget pair as they were comfortable, lightweight and at the end of the day all they need to do is stop the glare from the sun. Indeed I may not even wear them that much if the Sand Goggles are more comfortable

Item: Sunglasses

Weight:

Cost: £20.00

Stockist: 

• Sand Goggles

I found some sunglass/goggles in Decathlon that were reasonably cheap. Not sure if they will be satisfactory, and I suppose the only way i’ll know is if I get my wife to throw sand in my face, a lot! Obviously they too look ridiculous, but i’m sure that won’t bother me in the middle of a sand storm!

Item: Sand Goggles

Weight:

Cost: £17.00

Stockist: Decathlon

• Hat
• Socks

I run solely in Hilly Mono Skin socks. They’ve worked for me for the last 4 years of running, so I don’t see a reason to change. Although they’ve never been exposed to Saharan conditions, but then neither have I! I do intend to take 3 pairs, 2 pairs to run in, and one luxury pair to wear around camp in the evening.

Item: Socks – Hilly Mono Skin

Weight:

Cost: £7.00

Stockist: Up and Running (http://www.upandrunning.co.uk)

• Shoes

There is a lot of debate about trainers. Do you wear trail trainers or road trainers. Its tough terrain, but I’d prefer the comfort of my road shoes. In addition I wear Brooks Addiction which have loads of support for the larger runner. So at the moment I am going to be wearing a pair of Brooks Addiction 7. However, I am hearing very good things about the New Balance MdS1100′s which have been designed specifically for the event, so I could be swayed!!

Item: Trainers – Brooks Addiction 7

Weight:

Cost: £70.00

Stockist: Up and Running (http://www.upandrunning.co.uk)