Matt Hayter’s Marathon des Sables Adventure

• Knife 

Luckily I already own a small Leatherman knife so that’s one item of kit I don’t need to research or buy. It is very small and light, and meets the ornganisers requirement for a knife, while also have other useful tools such as tweasers.

I just hope it’s not confiscated at the airport!!

Item: Leatherman Knife 

Weight:

Cost: n/a

Stockist: n/a

• Anti-Venom Pump

Another piece of essential kit. Obviously i’m hoping not to have to use it, but you’re not allowed to compete without it! I’m told there are things like snakes and scorpions in the desert! Surely not! Although the camel spider is the creature that fills me with most dread. I suppose some people are worried about the heat or the distance, not me, its the creepy crawlies!

Item: Aspivenin Venom Pump

Weight:

Cost: £13.99

Stockist: Likeys (www.likeys.com)

• First Aid Kit
• Signalling Mirror
• Compass

As with much of the emergency kit a compass is compulsory, knowledge of how to use it however is not. Luckily for me I know the basics of compass use, but its one thing navigating in the Peak District with an OS Map and a description of your route, its another trying to find your way through a featureless desert! I shall just pray I don’t get lost! I shall be taking my trusty Silva compass that I already own.

Item: Silva Compass

Weight:

Cost: n/a

Stockist: n/a

• Torch
• Survival Blanket
• Whistle