Marathon des Sables: Mandatory kit and equipment

The Marathon des Sables is a multi-stage ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert, widely regarded as the toughest footrace on earth. What makes it truly unique is that participants must be completely self-sufficient, carrying all their food, equipment, and essentials for the duration of the race.

But what do you need to bring with you to perform in such extreme desert conditions?

Below, you’ll find the full list of mandatory equipment required to take part in the race, along with selected recommendations from SportsShoes ambassador Samir Mouffok, who is taking on the challenge for the second time this year.

ㅤ

Photo credit: A.Deroeux

ㅤ

Mandatory Equipment List

ㅤ

Headwear and Sun Protection

The desert sun is one of the biggest challenges during the race, making proper protection essential.

ㅤ

● Cap (ideally with neck protection)

● Sunglasses

● Sun cream (high SPF recommended)

● Optional: wide-brim hat

ㅤ

ㅤ

Clothing

Lightweight, breathable clothing is key for coping with extreme temperatures:
ㅤ

● Short-sleeved tops for daytime running

● Long-sleeved tops for sun protection and cooler evenings

● Lightweight running shorts

ㅤ

Brands such as Salomon offer breathable, fast-drying apparel suited to desert conditions.

ㅤ

ㅤ

ㅤ

ㅤ

ㅤ

Footwear

Trail running shoes must be comfortable, breathable, and suitable for long distances on sand and rocky terrain. Many runners also use gaiters to prevent sand from entering their shoes.

ㅤ

ㅤ

ㅤ

Backpack

A lightweight, hard-wearing backpack is needed to carry all your equipment and supplies. Samir Mouffok has chosen the Salomon S/LAB Adventure 20 running vest, which is lightweight and ideal for this adventure.

ㅤ

ㅤ

Sleeping Bag

A compact, lightweight sleeping bag suitable for desert nights (approximately 5–10°C) is essential. OMM sleeping bags are ideal for these conditions.

Our ambassador Samir shares his experience from his first race in 2024: "I took the OMM sleeping bag with me for the 8 days in the middle of the desert during the Marathon des Sables. It's thin and very compact, which is very practical for transporting. I was impressed by the insulation. At night in the desert, the temperatures are low, but with this sleeping bag you stay nice and warm! It's the perfect choice for this type of adventure!"
ㅤ

ㅤ

Lighting

A reliable headlamp or torch is essential, particularly for early stage starts and navigating in darkness.

Samir Mouffok shares: "I was in the middle of the desert for the Marathon des Sables, in pitch black darkness, but with the Petzl torch I could see just as well as in broad daylight! The luminosity is impressive, with everything lit up for several meters. Another interesting thing about the light is that you can turn it on and put it in its white carry bag. We then attached it to the top of the pole in our tent, which gave us a chandelier that lit up the whole tent! It really is the best lamp for trails and excursions in the great outdoors!"

ㅤ

ㅤ

Nutrition

Participants must carry a minimum of 2,000 calories per day. Typical food includes:

ㅤ

● Energy bars

● Freeze-dried meals

● Nuts

● High-calorie snacks

ㅤ

Balancing calorie intake with weight is a key part of race strategy.

ㅤ

Water

Each participant must carry a minimum of 1.5 litres of water at the start of each stage. Water is also provided at checkpoints along the course.

ㅤ

Cooking Equipment (Optional)

● Portable stove and cooking utensils

ㅤ

Many participants skip cooking equipment to reduce pack weight and rely on ready-to-eat meals.

ㅤ

ㅤ

Survival Equipment

Mandatory safety items include:

● Survival blanket (reflective)

● Whistle

● Compass (1°–2° accuracy)

● 10 safety pins

● Knife with metal blade

● Mirror (for signalling)

● Lighter or waterproof matches

● Anti-venom pump

● Topical disinfectant

● Aluminium survival sheet

ㅤ

Administrative Essentials

● Passport or ID card

● Medical certificate (official race requirement)

● Approximately 200 € in cash

ㅤ

These are the essential items of equipment for taking part in the Marathon des Sables. It is imperative to prepare your luggage rationally and optimally in order to minimize weight while ensuring that you have all the reserves required to stay safe and feel comfortable throughout the race.

Now it's time to get training for next year!

To stay up to date with Samir Mouffok’s journey and gain further insights into his preparation, follow him on Instagram and explore more expert advice on our hub.

ㅤ

SportsShoes is committed to organising the most exciting and unique races, whether it's on the track, road or trail. Keen to find out more? Then check out our Races category for more information about events, latest news and results. Because it's no fun standing still.