The best backpacks for completing the Marathon des Sables
Ethics statement: We’re not under any obligation to write anything about these products, nor were we provided with any sort of compensation to do so. Within the article, there are affiliate links. If you buy something after clicking the link, we will receive a small commission. To know more about our terms of service, you can visit the link at the bottom of the page. Thank you!
We saw many different types of backpacks at the Marathon des Sables’ start line, however these are the ones that stuck out the most:
Whilst it’s not the cheapest option for the MdS, the 35-litre version was our backpack of choice (pictured) due to a number of factors, such as build quality, simplicity, load capacity and the front pockets that we’ll explain in more detail.
Build quality
The pack may be a little heavier than some of the other options here, however, the build quality was better than the Raidlight version that appeared to favour weight over build strength. When your pack weighs many kilograms on day one, we felt the safest option would be to pick a pack on its strength to endure the challenge, instead of being the lightest.
Simplicity
The build is super simple, a main pocket, some front options and stretch stow pouches around the sides.
Load capacity
The pack carried everything we needed when we paired it with a front pouch option for day one. After we’d worked through some food on the morning of day two, the front pouch got retired to the bottom of the main pocket as we could comfortably carry everything even when you were issued lots of water.
Front pockets.
The use of the front pockets was a bit of gamechanger for us, to pack items that we’d need more regularly or without much notice (such as food, the camera, or the anti-venom). Some packs don’t come with the front pockets, however we’re converts to their utility now and would pick one with integrated front pockets for any ultra-distance race.
If the price of the Ultimate Direction puts you off, it might be worth looking at the Montane trailblazer backpack as it has lots of similar high-end fastpacking features at a much lower cost.
Continue reading in our digital MdS guidebook!
This digital download is over 8000 words of hard-won knowledge, advice, guidance, ideas across 17 pages, covering the following subjects:
- How to choose the right shoes for the Marathon des Sables
- Sleeping bags options
- Food selection
- Essential clothing for the Marathon des Sables
- Nutritional demands / calorie planning for the race
- Different backpack options
- The application process.
- How to meet the cut-off times
- The race format.
- Understanding the mandatory gear list.
- Tent etiquette.
- Weight reduction ideas for your kit.
- Taking care of yourself and blister management.
- Race strategy for completion.
- The pre-race medical checks
- Where to get your footwear tailored for gaiters.
- Planning for charity fundraising.
- Ideas to aid physical preparation.
- How to condition yourself for the demands of the desert
- How to enter from overseas
- How to generate social media interest for funding it.
