sleeping bags for the Marathon des Sables
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Using the Aegismax during the race
The best sleeping bag for the Marathon des Sables is a highly personal choice, and comes from how well you know yourself, how comfy you want to be!
The average night time temperature is between 10℃ and 20℃ (according to this source), however anecdotally, we’ve also heard it can drop down to as low as 5℃ in extreme circumstances – therefore a 2-season sleeping bag will keep you covered.
We ran the MdS in 2019 and opted to take a Thermarest Z-Lite sleeping mat, which was fine however for the next ultradistance race, we’d take an inflatable mat to sleeper a little deeper at night (probably a Thermarest Neoair Uberlite). The tent has a thick carpet floor which protects the mat from sharp rocks however it is good practice just to make sure to sweep anything that may have found its way in that might puncture it.
These are the 5 best sleeping bags for the Marathon des Sables that we know of:
1. Aegismax ultralight sleeping bag
With a recommend range of 6℃(43℉) to 10℃ (58℉) and an extreme rating of 0℃/(32℉), this sleeping bag weighs in at just over 400 grams (around three quarters of a pound (0.8lb)), and was perfect for us. Just pick the correct size for you and it’ll sit happily in your backpack for when you’ve finished moving for the day. At just over £100 but with a low weight and pack size, we think this is the best choice for most who will be tackling this great endeavour.
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.
