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.
You might also like to read:
Get this and 8000 words of our first-hand knowledge in our digital guidebook!
Preparing for the Marathon des Sables (aka ‘the toughest footrace in the world’), can be a hugely time-consuming affair that can border on having another full-time job, especially for busy people who want to experience the beauty of the desert, but have to be efficient with their time and not wondering how to train or what kit they need.
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.
If you’re concerned about being cold at night, perhaps consider the Forclaz offering at Decathlon, with its comfort rating down to 0°C, and a lower limit temperature of -5°C. We’ve not had a chance to test this out yet, however have been impressed with the build quality and price of other Forclaz items we’ve purchased for adventures before (especially when there is a likelihood of it being destroyed or lost on the adventure, there’s no point in spending big bucks on gear that may not be used again).
Weighing in at meagre 545 grams, Alpkit’s offering is perfect for your running across the desert racing ambitions! It features 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified hydrophobic down, a 7˚C sleep limit, and each purchase will see a donation to the Alpkit foundation to help disadvantaged adventurers access opportunities for growth.
4. Rab Mythic Ultra 180 Down Sleeping Bag
Probably the gold standard of ultralight sleeping bags with a price tag to match (over €500!), the Rab Mythic looks and sounds like a work of art using a heat-reflective thermo-ionic lining (with titanium coating on the internal fibres) gives it a ‘sleep limit’ down to 0 ˚C and an extreme limit of -12°C , it comes in at 400 grams, making it the lightest option amongst those currently on the market.
5. Mountain equipment Lunar II
The heaviest 2-season bag within a reasonable price range (check out our kit list for cost-saving tips on not spending a fortune on this endeavour!), the Lunar II weighs in at just over a kilogram, yet has a comfort range down to -2℃ (28°F) and extreme limit of -17°C/1°F
Thinking about what gear you need to successfully complete the Marathon des Sables? Read our complete kit list here
