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Gear list is currently being updated.
After the gear list for the Yukon Arctic Ultra we now proudly present the equivalent for the Marathon des Sables (MdS). Of course the below listed products are also interesting for any other desert ultras.
Many of our customers have already participated in the MdS and we would like to use this occasion to thany you all for your trust! We appreciate your feedback and any additional advise you want to pass on to others. Please send your messages to info@racelite.de.
In the right colum you will find 6 start ****** if the product was used at the MdS and we have received positive feedback. That does not mean that products without stars are bad. It just means that noboday emailed or called us about these items. If you click on the image you will get to the page on Racelite.com where you find a detailed description and can buy the product.
Gear List Marathon des Sables
Clothing- 1st Layer
Fuse Megalight 140 Men's Boxer
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- extremely light 3D-seamless construction with Silverfresh (stops bacteria and thus avoids bad smell
- very comfortable, very stretchy, tight fit, flat seams
- gets moisture quickly away from your skin
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35 g
(size M) |
19.95 €
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******
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Fuse Megalight 140 Men's Slip
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26 g
(size M) |
19.95 €
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| Fuse Megalight 140 Women's Panty |
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33 g
(size M) |
19.95 €
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| Fuse Megalight 140 Women's Slip |
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20 g
(size M) |
19.95 €
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| Skins ICE Half Tight |
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- compression underwear at its finest
- faster recovery
- protection from the sun
- anti-bacterial
Please note: Skins products are underwear. However, the seams may cause problems for ultra athletes. Wearing a thin boxer like the Fuse Megalight 140 underneath helps. |
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90.00 € |
****** |
| Skins ICE Long Sleeve Top |
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Please note: You may want to wear a thin and functional running shirt on top in order to protect the Skins top. This may reduce the cooling a bit but you will be able to enjoy your Skins top longer as the backpack does not rub against it. |
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120.00 € |
****** |
Advise on 1st Layer:
- Obviously, your 1st layer for a desert ultra should be thin. It also should be very breathabe and above all comfortable.
- Even the best underwear will not help against eventual skin irritations. That's when skin care (see below) gets important.
- Since you will likely not be able to change your underwear every day, it makes sense to get a first layst with silverfresh or similar. It fights bacteria and thus helps to keep the bad smell away longer.
Clothing - 2nd Layer
Advise on 2nd Layer
- You have many options. One of the first decisions is as to whether you want to go with long sleeve and a tight/pants. If you decide based upon weight, keep in mind that you will need more sun screen if you go short.
- If you do go with a long sleeve shirt and tight/pants, it should be as light as possible and easy to ventilate - as is the case with RailRiders clothing.
- Other things to keep in mind is that it should be comfortable and help keep skin irritation to a minimum.
Clothing - 3rd Layer and Bivouac
Montane Slipstream Jacket
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- the lightest windproof and water resistant jacket in the world
- minimum weight AND minimum pack size
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85 g
(size M) |
74.95 €
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****** |
RaidLight Tyvek Jacket
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- you are not going to win a beauty contest with this but the price is hard to beat and the weight is little, too
- not great for running at all but an interesting option for the bivouac
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100 g
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10.00 €
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****** |
| Montane Featherlite Pants |
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- extremely light and small pack size
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120 g
(size M) |
49.95 €
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RaidLight Tyvek Pants
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100 g |
10.00 €
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****** |
RaidLight Micropolaire
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- very light and functional fleece for cold desert nights
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200 g
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65.00 €
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Advise on 3rd Layer and Bivouac:
The right choice here depends on how easy you get cold. As you know at night the desert cools down considerably. Also keep in mind that when you are exhausted you will feel cold faster. I recommend talking to athletes who have been there to get a better idea on what it is like in the bivouac at night.
Clothing - Other
RaidLight Sahara Cap
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- light, white, breathable and with removable neck part
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65 g |
18.00 €
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****** |
| injinji Desert Racer Hat |
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- a bit heavier and less breathable
- but better sun protection and fabric quality
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75 g |
30.00 € |
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| Salomon XA+ Cap |
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- regarding quality and protection between the RaidLight and the injinji hat
- not so good for people with a smaller head (velcro adjustment does not adjust to smaller circumference)
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75 g |
25,95 € |
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RaidLight Desert Gaiters
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- developed for desert ultras
- are attached via velcro (velcro should be attached by a cobbler)
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115 g
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25.00 €
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****** |
| injinji Socks |
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- prevents skin friction and thus blisters
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60 g (size M)
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15.00 €
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****** |
cep Running O2max Socks
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- run faster with less effort
- faster recovery
- less blisters
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57 g (size 42-44)
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46.90 €
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Advise on Clothing - Others:
- Protection form the sun in the desert is very important. For your head you will find interesting products from various companies. Consider that you will also want to protect your neck. The good thing about the Sahara Cap from RaidLight is that you can take off the neck protection any time. Also, the cap should be breathable and allow for some ventilation.
- Apart from the heat and the distance as such blisters are likely one of the major problems at desert races. Injinjis and other toe socks (RaidLight makes them now, too) are a great innovation that already have helped many athletes. A different approach are the cep compression socks. No matter what you go for test it first.
- The best socks don't help much if you get sand in your shoes. RaidLight has developed Gaiters which are especially for the desert. However, you need a cobbler to attach the velcro to your shoe (the velcro then allows you to take off the gaiters any time). Important: the gaiters won't work with every type of shoe. There needs to be enough space to attach the velcro (e.g. it does not stay fixed on mesh very well).
Sleeping/Bivy
| Yeti Passion One |
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- Quality made in Germany
- Smaller and light is almost impossible
- Comfort range to +12 ° C
- Size M to body height 175 cm, size L to 190 cm
Please note: If you prefer it a bit warmer, there is also the Passon Three with a comfort limit of + 3 ° C and weight of 380 g (size M) - from 399.95 € |
265 g (M)
320 g (L) |
299.95 € (M)
319.95 € (L) |
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| Yeti VIB 150 |
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Mountain Equipment XERO 150
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- Very light down sleeping bag
- Tiny packing size
- Size: 200 cm long, shoulder 74 cm
- Comfort range to +8 ° C
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450 g |
229.90 €
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******
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Mountain Equipment XERO 250
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- For those who find the XERO 150 not warm enough
- Size: 203 cm long, shoulder 74 cm
- Comfort range to +3° C
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600 g |
259.95 €
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******
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RaidLight Combi-Sleeping Bag
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- Down bag that can also be used as a vest
- Comfort range to +5 ° C
- Interesting as you economise on weight for clothes for the bivy
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546 g
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199.00 €
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****** |
RaidLight ALU R-LIGHT
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- Synthetic sleeping bag with aluminum layer
- Comfort range to +5° C
- Size: to body height of 193 cm
- Not so light but affordable
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920 g
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85.00 €
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****** |
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir |
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- Absolutely super light
- Not self-inflating
- 6.3 cm thick
- Size: 51 x 168 cm
- Packing size: 23 x 10 cm
Please note: If you want even less weight, there is also a version with 51 x 119 cm and 260 g weight. |
370 g |
129.95 € |
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Therm-a-Rest PROLITE 3 - regular
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- 2.5 cm thick
- Size: 51 x 180 cm
- Packing size: 28 x 10 cm
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570 g
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99.95 €
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Therm-a-Rest PROLITE 3 - short
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- 2.5 cm thick
- Size: 51 x 119 cm
- Packing size: 28 x 9 cm
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370 g
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89,95 €
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****** |
Therm-A-Rest Z-LITE
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- 2 cm thick
- Size: 51 x 183 cm
- Size folded: 51 x 13 x 14 cm
- In order to reduce size and packing size you can cut it
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440 g
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39.95 €
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****** |
Advise on Sleeping/Bivy:
- You need to consider if your focus is on comfort or on cutting weight. Maybe a compromise works best for you. Certainly, in the case of sleeping, the lightest is not necessary the best. If you are cold at night and can't sleep well, it will affect your recovery and ultimatively slow you down.
- Also, keep in mind that you will get cold more easily when you are exhausted.
Backpacks
RaidLight Aventure
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- for athletes who take along more weight/volume
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820 g and 40 litres
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96,00 €
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******
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RaidLight Runner R-Light
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- THE MdS classic
- Ideally 30 litres do the job
- many great features
- Very light and comfortable
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690 g and 30 litres |
84.00 €
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******
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RaidLight Evolution 2
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- If the Evolution 2 is enough for you consider yourself lucky (or very experienced ...)
- The front bag is already included
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690 g (incl. front bag) and 20 + 4 litres |
119.00€
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******
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| RaidLight Equilibre R-Light |
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- the optional front bag for RaidLight Aventure, Runner R-Light
- balance of weight between front and back
- more volume and quick access to important gear/food/water
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200 g and 5 litres
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34.00 €
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******
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Aarn Marathon Magic 33
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- very interesting alternative to the Runner R-Light
- Balance Pockets (front bags) with 3 litres volume have a perfect fit
- fabric more robust than what RaidLight uses
- Winner at the Atacama Desert Crossing Ultra 2007
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785 g (incl. Balance Pockets) and 30 + 3 litres
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119.90 €
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******
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Advise on Backpacks:
- As with the clothing you should test your backpack intensively.
- Pack it right, i.e. heavy items in the bottom.
- With the RaidLight backpacks the fabric is very thin and not so robust (because the focus is on light weight). Therefore, be carefull with pointed items and don't throw your backpack to the ground or sit on it.
- The Equilibre R-Light is an interesting piece of kit. However, I do have customers who need to impove the fit by improvising, e.g. with duck tape, sewing, etc. as it can happen that it bounces too much when you run.
Drinking Systems
RaidLight Never Dry
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- Advantage: the bladder has an opening for drainage. Thus all the fluid finds a way out after usage. Also, the RaidLight backpacks have velcros that fit the bladder.
- Disadantage: the overall quality of the materials is not as good as others. The opening to put the water in is small. A hand does not fit through.
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185 g and 2.5 litres |
30.00 €
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******
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CamelBak OMEGA Hydrotanium
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- the popular bladder from CamelBak
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2 or 3 litres - 2 litre bladder weighs 200 g |
2 litres = 29.95 €
3 litres = 34.95 €
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****** |
SmarTube
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- an intereesting alternative and/or addition to your drinking system (fits on standard water bottles)
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175 g
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14.95 €
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******
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| RaidLight Bottle Holder |
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- very stable bottle holder for RaidLight backpacks
- may also be attached to shoulder straps of other backpacks (elastic loops are approx. 8 cm wide)
- there are 600 and 800 ml bottles with a tube to go with it
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40 g (without bottle) |
600 ml = 20.00 €
800 ml = 22.00 €
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******
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Advise on Drinking Systems:
- I personally like drinking system with easy access as is the case with the outside bladder compartement in the RaidLight backpacks. Disadvantag is that the weight is away from you body.
- It makes sense to have several options to transport liquids. That way you can transport water and isotonic drinks at the same time and help distribute the weight better.
- The bottle holders from RaidLight have been used by many MdS athletes. However, we do have clients who are not happy with the set-up. "The bottle is too far up ..." is one of the comments we have had a couple of times. So, try it out if it works for you.
First Aid
Care PLUS First Aid Kit Waterproof
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- the bag is light and keeps out water and
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241 g |
24.95 €
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Care PLUS Blister Kit
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- everything you need to treat blisters
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150 g |
12.50 €
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******
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Signaling Mirror
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17 g |
5.00 €
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******
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Rescue Blanket
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- 2 sides: one against the cold and one against the heat
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70 g |
5.00 €
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******
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Care PLUS Venimex
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- part of the mandatory gear in most desert races
- the quality of the Venimex is superior to the Aspivenin but it also weighs more
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134 g |
16.95 €
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| Venipump |
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36 g |
25.00 €
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******
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Signaling Whistle
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- does not weigh much but can save lifes - should be part of every Adenture Runner's kit
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30 g |
5.00 €
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******
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Advise on First Aid:
- First Aid is good. Prevention is better. This goes especially for the issue of blisters (see also "Skin Care" below). If you are new to desert running get in touch with experienced athletes and get their advise on how to deal with the sand and bilsters. Keep in mind a small blister very quickly can turn into something that makes you drop out of the race.
- Experts don't all agree on the use of venom extractors. I am not sure how often runners in the desert acually come across snakes. Google a bit on the subject and make yourself familiar with the desert fauna as not everything that crawls is necessary dangerous.
- Important bits and pieces of your kit you can buy in any good pharmacy. And most ready to use kits need complementing. Especially when you have had them in use for a while.
- In a ready to use kit there may also be things you do NOT need or that do not function in extreme heat (fluids and cremes). If in doubt ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Skin Care
| Bodyglide Anti-Friction and Sun Formula |
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- great protection for your skin, e.g. shoulders, backside, inside of legs (very easy to apply - like a deodorant stick, i.e. you don't get your hands messy)
- in addition this stick protects you from the sun with an SPF of 25
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66 g |
14.98 €
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Bodyglide Anti-Friction Skin Formula
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- as above just without the sun protection
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66 g |
12.98 €
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****** |
| Care PLUS Skin Saver Lipstick SPF 30 |
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- in the heat your lips suffer. This stick helps
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14 g |
3.50 €
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****** |
Care PLUS Foot Powder
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66 g |
3.95 €
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****** |
Spenco Blister Kit 2nd Skin
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- a great way to prevent blisters on your feet
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75 g incl. packaging
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9.95 €
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****** |
Care PLUS Skin Saver Sunblock
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- very water resistant
- great for sports as it immediately is absorbed by your skin
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76 g (75 ml)
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13.95 €
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Advise on skin care:
- As already metioned above, the right skin care can help you avoid a lot of trouble.
Cooking and Cutlery
Esbit Foldable Stove
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- small, light and compact
- available in small and large
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small = 90 g
large = 175 g (without esbit)
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small = 5.95 €
large = 12.95
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****** |
Esbit Star-Shaped Cooker
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- the smallest stove made by Esbit
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15 g |
2.95 €
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Trail Designs Gram Cracker
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- made from Titan
- smaller and lighter is impossible
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7 g
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10.45 €
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| MSR Titan-Kettle |
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118 g
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62.95 €
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****** |
MSR Titan Fork & Spoon
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28 g |
20.95 €
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****** |
Primus Cutlery Kit PC
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- light and cheap (and even includes a knife)
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25 g |
3.95 €
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| Light my Fire Spork |
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6 g |
1.99 €
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Advise on Cooking and Cutlery:
- Test it at home.
- As you can see above light gear does not always have to be expensive.
- A pot/kettle with a lid saves fuel
Shoes
inov-8 roclite 320
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- awesome Trail Running shoe for ultra long distances
- light and comfortable
- Sole with great features
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320 g (EU 42) |
99.95 €
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****** |
Advise on Shoes:
- Obviously the most important things is that the shoes fit you perfectly and that you already put some distance on them.
- Remember when you choose your size that your feet will swell up.
- The shoe should have enough space without mesh where you can attach the velcro of desert gaiters. Buy first the gaiters and then the shoe if you are not sure. Ask a cobbler if you are in doubt.
- If you hike more than you run, don't forget to train that. Maybe your shoe is great for running but causes you problems when you hike.
- Your shoe will suffer. So, be prepared to make simple repairs yourself (wire, tape, needle, etc.).
Headlamps
| Petzl Myo XP |
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- up to 97 m in boost mode
- 180 hours of light in the economy mode
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175 g (incl. batteries) |
69.95 €
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****** |
Petzl TIKKA Plus
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- if 32 m of light range is enough for you
- 150 hours of battery life in economy mode
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78 g (incl. Batterien) |
38,95 €
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****** |
| Petzl e+LITE |
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27 g |
24.95 €
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Advise on Headlamps:
- The economy mode helps get more life out of your batteries. Which in turn helps you save weight as you need less spare batteries.
- Lithium batteries are great but be careful. For many headlamps they are not recommended.
Trekking Poles
RaidLight TRAIL POLE
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- extremely light
- foldable to only 30 cm!
- very fast folding and putting together
- disadvantage: only two sizes (123 cm und 110 cm)
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120 g (123 cm)
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110.00 €
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******
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PACERPOLE Carbon
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- ergonomic design
- gentle on your wrists
- way better posture while hiking
- less blisters on your hands
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224 g |
129.95 €
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| Komperdell Carbon Duolock Men |
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- very light and still robust (more so than the RaidLight TRAIL POLES)
- also available as women's model (thinner grip and shorter)
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182 g |
109.95 €
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| Komperdell Contour Titanial Men |
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- heavier but still okay - and less costly
- also available as women's model
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223 g |
79.95 €
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Advise on Trekking Poles:
- Trekking Poles are an important piece of gear. Up and down they help you take weight and strain off your body.
- Packing size and weight make the RaidLight TRAIL POLE very unique. However, you have to be aware of the fact that you can't put your full weight on it and certainly should not use it to jump.
- If in the past you have had problems with your wrists and or back you may want to have a closer look at the PACERPOLES. They are a very interesting concept.
Food
| Trekking Mahlzeiten |
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- freeze dried expediton food with a maximum of natural ingredients
- we have the entire range (if you don't find something online, you can order it anyway)
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from 125 g
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from 4.45 €
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****** |
| travellunch |
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- freeze dried expedition food by Simpert Reither
- all products available
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from 100 g |
from 2.75 €
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****** |
| Energy OatSnacks |
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- very tasty bars! Easy on your stomach. However, not all of them are great for the heat due to icings
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65 g |
1.60 €
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****** |
| PowerBar Harvest Bars |
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60 g |
1.99 €
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****** |
| PowerBar C2Max Performance Bars |
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65 g |
1.99 €
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****** |
| PowerBar C2Max Power Gels |
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41 g |
1.79 €
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****** |
| K1000 Compact-Ration |
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- compact energy source for emergencies
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250 g |
5.40 €
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****** |
| Peronin |
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- innovative liquid food - developed for expeditons in the Arctic and Antarctic
- available in vanilla and coca
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100 g |
4.10 €
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****** |
Advise on Food:
- Like your gear, you should test your food before you eat it during a race. It's no fun to have meal time coming up and not liking it.
- If you already know that you burn a lot of calories when running take along enough food!
- Athletes often make the mistake of eating too many bars and gels during a race - resulting in stomach problems.
Other
| Energizer Lithium-Batteries AAA |
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- they are light and last up to 7x longer than regular batteries
- great for GPS and cameras
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tbc. |
7.95 €
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****** |
| Energizer Lithium-Batterien AA |
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tbc. |
7.95 €
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****** |
| Suunto MC2-Global |
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- state of the art compass for the MdS and other adventures
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74 g |
69.90 €
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| Gerber Magnum LST Jr |
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- very light knife (which also means it is small, i.e. you won't cut trees or kill lions with it
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43 g |
42.00 €
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Gerber Ultralight LST
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16 g |
22.95 €
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****** |
| Gerber CLUTCH |
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- Minitool in great quality
- many useful items
- also available with scissors instead of the pliers (product name is SHORTCUT)
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61 g |
24.95 €
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******
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| Packtowl UltraLite |
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- for checkpoints where you can wash/have a shower
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from 21 g |
from 12.50 €
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| SealLine STORM SACK |
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- very light sand/water proof sacks for organising backpacks
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from 62 g (5 litres) |
from 12.50 €
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AntiGravityGear Pack Sack
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- extremely light suff sacks
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from 12 g |
from 5.95 €
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| InstaCloth |
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- cloths compressed to pills
- super small and light
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26 g (8 cloths)
1 cloth without packaging weighs less than 1 g |
3.29 €
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****** |
Please note:
- This list is certainly not complete. I look forward to feedback and I am also happy to include gear which we do not (yet) sell.
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