What is the mandatory equipment to bring for the MDS?

The mandatory equipment varies depending on each concept.

Below you will find the mandatory equipment per person for each MDS :

• MDS 120 / MDS Handi / MDS Raid :
  - A WAA Ultra Bag 20L backpack or equivalent (not required for wheelchair users in the MDS Handi)
  - A water-carrying capacity of 1.5 liters (bottle, hydration bladder…)
  - A sleeping bag
  - A headlamp (which must be switched on as soon as night falls) + 1 full set of spare batteries or power bank
  - 10 safety pins
  - A lighter
  - A whistle
  - A metal-blade knife
  - A skin antiseptic
  - A signaling mirror
  - An emergency blanket
  - Stock cubes such as “Knorr” (2 per day) to support rehydration. These cubes effectively replace salt tablets.
  - Toilet paper (not provided by the organization)
  - One tube of sunscreen, minimum 50 ml
  - €100 in cash
  - Passport or ID card
  - The official MDS medical certificate completed by a doctor (form available 3 months before the race)
  - Passport (or ID card, depending on entry requirements). The document must be valid at least until the end of the stay. HOWEVER, for safety reasons, it is strongly recommended to have a passport valid for at least one month after the stay; otherwise, the organization declines all responsibility in case of issues.
  - Food for the entire duration of the MDS (see regulations)

Additional items for MDS Handi :
- Memory-foam cushion to adjust seating in the wheelchair
- Protective sleeves for upper limbs

Additional items for MDS Raid :
- Mobile phone + external battery
- Foot-care kit (to independently treat small blisters)

Additional items for MDS Legendary :
- Headlamp – minimum 400 lumens
- Compass with 1° or 2° accuracy
- €200 in cash or 2,000 dirhams
- The original MDS medical certificate, duly completed and signed by a doctor (dated less than 30 days before race start, i.e., from March 3, 2026)
- The original resting ECG with tracing (dated less than 30 days before race start, i.e., from March 3, 2026)

• MDS Ultra :
  - A backpack with sufficient capacity to carry all equipment
  - A minimum water capacity of 1.5L
  - Running outfit (top + bottom)
  - Trail shoes
  - A warm long-sleeved second layer
  - Headlamp + batteries + spare battery
  - Emergency blanket: minimum 1.40 × 2 m
  - Whistle
  - Signaling mirror
  - Metal-blade knife
  - Food for the entire race (self-supported)
  - Sunscreen
  - Skin antiseptic
  - Elastic adhesive bands suitable for strapping or bandaging (100cm × 6cm)
  - 6 safety pins or a race-bib holder
  - €100 in cash
  - Toilet paper (not provided by the organization)
  - Passport or ID card (depending on entry requirements)
  - Official medical certificate provided by the organization, duly completed and signed by a doctor, dated less than 90 days before the start of the race

In January, during the MDS Ultra, the Moroccan Sahara presents contrasting weather conditions, with mild and sunny days but very cold nights. This is why we have set up two kits: the cold kit and the rain kit. Each participant must have all items from these kits packed in their suitcase. The day before the race, the organization will decide whether to activate one or both kits based on the weather forecast for the next 40 hours.

Cold Kit :
Long-sleeved thermal layer
Long thermal pants or tights
Lightweight gloves
Multifunction neck gaiter or beanie
Warm socks for the night

Rain Kit :
Waterproof jacket with hood (minimum 20,000 Schmerber)
Waterproof pants
Backpack rain cover
Spare outfit (top + bottom)
Spare socks (1 pair)

• MDS Trek :
  - A backpack with sufficient capacity for the mandatory equipment + the lunch (to be collected before stage departure)
  - A minimum water-carrying capacity of 1.5 liters (bottle, hydration bladder, etc.)
  - A sleeping bag
  - A headlamp + 1 full set of spare batteries or power bank
  - 10 safety pins
  - A lighter
  - A whistle
  - A metal-blade knife
  - A skin antiseptic
  - A signaling mirror
  - An emergency blanket
  - Stock cubes (2 per day). These cubes effectively replace salt tablets, which are no longer provided to participants
  - One tube of sunscreen
  - €100 in cash
  - Passport or ID card (depending on entry requirements)
  - Official medical certificate provided by the organization, duly completed and signed by a doctor, dated less than 90 days before the start of the race