So… you’ve signed up for a desert challenge (or you’re thinking about it).
Either way, congratulations! Whether it’s the Saharan Challenge, the Sahara Desert Trek, the majestic dunes of the Jordan Challenge or the Jordan & Petra Trek, or the wide-open, otherworldly expanse of the Mongolia Gobi Desert Trek, you’re about to join the elite club of people who voluntarily walk across giant sandpits in temperatures normally reserved for ovens.
To help you survive, and even enjoy, your adventure, here’s our essential kit list, gear guidance, and a bunch of tips we’ve learned from years of leading groups into the planet’s hottest, sandiest, and most “why am I doing this?” places.
Clothing: Dress Like an Onion (But a Desert-Ready One)
Lightweight long-sleeves & trousers
Forget shorts. Cover up like a sensible lizard. Long fabrics = less sun, less sand rash, and you’ll look like a proper explorer.
A trusty sun hat
The kind with a brim. Or a flap. Or both. You want maximum shade, even if it makes you look like your geography teacher.
Buffs & bandanas
Sandstorms happen. Wind happens. Sweat happens. A buff is your best friend.
Moisture-wicking everything
Cotton is for beach towels, not deserts. Synthetic or merino keeps you cool and stops you smelling like a forgotten camel.
Footwear: Love Your Feet and They Might Love You Back
Trail shoes or breathable boots
Pick comfort over ankle-height bravado. Most challengers swear by trail shoes for desert running and trekking.
Gaiters
Put simply: these stop your shoes becoming sandboxes. Highly recommended unless you want to pour a dune out of your footwear each hour.
Double-layer socks
The ultimate blister prevention hack. You’ll thank us around kilometre 47.
Hydration & Nutrition: Become a Water-Carrying Camel
Hydration bladder + soft flasks
You’ll drink more than you think. You’ll want water accessible, not buried under snacks.
Electrolytes
Sweat is salty, and the desert makes you sweat like a forgotten kettle. Balance those minerals with tablets or powder.
High-energy snacks
Nuts, gels, bars, gummies — basically anything you can eat while heavily judging the sun for being “too sunny”.
Sun Protection: Factor 50 or Bust
High SPF sunscreen
This is not the place to go “I think SPF 15 is fine”. It is not fine. The desert sun judges weaknesses harshly.
Lip balm with SPF
The forgotten hero. Cracked lips in dry heat are not fun.
Sunglasses
Wraparound if possible — to keep the glare and blowing sand out of your eyes.
The Rest of the Desert Survival Arsenal
Trekking poles
Game-changers on dunes. They basically turn you into a four-legged desert creature.
Lightweight daypack
Your snacks, water, layers, camera, spirit… it all goes here.
Wet wipes
You will not be showering as much as you’d like. These become the currency of the desert.
Portable battery pack
To ensure your phone survives for photos, navigation, and panic-playing Oasis at 2am because it felt right.
Headtorch
Desert nights are darker than your thoughts at mile 60.
Pro Tips from People Who’ve Done It (And Made it Back!)
✔ Break in everything
Shoes, socks, clothes, bag — even your gaiters. Desert time is not the time to discover chafing in new places.
✔ Train on mixed terrain
Sand, hills, trails — your legs will thank you. with any overseas challenge, you can do unlimited free UK training walks!
✔ Respect the heat
Walk slower. Run smarter. Listen to your guides. Drink your drinks.
✔ Enjoy the silence
Deserts are peaceful. Beautiful. Vast. Many people say it’s life‑changing — and you’ll see why when you’re there instead of reading this on your phone.
Ready for Your Own Desert Adventure?
If you’re dreaming of dunes, starry nights, and bragging rights that last a lifetime… then maybe it’s time to stop dreaming and make it happen:
- 🐫 https://www.actionchallenge.com/overseas-trips/sahara-desert-trek/ — Classic, iconic, and endlessly stunning
- 🏜 https://www.actionchallenge.com/overseas-trips/saharan-challenge/ — Run, jog, or power-walk through unforgettable landscapes
- 🗺 https://www.actionchallenge.com/overseas-trips/jordan-challenge/ — Wadi Rum, ancient trails, and huge skies
- 🏛 https://www.actionchallenge.com/overseas-trips/jordan-petra-trek/ — A journey to one of the world’s most legendary sites
- 🌋 https://www.actionchallenge.com/overseas-trips/mongolia-gobi-desert-trek/ — Vast, remote, and wildly beautiful
Each one offers a unique flavour of adventure, from soft sand to rocky wadis to cinematic canyons. And with Action Challenge, you’re supported every step (and every grain of sand) of the way.
