One of the appeals of my forthcoming Empty Quarter Expedition was how quick and simple and cheap it was to get up and running. Having said that, my house is now strewn with piles of gear which all has to be hauled for 1000 miles across a desert. There’s no space for superfluous kit, but it is still surprising how much stuff is needed. Here is a brief desert kit list. It’s about as systematic and ordered as my packing.
(The linked items are gear that has been provided by generous sponsors. I only use sponsored gear that is good and turn down most of the companies who offer me free products. Once I have tested it thoroughly, I only endorse products that were good, products I would have been happy to have paid full price for. And I won’t tie myself to only using one brand. Each company that has provided equipment has agreed to these conditions – a good early indicator that they are confident in the quality of their gear.)
- Cart
- 100 litres water
- Food for a month
- Harness
- Trekking poles
- Hiking boots
- Trainers
- Gaiters
- Socks
- Trousers
- Long sleeve shirts
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Ultra light down jacket
- Buff
- Merino top
- Trailstar shelter (thanks, Phil)
- Sleeping mat
- Sleeping bag + silk liner
- Cooking gear
- Water bottles
- Electrolyte solution
- MSR
- Headtorch
- Rucksac in case of evacuation
- Repair kit
- Medical kit
- Canon XF100
- Canon 5d
- Ion camera
- Batteries / CF cards
- Microphones
- Tripod
- Battery Charger
- Solar panels
- iPod
- Kindle
- Diary
- Multivitamins
- Iodine
- Suncream
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Passport (and visas)
- Explanatory Arabic letter
- Knife
- Compass
- GPS
- SPOT Connect
- Satellite phone
- Hipflask of whisky
- Maps
- Map case
We depart on Wednesday. I won’t be blogging from this expedition, but will do so on our return. I have, however, scheduled some blog posts for this site during the time I am away.
Finally, here is a quick teaser video of the Empty Quarter Expedition:
And here is the finished story:
Into The Empty Quarter is available as a DVD, an HD Download, or a DVD and Download bundle. Running Length: 52 minutes.
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HD Download
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DVD and HD Download bundle
BEST DEAL Introductory Offer – £9.99 [RRP £20]
Get the DVD plus a FREE HD digital download. Region free — plays in all territories.
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Get the DVD to keep and share with friends and family. Region free — plays in all territories.
Looks good, and there’s even a hipflask of the good stuff. :) Why did you choose so skinny wheels/tyres for the cart? Will it be mostly something else than soft sand?
You know, after hearing your South trip being postponed, for a a while I planned about inviting you for a little trip in Finland but that has to wait for another polar night as I’ll be working and you’ll be in a place warmer and sunnier…
Oh, and good luck for the journey!
Yes – most of it will be gravel plains. The sand parts are going to be hard, that’s for sure! But most of the trip did not merit big balloon tyres…
Always keen for a trip to Finland!
Good luck !
Wishing you all the best on your desert expedition! Expecting many amazing sunset and suffering photos when you’re back blogging.
Good luck! Out of interest, what does a month’s worth of food involve?