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FRENCH DAYS

The desert forgives nothing.

Every detail of your gear matters.

  • Official partner

    Desert Trophy & Petra Wadi Rum Challenge

  • 25 years

    desert expertise

  • 5000+ finishers

    equipped in 2024

Withstand the heat

Stay cool, even at 40°C.

The Raidlight solution: an ultra-breathable, quick-drying jersey. Its fabric features UPF 40 sun protection, wicks away heat, and reduces overheating.

Facing the sand

Sand should never slow you down.

The Raidlight solution: trail running shoes with integrated gaiters for effective protection against sand and the elements.

Become self-sufficient

Carry everything, without weighing you down.

The Raidlight solution: a pack designed for self-sufficiency. Modular, lightweight, and functional, it allows you to carry everything you need in complete autonomy.

Orange

How to dress for the desert: prioritize weight

The desert imposes extreme temperature variations. To stay efficient from sunrise to sunset, there is only one rule: lightness.

1. Rely on ultra-light and breathable fabrics
Raidlight offers you the ULTRA DRYLIGHT LONG SLEEVES jersey for maximum breathability and sun protection for the upper body.

2. Manage temperature drops and wind
In the desert, thermal breaks can be sudden; our ULTRALIGHT WINDPROOF windbreaker (75g) is barely noticeable in your bag but creates an effective barrier against wind and the cold evening air.

3. Dedicated accessories for the desert
In desert conditions, certain accessories are essential to manage heat and fatigue over time. We recommend the UPF50 certified saharan cap and the R-LIGHT SUN sunglasses.

Desert essentials

Here is the equipment worn by runners in multi-stage desert races. Tested, validated, optimized in the most extreme conditions.

The complete outfit

Orange

BOB ADVENTURE

€24,90
ULTRALIGHT 12L

ULTRALIGHT 12L

€159,90
ACTIVE STRETCH

ACTIVE STRETCH

€69,90 €59,90
Noir

ULTRA MAX DESERT PROTECT

€199,90 €179,90

They conquered the desert with Raidlight

I tested several brands. With Raidlight, I gained comfort and lost 800g on my pack. It makes all the difference over 250 km

Medhi A.

Race: Marathon des Sables 2024 – 7th place

My first self-supported ultra. The Desert Protect gaiters saved me. Not a single blister. I'm going back in 2025

Sophie D.

Race: Raidlight Desert Trophy 2023 – 1st desert participation

The desert had been my dream for 10 years. With the Raidlight team, I was guided from start to finish. Finisher at 47, I still can't believe it.

Thomas R.

Race: Ultra-Trail Atlas Toubkal 100 km

Raidlight expertise

Don't leave without your desert checklist

25 years of experience condensed into a practical guide to prepare your next adventure.

WHAT YOU WILL FIND IN THIS GUIDE:

Complete checklist: clothing, bag, shoes, accessories
Nutrition & hydration guide: self-sufficiency strategy
Expert advice: how to choose your equipment based on your distance
Physical preparation: the 3 key workouts before departure
Last-minute tips: avoid beginner mistakes

Don't let the desert dictate its conditions anymore.

Discover the gear designed for all finishers, tested by those who have conquered the dunes.

FAQ

All our answers to your questions about desert equipment:

How to choose my bag for a self-sufficient race?

For a multi-day race in the desert, choose a bag between 20L and 24L. It should be lightweight (less than 700g empty), with good weight distribution and pockets accessible while running. The Raid Legend 24L (680g) is designed for that.

Are gaiters really essential?

Yes. A grain of sand in your shoe at km 10 = a blister at km 30 = dropping out at km 80. The Desert Protect gaiters block 100% of sand thanks to their Kevlar-reinforced mesh. It's the most worthwhile investment for the desert.

Which fabric to choose to withstand the heat?

Technical fabrics certified UPF 50+ that quickly wick away sweat and dry fast. The Ecodry fabric of our R-Light jerseys is perfect: ultra-breathable, lightweight (80g), and designed for long distances in high heat.

Do you need a waterproof jacket in the desert?

Yes, because storms (rare but severe) and sand winds can occur. Opt for an ultra-lightweight (175g) and packable jacket like the Ultralight 3.0. It takes up no space in your bag and saves you in tough situations.

Does Raidlight offer a personalized consulting service?

Yes! Contact our team via the contact form or by email. We’ll help you put together your gear according to your race, your profile, and your experience.