IAN CORLESS

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Episode 248 – Liz Ward, MDS Cappadocia

Posted on August 9, 2024 by talkultra

The first edition of MDS Cappadocia took place in June 2024. A unique race in a unique landscape. We speak with 71-year old Liz Ward who achieved her first MDS bling after multiple attempts.

Liz crossing the finish line to get a hard earned medal.

You can read about the stage of MDS Cappadocia below:

Stage 1 HERE

Stage 2 HERE

Stage 3 HERE

And we have a full summary of the race HERE MDS CAPPADOCIA 2024 Summary

The hot air balloons at the start of stage 2

Listen to the podcast on Apple HERE

Spotify HERE

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Gaiters for a Desert Race

Posted on August 6, 2024 by talkultra

Gaiters for a desert race are an essential item. Quite simply, sand and feet are NOT friends. So, you need to do everything you possibly can to keep sand out of your shoes and keep your feet healthy and trouble free.

In 2024, Raidlight, the legendary French brand released the first mass produced desert specific shoe supplied with velcro sewn on and gaiter provided. I have tested them extensively and they are a great option if you want a one-stop and no hassle solution, my review is HERE – Raidlight Ultra Desert 4 Protect Shoe Review

However, many of you (most of you) will be using your favourite run shoe and will need velcro sewn to your shoe. Let’s get one thing clear, do not ask, “What shoe shall I use?” We are all individuals with different body weights, gaits, needs and speed. Shoes are very specific to the person. Read an article HERE How to Find Your Running Shoe Size and Fit.

Every year, the same question gets asked, “Where can I get my gaiters attached to my run shoes?”

Main gaiters brands:

WAA HERE
Raidlight HERE
MyRaceKit HERE

So here is a list of current resources, this list will be added to as more names/ contacts become available.

Kevin Bradley is the man. He has been sewing gaiters on shoes for years. He has probably done 1000’s. Very experienced and he knows his stuff. Alex Shoe Repair, 103c Lavender Hill, London, SW11 – Telephone +44 207 2223 4931

Strand Cobblers, 9 Imperial Way, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 1BY.

FRANCE

Raidlight have extended its desert racing expertise by now offering the installation of desert gaiters. More information via the website HERE

USA

Jay Batchen was the US agent for many years and his strong recommendation is with Chuva Shoe Repair in NYC (212-924-7199)

Other USA participants have also recommended, Kosta Koutsimanis Norwalk Shoe Repair, Connecticut.

Drago Shoe Repair (Pinel), 2 Charlton St, New York, NY 10014, (6th and Prince)

NETHERLANDS

Schoenmakerij P Heubel, Rechstraat 45, 6221 EG, Maastricht, Nederland

Also, Trailrunstore.com is recommended in Zoetermeer.

BELGIUM

Perfecta Kortrijksepoortstraat in Ghent.

Runners’ Lab three stores: Zaventem, Belgium · +32 2 310 90 74 / Zwijndrecht, Belgium · +32 3 775 22 13 and Ghent, Belgium · +32 9 229 19 55

READ MDS The Ultimate Guide – 2024 Edition HERE

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MDS Morocco – Atlantic Coast 2025

Posted on July 16, 2024 by talkultra

Following on from the huge success of MDS Cappadocia, MDS add a new event to the 2025 line-up, the MDS Morocco – Atlantic Coast.

This makes three events now in Morocco, MDS The Legendary, MDS Morocco and the new MDS Atlantic Coast which only confirms that Morocco, really is a perfect destination for a desert adventure.

The Atlantic Coast brings something very new, white dunes, endless beaches and of course, the juxtaposition of the ocean as a backdrop bringing something very new and different to a Moroccan adventure.

The event will take place from January 25th to February 1st 2025 and as with all other MDS events, it will follow the same format, a three day race over 4-days with the option to run/ walk 70, 100 or 120km’s.

Here is a breakdown of how each stage may look:

– Stage 1: 25km – 30km
– Stage 2: 20, 40 or 60km
– Stage 3: 25km – 30km

Read MDS The Ultimate Guide HERE

MDS events bring a very unique challenge and with the distance options that are available, you can make these events as hard or as easy as you wish. With a considerable line-up of events and destinations, MDS are now offering a great opportunity to visit new places as a run tourist.

The Atlantic Coast for sure will be a highly anticipated destination.

The Schedule:

Participants will need to arrive in Morocco (Marrakech or Agadir) on Saturday January 25th (or before) to meet the MDS team at a designated point for onward travel to the race hotel.
Day 2 will have technical and medical checks with a day at the hotel.
Day 3 participants will transfer from the hotel and the start of stage 1 which will be 25 to 30km. Night in bivouac.
Day 4 stage 2, the ‘long day’ of 20, 40 or 60km. Night in bivouac.
Day 5 rest day. Night in bivouac.
Day 6 stage 3 25 to 30km and then transfer to hotel. Night in bivouac.
Day 7 day at the hotel, awards in the evening and gala dinner.
Day 8 onward travel home.

Culture, adventure, tradition and relaxation, the Moroccan Atlantic Coast brings something new to the MDS line-up.

Registration opens July 17th at 12pm (UTC+2 / Paris Time) and the first 100 participants can save €300.

SIGN UP HERE

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MDS CAPPADOCIA 2024 Summary

Posted on June 28, 2024 by talkultra

The 2024 inaugural MDS CAPPADOCIA has concluded on a high, quite literally, as all participants and staff were treated to a surprise early morning balloon flight by the organisation to celebrate a pioneering moment for the MDS brand.

For many, the early morning sky filled with 100’s of balloons is one of those lifetime memory moments, to be given the option to fly, was a dream come true. From the airy heights, the full MDS Cappadocia route was able to be viewed providing a new perspective of the incredible journey that was only completed the day before.

And what a journey this MDS experience was.

As Cyril Gauthier mentioned in his opening briefing before the race, ‘Welcome to first edition of Marathon des Sables Cappadocia, but ironically, the sables element is missing here…’

It of course came as no surprise, however, Cappadocia is very much a desert-like landscape, correctly though, the element of soft sand and dunes is completely missing.

One may question, ‘Is this a bad thing?’ The simple answer here is no, each and every participant could not speak highly enough about this unique MDS experience and actually, many were very vocal and happy that MDS Cappadocia was a very new and different.

OVERVIEW

MDS Cappadocia is a 7-day experience following the same format of other MDS events that have gone before, Fuerteventura, Jordan and so on as perfect examples.

MDS team meet and greet before transfer to hotel

Day 1 – Runner’s are required to travel to Kayseri airport and arrive on a certain day so that they are able to take a transfer, provided by the organisation to the race hotel. At the hotel, technical checks and admin take place. In the evening dinner is provided.

Day 2 – Runner’s depart the hotel via transfer to the start. Now self-sufficiency begins and stage 1 starts. Runner’s run/walk 25km to the bivouac and conclusion of stage 1.

Day 3 – Stage 2 starts at bivouac and runner’s return to the bivouac choosing the option to run/ walk 20km, 40km or 60km.

Day 4 – A rest and recovery day.

Day 5 – Stage 3 26km which concludes in the Love Valley. A short transfer to the race hotel is provide. The evening is free.

Day 6* – A relaxing day at the hotel or sightseeing followed by awards, gala dinner and party.

Day 7 – Onward travel.

*Runner’s were surprised with a hot air balloon flight, this required a 04:00 departure from the hotel to experience the magic of Cappadocia from the sky. They returned between 0700-0800 for breakfast.

THE RACE

Travel, admin and the race hotel was slick providing a relatively easy and relaxed start to the MDS Cappadocia experience.

Stage 1 had a bus departure of 0800, race briefing at 0900 and race start of 0930. I think everyone welcomed a relaxed start, however, the challenge of stage 1 was very real.

There are several key factors that must be considered for MDS Cappadocia.

The heat for the duration of the race week was very high, temperatures were consistently between 33 to 36-degrees with a ‘feel’ on the skin of high 40’s. It was hot!
The Göreme Valley where much of the race takes place has an altitude of 1100m. This of course is not high altitude, but, the impact on breathing and physical effort was significant.
The route is considerably more challenging than other MDS events. Much of the route is single-track trails, mountain passes, gorges, tunnels, forest, technical trail, loose ground and it is undulating.
The vertical gain for each stage is significant, for the 72km it is 1767m, for the 91km it is 2243m and for the 111km it is 2576m.

The combination of elements above made MDS Cappadocia, km for km, more challenging and difficult than any other MDS race, The Legendary included. If MDS Cappadocia was an equivalent 250km distance of The Legendary, it would be a very hard race.

After stage 1, it was very clear to the organisation that start times were needed to be adjusted to allow for cooler temperatures. Stage 2 moved from a 0600 start to 0500, and stage 3 was moved from a 0700 start to a 0500 start. This quite simply was an excellent decision and it is fair to assume that future MDS Cappadocia will have earlier start times, especially on stage 1.

Bivouac was in a stunning location surrounded by iconic Cappadocia landscape such as fairy towers and Troglodyte caves. A very special place.

Participants sleep in individual MDS tents in cells of 6. There is a communal shaded area with matts so that everyone can relax post-race.

Camp life is like all other MDS events, The Legendary excluded, as here the bivouac tents hold 8-people. Priority is to relax, hydrate, eat and sleep. It’s a simple life. Participants are self-sufficient and therefore they must have all they need for the duration of the event. The exception is water, at the end of each stage, participants are provided a 5L bottle of water which must last to CP1 the next day (rest day excluded.)

In camp, there is medical/ foot care to ensure competitor safety.

The race route is considerably more complex than other MDS events and as such, route marking is crucial. Marking consisted of red/ white tape and flags, and the route was very well marked. However, I do feel that the provision of GPX files would be a great addition.

Aid stations were superb offering a shaded area, an abundance of water and importantly, iced water which the medical team pour on heads and necks to enable cooling. Medical provision is at each CP. For stage 1 there was two CP, stage 2 depending on the chosen distance had up to five CP’s and stage 3 had two CP. If required, the organisation added impromptu water stations to ensure competitor safety.

Competitors each have a tracker so they they can be monitored and in addition, there is a SOS button in the event of an emergency.

The event has cut-off times, however, the goal of MDS events is that each participant finishes, therefore, the organisation do all they can to facilitate runner’s crossing the line. Should someone DNF, they are given a free entry for the following year!

THE ROUTE

MDS Cappadocia brings something very unique to the MDS line-up. This is not a desert race, it is much more a trail race.

Underfoot, there are considerably more challenges with an ever changing terrain.

Just look at the photos, the route is a visual splendour of a very unique landscape. Taking in key areas of the Göreme Valley such as the Red Valley and Love Valley, the experience is special. A volcanic landscape, that has been shaped by wind, rain, lava, ice and erosion. Add the early morning spectacle of the hot air balloons and I firmly believe that Cappadocia needs to be experienced at least once. What better way to do this running or walking?

As mentioned above, the route is much more of a physical challenge, km for km, this is a harder race, however, as all the 2024 competitors confirmed, it is an achievable one… If it was easy, anyone could do it!

THE EXPERIENCE

Quite simply, the feedback from participants was a wow. From the moment stage 1 started, the visual splendour begins and that is consistent throughout the whole race experience.

A highlight was the early start for stage 2 when the whole bivouac area was surrounded hot air balloons. I personally have experienced start lines all over the world and this was a highlight. It was completely mind-blowing and one that will last with everyone for their lifetime. It was a privilege and honour to experience it.

The race was hard, especially with the intense heat. However, the MDS option to provide three distances for stage 2 is inspired and it gives everyone an opportunity to challenge themself in their own way.

In terms of runner’s needs, this is just like any other MDS event, however, there are some key considerations: 1. You need good trail shoes with excellent grip and toe protection. 2. Sand gaiters are not required but small ankle gaiters are a good idea to stop stones etc entering the shoe at the ankle. 3. Poles (and knowing how to use them) are a very good idea for the majority of the participants.

The MDS team have these events dialled and with a dedicated team they ensure competitor happiness and safety. Of course, first editions are always difficult, they are an opportunity to learn what does and what does not work. The general consensus post-race was one of huge success, however, it wasn’t perfect and the team look for this, so, tweaks.

The surprise of a hot air balloon flight was an incredible gesture by the MDS organisation, I think this almost certainly will be ‘option’ to add to the race experience in future editions.

The post-race awards, film, gala dinner and party was a great success.

CONCLUSION

Read the daily summaries – Stage 1 Here, Stage 2 Here, Stage 3 Here.

It takes a dedicated team to make an event happen and it’s important to acknowledge Argeus Travel and in particular, Koray and Hayden for their on ground experience in facilitating the first edition of MDS Cappadocia.

The event brings something new and different to the MDS line-up and that should be applauded. There is something special here in Turkey that needs to be experienced just once.

The challenge is real, respect this environment. The combination of altitude, heat, challenging terrain, self-sufficiency and camp life is something special.

And finally, this landscape is very, very special it needs to be experienced to be believed.

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MDS CAPPADOCIA 2024 – Stage 3

Posted on June 27, 2024 by talkultra

The first edition of MDS CAPPADOCIA concluded with stage 3 and 25km’s. What an edition it has been…

The MDS name is synonymous with sand, and yes, for sure, Cappadocia is not a desert, however, it is a desert like location and this has been one of the unique stories of the race.

Cappadocia is marvel for the eyes, the landscape, the features, the trails, the awe-inspiring views and yes, the balloons. Cappadocia is not Cappadocia without balloons.

The heat has been intense, temperature was recorded with a high of 36-degrees, this was close to a ‘feel’ of 48-degrees. It has been a tough edition and as ones expects with the MDS organisation, they responded accordingly by bringing the start times forward. Stage 3 was no exception and started at 05:20 instead of the scheduled 07:00.

Today, there were no distance options, 26km and 604m+ of elevation gain.

The opening km’s passing through the stunning Red Valley full of fairy towers and Troglodyte caves. Single-track mountain path and valley running and soon the stunning town of Uçhisar was passed before entering the Love Valley and the final km’s that would lead to the finish line.

What a way to finish a race, the Love Valley is hidden from view and full of scenic formations that bring a challenge of at times technical single-track, running through narrow passages and at all times, you are surrounded by the stunning landscape that makes Cappadocia unique.

The finish line, as one would expect, was full of emotion, 3-stages and 4-days and finally, a medal around the neck and a very welcome shower, meal and a bed.

But the surprise for participants did not stop here.

The MDS organisation decided to surprise everyone with an iconic balloon flight to conclude what has been a very memorable and successful first edition of MDS Cappadocia.

The first edition of MDS Cappadocia concludes with 26kms of stunning trails and views that took in the Red Valley and Love Valley. A hard earned medal the reward!

Results HERE

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MDS CAPPADOCIA 2024 – Stage 2

Posted on June 25, 2024 by talkultra

The sky came alive with arguably, one of the most impressive start lines I have ever witnessed. Stage 2 of MDS CAPPADOCIA was amidst the stunning hot air balloon spectacle that only Cappadocia bring. A wow!

The glimmer of a new day, the orange burn from the burners in the baskets of the balloons, at 05:20 stage 2 got underway. Today, the participants can choose a distance, 20km, 40km or 60km.

After a tough stage 1 for many, the 20km and 40km loops were going to be popular for sure. Starting slowly, the spectacle around the runner’s was just too impressive not to stop, look, film and photograph. One runner said as she passed, “This is the most impressive thing I have ever seen, this is truly magnificent.”

And so, MDS Cappadocia is etched in the mind, the unique landscape, the unique bivouac location and the dawn spectacle of hot air balloons, this is MDS Cappadocia.

An early start was welcome, the heat of day 1 was relentless, so, several hours of calm temperatures facilitated a good start to the day before the heat started to rise around 09:00, by early afternoon, temperatures were at 34-degrees.

There were lots of smiling faces, as runner’s tested themselves over a distance that was a challenge for them.

The terrain was constantly changing showing the best of what Cappadocia has to offer. Single-track, fairy towers, Troglodyte caves, lush green landscape, tunnels, gorges, canyons and so much more.

With three distances on offer, finishing times were spread throughout the day, in the 60km distance, Serge Fortini crossed first in 9:37:29, Hugo Brincard 2^nd 9:57:54 and Alexandre Mallier 3^rd 10:34:41. Maryline Demangel, Axelle Bellec and Augistina Gonzalez Fileur were 1,2, 3 for the women, 12:24:41, 12:47:25 and 15:17:55.

The final finishers arrived after midnight, a full day of challenge lasting over 19-hours of intense heat, beautiful views and challenging trail, a showcase of determination and strength.

For the 40km and 20km, we will need to wait for updated results to place athletes in the appropriate distance category, go to livetrail.com

Day 3 of the race is a rest and then stage 3 follows the following day and the conclusion of the first edition of MDS Cappadocia.

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MDS CAPPADOCIA 2024 – Stage 1

Posted on June 23, 2024 by talkultra

Female participation at MDS Cappadocia at 60%

The 2024 first edition of MDS Cappadocia got underway today, three stages with a potential longest distance of 120km’s and options to run 71.9km/ 92.8km and 110.5km based on the desired distance of stage 2.

Stage 1 25km

Stage 2 20.9km/ 41.8km/ 59.5km

Stage 3 26km

Many participants arrived in Turkey on Friday or Saturday with admin taking place on Saturday afternoon ahead of a relaxed dinner followed by a comfortable night in Suhan Cappadocia Hotel in Avanos.

Suhan Hotel, some luxury before self-sufficiency

Stage 1 began with a relaxed breakfast and 0800 departure to the start of the race and the beginning of self-sufficiency.

At 0900 briefing began and at 0930, the runners departed for 25km and 678m of elevation gain.

In contrast to MDS The Legendary and other MDS races, Cappadocia is not a desert race. Although the landscape has a desert feel, the route is much more single-track, mountain paths, grassland and of course it is all encompassed within the unique landscape of this area.

Troglodyte Caves a unique feature of Cappadocia

The Göreme valley is captivating, especially if never seen before.

For the participants, it was the start of a journey of discovery and at each point throughout stage, the beauty and experience was one that was passed on to MDS staff during and afterwards.

A hot day, cold water at CP’s make all the difference

A hot day, with a recorded high of 33-degrees, however, a gentle wind throughout many sections of the race helped to cool. Main CP’s also offered iced water which was poured on the heads and necks to facilitate cooling the core.

The stage was won in 02:29:40 by Keven Moncelli. Hugo Brincard and Alexandre Mallier were 2^nd and 3^rd, 02:32:41 and 02:39:08 respectively.

For the women, Maryline Demangel finished ahead of Axelle Bellec and Gudrun Hespel, 03:10:59, 03:20:23 and 03:39:08.

Stage 1 finish and the bivouac for the coming days is a hidden away gem backed by the unique Troglodyte homes, cut away in the rock that makes Cappadocia so unique and special.

Stage 2 (Monday) has an early wake-op of 03:30, briefing at 04:30 and the start of the stage at 05:00. Runner’s are able to choose the distance to cover.

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MDS Cappadocia 2024 – The Countdown Begins.

Posted on June 10, 2024 by talkultra

Countdown begins to the first edition of MDS Cappadocia, June 22^nd to June 28^th. A week long adventure in one of the most iconic locations in Turkey. A moonscape region carved by the variables of time and nature, famous for its layered history and unique geological features.

Day 1 Arrival in Turkey, technical and medical checks.
Stage 1 (day 2) will begin in Sunday June 23^rd with two distances, 25km or 30km and a night in bivouac.
Stage 2 (day 3) Considered ‘the long day’ will have three distance option, 20, 40 or 60km with a night in bivouac.
Day 4 a rest day.
Stage 3 (day 5) like stage 1, will offer two distance, 25 or 30km followed by a night in a hotel.
Day 6 a day of leisure and in the evening, gala dinner and awards and a night in the hotel.
Day 7 travel home.

MDS Cappadocia, like the other MDS locations (excluding MDS The Legendary) allows participants the option to choose between 3 distance formats: 70, 100 or 120 km, spread over 4-days/ 3 stages. These distances are given as an indication and are likely to be revised downwards according to the type of terrain and the difference in altitude of the routes. The event is accessible to everyone, runner or walker, with generous time barriers to enable completion – 98% finish.

However, just like The Legendary, self-sufficiency is part of the race and therefore participants must carry all they need for the race duration (inc food) the exception, water and a tent.

In principal, the requirement per person is as follows:

WAA Ultrabag 20l with two water bottles (or similar)
Sleeping bag and mat (mat is optional but recommended)
Clothing for running – Hat, shirt, shorts, socks and appropriate run shoes with gaiters (when applicable) for desert running.
Sunglasses
Warm layer – (down jacket, windbreaker, merino top etc)
Personal hygiene products inc sun cream and toilet paper.
Items for food preparation (stove (no gas) if you require hot water, bowl, spork etc)
Food – Find the right balance between freeze-dried meals, salty snacks, compotes, soups… Without forgetting the food for the race (especially during the long stage): cereal bars, gels or other energy sources. It is strongly recommended that each runner has a minimum of 2000 k/calories per race day
Any luxuries?

The race has Mandatory Equipment

WAA Ultra Bag 20L backpack or equivalent
Capacity of 1.5 liters of water
A sleeping bag
Headlamp (which must be turned on after dark) + 1 complete set of spare batteries or battery
10 safety pins
Lighter
Whistle
Metal blade knife
Skin antiseptic
Signal mirror
Survival blanket
8 soup cubes (2 per day) to help the rehydration
Tube of sunscreen
100 euros in cash
Passport or identity card (depending of the destination)
Official MDS medical certificate completed by a doctor (form available 3 months before the race).

Weight is key, participants need to aim for the lightest weight possible without compromising what they need for an efficient and comfortable race. Remember, runner’s need to carry everything for their chosen race distance.

In comparison to other MDS locations (Jordan, Morocco, Fuerteventura etc), Cappadocia will bring a new challenge and environment. Located in the centre of Anatolia, Cappadocia is characterised by its fairy chimneys and Troglodyte dwellings carved in the rock. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This terrain is rolling with considerably less sand and the landscape is filled with fascinating cone-shaped rock formations. On good weather days, the sky is filled with hot air balloons, a key attraction for this area.

If you’d like to follow the first edition of MDS Cappadocia, a daily report and images will be posted on this website.

Interested in another MDS event?

Entries open in June for the 2025 MDS The Legendary HERE and new for 2024, MDS TREK MOROCCO which brings a new concept to the MDS format, read HERE for information and register from June 12th HERE.

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PHD Ultra Jacket and Desert Race Halfbag Review

Posted on June 7, 2024 by talkultra

A key consideration for any self-sufficient multi-day journey is weight. Additional weight is just a burden, so, fine tuning equipment for your adventure is key.

In races such as Marathon des Sables, there is a requirement to be completely self-sufficient with just water and a shelter provided.

So, in addition to the clothes you are wearing, you must carry all the food required for the week, any luxuries and importantly warm layers: sleeping bag, sleeping mat, jacket and so on.

The debate, ”Do I need a warm jacket?” takes place every year and in all honesty, the most truthful answer is yes and no! It doesn’t help does it! The reason being, in a hot year, the need for a jacket can be very minimal or not at all. However, in a cold or cooler year, a jacket can be a life saver. So, the best answer here is usually have a jacket, take it with you and before the race, whilst in race location, make a decision based on the current weather and forecast.

Sleeping bag in some ways is easier to answer, yes, you need one! However, that is only the start of the process with a sleeping bag, you need to take into account key questions:

Do I sleep warm?
Do I sleep cold?
Am I tall?
Am I short?
Do I have wide shoulders?
Do I get cold feet?

And the above list can go on.

Also, budget is a consideration, there are many sleeping bag options and prices vary greatly.

Ultimately, for a jacket and sleeping bag we want the following:

The lightest possible.
The warmest based on our needs.
The most flexible system.

I personally have always been in favour of having a jacket, mornings can be cold and evenings can be chilly, so, the option of a jacket is great. Also, if you have a jacket, you can look at taking a lighter, less warm sleeping bag and looking to ‘boost’ warmth if required by wearing the jacket inside the sleeping bag.

With all the above in mind, UK brand PHD have come up with a potentially perfect solution.

The ULTRA JACKET and the DESERT RACE HALFBAG.

Before discussing in-depth, PHD understand the need for weight v warmth, they also understand layering and the benefits of top-quality ethically sourced down.

The ULTRA JACKET is super light at 200g and is filled with 1000 fillpower down, good for temperatures as low as -5 deg.

The DESERT RACE HALFBAG is a half size sleeping bag weighing 240g. This bag stops at the waist is filled with high-quality 950 fillpower down and is designed to keep legs and feet warm. However, the technology does not stop there. Understanding that deserts can be windy, they have added a neck-length sand cover or extender to cocoon your body, arms and hands to cut out air movement. This allows the user to regulate warmth and comfort.

If it is cold, you quite simply add the ULTRA JACKET and then pull the neck-length sand cover over.

This combination provides a sleep/ warm system for well under 500g that packs very, very small. Effectively, with this combination of products, not only do you save weight, but you increase flexibility and options.

THE JACKET

The Ultra Jacket weighing 200g for a men’s medium is a high quality product filled with 1000 fillpower down giving warmth to -5 degrees. It is a simple, no frills product designed to be as warm as possible and as light as possible. The outer fabric is windproof which adds to the warmth. It does have hand pockets with no zips, again to save weight. There is a zippered inner chest pocket. Standard colour is black but it is possible to choose red and as with all PHD products you can have a custom make with Hypershell or you can add a hood. You can also have a custom fit, specifying body width, body length and arm length.

Prices start at 498.00 UK pounds / 582 euros.

PHD say, “Our lightest sub-zero down jacket. A ‘K Series’ product. Warmth to weight at the limit of possibilities for extra-keen lightweight backpackers and mountain racers. Now also available in custom sizes.”

THE BAG

The Desert Race Halfbag is a simple, lightweight and effective solution for those looking to save weight, increase flexibility and still keep warm, it comes in a standard length.

The neck-length sand cover is a brilliant addition.

The addition of the neck-length sand cover increases warmth and flexibility on windy and cooler nights. Using top-quality 950 fillpower down, this half bag is incredibly light and packs small. It has stitch through construction ensuring down stays evenly spread with no cold spots. As with all PHD products, it is possible to have a custom make, for example add a zip, have it made short or long, choose a colour (green, red, black or white) or you can add Dri-LX outer fabric.

Prices start at 342.00 UK pounds / 400 euros.

PHD say, “Designed specifically for desert racing. From the legendary Saharan Marathon des Sables to the Kalahari’s KAEM, and the growing number of events in the Gobi, the Atacama, the Australian interior and all around the world, these events have their own particular set of challenges to overcome. Sweltering 40 degree (C) race days can give way to 4 degree (C) nights – that’s cold enough for frost – in which warmth, sleep and recovery play a vital part in preparation for the next day’s challenge.”

Read about the down HERE

950. A newcomer to our range. European goose of rare quality. A high value alternative at the top levels of performance. We have introduced a wide range of options in 950 in response to the soaring cost of 1000.
1000. European goose down of unique quality with exceptionally large lively clusters. 1000 provides the highest warmth-for-weight performance possible from down and has been used in PHD products since 2008. Unfortunately, scarcity (and the fashion industry) continue to push up the price steeply every year. This rarest of all downs we reserve for the K Series, our lightest products right through the range from marathon ultralights to alpine kit and on into high mountain gear.

IN USE

Desert Race Halfbag with neck-length sand cover and ultra jacket with hood

The system is absolutely brilliant and I have fallen in love with the weight of the two items, the flexibility to adjust my sleep comfort temperature and when it has been cold, the down jacket really gives a massive boost and pulling up the neck-length sand cover encapsulates me so that I feel I have a full sleeping bag.

There are some important points to consider, the effectiveness (warmth) of the jacket and half bag is improved by using a sleeping mat which adds comfort and insulation from the ground. Also, I intentionally chose a jacket with no hood as I preferred the lighter jacket weight and the option to add a hat or beanie to increase warmth. It’s really simple, want a jacket or sleeping bag to be warmer, cover your head.

CONCLUSION

The combo of jacket and halfbag is now, without doubt, going to be chosen fast-packing/ multi-day option. It just makes sense. I have a really warm jacket for sitting around. I have a really warm halfbag and when the two are combined, I have a really excellent and adaptable system for sleeping. The light and storable sand cover is really simple, use it or don’t use it, no worries, but the extra security and protection this gives is brilliant. PHD are really on to something here.

With high quality down products and lightweight fabrics, they compress and adapt when packing, so, adding these to a race bag after packing they will take up little or no space. As an example, I used two small dry bags (3L) by Osprey and Sea-to-Summit and packed the jacket and bag away to see how small I could compress them.

Are there any downsides? Yes, the price. The jacket and halfbag in standard configuration will cost you 840.00 UK pounds/ 982 euros. That is a hefty price tag. However, if you look at the cost of a down jacket and full sleeping bag, the prices are comparable, +/-.

This offer by PHD does not come cheap and yes, you can shop around and find options that are considerably cheaper. I guess I look at this a little like buying a car, any car providing it has fuel and it is in working order, will take you for A to B. However, based on desires, budget and the desire for the best, you can do that A to B ride in a small Fiat or a Ferrari. PHD are coming at the Ferrari end offering a luxury bespoke product that is extremely light, packs really small, is perfect for the task that is required and for that, you pay a price!

Only you can decide if it is worth it!

I have been using PHD for over 10-years, I have used their Minim bags in the Sahara and the Hispar bags in the Himalayas. The ability to have custom features has been, at times, a luxury. My original Sahara bag had no zip to save weight, however, my next bag had a full-zip which allowed me the option to use it as a blanket/ duvet. The Ultra Jacket and the Desert Race Halfbag has taken things to a next level and in doing so, they have provided me multiple options for temperature regulation in varying climate conditions and I love this. Should I go to a very cold climate in the future, I could now use this jacket and halfbag in combination with my Hispar bag to give me excellent sleep comfort below -20degs, that is awesome.

Go to PHD HERE

Read about the PHD sleep system HERE

PHD have always made a superb product, it is made in the UK with the highest quality products and importantly, ethically sourced down, which comes at a price. They may be expensive, but you get a top-quality product and excellent after service and care.

Reviews:

“It worked exactly as described. I consider the temperature ratings accurate. We had a couple of nights when the wind picked up and the sand blew. When this happened I was grateful for being able to pull the sand sheet on the half bag up over my head and use the drawstring to keep the sand out” – Gareth Scobie (Marathon des Sables competitor).

“The sensation of immediate warmth in the Ultra Jacket is unsurpassed. The 1000-fill is so high-lofting, it puffs up as if a pump has been attached. Rare and wonderful.” – Judy Armstrong in TGO Magazine.

“For me the half bag and pullover was perfect, probably the best bit of kit I bought. To be wearing the top half as a jacket in the evening, then slip into the lower half was simplicity itself. It was plenty warm enough…” – Dain Jensen (Marathon des Sables competitor).

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