NOMAD BACKPACK by MDS

With its 35 years of experience, the organisation team of the MARATHON DES SABLES has noticed that the backpack often hinders the possibility to fully enjoy the adventure: unbalanced weight, rubbing in the back, bruised shoulders, loose items, fragile shoulder straps...

So, to make the MARATHON DES SABLES a more serene adventure and to better concentrate on the positive elements of this event, we have thought up, designed, and produced the NOMAD BACKPACK by MDS with the help of experienced runners and walkers.

The NOMAD BACKPACK by MDS isperfectly suited to stage races or self-sufficient multi-day trips, whether you are a top-level runner or a complete amateur.

PRACTICAL & FLEXIBLE

• 1 adjustable and detachable front pack
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  The front pack gives you quick access storage and reduces the weight on your back, balancing the front and rear loads. It is ideal for storing your gels, cereal bars, roadbook and other essentials during the race. You can also choose not to run with it and therefore not carry it on the MDS.
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• 1 bottle holder on the top of the front pack
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  When you arrive at a checkpoint (CP) that offers you 2 water bottles, you can take up to 3 litres with you. How do you do this? Transfer the first bottle into your 2 main bottles, then place the second bottle in the space provided above the front pack. Stabilise the front pack with the compression straps, and off you go with peace of mind! If you don't want to run with a bottle on the front pack, fill up two more 75-cl bottles or flasks and place them on either side of your backpack, in the two open-mesh pockets (at the orange cord).
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• 2 bib number holders: 1 on the front pack and 1 on the back of the backpack (fastening systems provided)
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  Fastening systems enable you to attach race numbers without putting holes in the backpack or in your T-shirt. They can be replaced by safety pins to make the backpack lighter, or even removed after the event if you don't need them, for example for a hike.
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• 4 pole holders adaptable to all types of poles
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  You always ask yourself the famous question: poles or no poles on the MDS? Some stages are rolling, others a little less so, and others are even more hilly. If you choose to use poles—whether they are one-section or two-section, telescopic or other—the backpack offers you various possibilities for attaching them when you are not using them. Under the bottles, under the front pack, under the arms or on either side of your backpack (under the armpits/arms): there is a solution for everyone!
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  Remove all the fasteners you don't need to attach your poles. For example: the ones under your front pack or the ones in front of your 2 open-mesh side pockets. This will slightly reduce the weight of your backpack and your pack will be less overstuffed.
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• 1 mattress/sleeping bag space determined by the 2 straps and 1 zipped pocket under the backpack
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  Attach and compress your mattress with the 2 straps under the backpack. If you don't take a mattress, you can put your sleeping bag there. Your sleeping bag can also be inserted into the zipped pocket on the underside of your backpack (under the mattress). If your sleeping bag doesn't fit, you can put it in the large Velcro pocket on the back of the backpack. If you don't put a duvet in the zipped pocket, you can put your dirty clothes, silk liner, down jacket, overalls or other easily compressible items in there. Remember that inflatable mattresses are vulnerable to thorns, so be careful when you put your backpack down!
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• 1 survival whistle to hang on the bag, supplied with a cord;
• 1 raincover to protect the backpack in case of bad weather;
• 1 adventurer's kit: 1 sternum compression strap, 1 'A4' sheet of the backpack's 75D fabric, 1 pair of all the backpack's buckles (Triglide 20mm, quick release in 20mm and 15mm), 0.5 metre of 20-mm strap, 0.5 metre of 15-mm strap, 2.5 metres of elastic cord, 8 S-size Tancas, 2 L-size Tancas
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  The adventurer's kit will enable you to: • change your backpack's configuration by adding elements where you think it is useful; • change parts or make repairs if you accidentally tear your backpack.
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FUNCTIONAL & ERGONOMIC

• On the front: 2 bottle holders
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  Insert your flasks or bottles. Push them in properly and then slightly pull up the lower straps. Tighten them firmly. Next, tighten the upper elastic cords with the Tancas. Finally, put the same elastic cords around each of your bottles for a better hold.
  and 4 quick access pockets
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  Two zipped pockets are easily accessible under each bottle. You can insert your phone (camera), power bank, MP3 player, survival blanket, mirror, whistle, or your water card and other flat objects such as a photo of your loved ones or the charity you are supporting. Two stretch open-mesh pockets are also available for quick access at the ribs. There, you can store your gels, cereal bars, sun cream (provided they don't suffer from sunrays), but also your compass, headlamp, mask and other essential items for your stage.
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• On the back: 4 multi-format pockets
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  There is a zipped pocket on the top of the backpack. It is best suited for lighter items such as your first aid equipment: antiseptic wipes, venom extractor, survival blanket, mirror, compressed wipes and the like. Keep the whistle on the front for quick access. A Velcro pocket at the bottom also allows you to store your sleeping bag, down jacket, overalls, flip-flops or other easily compressible items. Two open-mesh pockets are available on the sides of the backpack. These can be used to store your two-section poles (if the stage is rolling), your pair of flip-flops, or secondary water bottles.
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• On the front of the shoulders: 1 beacon location
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  Do not bring anything to fix the MDS beacon: the organisation will take care of everything and fix it with Rilsan cable ties.
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• Reflective elements on the front, sides, and back of the backpack for safety at night ;
• On the top: a quick access zipper and a large carrying handgrip
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  Need something inside your backpack and don't feel like loosening all the straps? Use the quick access zipper and dig in! It is located between the carrying handgrip and the zipped pocket at the top of your backpack.
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• Rectangular shape with full opening of the backpack
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  Place your backpack on the floor and optimise your storage. Its total opening and rectangular shape will facilitate your task and maximise the usable volume.
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• Inside: 5 compartments, including 2 zipped pockets and 3 slip pockets (1 of which can be transformed into a water bladder)
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  Five compartments inside: • 2 zipped pockets in open mesh, ideal for your hygiene kit (toothbrush, soap, etc.), fuel tablets, cutlery, passport, money and other valuables; • 2 slip pockets and 1 main pocket, in which you can insert your spare clothing, food, and many other items. These 3 pockets have been designed to offer large volumes and therefore maximum freedom. Zipped freezer bags are all yours! Please note that one of the slip pockets can be used as a water bladder on your excursions other than the MDS (a water bladder is not adapted to the MDS). For this purpose, we have integrated a hole for the hose.
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COMFORTABLE

• Water-repellent main material (Ribstop 75D Polyester) - Lining in 210D Polyester ;
• Multiple adjustment straps for better support, stability, and effective compression ;
• High-quality foam and 3D Tulle Mesh in 100% Hydrophobic Polyester for comfort and optimal ventilation of areas that are sensitive and vulnerable to friction ;
• Balanced weight thanks to your front pack and the various pockets of the backpack.