Sleeping in the desert
Traveling by motorcycle through the Moroccan desert in autumn and winter can be an incredible experience, but it requires the right equipment to handle the desert climate, which can get cold at night. Here is a list of essential camping gear for these conditions, although it will also be useful for almost any season of the year:
1. Tent
– Lightweight and Wind-Resistant Tent: It is important to choose a lightweight tent, weighing three kilos or less, to make it easier to transport on the motorcycle, but sturdy enough to withstand strong desert winds. If you’re traveling with a maxi-trail, you might consider the Redverz Atacama Expedition tent, which weighs around six kilos and is very well designed, made with top-quality materials. Although I have traveled with one of these on different motorcycles, with a mid-range trail bike, the weight and bulk have affected the handling too much in fast and difficult areas. In the end, it’s about weighing what you need to bring and prioritizing what’s most essential for you.
– Waterproof: Although the desert is dry, it’s always good to be prepared for unexpected rain. A compact and lightweight 3-season tent with a double layer is a good solution.
– Good ventilation: The desert can be very hot during the day, so a tent with good ventilation is key to avoiding condensation and keeping you cool in the morning.
– Mosquito net: In cold weather, you won’t have issues with mosquitoes, but if you need to invest in a tent, it’s better if it comes equipped with a good mosquito net that offers solid protection and better ventilation in warm temperatures.
2. Sleeping bag
– Appropriate temperature range: In November, temperatures in the Moroccan desert can drop to 0°C or even lower at night. Choose a sleeping bag with a comfort range between -5°C and 0°C.
– Synthetic or down material: Down sleeping bags are warmer and lighter, but if you’re expecting damp conditions, a synthetic bag may be more practical as it dries faster.
3. Silk, cotton, or synthetic sheet bag
– Silk or cotton sleeping bag liner: It takes up little space, and by using it, you will protect the inside of your sleeping bag and increase the temperature by up to 5°C.
– Synthetic sleeping bag liner: Like the SeaToSummit Reactor, in addition to protecting the inside of your sleeping bag, you’ll gain an extra 8°C (or even a bit more) for an additional weight of only 248 g.
4. Insulated Mattress
– Insulating mat: The desert floor can cool down quickly at night, so a good insulator is essential to avoid losing body heat. Self-inflating mats are comfortable and compact. If you expect very cold nights, consider an insulator with greater thickness and high thermal properties (R-value = 3 or higher). I have been using a Thermarest NeoAir mat for years, and it continues to perform as well as it did when it was new.
This gear will help you be prepared for the changing conditions of the desert, ensure better rest, and allow you to enjoy your motorcycle trip through Morocco.
