What to pack for a 1-week desert adventure

Have you tried spending one week walking in the desert? It is an awesome experience, as it lets you erase your stress and reset your mind. On top of that, if you happen to do it in an exotic place, add the thrill of cultural discovery. Many travel agencies offer packaged treks, that are convenient and safe. The rhythm of life, the sights, the sounds, the swarms of stars at night... When returning home, you won't believe it was only one week!

But what to pack? After 3 stays in the desert and repeating each time the same mistake (forgetting to write down what I needed when returning home), I have decided to make this list. I hope it can help others too.

To wear on you

- comfortable walking shoes. Sneakers are OK

- cotton socks

- cotton pants, preferably grey

- cotton T-shirt

- cotton long-sleeved shirt

- windstopper jacket

- good sunglasses

- sun-protective hat. Traditional "shesh" (a 2-meter+ strip of cotton you wrap around your head) is best.

In a small bag with you

- 1-liter+ drinking bottle (a re-used PET bottle is OK)

- strong sunscreen

- toilet paper + lighter (to burn the used paper!)

- passport

For fun, during the (long) stops
- postcards from your place, 1 book
- drawing pad + pencils

- star map

In a bigger bag (hopefully an animal or vehicle carries it for you during the day)

- 1 warm sleeping bag + lining sheet

- 1 polar fleece

- 1 cotton long-sleeved shirt

- 2 cotton T-shirts

- 2 underwear

- small washing basin + detergent in a small bag

- small towel

- piece of soap in a box

- headlamp with battery

- toiletries + medicine (at least: anti-diarrhea, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, band-aids)

What not to pack

- new shoes. You don't want to take that chance.

- more stuff. You really don't need much. In the desert, there is no one to impress with fancy clothes or stuff, and hygiene is limited to basics. On top of that, traveling light also helps free your mind. Even try to forget your camera (oblige yourself to look).
However, you need to ensure:
+ you are warm at night (it may freeze),
+ you are protected from the sun during the day,
+ you have some basic medicine ready just in case.