Packing for the desert: what actually earns its place

Desert nights are colder than people expect. A light fleece and a scarf do more work than a second pair of shoes. During the day, loose cotton beats technical fabrics in dry heat.

The three things we never leave behind: a refillable water bottle, a scarf that works as sun cover and warmth, and a small torch. Everything else can be simplified.

One more: leave room in the bag. You will want to bring something back from the market, and the good purchases are rarely planned.