Getting Ready For Burning Man

Read survival guide.
Subscribe to (JRS) Jack Rabbit Speaks.
(both at burningman.com)

SHOP EARLIER NOT LATER. Burning Man supplies become rarer closer to the event.

Many people sell burner supplies on craigslist, search for 'burning man' or 'playa'

YOU DARN WELL BETTER BRING...

Everything you bring will get covered with playa dust. Generally you shouldn't bring nice things to Burning Man.

WATER 1.5-2gal/day (2.5 gallon plastic water bottles are useful)
Hot/cold weather clothing
Garbage bags
Contact lens supplies, medicines, toiletries, etc..
Sunscreen
Lighting. I recommend rechargeable headlamps if you have power, or bring batteries. Also consider personal "glow" for walking around / lighting up your back, such as fairy lights.
Day and night eye protection: Sunglasses, goggles, ..
Dust mask (or even just a light scarf to wrap around your face for dust storms)
Food (see below)
Shelter (tent, or otherwise able to handle harsh winds/dust). Preferably one with closable windows/vents.
Strong tent stakes, or better yet, rebar, either bent in a 'candy cane' or with with caps/covers such as tennis balls, plastic bottles

YOU REALLY SHOULD BRING...

Bicycle (this should be REQUIRED gear, the city is miles wide)
See the Jack Rabbit Speaks for ways to get bicycles, though realize that you can actually buy new bikes at places like Toys'RUs for ~$75
- Balloon tires, preferably a junker
- Bike lights. Decorating your bike makes it easier to find.
- Extra inner tubes!
- BIKE LOCK. Do not use a bike at Burning Man without a lock.
- Optionally consider electric bikes or electric scooters, though note that technically if it's a motorized scooter it can't have a seat (though e-bikes with pedals historically manage to skate by this requirement
Definitely considering renting from one of the companies that lets you pickup and dropoff on playa, because:
1. You don't have to clean or repair the bike
2. You don't have to transport the bike - which is often a difficult thing, the Burner Bus charges something like $25-$50 to carry bicycles.
Some options off-hand: http://hammerandcyclery.com https://playabikerepair.com
Camelbak or other water carrying device
Skin care (the playa is harsh!): Baby wipes + lotion + hand sanitizer + vinegar
Footwear (non-open, non-nice, *comfortable*, breathing). Some people have issues with playa on their feet, some go barefoot.

YOU MIGHT WANT..

Camera (don't bring nice camera unless you're prepared for it to be worn or you protect it properly)
First aid
Duct tape, gorilla tape, etc..
Rope (depending on your shelter/tent)
Ear plugs (depending on your sleep requirements)
Ziplock bags
"Costumes" (I'm not a fan of this word at Burning Man)
What you would wear if you didn't have preconceived notions of what clothing looks like?
Night of burn: anything with coverage is actually nice for avoiding radiant heat
Folding camp chair
Recharge/Gatorade/Emergen-C
Wide-brimmed hat (for sun - and chin strap suggested for wind)
Cooking stove
Something to give people - but not cheapo plastic crap or candy. Something personal or special.
Solar lights for your camp area
Air mattress
Shade structure to put over tent, very nice for sun blockage,
but make sure it can handle wind, definitely tie down to rebar
Costco: ~$200, or: $120 ebay sells carport kit (joints)
Or: easy to build/transport: "Monkey hut"
Sewing kit
Misting bottle
Stamps + postcards (there is an actual post office)
Fresh clothes for drive home
Massage oil
Paper towels
On drive in: fill up with gas when you exit freeway (last day station is Gerlach)
Women: Pee funnels, Divacup or Moon Cup (google if needed)

DO NOT BRING..

Loose glitter, anything else that sheds
Feathers, feather boas, etc.. (number one moop found on playa is fucking feathers - don't bring them)
Glass containers
Unnecessary food packaging
Nuts with shells
Don't bring fruits or meats without a cooler and plans to buy ice (though I'm told tomatos survive outside a cooler)
Styrofoam coolers (they break apart)
Straw/hay

Food Suggestions

Taste is different on playa. Obviously personal opinion has a factor, but your own personal tastes will change up there. Fruit smoothies sound like they'd be great, but they end up not satisfying. But V-8s, which are nasty, horrible beverages, actually taste good up there. Taste buds change because of the elevation, dryness and basic pH. YMMV, but this is what my group and I have learned foodwise.

Keep in mind, the six food groups on playa are: Protein, Fat, Sugar, Salt, Spice, Caffeine

Nutter Butters & Lays BBQ chips highly recommended (so delicious on playa - four of the food groups!)
Containers of Egg Replacers or Egg Whites: easier to put in cooler then eggs
Soup is easy to clean
Rice is not (or get premade or cook in bag)
Tastee Bite or other prepackaged Indian food (VERY tasty, zero cleanup)
Bread will dry out unless you ziplock in 6-8 piece groups
Pancakes + fruit syrup
Canned fruits and veggies
Avoid foods that make you thirsty (soda, granola bars)
Coffee if you need it.
Instant dinners: mac 'n cheese, etc..
Jerky. Easy to carry, protein and salt
Nut mixes
Hydration: Electrolyte drinks, coconut water, vanilla/chocolate soy milk, red bull

Disclaimer: Do not try this at home.
Do not try this at someone else's home.
Do not try this anywhere. It's too stupid.
Ultra Stunt Danger Academy, 2010

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