At the barest of minimum you should bring these things with you to camp with the Melons at Burning Man. Pictured: some of the things Mayor McCheese carries around the playa (above) and some of Charts' dusted belongings (below).
There are a lot of other great packing lists on the interwebs, and skimming through a few of them can provide some nice inspiration. There are lots of little lifehack items that can make the playa a bit more comfortable or fun. For The Trip In:- Your Ticket (to get into Black Rock CIty)
- Directions to Black Rock City and jumper cables (if you are driving)
- Some water (to keep you hydrated)
- A snack (to keep you pleasant). Be prepared for a worst case where you are sitting on the gate road for six hours.
The Basics:- A large water bottle or a Camelbak-style backpack (to stay hydrated)
- Goggles (to protect your eyes in a dust storm)
- Sunglasses (if your goggles won't suffice)
- Extra eyeglasses (as a back-up, if you wear contacts)
- Dust mask or handkerchief (to protect your lungs in a dust storm)
- Head lamp (to see at night)
- Another light (to replace the head lamp you lost)
- EL-wire/LEDs (to be seen at night)
- Sturdy shoes (you are okay seeing consumed by dust)
- Warm jacket (to keep you warm at night)
- Warm hat/socks (to keep you warm at night)
- A cup (to drink out of when visiting bars)
- Your ID (to show to bartenders)
- A spoon (to eat with)
- A MOOP container (to put MOOP in)
- An ashtray - like an Altoids tin with the label covered - if you smoke (to put your butts in)
- Hand sanitizer (to sanitize your hands)
- Wet wipes (to clean everything)
- Condoms (to keep it safe)
- A roll of one-ply toilet paper (to use if the portapotty is barren)
- Toiletries in a zip lock bag (to pretty yourself)
- A small first aid kit (to patch yourself)
- Personal medications (to keep you healthy since, surprisingly, there is no Black Rock Pharmacy)
- Sunscreen (to protect your skin)
- Lip balm (to protect your lips)
- Earplugs (to protect your hearing)
- A set of clothes in a zip lock bag (to change into during Exodus)
- Pen and paper in a zip lock bag (to write down what you've learned)
- Extra zip lock bags (to put things in while keep ing the dust out)
- A watch (to tell time with, if that's your thing)
- Batteries (to keep your lights lit up)
- A tent (to sleep in)
- A sleeping bag/cot (to sleep in)
- A thermarest or other other padding (to sleep on)
- A bicycle (to get around on)
- A bike lock (to discourage borrowing)
- A spray bottle (to keep you moist, to make friends with)
- Gifts (to gift)
- A camp chair (to sit on)
- A watermelon (to share)
Things You Shouldn't Bring:- Rebar (we have more than enough ground stakes)
- Cookware (unless it something unique, camp has lots of cookware)
- Plants (the desert will kill them)
- Pets (the desert will kill them)
- Feathers/sequins or things that will shed (while no longer verboten they are highly discouraged)
- Glow sticks (there are more environmentally-friendly ways to get lit)
- Water (we have more than enough water for you)
One final thought on packing! After, or towards the end, of the Burn sit down and make a list or take photos of what you brought/carried and used on the Playa. It will make it much easier next year when you have to dig into a Burner Box like this: |
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