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Written by Paul Raymore
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Tuesday, 22 August 2006 |
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 Regulars at Burning Man, the week-long festival of arts, creativity and expression in the middle of Nevada’s Black Rock desert, know that surviving for a week in the sometimes harsh environment on the playa requires proper planning.
To help those going for their first time figure out what to bring, we consulted with Tahoe World production manager Lauren Shearer, who will be making her second trip to the playa this year as part of the Black Rock Lemonade theme camp.
The essentials:
Water: The organizers recommend bringing at least 1.5 gallons of water per person per day, but you should bring more if you plan to pack a solar shower or portable hot tub.
Food and beverages: Bring what you’ll need for the entire time you’re there. And get creative. You don’t want to be stuck eating bagels and rehydrated hummus for seven days straight. And don’t forget the beer! Bring what you’ll need, and then enough to share with all your new playa friends.
Tent: Last year Lauren made the mistake of thinking she would just sleep in her Bronco’s back seat during the festival. She ended up bumming space in a friend’s tent and wouldn’t go back without proper shelter. A tent lets you stretch out at night (or during the day, whenever you need to sleep), get out of the sun during the day, and store all your costumes and other gear. According to Lauren, “The difference between Burning Man and regular camping is you bring a butt load of clothes because you want to have clean stuff when everything gets filthy.” Just be sure to bring something sturdy and stake it down well, as playa winds can reach 75 mph.
Sunscreen: You’re going to be in the desert for seven days wearing very little. Playa dust might make you look cool, but it won’t protect you from the UVA and UVB rays the sun is providing.
Bicycle: Burning Man is huge. The campground alone is miles across, not to mention all the parties and art installations in far off spots on the playa. Lauren advocates decorating your bike in some unique fashion so you can find it in the dark amidst the hundreds of others that will be laying around, just don’t add items that will create litter when they fall off.
Warm clothing: Mid-day temperatures can exceed 100 degrees, but at night the temperature often drops down into the 40s. Be prepared with layers and a warm sleeping bag.
Goggles/sunglasses: Playa dust gets everywhere no matter what you do, but a good pair of face-hugging goggles with some kind of foam around them will help.
Light source: A flashlight or headlamp is essential at night, both for finding your way around, and so you don’t run over others on your bike. Lauren also recommends wearing some kind of glow-in-the-dark item at night so other bicyclists don’t run into you.
Garbage bags: You are responsible for packing out everything you bring in. Do your part to make sure Burning Man continues to happen by being environmentally sensitive and cleaning up after yourself (unless, or course, you’re bringing your mom along to clean up after you).
First aid kit: Be prepared for whatever minor injuries you might experience on an overnight backpacking trip. For more serious injuries, there is an Emergency Services Department in Black Rock City.
Duct tape: Everybody knows duct tape fixes anything from broken bones to ripped tents. You can also make some nifty costumes out of the stuff. Don’t leave home without it.
Also nice to have:
Costumes: Lauren recommends, “Whatever your heart desires. Whatever your alter-ego is. Or maybe, no costume at all; maybe it’s time to have no tan lines. But you do need to wear your sunscreen.” Whatever you choose, bring multiple, since dressing up is half the fun, and things will get dirty quickly.
Gasoline: If you’re going to be bringing a potable generator, you’ll need fuel for it.
Baby wipes: According to Lauren, baby wipes work well for an impromptu “shower,” and you don’t need to waste any of your precious water. They are also good for getting playa dust off your face and hands.
Solar shower: If you want an actual shower while on the playa, a solar shower works great. Even better, bring along a large bucket to stand in so as not to leave a big muddy spot on the playa by your camp.
Glow sticks: Wear them at night to let crazed bicyclists see where you are. Wear them at parties to look cool.
Breathing mask: Keeps dust out of your lungs. Sounds good to us.
Pee funnel: Obviously this only applies to women who are grossed out at the thought of actually sitting on a porta potty seat. With a funnel at least you’ll be more accurate while squatting over the hole.
Rain gear: Yes, you’re in the desert. But rain is still possible. If you’re prepared you’ll be happier than if you’re walking around in wet clothing and playa mud. Of course, if you’re caught unprepared, you can always just walk around naked in the rain — it’s like a free shower.
Ziplock bags: Organize your life on the playa and keep the dust out.
Something to share: Money is useless on the playa as people trade and barter in goods and services. With that in mind, bring some items to share with new friends you make while at Burning Man.
Something to burn: Participants are allowed to add to the ritual burning of the man and the temple at the end of Burning Man. According to Lauren, items range from notes to loved ones who have passed away to bridal gowns from failed marriages.
More information: We don’t know it all, but chances are, the organizers of the Burning Man festival do. Find out all about the festival and read their Survival Guide online at www.burningman.com.
Photo by Lauren Shearer/Tahoe World
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