Chances are, you’ve heard of Burning Man, a huge annual festival that takes place in the desert near Black Rock City, Nevada. People from all across America and all over the world migrate to this festival of music, art, community, and performance. The organizers of Burning man say “Burning Man is not a festival! It’s a city wherein almost everything that happens is created entirely by its citizens, who are active participants in the experience.”
Whatever you call it, if you’re going to spend a week in the desert, you’d better pack for the experience and be prepared for all eventualities. Here are some things we suggest you consider:
1. Your ticket, ID, cash, and a debit or credit card
You’ll need all of this stuff at Burning Man. Even though it takes place in the middle of nowhere, you’ll want to carry this stuff with you. If you bring cash, remember to hide it in various non-obvious places. The Burner community is all about peace and collaboration, but there are always going to be jerks at any festival, no matter how awesome. And, of course, if you forget your ticket, your experience is going to stop at the entry point.
2. Camping equipment
First of all, you need to visit Burning Man’s website and learn what kinds of encampments are and are not welcome on the Playa. At the minimum, we suggest a good tent. And whatever size tent you choose, double the amount of people you think you need to accommodate. You’ll need that extra space to hold the supplies you need for the week—or to accommodate new friends who want to visit with you. Also, remember that the desert gets cold at night, so pack a sleeping bag that will keep you warm.
3. Lots of water
Burning Man’s organizers recommend that you bring 15 gallons of water per person per day. Remember that this water isn’t just for drinking; it’s for washing dishes and yourself. There is no water in the desert and if you become dehydrated, your Burning Man experience could end early due to medical problems.
4. Food and non-water beverages
Sure, there may be food vendors on the Playa, but the chances are the food will be expensive and may not meet your particular dietary needs. Spare yourself any dietary drama by bringing food that will keep well in the desert heat. While you’re at it, pack any dishes and cooking supplies you may need, including (and especially) environmentally friendly options like reusable water bottles and straws.
5. Googles, head wraps, and dust masks
Burning Man does take place in the desert, and that means dust storms are a real possibility. Since dust in your eyes, mouth, and lungs is no fun, be prepared for them. Hopefully you won’t need your dust storm accessories, but it’s better to have and not need than to need and not have.
6. A positive and community-minded attitude
Burning Man is above all an interactive experience, a temporary city built in a desert to share art and culture and help you realize that with the help of your community, you can survive and even thrive in the arid conditions on the Playa. A really important Burning Man principle is “leave no trace,” so make sure you are prepared to clean up your camp site of all—and that means all, even glitter—the stuff you bring with you. Follow the rules about how to dispose of gray water and sewage in a safe and environmentally friendly way. If you leave your camp site the way you found it, your camp will remain in good standing, but if you violate those principles, you may find yourself not allowed to return next year.
Burning Man has created a huge library of resources including a survival guide that provides pretty much everything you need to know about the Burning Man culture, rules, and community principles. We’ve itemized just a few things to bring, but this is by no means a comprehensive list. Remember—you’re going to be spending a week in the desert with no services, so read everything you can and follow the organizers’ advice. By doing so, you’ll have a great experience and your fellow Burners will have a great experience of you.