Advice on What to Pack for Burning Man -- 09/06/2019

Burning Man 2019 has just concluded. Regrettably, I was unable to attend this year. Although I had the chance to go, a series of unfortunate events and the associated costs deterred my plans.

Nonetheless, I lent a hand in driving an RV headed to Burning Man along with two friends, which took us from Las Vegas to Reno. I spent the days leading up to the event in Reno, surrounded by fellow burners preparing for the festival. This experience provided me with some of the atmosphere, alleviating the feeling of missing out completely this year. The primary focus of this newsletter will be to elaborate on the tips I shared from Burning Man 2018 , enriched by insights gained from friends who attended this time.

• Secure your bicycle! I lent a couple of bikes to a friend, and unfortunately, one got stolen. I’m not aware of the details surrounding the theft, but it was a nice bike that hadn’t been used much. A different friend also reported their bicycle being stolen.
• If possible, avoid bringing anything of value. For instance, if faced with a choice between a high-quality bicycle and a less desirable one, opt for the lesser one. If you must bring valuable items, make sure to label them with your name, camp details, and a phone number. This is crucial for items like cell phones; I suggest noting down the contact number of another friend as well. Last year's lost and found received multiple cell phones without any identification.
• If you can, keep it simple. You definitely don’t need an RV, and I feel it distracts from one of the core principles of Burning Man - Radical Self Reliance . RVs are quite costly during the event and often involve the hassle and expense of transporting them. However, for larger groups, say around six people, sharing the cost of an RV might be practical. Always consider the advantages and disadvantages, as RVs come with significant drawbacks.
• In case you decide to use an RV, I don’t believe you need to rent an additional generator just for air conditioning. Bringing extra fuel and using the RV’s existing engine should be sufficient. Generators tend to be cumbersome, noisy, and what will you do with it once Burning Man is over?
• I haven't attempted it yet, but next year I’m seriously considering acquiring a Shift Pod . This type of tent is designed to withstand both dust and extreme heat. Photo credit: How this $1,300 Tent Won Burning Man
• Also worth considering is a Yurt rental. Again, this option hasn’t been tried by me yet, but I suspect it would be a preferable choice for many compared to an RV. Photo credit: Glamping Rentals
• I heard this year’s entry and exit lines were significantly improved. Typically, they were no longer than two hours in either direction. Make the most of the entire week. Avoid arriving late and leaving early as I did last year due to concerns about long queues.
• Pack delicious food . Offering yummy snacks is a fantastic way to make new friends at Burning Man.

As for myself, I am already in the planning stages for 2020. This time, I've decided against an elaborate plan involving multiple friends. It looks like it may just be me and another pal braving it with a Shift Pod.

For a deeper dive into Burning Man, take a look at the article I wrote after attending last year: Burning Man - To Go or not to Go.

Written by: Michael Shackleford