should i bring

[dustyroller]

should i bring extra filters for a respirator

[Elderberry]

Yes. Even if you don't use it, it pays to be prepared.

JK

[trystanthegypsy]

yeah cuz my filter fell out of my mountain bike mask and it was totally useless after that. I had to ask for spare painter's masks from my campmates after spending $40 on my nice one and they were much less comfortable. this past year I just went with the bandana/stretch neck tube thing.

i still got bronchitis after the burn. and not even right after, like 3 weeks later. it's so weird. two years in a row. someone please explain this phenomenon to me?

[TomServo]

Yes! If you plan on passing out during a dust storm..these are perfect! The filters a bitch to replace though.

[C.f.M.]

My full face mask that I brought as a prop/costume piece, I ended up wearing it several times and it was GREAT.

[mudpuppy000]

Sure, extra filters are good to have, probably more important is some sort of backup face mask for when your respirator gets broken/lost. Shemaghs work pretty well for me, much more comfortable than a respirator.

[TomServo]

Are respirators that uncomfortable? filters last longer than cloth. Expect massive dust storms. We had a 10 hour dust storm a couple years back.

[VeganChoirGirl]

Honestly...I think the respirators are pretty uncomfortable. Also, the dust doest really bother my lungs. I am more of a bandanna/scarf over my mouth and good goggles kind of girl.

I do have a respirator just in case my lungs start to bother me and I need the back up, or if the dust is so bad breathing becomes difficult, but that has never happened to me.

All that being said, if you've never been to the playa and aren't familiar with how the dust effects you, bring:

bandanna type things
cloth respirator type masks
a true respirator

It will cost more, but being SURE that you have the right item for you is really priceless. You can't really judge from another persons experience in these kind of cases.

I would also recommend getting a couple different types of goggles to try out. Then you'll have back ups to gift or use when you or someone else misplaces their goggles.

[C.f.M.]

There's already some threads debating respirators/best dust mask to use (I wouldn't go without my 3M woodworking respirator, it's lightweight, easy and means I can breathe and talk zero problem in the worst whiteout).

[mudpuppy000]

Yes, good point... Overkill your first year is definitely a good way to go. I brought a respirator the first time because I have asthma and was really scared what the dust would do to my lungs. Turns out it dosen't bother me much at all, so the shemagh is just fine. I'll still keep the respirator in my truck though in case it gets really bad, and have lesser types of dust masks with me at all times.

[Lord Of Ruin]

Honestly...I think the respirators are pretty uncomfortable. Also, the dust doest really bother my lungs. I am more of a bandanna/scarf over my mouth and good goggles kind of girl.

I do have a respirator just in case my lungs start to bother me and I need the back up, or if the dust is so bad breathing becomes difficult, but that has never happened to me.

All that being said, if you've never been to the playa and aren't familiar with how the dust effects you, bring:

bandanna type things
cloth respirator type masks
a true respirator

It will cost more, but being SURE that you have the right item for you is really priceless. You can't really judge from another persons experience in these kind of cases.

I would also recommend getting a couple different types of goggles to try out. Then you'll have back ups to gift or use when you or someone else misplaces their goggles.

Folks, this reply is spot on and reminded me of a tactic I've taken to the last couple of burns.

For some solutions, I indeed bring a backup. What I've done is put expensive "might need but I don't know" all into one rubbermaid bin. Save the receipts at home and I do NOT unpackage these like I do my other stuff. If it turns out I don't use them, they get returned post playa. I'd never do this for stuff I actually used, but have no problem with returning my "I wonder if I'll need..." stuff.

[VeganChoirGirl]

Honestly...I think the respirators are pretty uncomfortable. Also, the dust doest really bother my lungs. I am more of a bandanna/scarf over my mouth and good goggles kind of girl.

I do have a respirator just in case my lungs start to bother me and I need the back up, or if the dust is so bad breathing becomes difficult, but that has never happened to me.

All that being said, if you've never been to the playa and aren't familiar with how the dust effects you, bring:

bandanna type things
cloth respirator type masks
a true respirator

It will cost more, but being SURE that you have the right item for you is really priceless. You can't really judge from another persons experience in these kind of cases.

I would also recommend getting a couple different types of goggles to try out. Then you'll have back ups to gift or use when you or someone else misplaces their goggles.

Folks, this reply is spot on and reminded me of a tactic I've taken to the last couple of burns.

For some solutions, I indeed bring a backup. What I've done is put expensive "might need but I don't know" all into one rubbermaid bin. Save the receipts at home and I do NOT unpackage these like I do my other stuff. If it turns out I don't use them, they get returned post playa. I'd never do this for stuff I actually used, but have no problem with returning my "I wonder if I'll need..." stuff.

Why, thank you!

[Elderberry]

Honestly...I think the respirators are pretty uncomfortable. Also, the dust doest really bother my lungs. I am more of a bandanna/scarf over my mouth and good goggles kind of girl.

I do have a respirator just in case my lungs start to bother me and I need the back up, or if the dust is so bad breathing becomes difficult, but that has never happened to me.

All that being said, if you've never been to the playa and aren't familiar with how the dust effects you, bring:

bandanna type things
cloth respirator type masks
a true respirator

It will cost more, but being SURE that you have the right item for you is really priceless. You can't really judge from another persons experience in these kind of cases.

I would also recommend getting a couple different types of goggles to try out. Then you'll have back ups to gift or use when you or someone else misplaces their goggles.

Folks, this reply is spot on and reminded me of a tactic I've taken to the last couple of burns.

For some solutions, I indeed bring a backup. What I've done is put expensive "might need but I don't know" all into one rubbermaid bin. Save the receipts at home and I do NOT unpackage these like I do my other stuff. If it turns out I don't use them, they get returned post playa. I'd never do this for stuff I actually used, but have no problem with returning my "I wonder if I'll need..." stuff.

I guess everybody has their own interpretation of what is right and wrong.

JK

[AntiM]

Our "might need, didn't know, didn't like" items go into our NoCostco as gifts at our regional. I always mean to keep the receipts.

[Lord Of Ruin]

Honestly...I think the respirators are pretty uncomfortable. Also, the dust doest really bother my lungs. I am more of a bandanna/scarf over my mouth and good goggles kind of girl.

I do have a respirator just in case my lungs start to bother me and I need the back up, or if the dust is so bad breathing becomes difficult, but that has never happened to me.

All that being said, if you've never been to the playa and aren't familiar with how the dust effects you, bring:

bandanna type things
cloth respirator type masks
a true respirator

It will cost more, but being SURE that you have the right item for you is really priceless. You can't really judge from another persons experience in these kind of cases.

I would also recommend getting a couple different types of goggles to try out. Then you'll have back ups to gift or use when you or someone else misplaces their goggles.

Folks, this reply is spot on and reminded me of a tactic I've taken to the last couple of burns.

For some solutions, I indeed bring a backup. What I've done is put expensive "might need but I don't know" all into one rubbermaid bin. Save the receipts at home and I do NOT unpackage these like I do my other stuff. If it turns out I don't use them, they get returned post playa. I'd never do this for stuff I actually used, but have no problem with returning my "I wonder if I'll need..." stuff.

I guess everybody has their own interpretation of what is right and wrong.

JK

@JK I'm curious. You think it's wrong ethically to return a new, unopened product to the place of original purchase because you didn't need it?

[Elderberry]

Folks, this reply is spot on and reminded me of a tactic I've taken to the last couple of burns.

For some solutions, I indeed bring a backup. What I've done is put expensive "might need but I don't know" all into one rubbermaid bin. Save the receipts at home and I do NOT unpackage these like I do my other stuff. If it turns out I don't use them, they get returned post playa. I'd never do this for stuff I actually used, but have no problem with returning my "I wonder if I'll need..." stuff.

I guess everybody has their own interpretation of what is right and wrong.

JK

@JK I'm curious. You think it's wrong ethically to return a new, unopened product to the place of original purchase because you didn't need it?

No. But that's not what you are doing. You are basically buying that stuff as insurance. Then because you are lucky enough to have not needed it, you return it. However you have already received the value of the merchandise in peace of mind, so you did use it.

Returns carry a cost to merchants. Even so, they are providing a return policy as a courtesy to patrons that return items for legitimate reasons. You are abusing that policy. That's why more and more merchants are either starting to charge restocking fees or just not accepting returns.

JK

[theCryptofishist]

I guess everybody has their own interpretation of what is right and wrong.

JK

@JK I'm curious. You think it's wrong ethically to return a new, unopened product to the place of original purchase because you didn't need it?

No. But that's not what you are doing. You are basically buying that stuff as insurance. Then because you are lucky enough to have not needed it, you return it. However you have already received the value of the merchandise in peace of mind, so you did use it.

Returns carry a cost to merchants. Even so, they are providing a return policy as a courtesy to patrons that return items for legitimate reasons. You are abusing that policy. That's why more and more merchants are either starting to charge restocking fees or just not accepting returns.

JK

It does seem like a closing of the commons type deal to me.

I've actually been scolded for daring to say that maybe people who buy books from amazon instead of at a store might give up that perfect cover because they are paying less. I know, there is such a thing as "shop worn" but I think that it's at least a question worth asking.

[moonrise]

Unopened items, especially small stuff like filters for respirator masks are improved every year, returning is more like trading stuff in, assuring cutting edge technology for the next best burn.


I was surpirsed to hear the broad spectrum of itmes the stores told me I could return. I asked before I purchased, almost everything, including up to unopened alcohol.

I shopped in Reno mostly, the stores know 80%+ of the items are used, a few returns is just kindly. Reno is accustomed to ranchers and such, many do monthly shopping trips, there's always something to return.

[Elderberry]

Unopened items, especially small stuff like filters for respirator masks are improved every year, returning is more like trading stuff in, assuring cutting edge technology for the next best burn.


I was surpirsed to hear the broad spectrum of itmes the stores told me I could return. I asked before I purchased, almost everything, including up to unopened alcohol.

I shopped in Reno mostly, the stores know 80%+ of the items are used, a few returns is just kindly. Reno is accustomed to ranchers and such, many do monthly shopping trips, there's always something to return.

That's even worse logic than LOR. you're willing to return merchandise that has become obsolete in your possession that the merchant would have no hope of selling to recoup his loss.

For a group of people that are so ready to chastise others for violating the sacrosanct principles of burning man, I'm surprised at the moral vacuum exhibited in this thread.

I would surmise from reading here, that it's OK to do anything or screw anyone you have to in order to afford going to the event so that you can then practice the 10 principles.

JK

[Eric]

No. But that's not what you are doing. You are basically buying that stuff as insurance. Then because you are lucky enough to have not needed it, you return it. However you have already received the value of the merchandise in peace of mind, so you did use it.

I'm going to chime in here- I've been a retail manager for the better part of 20 years, and know the ins and outs of return policies.

I don't see anything wrong with what LOR is doing, as long as the items are returned in their packaging and in resellable condition, within the return window allowed by the retailer.

I worked mainly at art stores, and we would often have artists working on large projects (commissions, murals, etc) who would over-buy paints so they wouldn't have to worry about running out in the middle of the night. They would return the unused portion. As long as it met the conditions I said above, no problem.

They were using it as insurance, same as LOR. I would be shocked if a retailer had a problem with this.

If you open it, keep it.

[Elderberry]

I think this is just too close to people I've seen buying a formal dress/outfit, wearing it to some event, and then returning it the next day.

Each to their own, who am I to judge?

JK

[moonrise]

Unopened items, especially small stuff like filters for respirator masks are improved every year, returning is more like trading stuff in, assuring cutting edge technology for the next best burn.


I was surpirsed to hear the broad spectrum of itmes the stores told me I could return. I asked before I purchased, almost everything, including up to unopened alcohol.

I shopped in Reno mostly, the stores know 80%+ of the items are used, a few returns is just kindly. Reno is accustomed to ranchers and such, many do monthly shopping trips, there's always something to return.

That's even worse logic than LOR. you're willing to return merchandise that has become obsolete in your possession that the merchant would have no hope of selling to recoup his loss.

I NEVER SAID I RETURN OBSOLTETE ITEMS, I RETURN THEM AS TAUGHT TO ME BY THE STORE MANAGERS THEMSLELVES.. UNUSED, UNOPENED, WITHIN THE 14 TO 30 DAY RETURN POLICY TIME PERIOD.
IDK, MAYBE IT'S A RENO THING.

SOMETIMES I'VE NEEDED THE SAME STUFF AGAIN IN FUTURE MONTHS AND THEY'RE SOLD OUT, RENO STORES MOVE MERCHANDISE, I SEE IT WTH MY OWN EYES. BETTER THAN LETTING IT GO STALE AND END UP IN LANDFILLS.

WHAT I WAS ABLE TO GIVE AWAY AT BM, I DID, WHAT I HAD LEFT OVER I TRY TO USE UP OR IF POSSIBLE, IT GET'S RETURNED.
For a group of people that are so ready to chastise others for violating the sacrosanct principles of burning man, I'm surprised at the moral vacuum exhibited in this thread.

I would surmise from reading here, that it's OK to do anything or screw anyone you have to in order to afford going to the event so that you can then practice the 10 principles.
WRONG SUMMARY, SEEMS THERE'S BEEN A MISUNDERSTANDING.
JK

Hollywood and New York, they're known for using a Brooks Brothers suit and returning it, AFTER A SHOOT!
Typical default world corporate sleaze tactics

[Eric]

I think this is just too close to people I've seen buying a formal dress/outfit, wearing it to some event, and then returning it the next day.

Each to their own, who am I to judge?

JK

If you wear it, it's used. Returning it makes you an ass.

If it's unopened and in resellable condition, it's not used. Returning within the time frame is fine.

I loath people who try to return stuff that was actually used, mainly because they turn into assholes when we tell them "no". I have (had) no problem refusing them if we could tell it was used.

LOR isn't opening the stuff, completely different than wearing a suit & returning it.

By the standards you're applying anything that's returned for any reason other than manufacturer defect is morally wrong. From a retail perspective that's crazy.

[moonrise]

yea, what Eric said^^^^

[Elderberry]

I think this is just too close to people I've seen buying a formal dress/outfit, wearing it to some event, and then returning it the next day.

Each to their own, who am I to judge?

JK

If you wear it, it's used. Returning it makes you an ass.

If it's unopened and in resellable condition, it's not used. Returning within the time frame is fine.

I loath people who try to return stuff that was actually used, mainly because they turn into assholes when we tell them "no". I have (had) no problem refusing them if we could tell it was used.

LOR isn't opening the stuff, completely different than wearing a suit & returning it.

By the standards you're applying anything that's returned for any reason other than manufacturer defect is morally wrong. From a retail perspective that's crazy.

This is just beating a dead horse, but here's my subtle distinction, from my personal perspective. I don't recall ever buying something with the expect anticipation of returning it and the hope I will not have to use it.

I have purchased items, for the home for example, where I might want to see how something looks when in place, but I always let the merchant know my intent in advance.

But I would never think of buying extra supplies for a trip with the intention of returning them if not used. I bought it, I own it. I don't think it right for a merchant to finance my peace of mind for a desert camping trip.

Now, on the other hand, I have fought tooth and nail to return things that I have used that did not work as advertised, whether covered in playa dust or not. Like those "space bags" I was suckered into buying for example.

JK

[moonrise]

Can't we all just get along?

[moonrise]

...

[Eric]

This is just beating a dead horse, but here's my subtle distinction, from my personal perspective. I don't recall ever buying something with the expect anticipation of returning it and the hope I will not have to use it.

I have purchased items, for the home for example, where I might want to see how something looks when in place, but I always let the merchant know my intent in advance.

To the retailer there is no difference between you seeing "how something looks when in place" or someone else taking an item on a camping trip but not using it. They both leave the store, they both need to be re-entered into inventory, it's the same expense in staff time for the store to have a someone process both, the refund has to be processed in both cases. Whatever your reasoning is, the facts of the retail end remain the same.

I'm not randomly guessing the retail angle- I've got 20+ years of retail management, remember? 20 years of processing returns; I've heard every excuse, seen almost every scam (I'm amazed at the creativity used to get a few bucks); returning something unopened that you didn't need isn't a scam. It's the most common return.

You, as a consumer, need to use your own "moral compass"; but trust me, it's all the same to the person behind the counter taking your item back.

[AntiM]

I've overheard couples in the commissary on base deciding which dollar off coupons to use so they can return the toothbrushes, etc. for full price. That's so wrong.

I see nothing wrong with returning unopened stuff if it is still packaged, clean, and you don't need it. I simply gift my items because I'm unorganized.

[Lord Of Ruin]

Interesting take on things, JK.

You are certainly entitled to your own ethical take on things, my conscience is clear. You made a couple leaps in your logic that I didn't give as facts.

I do not USE things and then return them. You implied this by saying it's analogous to buying clothing for a one time event, then returning after use. In that case, the item is no longer in the same condition legally.

I PURCHASED the items from the retailer. They in no way "financed" my logistics. I've never tried to circumvent any retailers process on returns; their policy dictates whether it's in my interest to purchase extras of a given item or not. They had the full use of my money while I had possession of the item. I make no claim on any interest or other profit they made off my financing THEM while I had their stock.

The ironic thing about this whole thread is that many of the items I purchase extras of are actually so that I can finance the unpreparedness of OTHERS. I am on playa for approx. 3 weeks, so other staff often run out of things like filters, batteries, etc. It's simply easier to have these on hand to gift for myself and others. I suppose I could say "Oh, sorry...only got my own. But let me hop in the truck to Reno." or work harder at my crystal ball gazing so I know precisely what I'll need...or even simply doing without when I run....oh what the fuck am I saying.

You sir or ma'am need to revisit the economics and mechanisms of modern retail commerce.

On the off chance, you were trying to make this into a troll post...you got me! Good one! Hahahaha!

LoR