Dust-proofing tents

[Mermaid26]

Hey guys,

I was just wondering if any wonderful burners could share some tips on dust-proofing tents? This is my first burn, and I don't have the money to spend on a ultra-high quality tent that will be capable of remaining dust-free throughout the duration of BM. The plan was to buy a cheap tent and ensure it is made dust-proof. Any ideas on how to achieve this?
Feed back much appreciated!

Madeline

[Trishntek]

It would be wise to make sure screened vents and windows are covered with fabric either by the design of the tent or use velcro to attach covers. Most tents do not have complete closures and are more like flaps. You can possibly add zippers or velcro to make the attached all the way around.

Also, there is no such thing as "dust proof" on the playa. You will need to diligently remove clothing and shoes before entering your tent and leave them outside. Only enter your tent when absolutely necessary. Ideally, you would only use it for sleep and nothing else. Cover your bedding with a large sheet upon rising in the day and gently roll it off the bed before slumber. Keep your clothing and valuables in plastic bags or containers with air tight lids. Anything electronic must be kept in a bag or container if you hope to use it after the burn.

You can minimize dust, but there WILL BE DUST.

[Mermaid26]

Thank you very much!
I realise dust is unavoidable, perhaps this should be called 'dust minimisation' as opposed to dust proofing.
Thanks again for your tips

[Savannah]

Also, point your tent door anywhere but South/Southwest (duststorms typically come from the direction of Center Camp and up through the top of the "clock"--though not always) . . . and zip your tent completely. Don't leave it open an inch.

A cheap broom (even a whisk broom) and dust pan are nice for when the inevitable happens.

A waterproof tarp to cover your bedding in the event of rain (or dust) is also excellent. Extra evap pond plastic can also be used this way. Others roll up their bedding and stuff it in a trash bag if they think the weather is going to turn (the cheapest option . . . and you should have drawstring trash bags with you anyway).

Shaking the dust out of a sleeping bag is not so hard, but shaking the rain out is impossible.

[trilobyte]

Embrace the dust!

That said, you can minimize it a few ways. First, try and get it under a shade structure, which can help break/deflect the wind as well as reduce the sun's ability to turn your tent into an EZ-Bake oven. Second, a small piece of carpet or rug to use like a doormat. May seem trivial, but putting something between the playa dust on the ground and your tent's entrance is a huge reducer of dust in the tent. If you've got a tent that has sections, make the front one your 'foyer' and make sure shoes come off there. Otherwise, take shoes off before you even get in. And of course the A#1 super-obvious one... ALWAYS ZIP IT CLOSED! Even if you're just off to the porta-potties, that darned dust is crafty.

Some campmates have had success with the added step of getting one of those cheap plastic painter's tarps at Home Despot or other building supply place and use that to cover the bed/sleeping bag (tuck under the edges on all sides), but just like with the entrance to the tent it only works if you remember to do it every time.

Good luck!

[squish]

Cheap tents are great! Many "good" tents have a lot of mesh. My cheapie has only 4 small mesh panels at the top (rainfly covers that), and a door with a zippered mesh 1/2 panel.