Hi From Chicago

[flowstate]

Due to a drastic change of circumstances in my life, after many years of wanting to go to burning man I will finally be able to go this year if I can get a ticket.

I am in the beginning stages of rediscovering and redefining parts of me and I hope that burning man helps me continue with that.

My biggest concern is planing and packing everything I need since I am planing on flying out and hoping a bus. I've found a few guides on things but I could use a little support on how to make this first time happen as smoothly as possible.

Is there a way to do burning man in a minimalist way and survive?

[lucky420]

Hola and hello...

I'm sure that others will chime in here with links on how to do BM in a minimalist way. I live close enough to pack pretty much everything inc the kitchen sink.

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

[Elliot]

Hi, Flowstate! Welcome aboard.

If you have not already... sign up for the Jack Rabbit Speaks e-mail newsletter. That's where all the official BM information is published. You will find it on the website.

[Savannah]

Due to a drastic change of circumstances in my life, after many years of wanting to go to burning man I will finally be able to go this year if I can get a ticket.

I am in the beginning stages of rediscovering and redefining parts of me and I hope that burning man helps me continue with that.

My biggest concern is planing and packing everything I need since I am planing on flying out and hoping a bus. I've found a few guides on things but I could use a little support on how to make this first time happen as smoothly as possible.

Is there a way to do burning man in a minimalist way and survive?

You could come in with Green Tortoise Adventure Travel; they provide food, water and a place to camp. You're still responsible for your own tent and whatnot, as well as helping with set-up, teardown, etc. I've never tried it, but I've heard good things.

Or take the Burner Express ("You are welcome to camp in HOVerlandia at 6:15 and I, a dedicated reserved space for those arriving via the Burner Express Bus.") They don't offer food like GT, but there's a food shopping stop. You can purchase water (in advance only!) and must pack collapsible containers to collect it.

There is an excellent starter list of stuff in the Survival Guide on the main site; it'll help you make a packing list. Read it several times!
http://survival.burningman.org/

Some favorite items to list: lotion and lip balms, work gloves, artificial tears, liquid bandage for your cuticles, 2 pairs of comfortable shoes, a warm coat for the cold nights, and goggles without vents (GI issue sun/dust goggles with interchangeable dark and clear lenses are my favorite). Make sure your tent has little to no mesh (zippered mesh is awesome so you can have a little breeze when you want one) or sew shut/cover any mesh with fleece blanket pieces and spring clamps, the Anti M way.

This is my favorite thread about minimalist meals:
viewtopic.php?t=35430

My first Burn was very much on a shoestring, and still very much worth it.

Welcome!