Tent & Aluminet measurements (never camped b4)

[since]

Hello All!

We are 3 virgin burners with no camping experience
Have been researching on the tents / shade and I understand that Springbar / Kodiak is ideal.

We are traveling by Burner Express bus which has 62" linear length luggage allowance and a 8-person Kodiak is big (& heavy & expensive). Not sure how strict are they on the size.

Guess, what works is this combination:
Coleman Montana 8 person tent to accomodate us & the gear. When opened, the base size is 7' x 16'
Aluminet of size: 14' x 16'

Is 14' x 16' aluminet ok or a bigger one like 14' x 24' or 21' x 20' ?

Also if you can, please suggest alternative tents. My brain is about to explode after so much reading on mesh, dust and tents.

Thanks a lot!! Can't wait to hit the playa

Coleman.jpg

[burner von braun]

Since, it appears that you already understand the concern with the mesh portion of whatever tent you get, I need not remind you that you'll want to block those dust access areas. Some reputable folks have reported good success with fastening blankets over those areas in some manner. Especially at this late stage that may be the quickest/best solution for you. We're not kidding nor exaggerating about the dust and wind. Absolutely fasten and secure your shelter to the playa really well. Lots of info around here on that. Once your gear arrives, practice setting it all up while you're still at home.

I'm personally not sure how exacting the Burner Express people are regarding dimensions.

And not wanting to make your brain hurt even more, but how do you plan to suspend your Aluminet above your tent? That will effect your choice of size.

Also, and it sounds like you may already have, but just checking.. I assume you've read the Survival Guide and First Timers Guide at this point. Both are must reads for everyone on your crew.

And finally, keep focused, the effort you put in now will pay off dividends for you once you're on the playa. Have fun!

[BBadger]

Kodiaks/Springbars are just one kind of tent. Like other tents, they'll become ovens if they don't have shade over them. I would spend more time thinking about what you're going to do for shade.

Speaking of which, what you're planning to do with that aluminet? The shade for your tent is usually a structure that surrounds your tent. Are you thinking of just draping that aluminet over your tent or something? It won't help much. Some people have put emergency blankets or mylar over their tents to reflect the sun, but you still need airflow to waft away the heat.

At this stage for your tent, I'd get a tent that is more like a dome shape, and doesn't have wings on the side. There are 5-6 person tents in this shape. Then it won't have such a large wind profile. You might just have to deal with mesh on your tent and having dust where you sleep. Just keep your pillow under your sleeping bag/blankets so it doesn't get dusty.

At the very least, what I would suggest is to buy a bunch of 18-inch rebar to make stakes, and bring a small sledgehammer to pound them in. Then use the stakes to secure your tent to the playa so it doesn't blow away. At least then your camping arrangements won't be a hazard to others due to wind.

[Ratty]

Coming in by Burner Bus. Yes. bring some rebar and some rope. If you camp in the bus camp where they drop you off you can chill in the shade structure. You can NOT set up your tent in the shade structure. The year that I had no shade because my campmate flaked I found 100 places to nap. This old thread is a start on your search for answers. Spacetime wrote a very nice personal commentary on how to pack and make it work.


viewtopic.php?t=71830

[Token]

Two smaller tents is better than one huge tent.

Shade is a problem. It takes some experience to figure out and you are late to the game.

What Ratty said, look up Spacetime's good write up.

Ultimate solution: at some point of the week you are so sleep deprived you go to bed at midnight and get a good night sleep. Bring ear plugs.

[since]

Thanks everyone for the detailed replies! We did go thru the survival guide and tried to follow few suggestions mentioned in this thread.

The Aluminet and Tent combination worked perfectly fine - we were able to sleep in the tent even in the afternoon! Am sure it can be even better and this was a good a first-step for a first timer

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We ordered the 18" rebars from https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DZ2BZA4 at the last moment which were just awesome. We had wonderful neighbors who helped us stake the rebars. Learning - If the tent is staked well, it can take nasty winds.

The mesh on the tent did bring in a lot of dust even with the rainfly and aluminet. Guess would improvise on this in the next burn!

Am amazed to see so much help both on-playa and e-playa! Thanks again!