i’m a virgin, send prep tips

[a0riff01]

Planning my first trip out to the playa, here’s what i got so far. I’m hoping some of you kind veterans may offer me some tips.

Travel- I’m making the long 3 day drive out and renting a uhaul once I get to nevada. I know uhauls aren’t allowed in BRD per se, but it’s what’s in the budget so f**ck it.
Questions- should I attempt to playa proof my vehicle and bring that as well, or just the uhaul?

Supplies- I’ll have my bikes, tent, and carport with me for the drive, getting the rest of my gear once I get out West.
here’s what I’m thinking for camp
-sona2 tent with solar fans
-costco carport with aluminet and silver tarps
-rebar stakes
-air mattress
-camp shower
Questions- How to build a simple evaporation system? How to build a camp somehow utilizing the uhual? ANY tips for keeping cool?

Outfits-
I wanna wear all black and some white as a creative challenge.
Questions- Your favorite affordable costume shops online that aren’t dollskill or amazon? your favorite DIY tips and tricks? places to get braids put in in reno?

Gifts-
I am an art therapist, i want to provide impromptu art therapy as a gift. my partner wants to draw portraits and gift them.
Questions- what is your favorite gift you’ve brought to the playa?

VIRGINITY- what else do i need to know as a virgin (info that isn’t readily available online)??

[art walsh]

Main menu - event prep.
Q&A section is a good start. Almost any question has been addressed/commented on over the years.
Read- read - read. Use search function. Sections on keeping cool, clothing, food.

[Elorrum]

Wow, a very imperative request. Please yourself is my tip. Your choices seem reasonable. There are many resources for checklists, prep etc. the alternative energy zone (AEZ) website was helpful to me with good basic prep and beyond information, for one.

Evap is a garbage nightmare. Muddy and gross, and you probably will want to put it into somebody’s overfilled private dumpster before you drive very far. How wonderful.

Maybe, Think of how to use as little water as possible, and have a grey water storage you can dump responsibly.

[Lonesomebri]

Pee Jug

[gaminwench]

I, personally would not install braids the day before going to the playa.

It takes a week(ish) for the scalp to adjust, and hitting the playa with a headache doesn't sound fun at all.

[Canoe]

... Travel- I’m making the long 3 day drive out and renting a uhaul once I get to nevada. I know uhauls aren’t allowed in BRD per se, but it’s what’s in the budget so f**ck it. ...

You may wish to do some more research regarding rentals for Burning Man.

It's not uncommon for various rentals for Burning Man to be fully reserved by the end of February. Start from Reno and work your way outwards through other states. Some years, due to the huge demand, confirmed reservations were cancelled and those vehicles were then available to the public at double, triple or more, than regular rates. Pay attention to which companies or which rental locations have done this in the past.

In the past, of those who have planed to or have taken rentals to BRC against the rental agency policy or rental location policy, be it a specific policy regarding BRC or just that technically the playa is off-road, some have found they experienced:

• reservation cancelled, with or without a cancellation fee
• huge surcharges for having taken the rental to BRC
• huge cleaning surcharges for having taken the rental to BRC (no way it costs $1,000 to $2,000 to clean, but try proving that... and they can't rent it to someone else until its clean)
• huge maintenance or repair surcharges, for real or imagined 'damage', for having taken the rental to BRC (I.E., whole new A/C system, full fluids, filters & lubes, etc.. Once I believe someone got dinged for an engine?)
• agents of the rental company showing up at BRC, searching for any of their property, and retrieving their property mid-burn, with full rental fees (due to your actions they didn't get to rent it to someone else for that week) and sometimes a retrieval fee

Others have made out fine. Particularly those who checked and rented from those who allowed taking the vehicle to Burning Man, and who fully cleaned the vehicle before returning it.

But you do what you do...

[lucky420]

Hi!
If you don’t have your uhaul reserved, you may be SOL
If you have your uhaul reserved, you maybe SOL

Seriously though, I made my reservation in Oct/Nov in 2019 for the 2020 burn. They are honoring my 2020 reservation for the 2022 burn. I still run the risk of “no availability” up to 48 hours before the burn. I live in Reno.

I’ve had friends from out of state, who flew in to Reno only to find their truck was in Carson City. That wasn’t so bad as it’s only 25 miles from Reno. My friend who flew in from Australia found out her uhaul that was supposed to be in Reno, was 3 hours away in California.

I was told by uhaul, the other day when I was confirming my reservation, that I might not be able to return it to Reno. Like, WTF? I live here, so I’d have to come home, unload and then drive it to a different state and make arrangements to get back home. Well fuckthatshit. I kept my reservation but I’m also figuring out how to get everything I need in my Subaru. I like jenga

I’ve rented a big truck every single year. They’re allowed at BRC, they’re everywhere. It’s fun to cover the logo with inappropriate banners or painters tape, etc and change the logos

[ygmir]

don't fall for the "playa dust and spit makes good lube in an emergency"...

[Canoe]

Somewhere along the way I seem to have completely missed that we're again allowed to talk about renting a box/cargo truck/van to take to Burning Man? And how to equip them, manage heat, add swamp cooler, etc.?

p.s.
Some rentals have GPS chips, so they know where their vehicle is. If you've agreed, or signed a waiver, to not take it to Burning Man, or off-road, don't be surprised if you have to pay extra for the various items. Or if they want to repossess it on the playa, they know exactly where to go in BRC.

One RV someone returned, they claimed it required a new generator.

[ygmir]

Somewhere along the way I seem to have completely missed that we're again allowed to talk about renting a box/cargo truck/van to take to Burning Man? And how to equip them, manage heat, add swamp cooler, etc.?

p.s.
Some rentals have GPS chips, so they know where their vehicle is. If you've agreed, or signed a waiver, to not take it to Burning Man, or off-road, don't be surprised if you have to pay extra for the various items. Or if they want to repossess it on the playa, they know exactly where to go in BRC.

One RV someone returned, they claimed it required a new generator.

I could easily see a generator being ruined at the burn. people have no clue, leaving them running 24/7 and in severe dust conditions.

[some seeing eye]

1 Playproof personal and rental vehicles
2 Make a packing list - "Burning Man Packing List." Test it car camping off the grid for a week, then for another week until you are not forgetting anything. Your stated plan is fine. Your tent can be the less dust space. Under a carport, you can have outside sleeping with air circulation and an eyemask daytime. With airflow your sweat can cool you if you are fully shaded. You can also search ePlaya using Google search for box truck camping. "Burning Man evapotron."
3. The playa dust is a light tan. It covers your body and every bit of clothing. Mad Max black is a look, but you can do better.
4 Comfortable maybe playa-fashionable footwear, cotton undies, wash feet-moisturize-sleep in clean cotton socks every night, layers. It might be easier to get extensions in your hometown. Reno will be slammed pre-burn. Extensions are popular in the festival crowd and for African American hair. The playa dust is highly alkaline. Hair wants slight acidity. Schedule complete restorative hair service for after the burn. Some people keep their hair completely covered and do wigs.
5 The idea of art therapy as a gift is a mind boggling concept at the burn to me. Most psych care is acute and emergency provided by ESD-Green Dot Rangers, Zendo, and others. However if you just want to facilitate art, there are a lot of DIY art camps and possibly Kidsville. Give your professional self a vacation!
6 Meet your Burning Man Regional.
7 The adventure begins!

[Canoe]

One RV someone returned, they claimed it required a new generator.

I could easily see a generator being ruined at the burn. people have no clue, leaving them running 24/7 and in severe dust conditions.

Me too. But if I remember correctly, this one was only run one or two hours a day. I forget all the specifics, but going on what the renter said, being at Burning Man was an excuse to get an old & worn generator replaced at the renter's expense.

[a0riff01]

I, personally would not install braids the day before going to the playa.

It takes a week(ish) for the scalp to adjust, and hitting the playa with a headache doesn't sound fun at all.

did not think of this thank you!

[a0riff01]

Hi!
If you don’t have your uhaul reserved, you may be SOL
If you have your uhaul reserved, you maybe SOL

Seriously though, I made my reservation in Oct/Nov in 2019 for the 2020 burn. They are honoring my 2020 reservation for the 2022 burn. I still run the risk of “no availability” up to 48 hours before the burn. I live in Reno.

I’ve had friends from out of state, who flew in to Reno only to find their truck was in Carson City. That wasn’t so bad as it’s only 25 miles from Reno. My friend who flew in from Australia found out her uhaul that was supposed to be in Reno, was 3 hours away in California.

I was told by uhaul, the other day when I was confirming my reservation, that I might not be able to return it to Reno. Like, WTF? I live here, so I’d have to come home, unload and then drive it to a different state and make arrangements to get back home. Well fuckthatshit. I kept my reservation but I’m also figuring out how to get everything I need in my Subaru. I like jenga

I’ve rented a big truck every single year. They’re allowed at BRC, they’re everywhere. It’s fun to cover the logo with inappropriate banners or painters tape, etc and change the logos

sorry, what’s a big truck? i found a potential motor home rental since posting and will need something to hitch it to.

[a0riff01]

1 Playproof personal and rental vehicles
2 Make a packing list - "Burning Man Packing List." Test it car camping off the grid for a week, then for another week until you are not forgetting anything. Your stated plan is fine. Your tent can be the less dust space. Under a carport, you can have outside sleeping with air circulation and an eyemask daytime. With airflow your sweat can cool you if you are fully shaded. You can also search ePlaya using Google search for box truck camping. "Burning Man evapotron."
3. The playa dust is a light tan. It covers your body and every bit of clothing. Mad Max black is a look, but you can do better.
4 Comfortable maybe playa-fashionable footwear, cotton undies, wash feet-moisturize-sleep in clean cotton socks every night, layers. It might be easier to get extensions in your hometown. Reno will be slammed pre-burn. Extensions are popular in the festival crowd and for African American hair. The playa dust is highly alkaline. Hair wants slight acidity. Schedule complete restorative hair service for after the burn. Some people keep their hair completely covered and do wigs.
5 The idea of art therapy as a gift is a mind boggling concept at the burn to me. Most psych care is acute and emergency provided by ESD-Green Dot Rangers, Zendo, and others. However if you just want to facilitate art, there are a lot of DIY art camps and possibly Kidsville. Give your professional self a vacation!
6 Meet your Burning Man Regional.
7 The adventure begins!

yeah i guess i didn’t think about the art therapy that way, helpful perspective, thank you!

[a0riff01]

Somewhere along the way I seem to have completely missed that we're again allowed to talk about renting a box/cargo truck/van to take to Burning Man? And how to equip them, manage heat, add swamp cooler, etc.?

p.s.
Some rentals have GPS chips, so they know where their vehicle is. If you've agreed, or signed a waiver, to not take it to Burning Man, or off-road, don't be surprised if you have to pay extra for the various items. Or if they want to repossess it on the playa, they know exactly where to go in BRC.

One RV someone returned, they claimed it required a new generator.

yes definitely reconsidering my initial decision! thank you so much for your help.

[lucky420]

Hi!
If you don’t have your uhaul reserved, you may be SOL
If you have your uhaul reserved, you maybe SOL

Seriously though, I made my reservation in Oct/Nov in 2019 for the 2020 burn. They are honoring my 2020 reservation for the 2022 burn. I still run the risk of “no availability” up to 48 hours before the burn. I live in Reno.

I’ve had friends from out of state, who flew in to Reno only to find their truck was in Carson City. That wasn’t so bad as it’s only 25 miles from Reno. My friend who flew in from Australia found out her uhaul that was supposed to be in Reno, was 3 hours away in California.

I was told by uhaul, the other day when I was confirming my reservation, that I might not be able to return it to Reno. Like, WTF? I live here, so I’d have to come home, unload and then drive it to a different state and make arrangements to get back home. Well fuckthatshit. I kept my reservation but I’m also figuring out how to get everything I need in my Subaru. I like jenga

I’ve rented a big truck every single year. They’re allowed at BRC, they’re everywhere. It’s fun to cover the logo with inappropriate banners or painters tape, etc and change the logos

sorry, what’s a big truck? i found a potential motor home rental since posting and will need something to hitch it to.

A big trick is what I call a uhaul, budget, Penske , etc the trucks you move furniture or haul stuff with. It may also be called a BFG or Big Fucking Truck

[AntiM]

Big Truck is also known as a Box Truck. Because it looks like a box. Um, yeah, like that.

[art walsh]

I see posts referencing people from truck rental companies coming to the playa to get their trucks back.
Quess they have tickets to get thru gate????

[Elorrum]

I see posts referencing people from truck rental companies coming to the playa to get their trucks back.
Quess they have tickets to get thru gate????

Oh! Good point. Repo camp?

[Capt. RON]

START HERE: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xjg ... p=drivesdk

[FlyingMonkey]

This may be TLDR. No, it is definitely TLDR.

While I struggle with my cognitive dissonance of hating social media but using Utube as my 1st choice for research. There are many good prep videos out there. There are also many Burning Man packing lists available online. Google is your friend. Also, sometimes you may get lucky with the ePlaya search feature.

As others have said you may be hosed if you haven't already secured a trailer. Maybe find a cheap one somewhere or travel with someone who has one. besides, how are you going to get all your stuff to Nevada & then put it all in a trailer? Whats your plan for all your stuff after you return the trailer?

There's no way to "playa proof" a vehicle but that blast of playa dust 10 months later as you turn on the AC will bring back great memories. TBH my dust levels are usually minimal because I never open the doors after I park it. You can tarp & tape it but you'll get dust in it no matter what. Accept that. Moving blankets over the seats & dash will help. Don't take a new vehicle.

Aside from food/water & a few other things I personally wouldn't want to buy all my stuff once I get to NV. There's no telling if what you want will be there when you arrive.

Carports are awesome but they really need to be secured well. Rebar is Ok but FIGJAM converted me to lag bolts a few years ago. viewtopic.php?f=277&t=68556&hilit=lag+bolts
One thing to consider is the carport in the original box weighs a lot (200LBS) and will never fit back in to the box again. Plan accordingly.

If you insist on rebar put tennis balls or something else on the ends so you don't impale your drunk neighbors at night. Some people put solar lights on them too.

My searches for "Sona 2" only led to ads for sex toys so your on your own regarding your choice of tent. I know my tent can supposedly take a 60 MPH wind. I've experienced worse winds than that at Burning Man. Also, mesh windows need to be covered or you'll wake up under an inch of dust. Solar fans are neat but to be honest after 7:00 AM most tents become unbearably hot. I'd rather be siting in the carport than a tent. Or put your tent in your carport.

Take something to sit on. Camp tables are nice to have as well. Some collapse as small as chairs.

I love my air bed but have a plan A, B & C for inflation because you'll probably need to add air every day.

Have your goggles and dust mask handy at all times. Have extra of each.

Be illuminated at night or I'll probably run you over with my bike.

Make sure you have comfortable footwear.

Avoid Playa Foot by rinsing with vinegar water (or something slightly acidic) & use lotion every day.

Chap-stick is essential & makes a good gift. It also can be used lube your tent zipper in a pinch.

You have a bike just make sure you lock it whenever you are not on it. Also, do something to make it stand out in the sea of bicycles so you can find it easily.

There's a ton of camping showers available these days. Your biggest concern will be dealing with your grey water. Evap ponds are hit & miss & invite unwanted people donating their liquids/fluids(yuck) to them. Personally I'm not going to produce much so I'm hauling mine out with me. Something to consider are the giant adult size baby wipes that can reduce the number of showers you need to take. In the interest of de-commodification I won't mention brands but some are massive and pretty epic. Just search on large wet wipes.

Drink lots of water. Plan on 2 gallons per day for drinking/washing/food. I never use that much but it sure would suck to run out. Eat even when you don't feel hungry. Many people lose their appetite in the desert. Keep an eye on your camp-mates. Figure out what you're going to eat & if you need a cooler. Bring cash for ice. I eat a lot of dehydrated camp food so I typically don't even need a cooler. A hydration pack may be a good idea when you are out in the dust checking everything out.

Sunscreen - I use spray on SPF 100 and don't get as much as a tan and its doesn't attract dust. Whatever you use consider that the Playa dust may stick to it (effectively making it SPF 1000).

If it's windy watch out for wayward Zorbs. Little known fact: 6.4% of all Playa injuries involve Zorbs. Yeah, its a thing. Be safe out there!

Read the Survival Guide. READ THE SURVIVAL GUIDE

Outfits- There's a million opinions on this topic and just as many videos. If you plan on all white or all black just don't wear all black at night. Because I'm terrified of being accused of cultural appropriation I'm not wearing anything but a smile. It's both Hot & Cold at Burning Man & can be 115 degrees in the day & upper 30's at night. Plan accordingly. I take hand warmers just in case.

You may want to push your comfort level with your outfits. If not at Burning Man then where else? It's not Halloween so I personally try to wear outfits over costumes YMMV.

Your idea for gifting sounds cool but remember that someone will need to hang out for a while while they get their portrait done so maybe also gift a beverage or snack.

One thing that cannot be stressed enough is set up your camp & stuff at home before you get to Burning Man & make sure everything works as intended. It sucks to haul your really cool shower all the way only to find out you are a shitty plumber & it doesn't work. If something is important to you have a back up plan for it. Don't be like me & take battery packs for your phone and forget the cables. Always remember that something will go wrong/stuff will break/Shit happens. Be happy. Your at Burning Man for fucks sake.

Get a good first aid kit. Hopefully you won't need it but someone else may. Cold packs could be a life saver out there.

Bring trash bags & consider wearing a fashionable MOOP bag. Don't leave anything behind in your camp.

Consider tools, wire/hardware & zip ties.

Do you need power? Don't bring a noisy generator. Maybe solar? Your budget will dictate that.

Bring flashlights and back-up lights sources. I always misplace them so extras are good.

Try to make your camp stand out at night so you can find it again. Everyone has fairy lights so maybe light up flamingos. Whatever floats your boat.

Finally, one thing that Virgins typically forget to do and it can really wreck their Burn is they forget to in-process at the Virgin Welcome Center at Center Camp (of course). Its usually well marked but if you don't find it right away just ask someone from DPW. They're a friendly bunch of folks who make it their mission to serve the community in many ways.

[Token]

Here’s a legit tip for you!

It’s called the JOTS Sling.

Here is how it works.

If you are lucky enough to hit the JOTS right after they are pumped and filled with virginal blue juice …

… you got two choices …

Do your business as usual and get all surprised with the caustic blue splash. It’s an eye opener for sure.

Or, you drape some TP, like lateral to your ass, let it droop down half-way to the blue ocean.

That way, then you drop the kids off at the pool, the sling breaks the fall and viola … no splash of the blue goo.

You’re welcome.

[Elorrum]

Yes, the tips you didn’t know you needed. Here’s one I didn’t expect.

Don’t bring laced shoes or boots with those doubled over cloth eyelets. The playa dust nearly seizes your laces and they don’t slip through. (the squeaking sound also was a surprise) It will cause you to further irritate hands dealing with playa dust. You start accepting loose shoes because you don’t think you are up to the tightening.