Travelling by plane and other first time questions!

5x5 · Post by **5x5** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 3:51 pm

Thinking about going to Bman this year (ok dreaming and obsessing more like it!) for my first time!

i know someone in a camp, so i have some help that way (communal cooking, ride from Reno i hope!) but i still have so many questions!

- Travelling by plane: How do you do it? ship your camping gear? (How much does that cost, i'm in NJ!) how much can you buy last minute in Reno? advice on packing light but enough for basic needs?

- Tent - I was about to buy one this year anyway. any recommendations for a dome tent between $100-200, sleeps 4-6 (according to mftr), fairly tall in the middle (5.5-6')? is it reasonable to take one like this? i don't understand what i'd need for a shade structure ABOVE the tent. any photos and other information of that would be helpful.

- costumes/gifting - do you do it all the time every day? or certain times?

- weather. it does concern me a little. i don't do well with heat on the east coast, but i have only been in places that are humid, never the southwest or the desert. and what i hate most about the heat is being sweaty. i guess no one can really answer this for me. but any stories of your experience, especially compared to summer on the east coast (i've been up and down, as far as key west FLA), would be great.

i have read the docs on the Bman site, the FAQ, and i have been reading/searching posts.... but like i said, i'm obsessed!

thanks for any help you can provide!

5x5

5x5 · Post by **5x5** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 4:29 pm

another one --

i wear contacts. with the dust and everything, which is more comfortable? glasses or contacts? (i would pick up disposable contacts if i go that route.)

Thanks!

Isotopia · Post by **Isotopia** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 4:34 pm

i wear contacts. with the dust and everything, which is more comfortable? glasses or contacts? (i would pick up disposable contacts if i go that route.)

Bring both if you can.

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 4:57 pm

I've worn contacts 4 years in a row and only had a problem once where I laid down and got a bit of dust in my eye right before driving home, then waiting for a real bathroom to replace it rather than taking care of it right away. The main key is to NOT TOUCH YOUR EYES unless absolutely necessary and if you do, only after carefully washing your hands and finding shelter from the wind. No rubbing, don't take the contacts out at night, nothing. I just leave mine in for the week and it's fine. If I do that at home they drive me nuts, but something about being out there and being careful no to touch my eyes makes it work ok.

As for getting your stuff out there, I'd suggest not bringing too much from home. Much of the bulky stuff like coolers, bikes, tarps, WATER, food, etc can be bought or borrowed in Reno. Find out the max size/weight allowed by the airline and plan accordingly. Any excess, either ship it to your friends, bring it on as extra luggage (make sure you know the fees) or don't bring it!

You will want some sort of cover over your tent. There are many, many options for this, do some web searches and you'll find good info. If you're staying with an established camp, see what they're already doing and see if they can extend it enough for you to fit underneath. Can't give recommendation on any specific tents, but anything you can stand up in is wonderful if you're shy about changing outside. The only upper limits on how a tent you can have are how much of your luggage allowance it consumes and how much shade space it will consume. You might consider getting a cheap-o $40 *Mart tent in Reno instead of bringing your nice one that you plan to use for other trips. Whatever you bring to Burning Man may be ripped up by the wind and will definitely become infused with corrosive playa dust.

I thought the weather would kill me too, but honestly it's not too bad as long as you keep sipping water and don't try to be too active during the day. You don't really get sweaty unless you're wearing clothes that don't breathe. The dry air sucks all of the moisture off your skin. The biggest problems are keeping hydrated and keeping your skin from cracking. There's plenty of suggestions floating around for how to do this.

Having a camp is a great. Keep in touch with them and make sure you know what's expected of you and try to find ways to help them out.

5x5 · Post by **5x5** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 5:25 pm

thanks dork!

i was worried about getting a cheap-o tent based on stories of wind and dust.... will it hold up? i just may have to go that route, and sell/recycle/trash it in reno before i leave...

swampdog · Post by **swampdog** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 5:26 pm

2004 was my virgin year, and I started obsessing around May, you've got a great head start! My one biggest advice - think seriously about how you can prepare for the camping experience, but spend your obsession on your creative side. What can you bring/show/do?

My virgin year "what worked for me" writeup is at: http://tinyurl.com/4jbp6

I was very very strongly advised also to plan for shade over my tent but I figured I'd fake something with extra tarps if I needed it. I have a big 6 man northface with rainfly. It got dusty and hot inside, but I still managed to nap in the middle of the day without any problem. My campmates had their tent under the shade and seemed much more comfortable, but honestly, I wouldn't stress too much about it. YMMV, of course.

re: shipping stuff, you might see how much you can coordinate with your campmates. Maybe send them money, have them buy stuff, and ship it to you after. Or, leave it at their place if you're going to camp with them regularly and just use the stuff for BM.

Costumes - it's just up to you. Wear what you want to wear. Most people had seemed to have day and night costumes, partly becaue of the heat/cold and light/dark. People tended to dress up more for the evening "going out" I think. People also seemed to have a simpler "everyday" outfit, not dress up all the time. Some people just wore ordinary clothes and expressed their creativity in other ways. The only big don't seems to be men with tee shirts and no pants.

Silver 2 · Post by **Silver 2** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 5:53 pm

Real quick,

There are container trucks leaving from both Philly and New York, sign up for one of the regional lists, see regionals on the main page. Much closer to the Burn there will be posts about them.

Check out the Sticky QandA and hunt around for a thread on tents. Do not buy a Wexler tent.

Costumes your choice, 24/7, naked, not at all.

Gifting your choice check out the gifting threads

I have more trouble with the cold nights than any heat during the day. As far as sweat goes read my Q&A post about drinking water.

Not going to say anything about shade shelters, mine failed this year.

Got a date, bye

Post by **AntiM** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 7:15 am

Cannot say too many good things about lip balm. The dry playa environment is tough on lips. Try out a few kinds; I love Burt's Bees, but the tiny tin contents melted all over. Best ever: some generic type on a string gifted to me, had been dressed up with a quote stuck on it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 10:06 am

HEY 5x5 WHATS UP BROTHER?!?! JERSEY REPRESENT WHOOP WHOOP!!
i flew from newark to reno last year and i was able to check all my stuff without incurring a fee...my advice is for you to get one of those camping/hiking backpacks with places to strapyour tent and sleeping bag to the outside...make sure you secure everything well so you dont have your tent become seperated from your bag somewhere in the commute...happened to me me...my tent worked itself loose from the pack...my heart almost stopped when my bag came down the conveyor belt with no tent attached...luckily it came around a few seconds later..
shoot me an email and we can talk some more..im in jersey too
[email protected]
-Duke

5x5 · Post by **5x5** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 4:56 pm

hey!

thanks everyone - appreciate the advice!

oh, and LLduke? thanks for the warm welcome but it's sister not brother

i spoke more with my friend in Reno, so i know a little more and how they can help me out once i get there!

still accepting any other advice!

5x5

sputnik · Post by **sputnik** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 5:20 pm

Reno is a big city, so they have everything you'll need if you don't want to pack it. However, it'll take some time, so allow for it. We spent a whole day in Reno buying food, booze and other last minute supplies. However, we did have a camp of 50, so take that into account. Also, if you're planning on ditching things like a tent and stuff in Reno, consider how many other people will do the same thing. If there is one thing I learned about Burning Man, it's that it is one of the biggest consumer events around. Think about your impact on the environment.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 2:26 pm

sorry, sister...
just out of curiosity whose your friend in reno? if anything changes theres a great group in reno that'll help you out getting to the playa...they have reno-to-playa rideshare program and a place in reno where you can stay for a few days to make sure you have all your shit together...check out the website
www.blackrockburnerhostel.com

-Duke

5x5 · Post by **5x5** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 7:55 pm

thanks! (and no offense taken, duke!)

my supplies will come back with me, stay with my friend for future use by her or myself, or she will hold on to them and try to sell/give away in the off season. i'm not sure where she is in reno, but i am staying and riding with her.

it's good to know there's a backup, but i think i'll need a friend to rely on for sanity until i get out there! plus i can ship stuff to her if it's too much for the plane.

i'm getting more and more excited, as well as more and more nervous!!

(nervous about how i'll hold up with weather and sleep deprivation. after two nights i may become a grouchy zombie... but then, by that time, i should be able to sleep through anything! i'm sure the excitement will keep me going!)

5x5 · Post by **5x5** » Fri Jan 14, 2005 6:50 am

I'm researching tents and shade structures... and I have one idea that I'm thinking about.

what about instead of a shade structure, getting a large (10x10 or 12x12, 6-7 high) tent, and putting a small 2-person tent inside it for the bed.

the large tent can be open all the time - maybe close it somewhat during bad dust storms - keep my gear in there in dust proof containers, a chair, etc. the bed tent will be closed all the time until i go to bed. the larger tent provides shade and a slightly reduced dust environment.

has anyone tried something like this? the thing is, the large tent is what i would probably use to go camping once a year (car camping only), whereas if i buy a shade structure and a smaller tent, it's a lot of money and not what i really want for uses other than BM.

either that or maybe i'll get the eureka tunnel tent
http://www.mountainsports.com/mssearch. ... ail=058202

thanks!!

Ranger Genius · Post by **Ranger Genius** » Fri Jan 14, 2005 9:16 am

We've done the tent airlock system before, and it works great. Keep it closed, though, or after one small wind storm there will be so much dust in it that it might as well not be there. It allows to you sleep much later without getting baked, though. Another great idea I saw was space blankets taped around the outside of a small one-man tent (you can get them for about a buck at the surplus store). The tent stayed cool all day. But don't try to roof a carport shade structure with them...it works well, but turns it into a magnifying glass with certain slants of light. Your neighbors will not approve.

dr.placebo · Post by **dr.placebo** » Fri Jan 14, 2005 9:19 am

You are likely to find that the tent within a tent is a bit like an oven within an oven. The big tent will protect your stuff (and your little tent) but it's not the same thing as a shade structure.

On the playa, ideally, a shade structure provides shade and wind protection, while being open enough to use a gentle breeze to stay cool(er). A tent won't do that unless you can open the sides, and big tents tend to be vulnerable to wind.

Another possibility is to get attached to a camp that already has more than adequate protection. Many camps are friendly enough to do this. One year I was delaying putting up my shade structure because I was trying to find some of my friends to camp with. I did not find them for days, and I was having such a great time hanging with my neighbors that I never moved, and I never put up my shade structure. Another year my/our camp provided shelter for several neighbors.

The dual goals of self-reliance and community get tricky to navigate. It's good to have a plan for protection from the sun and wind, and it's also good to know that you will have friends out there.

Good luck!

sgrunspa · Post by **sgrunspa** » Tue Jan 25, 2005 1:07 am

5x5 wrote:Thinking about going to Bman this year (ok dreaming and obsessing more like it!) for my first time!

i have read the docs on the Bman site, the FAQ, and i have been reading/searching posts.... but like i said, i'm obsessed!

thanks for any help you can provide!

5x5

I have flown the b-man for the last two years. You can find answers to all your non-aviation related questions on the board or survival guide. first let me say flying into buringman is a blast. the pilot community is fantastic. and giving people rides or visiting the hot springs in Oregon is really fun.

if you haven't already goto http://www.portofentry.org it contains ESSENTIAL info for pilots. subscribe to the aviators mailing list. it might be slow right now, but a few months before the event it will pick up.

I have done several flights like a NJ to B-man in length, in the summer, and my one piece of advice is leave a lot of time for weather. obviously summer t-storms are a factor. leave time to wait them out. also I have offered rides in exchange for hauling my stuff on the bulletin boards and have had some success. I have actually crammed everything into my arrow but fitting bikes is tough.

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Tiara · Post by **Tiara** » Tue Jan 25, 2005 10:21 am

those camping/hiking backpacks with places to strapyour tent and sleeping bag to the outside

I'm a little surprised that the airline let you check a bag with detachable items strapped to the outside. Most times they won't because they don't want to be liable for lost items that might come loose during transit.

I'd say the better way to go would be to get a huge duffel and put everything inside of it. Alternately, make sure you put your whole pack with attachments into one of the heavy duty plastic bags that should be available from the airline luggage counter.

5x5 · Post by **5x5** » Tue Jan 25, 2005 2:16 pm

thanks -- however i'm not flying into BRC itself, just into Reno. i was only questioning the amount i can bring on the plane as opposed to having a large car!

i have some good ideas so far. i have ordered a tent - should work in it's bag or a duffel. i will probably bring a big-ass suitcase (from when i lived abroad), with some cheapo duffels or pick up plastic tubs once i'm there. keep nice suitcase at my friend's house in Reno and transfer everything into tubs for BRC. (and pack everything going home in plastic bags in the suitcase). leave plastic bins for my friend to use. she has shade structure supplies, so besides the tent and sleeping bag it's just my personal stuff that needs to fly with me. and if i need to, i could ship the tent ahead of time.

i'm sure people will travel with a lot less, but i tend to over pack, and already have plans for gifts and costumes which will take up some space! luckily i'll have a clean resting spot in between BRC and travelling home.

and i am shocked to realize how consumeristic the preparations for this event are, when there is none at BM itself! so i'm trying to avoid buying something and trashing it. i'm buying some stuff now, will use it all summer, and then if it's ruined it at least served some purpose!!

cbdancin2 · Post by **cbdancin2** » Tue Jan 25, 2005 9:50 pm

Good stuff in this thread. I am flying from DC/MD area to Reno. This will be my first trip to BM and can't wait. I don't have friends on the other side and will have to pack all my own gear. I will check out some of the suggestions here! Thanks for the help.

Peace Corbett

RingO'Fire · Post by **RingO'Fire** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 6:21 am

Tiara wrote:
those camping/hiking backpacks with places to strapyour tent and sleeping bag to the outside
I'm a little surprised that the airline let you check a bag with detachable items strapped to the outside. Most times they won't because they don't want to be liable for lost items that might come loose during transit.

I'd say the better way to go would be to get a huge duffel and put everything inside of it. Alternately, make sure you put your whole pack with attachments into one of the heavy duty plastic bags that should be available from the airline luggage counter.

I have to agree with Tiara about packing all your gear into a monster duffel bag. You can get the gigantic "parachute" duffel bags that have zip-open tops fairly cheaply at your local army/navy surplus store.

Also beware, some airlines have an overweight baggage "surcharge" if your baggage is over their weight limit. Last year, I avoided a $50 overweight surcharge by checking my bags with a Skycap and tipping him $10 to let my giant 80-lb suitcase on through - a fairly substantial tip, I know, but it still saved me $40.

Side note: Last summer, I discovered that I love airport "smartcarts." I'd never bothered to get one before. To me, it was totally worth $3 to able to push all my heavy-ass shit around on a little wheeled cart, instead of potentially herniating myself while trying to drag it around.

geekster · Post by **geekster** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 9:00 am

Minding reflections you might create is a good idea. Something else to mind is smells. You might have a dessication sack filled with wet garbage that you are allowing to dry that you set away from the social area of your camp ... but that might be right next to someone's tent in the neighboring camp. Same with generators and such.

What we did was had all the neighboring camps use the "four corners" area where we call came together as the place where we put all our noisy and stinky stuff.

Cooky · Post by **Cooky** » Thu Jan 27, 2005 6:27 am

Ok, I'll admit that I still ship several crates of communal stuff on our themecamp load out of Detroit, but almost all of my actual neccessary personal stuff including tent, first aid kit, water pack etc. I fit into one big duffel bag and one cooler that I send as my luggage on the plane. With careful choices I've managed to keep those two items within the size and weight limits although last year was darn close to an overweight charge. I also ended up staying in Reno for an unexpected extra night a few years ago when I had to wait for the airline to find my luggage before I could head to the playa.

My top three tips for folks flying in to Reno:
1. Coolers make pretty good luggage, especially if they have wheels. Plus you arrive in reno, unpack the contents into a big garbage bag and can head straight to the grocery store for your ice and perishables.
2. Duffel bags with wheels are awesome.
3. Be ruthless when you pack...do you really need 5 tubes of lipbalm? Nah, 1 plus a spare are fine.

Rabbi Dali Rick · Post by **Rabbi Dali Rick** » Fri Jan 28, 2005 12:00 pm

I have yet to fly to Bman but after having gleaned info from other's success on the Playa. Here are a few;

Ship as much as you can directly to the playa. Yes you can ship freight directly to and from the Playa. Ask somebody else here about this if this will help in your particular situation, or do a search on the subject, see "Search" button at the tope of this page.

Rent a station wagon or suv to sleep in. Much cheaper than an RV and just as much protection against the weather, security for you personal suff, and a hell of a lot cheaper, especialy gas-wise (get an air mattress to sleep on) You can pull the bench seats out to use as couchs under your Shade tarp that is attached to the top of you're vehicle. If it comes with a roof rack, you can stop at Home Despot or wherever, buy a 4'x8' sheet of plywood, either tie it to the rack with rope through holes you have predrilled in the wood (if you're cute you can have the guys at the store do the cutting to size of the plywood and the drilling of the holes), or buy U-Bolts and washers to mount it a lot sturdier to the rack and Voila, you have a platform/sundeck upstairs bar/lounge/open-air bedroom thingy. Or do a search on the subject, see "Search" button at the tope of this page.

Bring two big Icechests, one for daily in and out stuff, the other is more storage seldom opened. Bring can goods (soups, speggetti, peachs, etc) you really won't feel like eating much, and cleaning up even less. Mostly you want to explore and run wild (well I do anyway) , or do a search on the subject, see "Search" button at the tope of this page.

Bring some really heavy duty flipflops/outdoorsman type sandels for surefootedness when running, all but naked, behind the moving water trucks taking your daily rinse-off. (best part of the day!) JPGs anybody?

Arange to bring a bike. Weather you ride it or not Black Rock City is HUGE!!! You can rent them or buy cheap ones at Wal-Tar-Sears and then donate them to one of the local childrens bike progams. Someone has more info on this than I so just ask, or do a search on the subject, see "Search" button at the tope of this page.

Be prepared for absolutly everything to go wrong, but remember if you let go, not to take things, or (especially) yourself to seriously, and just go with the flow, you will always have a fantastic time. After all, it is Burning Man.

...... anybody else?

,
the rebbi

5x5 · Post by **5x5** » Fri Jan 28, 2005 2:04 pm

thanks great advice!! especially the getting the boys at the hardware store to do work for me!

i'm pretty lucky in that i can rely on my "host" in reno for a lot... i'm sure we'll share cooler space. and she knows where we can rent a bike for $20. she sleeps in her van with her husband at BM, but i'll bring my tent, and she has poles and tarps for shade.

once i go, i'll know better what to plan for next time, and how to improve on it! especially if i get into artwork!

Travelling by plane and other first time questions!

Travelling by plane and other first time questions!

tent

Re: Travelling by plane and other first time questions!

Coolers make pretty good luggage

....Words of Wisdom.....