First-timer flying in...sooo many questions

[Hootdaddy]

I've got a million of 'em. I'm reading everything I can and I've gotten some great ideas from you good folks...thanks much. But I have some concerns, especially about basics like shade structures and tents.

My working game plan is to fly with only clothing and things that I can't pick up in Reno. So, for example, I'll bring some clothing, and some of my favorites small blinkies, and some towels that I use on every camping trip, as well as a few choice pieces of my camp gear...a basic one-burner propane screw-on-the-bottle stove, a lamp or two of the same description, that kind of thing. My basic plan is to bring those things that aren't too big (such as a tent or shade structure) and that would cost me more money out there than just bringing it.

I've started badly with this post. Let me get to the point.

Will I be able to find a place to purchase a relatively cheap tent and shade structure in Reno? I'm flying in on Wednesday. My concern is I get there, go to Wally World or Super K, and find them sold out of these items.

[Gizmo]

Hey Hoot,
My last flight into Reno was 2003, so you might want to check current allowances, but I was able to check two army duffel bags, plus my carry-on bag. Was able to bring everything but cooler and bike on the plane.
Dragging two duffel bags through the airport was a hassle, so I suggest substituting bags with wheels. Your airline website should give you
max dimmensions and weight for your checked bags.

Bringing camping gear that you have tested at home beats picking up
new stuff in Reno.

[Toolmaker]

You can ship gear via UPS and pick up in Reno. For that matter i think the USPS still allows you to ship to yourself via General Delivery. Only problem is if the shipper loses your gear. From what you plan on bringing you may be able to squeeze it into the 2 duffel carry ons. Also i think you can pay extra to have an airline bring extra gear.. not sure how expensive it currently is. The last time I checked it was cheaper to use UPS/USPS.

[phil]

See
http://civilizedexplorer.pbwiki.com/CivExReno
for links to shopping and renting in Reno.

Is this your first Burn, too? See
http://www.cieux.com/bm/bmtoc.html#prep

[Hootdaddy]

Thanks, guys. Not my first burn (I've been to some regionals) but definitely my first playa camping experience.

I haven't yet been able to find a place to ship to in Reno. I guess maybe I could just ship to the main UPS terminal out there? I'll be at the airport anyway, so that makes sense to me.

Keep 'em coming!

[robotland]

Another option would be to check your Regionals connection for burners with cargo space that might help you out. (There's a special cargo vehicle here in Michigan that you can buy space on for less than UPS rate, for example.) Depending on your location, maybe some kind soul would just make room in their car for your tent.
Don't forget about that one all-important but supremely bulky and heavy item....water.

[Lavoisier]

For what it is worth, here are my thoughts on getting your stuff from here to there. Let's say that you want to get some of your favorite supplies to Reno w/o having to lug them to thru the airport. Get a couple of good Rubber Maid containers, bind'em up with duct tape and ship them in advance to Reno via Greyhound freight service and pick them up at the Bus station. I myself would have done this, but last year I shipped my whole *@** & $$ camp out there along with some "Playa-cized" bikes (from NC) and so I went with Navis Shipping service. In my case it was a big ass pallet full of stuff and it ran me $350. A smaller shipment via GH will run you more like a $1.10/lb (roughly).
Last year I found Reno to be a very easy place to find your way around in. Hell! I was able to find my stuff at a trucking terminal at the edge of town with no problem. They have all your favorite evil stores like Target and "Squall-mart" , Costco etc- and they will have propane units and other basics. The grocery stores like Abertsons WILL have gallon units of water and booze availble for purchase 24/7. (hey- it's Nevada after all!)
Anyway, that's my story and i'm stickin' to it...

[vic]

You can certainly get whatever you want in Reno - they know we are coming and there will be plenty of available gear. Having said that, I would recommend getting getting your primary shelter and a bicycle before you leave for Reno and shipping them there. Trust me, you are going to want a bicycle. I have had good experiences shipping all kinds of things as luggage on comercial airlines (ice chests, outboard motors, shade structures, bicycles, etc.) It may cost a bit more than shipping it by truck, but it comes with you.
The advantage of getting your tent/shade structure and bike before you go is that you will have just what you want. Screwing around with an unfamiliar tent in a dust white-out is not as much fun as you might think.

[thisisthatwhichis]

Yes, you can find anything you might need in Reno.... I live here...
Just google the places you need to visit in advance, so it's easier to find them.... but all of the major stores are here in several places around town....

[gyre]

I hit reno before the burn and still had a poor choice of coolers.
The reason- camping season was long over!!!!
The airline wanted $80 each way to ship my cooler.

[pinemom]

why is it that we still pay the same rate on plane's including annual inflation of rising ticket costs, but they havent given us a discount on the fact we used to be able to take on several LARGE bagage's...

a statement as I know the answer!