Packing Question

NaughtySnowAngel · Post by **NaughtySnowAngel** » Fri Jan 02, 2004 10:07 am

I have read several lists/posts/etc that recommend removing all possible packaging at home and packing things into easy to organize large plastic containers (ie Rubbermaid) and packing smaller items (ie batteries) into plastic ziploc bags to help keep them organized, etc.....but what about clothes?

When going on a normal camping trip we pack everything into our back packs, but with camping for a week in the desert and with the need to bring along some "unusual" camping outfits I am curious about what the best way to pack clothes/shoes/costumes? Should I buy HUGE ziploc baggies to pack outfits in and place them in a large rubbermaid conatiner? I imagine that if I pack all my clothes in a duffel they will get quite dusty over the course of the week, but perhaps I am mistaken.

Please post what you have done and how it has worked out!
Thanks a Bunch!
*smoochies*
Di

robbidobbs · Post by **robbidobbs** » Fri Jan 02, 2004 10:25 am

I've been to 5 Burns, and have been very successful using plastic storage totes, preferably with snap-on lids. (FYI: best prices are post-xmas). The large opening, and sturdy build enables me to riffle through my clothing easily. Duffle bag diving gets old fast. The snap lids keeps most (never all) the dust out. They are easy to move, load, unload, and dig through. They are also weather resistant, and your clothing will be dry even if your tent should be under a couple inches of mud (it happens). My favorite set-up is to have a dome tent dedicated to storage, so even if there is a brutal dirt-storm, I can quickly jump inside, get what I need, and jump out. Personally, I don't have the time or patience to leisurely sort through my crap to find that certain t-shirt that would be perfect to wear today. I need to find it NOW. Dead of night, rain, dirt-storm or medical emergency, I'm brutally efficient.

stuart · Post by **stuart** » Fri Jan 02, 2004 2:32 pm

I have been using the system of packing fresh underwear and socks for the day in individual zip lock bags.

Chai Guy · Post by **Chai Guy** » Fri Jan 02, 2004 4:50 pm

I use the rubber maid containers and ziplocks. I prefer the smaller size rubber maid containers because you don't have to rummage through a ton of stuff to get to that one thing you need on the bottom. I divide up the rubbermaid containers into catagories and lable them like clothes/costumes, kitchen stuff, batteries/lanterns/flashlights etc.

I store all my perishable food in carboard boxes (with the food in ziplocks) because I won't be bringing the perishable food home I can burn the carboard boxes and have less to deal with when packing up.

As for costumes I place each outfit in a large ziplock and after I'm done wearing it the costume goes back into the same ziplock, that way it dosen't get my clean clothes dirty.

NaughtySnowAngel · Post by **NaughtySnowAngel** » Fri Jan 02, 2004 5:41 pm

I store all my perishable food in carboard boxes (with the food in ziplocks) because I won't be bringing the perishable food home I can burn the carboard boxes and have less to deal with when packing up.

AWESOME Idea!!! Love it! I had been planning on using a rubbermaid container, but this makes so much more sense.....why is it that some of the most obvious things are the most elusive?

As for costumes I place each outfit in a large ziplock and after I'm done wearing it the costume goes back into the same ziplock, that way it dosen't get my clean clothes dirty.

This is what I had in mind....actually this is how my mom used to send me to camp every summer.....she would put one outfit in a large ziploc baggie, that way when I was done wearing it I would put it back into the baggie as not to pollute the rest of my gear! Just goes to prove that Mom does know best

PurpleKoosh · Post by **PurpleKoosh** » Fri Jan 02, 2004 6:58 pm

stuart wrote:I have been using the system of packing fresh underwear and socks for the day in individual zip lock bags.

Exactly what I did this year, and I was very pleased with the result.

(And another tip: Bring twice as many sox as you think you'll need. At least. Sometimes, just changing sox and shoes is almost as refreshing as a shower....)

Last Real Burner · Post by **Last Real Burner** » Sat Jan 03, 2004 7:43 am

Packing.

I wear a loincloth made out of a shoe string and a hanky(painted with tribal designs and stuff after all it is BM) when it gets to cold for that I wear a chinese outfit. It's made out of Rayon that makes you warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot amazing stuff. I usually bring two, they wash really easy and dry in about 10 minutes. A bag of white soxs and one pair of green boat tennis shoes. That's it that my whole weeks wardrobe, my thing is that I'm there to enjoy myself without to much stress.

nudely,
mr smith

NaughtySnowAngel · Post by **NaughtySnowAngel** » Sat Jan 03, 2004 7:57 am

Mr Smith....

I will keep that in mind, perhaps I need to go shopping for a loincloth or two to make my packing a bit easier, can you recommend a good loincloth dealer? Or do you happen to manufactor them yourself?

Curiously,
Di

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Sat Jan 03, 2004 8:37 am

Including travel/camping, I will only be out for 10 days. Some of you sound like your going for a month or two. I have about the same wardrobe as mrs smith. Mine is a moo moo thats three sizes to big. Good for morings and cool evenings. Then a couple sorongs, clean soxs,and good foot wear. Less camp=more fun

Tiahaar · Post by **Tiahaar** » Sat Jan 03, 2004 10:40 pm

NaughtySnowAngel wrote:Mr Smith....

I will keep that in mind, perhaps I need to go shopping for a loincloth or two to make my packing a bit easier, can you recommend a good loincloth dealer? Or do you happen to manufactor them yourself?

Curiously,
Di

Super-easy-comfy loincloth outfit directions:

1) Buy a huge XXXL seamless-side heavy cotton t-shirt in your favorite color
2) Cut the bottom hem off
3) Cut a loop 10-12" wide off the bottom of the shirt then cut across the loop in one spot so you have one long 10-12" wide strip of fabric
4) Tie a heavy string/piece of soft rope/etc. (I prefer flat nylon 1/2" webbing) loosely around your waist
5) Drape the fabric over the rope in front, through your legs and over the rope in back; adjust so it hangs the same length front and rear.

Wa-la, a great and comfy loincloth, and the leftover shirt top makes a great matching cool weather accessory.

Tancorix · Post by **Tancorix** » Sat Jan 03, 2004 10:43 pm

.jpg? Some of us can figure things out better if we see it vs. reading instructions. I know it sounds simple, it's just a loincloth but your definition and mine might not match. If you can snap a pic and post it I'd like it and maybe a few others could get some inspiration from it.

Last Real Burner · Post by **Last Real Burner** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 9:53 am

Wow Tiahaar, that's a great idea. I'll keep it in mind for next year. Your's probably looks more like an islandboy thingy.

But mine is a little simpler. A large heavy duty cotton hankerchief with a 1/2" flap, folded over, and sewn. A heavy duty 52" Tennis shoe shoestring threaded thru the sewn flap. Usually I just let it hang in the front, and use a seperate one for the back. When I first hit the playa, I usually wear both, but by the second day I lose the back one, but keep it on hand for dust mask. Talk about convient, when it time for you to go you just lift it up and go, and when you finish just drop it.

It has the Japanese Letters along the bottom for, "Earth" "Sun" "Moon" "Love" "Happy", with some weird multi colored symbols that I made up along one side. I just pulled it out to recreate the design for you, boy did it bring back memories, decided not to, too much work (use your imagination)...

Cost:
Hankys - $3 for six
Shoestrings - 79 cents

"If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it. "
modesttly,
mr smith

NaughtySnowAngel · Post by **NaughtySnowAngel** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 1:44 pm

What do you recomend I wear in top? I am sure the prefered attire would be topless, but due to my extremely fair skin any other opinions?

Dr. Pyro · Post by **Dr. Pyro** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 1:50 pm

NSA, don't be all that smitten with what "mr. smith" AKA "The Last Real Burner" AKA "The Rebbi" says; after all, he hasn't even been to Burning Man for at least three years. Always has some lame excuse why he can't make it, but is great about giving advice. I think your suggestion of going topless is an excellent idea. Just be sure to drop by Barbie Death Camp & Wine Bistro for your proper indoctrination.

The Doc

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 2:20 pm

That Lest Real Burner most be a shinny little rabbit. They don't make snot rags big enough to cover my sweet....

Topless is ok, but you best be carring some shade in the middle of the day. I go with a good tan and still burn some on my feet and other places.

I like that Tee shirt idea THanx

_tears_ · Post by **_tears_** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 9:28 pm

Just a side note :

Last year i placed a clean shirt,socks,panties,bra and an exta $20.00 bill in a zip lock bag and put it under the seat of my car and i put those on when i was ready to head home so i was semi clean. If you are renting a car/van/truck be sure to line it with traps the dust is a PAIN to get out.

--Tears--

Last Real Burner · Post by **Last Real Burner** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 9:35 pm

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 9:47 pm

Last Real Burner wrote:

//
The L0st Real Burner is having trouble with happy faces?

Last Real Burner · Post by **Last Real Burner** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 10:24 pm

I didn't realize this was a thread on attendance, or a pissing contest. It's about advice. The years I did attend is where I got my experience. Out of curiosity, where did you aquire your stupidity?

"Obviously, the gene pool could use a little chlorine, or at least a lifeguard."

respectfully,
Rick Smith

Chai Guy · Post by **Chai Guy** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 12:29 pm

Last year i placed a clean shirt,socks,panties,bra and an exta $20.00 bill in a zip lock bag and put it under the seat of my car and i put those on when i was ready to head home so i was semi clean.

Great Idea Tears,

This concept is also known as the unpack it first/pack it last box. The idea being that when you arrive on the playa there are some sundry items that you will want ASAP before you unpack the rest of your gear. These items might include:

Water bottle
sunscreen
hat
knife
babywipes
flash light
snacks

At the end of the week when you have packed all your gear you will probably want a few things kept unpacked, for this reason I create a pack it last box before I leave home these items include:

1 change of clean clothes
water bottle
babywipes
Windex (to clean car windows)
emergency $$$
snacks for the drive home

I also add my wallet and car keys to the pack it last box so I don't accidentally pack those items with the rest of my gear

Tiara · Post by **Tiara** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 2:49 pm

Whatever you do, don't forget WARM things to wear at night. Very few people are hot-blooded enough to get by with just wearing a loincloth and t-shirt when the temperatures dip into the 40's at night.

And a slight twist on the packing everything in zip-top bags idea is to take all your bagged clothes and stuff them into a big mesh duffel bag. That way you can locate what you're looking for even before you start ruffling through the bag's contents.

Booker · Post by **Booker** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 3:58 pm

Loose, drapey stuff is good for both day & night, esp. if you need to keep fair skin covered. Lets in the breeze during the day, keeps you warmish at night. And listen to Tiara re: the warm nightwear.

Koosh: Bring twice as many sox as you think you'll need

Definitely double up the socks. This is the best advice given so far. Don't worry about the underwear, though. If you leave it at home, you don't have to mess with the extra set of bags.

And from the sound of this thread, every one of 30K people will be tossing out several dozen plastic bags at the end of the week. They're great used judiciously, but not needed for EVERYthing.

Chai Guy · Post by **Chai Guy** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 4:11 pm

And from the sound of this thread, every one of 30K people will be tossing out several dozen plastic bags at the end of the week. They're great used judiciously, but not needed for EVERYthing

Great point. It should also be noted that if you buy the good kind with the zipper closer thingies (forget what they are called) they are pretty re-usable. Just stick them upside down in a dishwasher and they are as good as new.

Tancorix · Post by **Tancorix** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 5:20 pm

Something else to consider is raingear. As Bob likes to point out with his pictures of the the DPW trailers sitting in water, it can rain during the event. Another item is to bring something to help knock off the mud on your shoes like a putty knife or something.

Jimbobwe · Post by **Jimbobwe** » Wed Jan 07, 2004 3:57 pm

Super cool idea. You can stuff a lot into a storage tote. Which is the best kind though? any particular model? I would imagine the one that have an airtight lid on them would be best....

robbidobbs · Post by **robbidobbs** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:50 am

One "street rule" of BM is to not bring anything that you have a problem with losing. So ultimately the utility of the storage box is more "valuable" than it being able to come with you to BM year after year.
I generally purchase totes for storing my personal shit in a storage locker. I've moved a LOT recently, I might add. I have cheap ones, and expensive ones, depending on how flush I was at the purchase's time. My favorite are the dark green one's from Rubbermaid, where the lid snaps on, but isn't "hinged." Nice resin they use! Bit expensive though. Their lids hold up under ridiculous wind storms damn well! The cheaper models on the same design are both opaque and crack. Their "snappiness" can also be suspect. Bleah! Who here has plucked a lid off the trash fence?
Don't go overboard on battening down the hatches. You'll want to be able to open the damn thing when you're intoxicated and/or freezing your ASS off. The Rubbermaid "snaps" are simply comfortably designed.

The hinged ones work well if they are clear on the outside. But they tend to break after a few years. Cheap plastic. Moist interior if it rains. Ew!

Your call.
Robbi's clear

_tears_ · Post by **_tears_** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:12 pm

I was really freaked out about losing the car keys or my wallet and a few other things i jsut DIDNT want to lose, last year i kept them in my tent, but somehow some of my $$ went missing, i bought a small SDB with a combination lock on it so i dont lose things. But be SURE you put those things somewhere in your tent tucked away.

Also pending on the time you get there, if it is at night they may put you in Temparaty camping to be ready to pop up your tent real fast or to sleep in your car, i was able to get to my camp, but it was really dark and i had been driving for HOURS i just crash in my car woke up the next woke in amazement and set up my tent

I being a true organize freak have rubber-made tubs in a million different sizes for a millon different things what i do is on each one on the life i create a list of what is in it and i tape it so i know exactly what is there.

I used a small rubbermade tub to house my first aid kit and i had a list of everything that was in there and i also kept a minature one with me in my bag.

As a random personal tip, what i also did was i had a "grab and go bag" at the front of my tent, it had a water bottle in it, a glow stick a change of clothes a hair brush and some other random things, incase i was to stay at someone elses tent and i was a little intoxicated.

hehe you will find a system that is JUST right for you

Gothalot · Post by **Gothalot** » Thu Feb 26, 2004 1:33 pm

hehhheheheh packing hehehhe she said packing ya ya, I need tee pee for my Burningmanholio

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Fri Feb 27, 2004 7:42 am

It may not be helpful for this year anymore, but after Xmuz lots of Big Box stores have good clearance sales on Rubbermaid and other tubs and boxes...A couple of weeks ago I scored a bunch of the abovementioned green tubs for three bucks per. Go for the "soft ones", but don't leave 'em in the sun.

Packing Question

Packing Question

Clothing etc packing

One in a million...

Loincloth directions

Don't make me take my clothes off....

Never miss a good chance to shut up. Oh wait too late...

Re: Never miss a good chance to shut up. Oh wait too late..

I'm even kind to stupid people, and you qualify...

Best totes?