When is the best time to show up for BM?

Bluetality · Post by **Bluetality** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 4:09 am

'09 will be my first year, and I was wondering what the best day/time is to show up to get a decent camping spot (not way out on the corner of BM universe), and to avoid mass traffic chaos (if possible?!).

Also! Can you recommend a decent store/website that sells reasonably priced (good quality) camping gear?

Thanks in advance.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 5:44 am

The first part of the week is the most fun.
Get there as early as possible.

I don't know of any decent and reasonably priced tents.

Bluetality · Post by **Bluetality** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 7:45 am

Ah, that does make sense.

Thanks anyway (about the camping stuff).

I've been checking out REI and the like, but the prices are pretty steep, and most of the decent tents I've found are like 40% mesh, and I'm trying to avoid that if I can.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 7:56 am

Mesh= not a tent.

Campmor is a starting point.
Many more.

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:01 am

I'd try Craigslist......right after summer/camping season...should be some good buys, if, yo don't mind used.......

and,
when to go?
depends on how much crowd you like:

If you want quiet and peaceful, go in February, most any time........

Otherwise, if you want to be around folks and have tons 'O fun......as early in the week as possible..........

Fire_Moose · Post by **Fire_Moose** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:04 am

My tent has 2 large triangular spots of mesh on opposing sides, its the top part. I safety pinned a sheet over those patches and cut itr to fit better and safety pinned some more and it worked out fairly well....sure dust still gets in but the amount of dust the sheet caught was remarkable.

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:58 am

Stay in Reno Sunday night and go to sleep early with alarm set for 3:30am.
At the sound of the alarm, jump up, take a fast shower and hit the road. This should get you on playa near sunrise with not much of a gate wait and give you (usually) good weather to set your camp up in.

The first days of the event are the best. The atmosphere is amazing.

CapSmashy · Post by **CapSmashy** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 9:34 am

Bluetality wrote:Ah, that does make sense.

Thanks anyway (about the camping stuff).

I've been checking out REI and the like, but the prices are pretty steep, and most of the decent tents I've found are like 40% mesh, and I'm trying to avoid that if I can.

REI is on the high end of the price scale.

If you are planning on a week, your tent and shade are the two areas not to really skimp on costs. If you can afford it (start saving now) a $400 investment at Cabelas in a 10 x 10 Kodiak Canvas cabin tent will give you a delightfully low dust environment to sleep in and it will last you for many years.

The vast majority of th edust in the tent was brought in by us and it was not much. We had some fine dust filter through on the really high wind gusts, but otherwise, the tent kept out the dust.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 9:41 am

Bluetality wrote: Thanks in advance.

I'll say!

Bluetality · Post by **Bluetality** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 9:56 am

[i]"Mesh= not a tent.

Campmor is a starting point.
Many more."[/i]

I've been camping quite a bit...thing is, I was never the one in charge of the tent. I have a friend who's planning to go with me, and he has all the gear, and know-how, but I'm getting my own gear in the event that he flakes out...self-reliance and whatnot, so I want to be prepared. It's cheesy, but I intend to practice the tent setting/breakdown once I figure out what in the hell I'm going to get.

Right.

Thanks for the other advice people. I checked out the canvas tent, it looks good, but I'm thinking it'll be really, really hot. Correct, or no? I can pin, or even sew fabric to cover the air vents/mesh, it wouldn't be a problem. I was just curious if there were better options I seem to be overlooking.

Also, I'm not trying to avoid crowds or noise, I'm fully into being a part of that once I get there, I was just curious if the first couple days was mostly everything being set-up, or if things were swinging from the very start.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 10:13 am

Bit of both really.

And setting up your tent ahead of time is really important in this case.

Canvas like the Springbar is probably cooler in this case.
And don't forget the cold too.

I haven't seen a canvas tent with a full fly which makes such a difference in the cold.
Only negative I see to the Springbar is weight.

phil · Post by **phil** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 10:22 am

I checked out the canvas tent, it looks good, but I'm thinking it'll be really, really hot. Correct, or no?

Here's the problem (in my very humble opinion): everybody's different. You'll find lots of people who camp at Burning Man in canvas tents. I suspect they wouldn't use them if they found them too hot - but in fact _you_ may find a canvas tent too hot. Shade over the tent is one answer. A good shade you can nap in is another. Generally, any tent in the sun is too hot by about 9 or 10 in normal playa weather.

There's just no one answer, as you'll find out after reading here all year in antici pation of 2009. Everybody will tell you what works for them and expect it to work for you; often that's not the case.

I mention occasionally the judgment factor in gear: some gear I buy cheap crap, knowing it'll fail, but I buy two or three of that gear. Some gear I buy top of the line hoping it won't fail. Louise and I buy a top of the line tent because failure is onerous. Our tent had a pole break at 4 or 5 am one year. Very high winds, and we laid there with the collapsed tent slapping us in the face for a lonnnnng time. Then it rained. Having a tent fail is a high-cost event on the playa. We have two back up tents, and we have a cargo van we can sleep in. Having to take down a tent, pull up the stakes, put up a different tent, and stake it is a time consuming pain in pleasant weather. Tents never fail in pleasant weather. So our judgment is, buy a tent we don't think will fail; bring a back up; be prepared to sleep in the van.

Other people buy cheap crap tents and make out fine. There's no rhyme or reason.

My suggestion is to read posts for some reasonable amount of time, search on tents, shade, whatever else, then make a judgment on how you should proceed. Buy accordingly, take it to the playa, and see if it works. If it does, you're an expert, post here next year advising all the newbies. :->

If it doesn't work, see if you can figure out why, buy something different and hopefully better, and try that in 2010. Repeat. By your 3d or 4th time, you'll have a comfort level on what will work for you, and you'll be telling other people to do it your way.

Be prepared to fail, learn, get better.

(One of Louise's and my advantages is that we camp 3 or 4 times a year, so we can invest in a good tent and get our money's worth. Other people only use tents at the Burn, so that changes the equation. Keep that in mind when you read suggestions: we all think the way we do it is the way everyone else is doing it.)

Bluetality · Post by **Bluetality** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 11:16 am

Thanks a heap, Phil. The more I've read, and looked up, I think the canvas tent would be a good idea, and having another tent as a backup. I'm not afraid of it getting hot (even with a shade that I intend to bring). I live in the high desert, and on the mesa to boot, so the dirt/dust/sand + extreme heat + high winds is something not too new to me, so I'm ready on that end.

I guess I'll have to just trial and error, like you said. I'm just excited, and trying to get my shit together so that when the time comes, I'll be ready.

I suppose worst case scenario (failed tents and the like...) I can sleep in my vehicle.

phil · Post by **phil** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 11:24 am

> I'm just excited, and trying to get my shit together so that when
> the time comes, I'll be ready.

You're doing it right. (You won't be ready, but you'll think you are till you get there. :-> It's like nothing you've ever seen.)

DragginLady · Post by **DragginLady** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 11:51 am

I have used both the cheap Costco tents and the Springbar tent... both worked; of course the Springbar is totally superior, but way more $$$$.
What I like about the Springbar type tent, is that I can stand up in it; that makes changing costumes much easier for this ol' body. Also, tent was pretty much dust free except for what we carried in on ourselves.

As for when to arrive~~~Burning Man is a participatory, community-building event. I strongly suggest you try to be the first one in line!!
Just kidding~~but those first few days build relationships and give you way, way more than you can imagine. Burning man is more than the sum of its parts; indescribable! Come for the whole darn thing.

mikesieben · Post by **mikesieben** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 2:06 pm

phil wrote:> I'm just excited, and trying to get my shit together so that when
> the time comes, I'll be ready.

You're doing it right. (You won't be ready, but you'll think you are till you get there. :-> It's like nothing you've ever seen.)

Good Lord this made me so excited all over again!!!

Toolmaker · Post by **Toolmaker** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 3:07 pm

I have used this..

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=450226

also this..

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=421585

this was used my very first time but I found it to be too much for my own needs..

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=193958

make sure you use shade ontop if you plan on daytime napping

www.sportsmansguide.com
www.cheaperthandirt.com
www.lapolicegear.com
www.imsplus.com
www.gr8gear.com

hsdavis · Post by **hsdavis** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 2:31 am

Yes, everyone thinks their way is the best way. I bought the cheapest 9x9 tent for my first visit 7 years ago. I never expected it to hold up for $30+. There are a few patches from being packing the suitcase and stored away, but I used it yet again this year. I did get a set of heavy duty stakes for the high winds, but I will swear by this cheap tent.
As far as when to show up, most first timers are a little apprehensive their first year and come the middle of the week----just incase they don't like it or the conditions are too harsh for them. We had 2 first timers in our camp this year and the guy who showed up on Thursday and left Sunday was kicking himself for not being there the whole week. There is no need to be the first at the gate. There are plenty of camping spots and even later in the week you can find space. With that said, I would still plan on earlier in the week, just for the amazement factor.
Reno has all the usual stores for supplies and camping gear. The big chain stores stock up heavy for the Burning Man crowd, so you will find mountains of tents and sleeping bags wherever you go. As far as food and supplies, I make a list at home and simply work down the list in Reno. Hey, like I said, "my way is the best way"!

Bluetality · Post by **Bluetality** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 8:23 am

Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you all x872398734783. The advice is invaluable.

It's interesting, I have a whole year, and I almost feel like it's not enough time to get everything put together. I'm sure it'll be a little easier my second/third/fourth time...once I know what to expect from firsthand experience.

Excited Excited. I'm sure I'll end up posting about a million other panicky questions as the year goes on, haha. All of the Q&A's have been super helpful, I'm glad this forum is here, and I'm pleasantly surprised at the lack of snark in the replies ;p.

Fire_Moose · Post by **Fire_Moose** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:08 am

That's something I really enjoyed about my first burn (this last one) my burn was like a whole year long, stocking up on stuff buying something here and another thing there....effin expensive but then your out there, and have all this stuff, and you don;t even use a lot of it, BUT you don't spend a single dime for and entire week....it's nice.

ZaphodBurner · Post by **ZaphodBurner** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:34 am

Bluetality wrote:I'm getting my own gear in the event that he flakes out...self-reliance and whatnot, so I want to be prepared. It's cheesy, but I intend to practice the tent setting/breakdown once I figure out what in the hell I'm going to get.

That rocks. BRC needs more attitudes like yours and from your comments here it sounds like you're going to get it and have a great experience.

In terms of arriving on Monday, indeed everybody is setting up. Much of the camps are already set up due to pre-arrival so there's plenty to see and do, and watching the city rise before your eyes is amazing. On Monday and Tuesday, everybody is a participant. So, everything's still being set up, AND things are already swinging.

For me, every minute on the playa is priceless which is why we try to get there ASAFP.

-c

DragginLady · Post by **DragginLady** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 10:31 am

here's a good tip for you.... find a friendly Burner in your neighborhood.
get together occasionally and surf the thrift stores for interesting and fun stuff to wear on the Playa. Someone who has already been there will know what to look for.
also, the billion bunny march is a really fun time; think about making some thing to bunnify yourself and join in.
Of course, after Easter sales will offer something......
I had a blast dressing in all my thriftstore finds this last year; even dressed a few others who got caught up in the spirit but who didn't have their own stufff..........

phil · Post by **phil** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 10:54 am

> surf the thrift stores for interesting and fun stuff to wear on the Playa.

Louise is in the local thrift stores all year buying stuff for our fashion show:
http://civex.smugmug.com/gallery/5907306_YNrhE
Password protected this year because some models were topless and one was pants-free. Password is

burningMan

Past years have no top-free women/pants-free men in the galleries and are safe for all ages:
http://civex.smugmug.com/gallery/3434855_UKJ6C
http://civex.smugmug.com/gallery/1867757_ZSETM

See http://www.cieux.com/bm/bmtoc.html#imgs for more photos, videos. See http://civilizedexplorer.pbwiki.com/CivExReno for Louise's shopping guides to Reno: where to buy used clothes, where to stay and eat cheap, where to get supplies, etc.

Bluetality · Post by **Bluetality** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 3:43 pm

Fire_Moose - Yeah, I set up a budget to buy stuff. At first I was going to borrow most everything, but I have a sneaking feeling a lot of it will end up trashed, and I don't want to mess up other peoples stuff. Despite the fact I'm already driving myself half nuts, I'm out of my head with excitement. I've said it before, but I'm going to need every minute of this year to be somewhat ready, haha.

ZaphodBurner - Thank you for that, love. It's appreciated. Assuming that my friend doesn't flake out, and comes with me, I'll be showing up a couple days early so he can adjust to the altitude, and heat. He lives in the Bay Area, and I live 2,000 feet above BM altitude in the desert, so I want him to have time to adjust, and feel yucky without it taking away from his BM experience, so I plan on being there with the sunrise on the first day. =)

Dragginlady - Thank you for that mama. I found a site specifically for NM burners, and have actually found a few interesting people (despite my first impressions), so I'm trying to get that going. Shopping buddies are always welcome (usually for moral support because I hate hate hate shopping).

Phil - Those are some lovely designs. It definitely gives me some clothing/costume ideas, because I've been drawing blanks in that department as well. Thank you again!

mikesieben · Post by **mikesieben** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 4:48 pm

I live at sea level and have never had a problem with altitude up to a mile or more, and none of my NYC group had any issues adjusting to playa height.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 5:04 pm

It definitely takes time to adapt to the altitude.
If you are really active, you will need a week to begin adapting.
You're lucky to be coming from high altitude.

Costumes are an option, but are hardly required.

dragonpilot · Post by **dragonpilot** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 5:59 pm

Lots of tent discussion...my .02...I've used an inexpensive Coleman type tent for the last 4 years...11 X 12 X 7. Never a problem, but to be fair I must say that I've always set it up next to another structure like an RV or larger tent to block the winds. I use 10" metal tent stakes, round like nails, and they work fine. No need for rebar, but YMMV on that...rebar is heavy, sharp and difficult to work with if you're not used to it.

A little mesh is OK, but a whole top of mesh is not. You can always cover the mesh, or I just use a couple of sheets to cover my bedding and gear and it works just fine. Some folks set up a smaller tent inside the big one...almost dust free.

Shade over the sleeping tent is a must if you want to try to nap during the day...otherwise you're in an oven. Most folks find someone with a nice shade structure and become their new best friends for daytime napping.

Arrive on Day 1, early AM. It's gonna take a day or two to acclimate to the heat, dust, altitude, dryness. We usually show up about 10 PM on Sunday and enjoy the party in the holding area until the gate opens at 12:01 AM Monday morning.

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 6:36 pm

Definitely don't borrow any gear unless it's BM-tested. Things tend to get trashed out there. Since you have all year you can buy things when they're cheap - like tents in the fall or spring, outfits from thrift stores while they have the halloween stuff out, etc.

I've done fine in cheap tents, but I'm not quite as sensitive to the dust as other people are. I don't really care if there's a little dust in my tent.

Just try not to go too overboard in buying things. The only things on my must-have list are any tent, a non-inflatable mattress of some sort if you have room to pack it, a good 5-day cooler, a comfortable tight-fitting hat, good walking shoes, a properly tuned mountain bike, water, and enough canned/dried food to last the week. Many other things are cool to have but don't overspend your budget or available hauling room. That's what year 2 is for!

phil · Post by **phil** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 8:07 pm

> Many other things are cool to have but don't overspend your
> budget or available hauling room. That's what year 2 is for!

Very, very good advice.

Bluetality · Post by **Bluetality** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 8:28 am

mikesieben - Ah, everyone is different dear. When I first moved here (to 5,000 ft in NM) from Seattle, For the first few days, I couldn't even walk down my hallway without becoming short of breath. I was also super lethargic, but after about three days, I was fine.

gyre - Yeah, I do consider myself lucky, that's one less thing I'll have to worry about. I understand costumes aren't required, but I like the idea of putting with little creativity I have to use, and making some fun outfits (I dig sewing and the like). =)

dragonpilot - Noted. Thanks for the tips. I was not aware there was a gate party, but I think I'm going to try and reserve my energy for the actual event...and I want to get there when during the day, otherwise I'll end up setting up my tent in a totally inappropriate place courtesy of a poor sense of direction, and terrible night vision, haha.

Dork - Yeah, I figured as much, so I'll be using most all of my own stuff. I definitely am not in a position to go crazy with buying stuff, but I've budgeted and made a priority list, so if all goes well, I'll have all the needs covered, and find a creative way to get my 'wants' without going broke.

When is the best time to show up for BM?

When is the best time to show up for BM?

Re: When is the best time to show up for BM?