My suggestions for 2009!

[epic]

Based on problems in 2002, 03, 06 and 08, this is what I suggest:

1. Bring a GPS. In a whiteout dust storm, at night and when the street signs are gone you can find your way to your camp, friends camp, portapotty and anything else you have pre-entered the coordinates in. I have not done this yet. I will.

2. Bring 2 tents, bigger and smaller and put the small one inside the big one to keep dust out. I did do this but the big one had mesh and the fly zipper broke. Both need to be full fabric, no mesh. The big tent needs to be sturdy with alum poles to handle the wind. Make sure the small tent fits in the big one. Even if you forget to zip up one tent the inner tent won't be dust filled, if you zip up one.

3. Bring a high end respirator with replaceable filters, not cheap dust masks, and two high end goggles, one dark grey (day) and one clear (night/dust storm). Ideally they will fit over sunglasses. Bring large sunglasses too.

4. Bring the highest decibel rated earplugs (33 decibels) and high end shooting earmuff hearing protectors. I did do that.

5. Figure out the angle of the sun in the late morning on the first day to arrange your shade structure/easy up/canopy to block the sun over your tent from about 8 am to 4 pm, or whenever you plan on sleeping during the day. That means it won't be directly over the tent. Adjust as nec. which I did.
Better to bring 2 10 x 10 canopies if you have room, which I didn't.

[Fire_Moose]

"2. Bring 2 tents, bigger and smaller and put the small one inside the big one to keep dust out. "

I brought one tent with a bed sheet over the 2 upper mesh sides..then rain fly over that. There was dust in my tent but not bad at all

"3. Bring a high end respirator with replaceable filters, "

I did this but only used it a coupel times...

"and two high end goggles, one dark grey (day) and one clear (night/dust storm). Ideally they will fit over sunglasses. "

Fer sure

"4. Bring the highest decibel rated earplugs (33 decibels) and high end shooting earmuff hearing protectors. I did do that. "

I brought some earplugs and never used them. I usually went to bed around the time you could see it was going to be dawn....And i was camped at 2:00 and C so and emerald city was loud. /shrug

[epic]

Sucks to be deaf. I'm planning on keeping my hearing my whole life so I protect my eardrums. The asshole DJ's and sound camp owners crank the decibels so high 24x7 that even with earplugs inside the dance domes hearing damage occurs. The large scale sound camps are NOT relegated to the edges of the city as BM org proclaims.

[Toolmaker]

Based on the voices in my head, this is what I suggest:

1. Throw away the map from the gate and dont use GPS. In a whiteout dust storm, at night and when the street signs are gone you will be able to find new places to chill, party camps, different portapotty and anything else you missed while following maps and gps'. I have done this and it was great.

2. Bring 2 hats, a bigger one for the big head and a smaller yet taller one for the small head for shade. No tent or shade needed with this method. Be one with the dust.

3. Bring a hanky, ideally it will fit over your nose and mouth. Do not wear in pocket without looking up hanky codes on the internet.

4. Stay away from 2 oclock and 10oclock so you will not need earplugs.

5. Bring a sundial in case you want to spend you time worrying about the angle of the sun and whatnot, this will also allow for telling of time during the day.

[mk-ultra]

Did the whole respirator thing last year (ranging from el-cheapo and useless ones, to the valved type -- which was marginally better).

Thought about trying the full-on, dead serious external filter respirator this year... but, damn, even a simple dust mask turned out to be really hot any annoying last time. I can't imagine wearing one even more restrictive.

So... a few of us in our camp tried the oh-so-desert-chic shemagh (headwrap/dust protection).

Turns out, there's a damn good reason people who live in desert environments use these. They keep your head cool... are great as dust filters... and actually improve your goggle seal (as compared to trying to use goggles with a respirator). You also don't have to deal with inhaling your own wet, hot breath. Splash a little water on your head and you've got remarkably effective air conditioning.

It does take a little practice to learn to tie one... but once you've got it down you can do it in seconds:

http://www.actiongear.com/agcatalog/shemagh.html

[ygmir]

and, it's a great gag costume to wear into the 7-11..........

or bank........

[Toolmaker]

and, it's a great gag costume to wear into the 7-11..........

or bank........

[hsdavis]

and, it's a great gag costume to wear into the 7-11..........

or bank........

.....or to the airport!

[MikeVDS]

Goggles and angle of the sun for shade. The rest of the advice seems pointless to me.

[Simon of the Playa]

fuck all that, just bring a suitcase full of meth, and the rest will fall into place.

[mikesieben]

fuck all that, just bring a suitcase full of meth, and the rest will fall into place.

Teeth and sleep and so September 10th.

[ZaphodBurner]

1. I brought my GPS and noticed that we were about a mile or so further out than the position I marked in 2004. Other than that, I ended up not using it. In a white-out or after the street signs are gone, it's adventure time. GPS navigation would be fun, though. (BRC geocaching?)

2. Tent layering is great advice. If you really want, one of those Costco/Harbor Freight portable garage/shade structures can be set up in about an hour and you could lay out a ground cloth or tapestry inside, and put your tent, lawn chair, cooler, etc in there. Keep everything out of direct sunlight. Also, hammocks fucking rule. Set your stuff up somewhere before you leave to make sure you know what you're doing and whether you need extra stakes, rope, duct-tape, etc.

3. I used the typical $10 goggles from a surplus store. Had two pair; one darkly-tinted for daytime and one that I had previously with yellow lenses. Sucked in the daytime but back then I never expected dust storms at night, so I'm glad I didn't give them away. Some of our camp had the medical "duckbill" masks which were cheap and plenty sufficient. For dust, I just used a bandanna mostly. At the very least, tie one around your neck and if the dust come up, you have it with you and it'll get you back to camp just fine. Hell, it worked for cowboys and soldiers for over a century.

4. The only difficult night for me to sleep is usually the first. After that, I don't stop until I'm exhausted and I sleep like a Marine. If you've ever been to boot camp/infantry training you've learned that you can sleep just about anywhere, any time, in any position. As for the sound camps, they're not likely to damage your hearing noticeably if you're not in them.
I'm a pilot and I've been performing rock music for the last 12 years. I don't know what you guys are talking about all this noise for...hey, I don't hear anything. *looks around* No, seriously. Just stay away from the speaker systems and you're not going to be exposed to enough sound to cause permanent damage. If you were to stay there all day for several days, that would be different.

I wonder how many people wear earplugs and then run around naked in direct sunlight or annihilate their lungs huffing bonghits or cigarettes.

5. The sun is definitely something to consider. You might have a dust storm but you WILL have blazing heat every day.

[wedeliver]

Based on problems in 2002, 03, 06 and 08, this is what I suggest:

1. Bring a GPS. In a whiteout dust storm, at night and when the street signs are gone you can find your way to your camp, friends camp, portapotty and anything else you have pre-entered the coordinates in. I have not done this yet. I will.

2. Bring 2 tents, bigger and smaller and put the small one inside the big one to keep dust out. I did do this but the big one had mesh and the fly zipper broke. Both need to be full fabric, no mesh. The big tent needs to be sturdy with alum poles to handle the wind. Make sure the small tent fits in the big one. Even if you forget to zip up one tent the inner tent won't be dust filled, if you zip up one.

3. Bring a high end respirator with replaceable filters, not cheap dust masks, and two high end goggles, one dark grey (day) and one clear (night/dust storm). Ideally they will fit over sunglasses. Bring large sunglasses too.

4. Bring the highest decibel rated earplugs (33 decibels) and high end shooting earmuff hearing protectors. I did do that.

5. Figure out the angle of the sun in the late morning on the first day to arrange your shade structure/easy up/canopy to block the sun over your tent from about 8 am to 4 pm, or whenever you plan on sleeping during the day. That means it won't be directly over the tent. Adjust as nec. which I did.
Better to bring 2 10 x 10 canopies if you have room, which I didn't.

1. I would end up losing the GPS.

2. Inaddition to the two tents bring an RV to put them in. Really keeps the dust to a minimum.

3. Respirator? Pussy, just don't go outside of the RV tents and you won't need one.

4. In the RV turn up the AC full Blast, put on your favorite music or blast the TV watch Aqua Burn version 12, you can forget you are on the Playa and dream about Hawaii or back home??

5. figure out the angle of the son, the daughter and all the other, what fuckin hippy shit...

George Carlin thought that Yogurt was one of the sickist foods, mostly because of the name YOGURT. He, I don't think, ever mentioned MUSTURD. Oh my god.....

[gyre]

1. I brought my GPS and noticed that we were about a mile or so further out than the position I marked in 2004. Other than that, I ended up not using it. In a white-out or after the street signs are gone, it's adventure time. GPS navigation would be fun, though. (BRC geocaching?)

2. Tent layering is great advice. If you really want, one of those Costco/Harbor Freight portable garage/shade structures can be set up in about an hour and you could lay out a ground cloth or tapestry inside, and put your tent, lawn chair, cooler, etc in there. Keep everything out of direct sunlight. Also, hammocks fucking rule. Set your stuff up somewhere before you leave to make sure you know what you're doing and whether you need extra stakes, rope, duct-tape, etc.

3. I used the typical $10 goggles from a surplus store. Had two pair; one darkly-tinted for daytime and one that I had previously with yellow lenses. Sucked in the daytime but back then I never expected dust storms at night, so I'm glad I didn't give them away. Some of our camp had the medical "duckbill" masks which were cheap and plenty sufficient. For dust, I just used a bandanna mostly. At the very least, tie one around your neck and if the dust come up, you have it with you and it'll get you back to camp just fine. Hell, it worked for cowboys and soldiers for over a century.

4. The only difficult night for me to sleep is usually the first. After that, I don't stop until I'm exhausted and I sleep like a Marine. If you've ever been to boot camp/infantry training you've learned that you can sleep just about anywhere, any time, in any position. As for the sound camps, they're not likely to damage your hearing noticeably if you're not in them.
I'm a pilot and I've been performing rock music for the last 12 years. I don't know what you guys are talking about all this noise for...hey, I don't hear anything. *looks around* No, seriously. Just stay away from the speaker systems and you're not going to be exposed to enough sound to cause permanent damage. If you were to stay there all day for several days, that would be different.

I wonder how many people wear earplugs and then run around naked in direct sunlight or annihilate their lungs huffing bonghits or cigarettes.

5. The sun is definitely something to consider. You might have a dust storm but you WILL have blazing heat every day.

Hearing damage is cumulative and starts at the normal ambient noise most of us live with even when trying to minimize it.
Also everyone's threshold of damage is different.
You find out what it is the hard way.

Everyone should use earmuffs for lawnmowers, shopvacs and so on.
Most sound systems are turned up insanely high.
not only does it heighten the distortion level, it does nothing for the experience up close.

I have a comparatively powerful home system and I found that when I really reached very low frquencies with low distortion, I lost the urge to ever turn the volume up.
I mostly listen at barely audible levels, but my system is capable of producing below 20 Hz at useful levels.
Most people start turning up the volume to compensate for missing bass.
Also, much commercial music has all the deep bass filtered out.
It isn't there, especially on digital.
It is not easy to get a system to produce below 50 Hz, but it makes all the difference.
The big systems can do it if built for it.
There is at least one system built this way out there, still insanely loud but low distortion and making an effort to use it sanely.

I actually find I enjoy most shows better with the right set of earplugs in.
I use Cirrus silicone and I get pretty flat sound all the way across and it sounds cleaner with some of the noise blocked.
Still, it's fucking ridiculous.

There are a lot of places and art cars I might enjoy, and don't bother with.
Even small bars have the sound up where you can't talk.
If I want the sound up where I can't talk to people, I''ll just stay home.
My system is better anyway.

I think part of this is tied to the anxiety of letting go of that emotional connection to home that familiar music brings.
The playa is for putting down the blanky and doing something new.
And I want to be able to talk to people.
Everyone in your bar is more interesting than your music.

[honeyfire]

You know, the thread title does just say "Suggestions"...

And for all those who want to laugh at people for wearing heavy duty dust masks, you're welcome to pay my ER bills when my lungs stop functioning...

[phil]

Hearing damage is cumulative and starts at the normal ambient noise most of us live with even when trying to minimize it.
Also everyone's threshold of damage is different.
You find out what it is the hard way.

Yeah, I've got tinnitus and accompanying hearing loss which makes it difficult to tell what people are saying. The squealing in my ears is always there, and I've talked to doctors, but there's no way to pin down a cause: mowing the lawns, working in a sawmill, having firecrackers go off in my hand more than once, hunting and target shooting with shotguns, .22s, .38s, .45s, .44 magnums -- none of it with ear protection. I've had some memorably painful experiences with fireworks and handguns that I'd like to have back.

I wear a set of musical earplugs at concerts now, and I avoid bars and restaurants where you can't have a conversation at nearly normal levels because of loud music or just general loud talking. You can't imagine what tinnitus and hearing loss is like - till you get here.

[falk]

Everyone in your bar is more interesting than your music.

Words to live by.

Once the volume is louder than it needs to be for everyone to hear it, it's just dick-waving on the part of the dj.

[geekster]

you're welcome to pay my ER bills when my lungs stop functioning...

I don't think anyone's lungs have stopped functioning from a week on the playa unless they have some specific reaction to it, but I suppose there is always a first time. People live their entire lives right next to that playa day in and day out 365 days a year. I'm not saying it is GOOD for you, just that I seriously doubt it is going to kill you all by itself. The drive there and back is orders of magnitude more risky than the difference in dust intake between using a kerchief and an industrial mask.

[honeyfire]

*sigh*
I'm not talking about YOUR lungs, dearie, i'm talking bout MINE.
Which have thrown me into ER's just from, say, the settled dust in the house after the boys tore the plaster off of one smallish wall, while i was out of the house.
I have "specific reactions" to dust, they involve having my lungs stop functioning.
My father can't even come to the playa, as he's on an oxygen tank from debilitating asthma (and no, he didn't get it from smoking cig's thank you *laugh).
Almost half my (large) family have some kind of lung trouble, it's the same genetic wheel of fortune that landed us all with fantastic night vision.
Until you have
a)closely researched the topic
or
b) almost died while a nurse tries to get you to fill out a form so they can admit you
i'll thank you not to give me shit for my choice in dust-blocking gear, thank you.
It's not like i'm trying to make YOU wear an industrial mask...

Honestly, i feel sometimes like someone with no legs being called a whiner for not doing high kicks...

[Elderberry]

Honestly, i feel sometimes like someone with no legs being called a whiner for not doing high kicks...

LOL That's funny.

And I certainly do not fault you for your choice of dust protection. I like a more heavy duty solution too, and other than a lung that collapsed about 30 years ago, I dont' have any respiratory problems.

Though it seems the more times I go to the playa, the less the dust bothers me.

JK

[Dr. Pyro]

Is it just me, or somebody going out to an alkali desert where it's always dusty and running the very real risk of having a fatal reaction, well, isn't that just plain fucking stupid? Stay home already! And quit complaining.

[honeyfire]

Hilariously, i was just reflecting that if i didn't wear serious lung protection and did collapse, i'd get shit for not wearing an industrial mask...
And some people are lined up to give shit either way. :laughing

And, Dr. Pyro, that's why my dad has to get by on secondhand playa, he'll never make it out to the Burn...

And hey, i use earplugs too! :laughing more
The sound is WAY better with 'em. I figured that about 20 years ago and have been happily maintaining my excellent hearing ever since.

Of course, i give shit to people for whining about how the Burn isn't as cool as it used to be/they think it should be, so hey, if i dish it out, i gotta take too, eh?

[epic]

Lame that I can't edit my post after an hour.

For all the sarcastic folks with idiot comments, I know you're too stupid to write a good rebuttal and really agree with me so thanks. Getting lost in a whiteout is horrible and dangerous if you're in the deep playa. Very few burners are experienced outdoors people. Enjoy spending 3 days lost with no water while high? Then at least carry a compass.

I forgot to add bringing more blinking LEDs, E wire or glowy stuff for night. Both the bike and body needs to have it on all sides to avoid being run over by bikes or drivers. The blinking LEDs seem to be a lot cheaper in the long run if you don't lose them and get lots of cheap batteries. E wire is great but seems pricey and like it would get damaged too easily. I got a cool LED necklace light that changes to 5 different colors and has both solid and blinking mode for $9.

I'll try the bandanda but I think dust would get under it, unlike a respirator. What worked great 200 years ago has been improved on now.

As far as music/noise-almost impossible to block out the super low bass from a subwoofer.

A common ploy of people playing shitty music anywhere is to turn up the volume. Witness the car driving in the city with rap/hip hop blasting with 1000 watts that can be heard 1000 feet away. When its deafening listeners don't focus on its lack of talent, melody, artistry or anything resembling quality tunes. The only talent is bringing 100s of gallons of fuel to run the generators for the amps.

[gyre]

I give people signs that say "I have a crappy stereo" to put on their car so they won't have to play it loud.
Reactions from owners of crap stereos have been mixed, at best.

[Toolmaker]

Getting lost in a whiteout is horrible and dangerous if you're in the deep playa. Very few burners are experienced outdoors people. Enjoy spending 3 days lost with no water while high? Then at least carry a compass.

My best times on the playa are during the whiteouts. To each their own..
I was 4 days with no food since my duffle was stolen whilst I was sleeping next to it. The playa giveth and the playa taketh. Such is the way of the burner. Don't let it get you down.. just beg for food and water like I did.
I don't know many burners that are not outdoorsy types.. what kind of tard is gonna go to a leave no trace camping trip in the middle of a desert environment with no outdoor experience? Aside from a raver, spectator, or weekender of course..

I'll try the bandanda but I think dust would get under it, unlike a respirator. What worked great 200 years ago has been improved on now.

It has indeed been improved.. its now known as recon wrap



I used recon wrap this year but prefered my bandanna since its been seasoned with playa dust more. I may bring one of those shemagh type wraps next year.. just to keep shade and dust protection in one item.

[AntiM]

Lame that I can't edit my post after an hour.

For all the sarcastic folks with idiot comments, I know you're too stupid to write a good rebuttal and really agree with me so thanks. Getting lost in a whiteout is horrible and dangerous if you're in the deep playa. Very few burners are experienced outdoors people. Enjoy spending 3 days lost with no water while high? Then at least carry a compass.

I forgot to add bringing more blinking LEDs, E wire or glowy stuff for night. Both the bike and body needs to have it on all sides to avoid being run over by bikes or drivers. The blinking LEDs seem to be a lot cheaper in the long run if you don't lose them and get lots of cheap batteries. E wire is great but seems pricey and like it would get damaged too easily. I got a cool LED necklace light that changes to 5 different colors and has both solid and blinking mode for $9.

I'll try the bandanda but I think dust would get under it, unlike a respirator. What worked great 200 years ago has been improved on now.

As far as music/noise-almost impossible to block out the super low bass from a subwoofer.

A common ploy of people playing shitty music anywhere is to turn up the volume. Witness the car driving in the city with rap/hip hop blasting with 1000 watts that can be heard 1000 feet away. When its deafening listeners don't focus on its lack of talent, melody, artistry or anything resembling quality tunes. The only talent is bringing 100s of gallons of fuel to run the generators for the amps.

Solutions vary for us all. I know how to seal my tent's mesh vents to keep out dust 99%. Two tents seem like a hassle, but I do have a carport/shade combo.

I use a scarf, bigger and lighter than a bandanna or a shemaugh. I have a bunch, used to wear them on the motorcycle around my nose and mouth when I wore the half-helmet. Enough for a fresh one each day; tied so as not to allow dust in underneath. I've tried respirators in work situations and I'm just claustrophobic enough to have panic attacks while wearing them. Mineral dust is not a trigger for me; I have more trouble with sage. The point being, to each their own, what works for me won't work for everyone.

I've yet to get lost on the deep playa while high. Of course, I don't go out on the deep playa while high. Wait a minute, I don't get high. YMMV. Besides, a chemically altered person might not recall how to use a GPS, much less that they're carrying one. For short white-outs I hunker down, I can navigate the playa by ear pretty well. That, and MyLarry is usually with me and he has the mist uncanny sense of direction ever. The man is downright scary.

Your suggestions may work well for you, I've found solutions which work for me. Obviously, so have others. Most of the ideas have been shared extensively, but don't despair, your suggestions may be noted by someone who does not comment yet finds your ideas useful.

And what's with the name calling? Sarcasm is one thing, but name calling?

[scotto]

Words to live by.

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the beer.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions--things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else--the small stuff.

If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house, and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented.

The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of beers."

[Lord Of Ruin]

I am not connected to this company, but I use these:

http://www.mfiap.com/gs/rap.htm

I worked 6 shifts at Gate that year, so you pretty much need to have a mask handy at a moment's notice, and you're going to be wearing it for long stretches at a time.

Last year was my first year so I brought industrial mask a friend loaned me, some disposable masks, a neoprene mask with valves that was pricey and this bandana mask I linked above.

All have active filters.

I tried the neoprene as it was the most comfy, but it got sweaty quickly.

The industrial was great for breathing quality, but far too hot for working outside a lot, and looked quite doofus-y unless you were just lounging around camp.

The bandana above worked like a champ. It actually has a charcoal based filter built into a little pocket on it. You tie it around your head, bend the little nose clip into place, then it has a piece of elastic that goes under your chin to keep it snug. All your breath goes through the bandana/filter.

comfy, cool and best of all it can either stay tied around your neck like Chachi on his way to a date, or you can fold it flat into a thigh pocket.

This year I bought another, as well as replacement filters for last year. Washed up like a charm so I gifted one. I also bought one on behalf of a friend. Everyone that's used one has raved about it.

Cheap too..Gate tested and approved.

LoR

[Toolmaker]

I am not connected to this company, but I use these:

http://www.mfiap.com/gs/rap.htm

I worked 6 shifts at Gate that year, so you pretty much need to have a mask handy at a moment's notice, and you're going to be wearing it for long stretches at a time.

I'm really diggin this product.

How often should you have to change the filter?

I think I may just order a couple for next year.

[Lord Of Ruin]

Hmmm..filter change?

Well, the first year I bought it I only had the one that came with it so no filter changes. Only had a few white outs, for an hour or so each time?

Then pre-BM this year I took the filter out and threw it away, washed the bandana and went on that site and bought two filters.

This year I changed the filter midway through my stay. I'm out there for about 10 days total...so 5 days of good solid use was fine. The filters are fairly cheap, so stocking up isn't hard.

Again,t here are other things that work well filter wise, but I found this to be the perfect combination of portable, comfort and breathing. Also, as a general rule I used my mask much more than those around me generally because it was one of the first things that went into my thigh pockets each morning. Mask, flashlight clpped to belt (even in daytime..it's small), knife with clip, goggles and camelback with water. I'm pretty much good for 24 hours no matter where i find myself with quality things for each of those elements.

Oh...wait..I did splurge last year on some Bates desert boots. A bit spendy but oh my gosh...my feet come back actuallylooking better than when I left!