There are things you absolutely need— as in can’t survive without—at Burning Man. Water, for instance. Then there are things that will just make your time there so much better. Like wet wipes and hula hoops. We try to narrow some of that down for you. As you prep for the playa, here are 75 things you should seriously consider taking with you.
Sporting goods
Shelter: tent, geodesic dome, RV—whatever it is, make sure it’s sturdy and can hold up in a dust storm. Tents need to be held in place with rebar, not regular tent stakes
Shade structure
Bike
Bike repair kit
Bike lock
Flashlight
Headlamp
Daypack
Earplugs
Air mattress
Sleeping bag
Pillow
Food, drink and kitchenware
Water! (at least 2 gallons per day per person)
Food (including some that will last once your cooler is warm again)
Cooler (at least for first few days)
Eating utensils and bowl
Camping stove
Ziplock bags
Containers with tight lids (Tupperware, Pyrex, etc.)
Wash tub for dishes
Dish soap
Sponges
Clothing aisle
Daytime costumes (It gets hot.)
Nighttime costumes (It gets cold.)
Good shoes (Boots are stylish and stave off playa foot.)
Bandana
Sunglasses
Hat (Straw ones and nutty ones are the rage.)
Toiletries
Lotion
Wipies (Dust will get on everything, everywhere. Don’t put them in the Port-a-potties.)
Condoms
Lube
First aid
Your meds
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Bandages
Gauze
Eye drops
Nasal spray
Survival ware
Your ticket!
Goggles for dust
Dust mask
Lighters
Waste management
Trash bags
Sealable bucket or something for waste water
Single ply toilet paper
Portable ash trays for smokers (Altoids tins work well for this.)
Home and garden
Lawn chair
Folding table
Tablecloth
Ground cloth
Old rugs (to keep dust down and make camp homier)
Hardware
Scissors
Duct tape
Tools for setting up/tearing down camp and/or art installations
Work gloves, for same
Fun stuff
Camera
Bike decorations
Glow sticks
Makeup for dressing up
Something fun to share with other Burners
Water gun
Toys and games
Art project supplies
Musical instruments
Yoga mat
Hula hoop
Nice to have
Spray bottle or mister
Sewing kit
Solar shower bag
French press and coffee (Or wait in line and pay for coffee at Center Camp.)
Toilet seat covers
Portable radio (at least to hear Burning Man’s radio station)
GPS unit
Your own ice (Ice is sold at the event, but be prepared to wait in line.)