Burning Man Packing List: Comprehensive Guide to All Essential Items for the Playa

 

What is Burning Man Packing List?

A Burning Man packing list typically includes essentials such as water, food, shelter (tent or RV), clothing for extreme desert temperatures (including warm layers for cold nights and lightweight, breathable options for hot days), sunscreen, goggles or sunglasses, dust masks, headlamp or flashlight, and basic toiletries. Additionally, items for self-expression like costumes, accessories, and art supplies are common. The list may vary depending on individual preferences and needs, but the primary focus is on survival in the harsh desert environment while fostering creativity and self-expression.

Why Should You Follow Our Burning Man Packing List?

You should follow our Burning Man packing list because it ensures you have all the essential items needed for survival and enjoyment in the desert environment. This list has been carefully curated to include necessities such as water, food, shelter, and protective gear against dust storms, ensuring your safety and comfort during the event. Additionally, it includes items for self-expression and creativity, aligning with the spirit of Burning Man. By adhering to this packing list, you'll be well-prepared to fully immerse yourself in the experience while minimizing any potential discomfort or safety concerns.

Burning Man Complete Packing List

Document and papers

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
Burning Man ticket	Must	To acquire a Burning Man ticket, visit the official website during ticket sales, adhering to specified dates. Tickets are sold online on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternatively, explore Secure Ticket Exchange Program (STEP) or participate in the Directed Group Sale for ticket acquisition.
Car Pass	Must	A Car Pass is essential for each vehicle entering Burning Man. It regulates traffic and environmental impact by limiting the number of vehicles. It ensures access to designated camping areas and helps manage the event's logistics, minimizing congestion and promoting environmental responsibility within the site.
Contact info labels -  Name, Nickname & address for both playa and default world	Must	Contact info labels with your name, nickname, and addresses for both the playa and default world are crucial at Burning Man. In case of separation or emergencies, they facilitate reconnection by providing essential contact details, ensuring swift communication for reunification regardless of the location – on the playa or back home.
Road map (directions) for traveling to/from the event	Must	A road map for traveling to and from Burning Man is indispensable for navigating the desert terrain and ensuring a smooth journey. It offers clear directions, crucial landmarks, and alternative routes, mitigating the risk of getting lost and facilitating a safe and efficient arrival and departure from the event.
Your Identification Card (ID)	Must	Your identification card (ID) is essential at Burning Man for age verification at bars and for potential encounters with law enforcement. It ensures compliance with regulations, enables access to certain amenities, and serves as a vital form of identification for various on-site and off-site purposes, promoting a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Print out any passes (early arrival, ticket confirmation, etc)	Must	Printing out passes like early arrival or ticket confirmations is vital at Burning Man. They validate access to specific privileges or entry times, ensuring a smooth entry process. Having physical copies acts as a backup in case of technological issues, guaranteeing seamless participation in the event's activities..
Medical insurance card & Credit Cards	Nice	Carrying your medical insurance card and credit cards at Burning Man is crucial for unforeseen circumstances. The insurance card ensures access to medical care if needed, while credit cards provide financial security for purchases or emergencies, offering peace of mind and necessary resources while on the playa.

Personal Care

Cooling/Warming

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
Hand Warmers - rechargeable or chemical	Nice	Hand warmers, whether rechargeable or chemical, are essential at Burning Man for chilly desert nights. They offer comfort and warmth, countering the cold temperatures, especially during evenings or early mornings. They ensure personal comfort and help prevent discomfort or potential cold-related issues while enjoying the event.
Chinese parasols / Umbrella	Nice	Chinese parasols or umbrellas are valuable at Burning Man for their dual functionality. They offer protection from the sun during hot days and can shield against sporadic rain. Their decorative flair adds a stylish touch while providing much-needed shade in the desert environment, enhancing comfort throughout the event.
gel eye mask, gel Neckerchief or head band you can chill in cooler	Nice	Gel eye masks, neckerchiefs, or headbands are valuable at Burning Man for their cooling effects in the desert heat. They provide relief from the sun's intensity, offering comfort and helping to regulate body temperature during hot days, enhancing overall enjoyment and well-being at the event.
spray bottle/mister for misting	Nice	A spray bottle or mister is indispensable at Burning Man for instant cooling. It delivers refreshing mist in the desert heat, offering relief from high temperatures and helping to prevent overheating. It enhances comfort and serves as a quick and effective way to stay cool throughout the event.

First Aid

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
medical supply kit with the basics	Must	A medical supply kit with essential basics is crucial at Burning Man for immediate first aid. It ensures prompt treatment for minor injuries or ailments, offering quick relief and addressing medical needs before seeking professional help. It promotes personal safety and well-being during the event.
bonus supplies: burn gel, liquid bandage, super glue, and hydrocolloid adhesive pads	Nice
5 HTP & Five-Flower Formula	Nice	5-HTP and Five-Flower Formula are valuable at Burning Man for emotional and mental support. 5-HTP aids in mood regulation, while Five-Flower Formula assists in emotional balance, helping manage stress and promoting a more positive and grounded experience amidst the event's dynamic environment.
Party Recovery Vitamins	Nice	Party Recovery Vitamins are essential at Burning Man for post-celebration rejuvenation. They replenish essential nutrients, aiding in recovery from exertion or festivities, supporting the body's recovery process, and ensuring better vitality and energy levels during and after the event.
Laxative	Nice	It's very easy to get dehydrated out there... They do not have this at med tents so, be sure to bring your own

Body

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
baby wipes	Must	Baby wipes are indispensable at Burning Man for personal hygiene. They offer a convenient way to freshen up in the desert environment, providing a quick and effective means of cleansing and maintaining cleanliness, especially when access to traditional washing facilities is limited.
basic toiletries - toothbrush, tooth paste, soap, deodorant, etc.	Must	Basic toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and deodorant are essential at Burning Man for personal hygiene. They ensure cleanliness in the desert conditions, promoting comfort and well-being throughout the event, offering a sense of freshness despite the challenging environment.
Shampoo, Conditioner, hair brush, comb	Must	Shampoo, conditioner, a hairbrush, and a comb are necessary at Burning Man to maintain hair hygiene and manageability. They offer a means to cleanse, condition, and groom hair in the desert environment, promoting cleanliness and ensuring manageable hair despite the dusty conditions.
Dust masks/Nose Filter: NOSK Personal Air Filtration, First Defense Nasal Screens, WoodyKnows Ultra Thin Nasal Filters	Must	Dust masks or nasal filters like NOSK Personal Air Filtration, First Defense Nasal Screens, or WoodyKnows Ultra Thin Nasal Filters are vital at Burning Man for protection against airborne dust. They help prevent inhalation of playa dust, reducing discomfort and potential respiratory issues, ensuring a more comfortable experience in the desert environment.
cheap eye shades	Must	Eye shades are essential at Burning Man for quality rest. They block out the intense desert sun during mornings, aiding in undisturbed sleep and ensuring well-rested mornings, enabling participants to rejuvenate and fully enjoy the event's activities.
ear plugs / heardrops	Must	Earplugs or eardrops are indispensable at Burning Man for sound insulation. They reduce noise from surrounding camps, enhancing sleep quality amidst the event's bustling environment. They provide a peaceful rest and aid in maintaining personal comfort throughout the festivities.
Goggles	Must	Goggles are essential at Burning Man for eye protection. They shield eyes from dust storms prevalent in the desert environment, ensuring clear vision and safeguarding against particulate matter, allowing participants to navigate the playa comfortably and safely during unpredictable weather conditions.
Lip balm / Chapstick - SPF 15+	Must	Lip balm or chapstick with SPF 15+ is crucial at Burning Man for lip protection. It shields against the desert's dry and harsh conditions, preventing chapping or sunburn, ensuring lip hydration and comfort throughout the event.
prescription medication	Must	Carrying prescription medication at Burning Man is vital for maintaining health and managing medical conditions. It ensures access to necessary treatment in the event of health issues, promoting well-being and offering reassurance for individuals with specific medical needs during the event.
moisturizer	Must	Moisturizer is essential at Burning Man for skin hydration. In the arid desert environment, it prevents dryness and maintains skin health, countering the harsh effects of the playa's conditions, ensuring comfort and skin care throughout the event.
refill any prescriptions you might need	Must	Refilling necessary prescriptions before Burning Man is crucial for uninterrupted medical care. It ensures access to required medications throughout the event, mitigating potential health risks and guaranteeing continuous treatment, promoting well-being and peace of mind while on the playa.
Sunglasses	Must	Sunglasses are indispensable at Burning Man for eye protection. They shield against intense desert sun and dust, providing comfort and safeguarding vision amidst bright days and dusty conditions. Sunglasses ensure eye safety and enhance the overall experience during the event.
sunscreen (body and face)	Must	Sunscreen for both body and face is essential at Burning Man for skin protection. It shields against intense sun exposure in the desert, preventing sunburn and minimizing skin damage, ensuring skin health and reducing the risk of prolonged sun exposure during the event.
Hand sanitizer	Must	Hand sanitizer is crucial at Burning Man for maintaining hygiene. In the absence of traditional washing facilities, it provides a convenient way to disinfect hands, preventing the spread of germs and ensuring cleanliness, promoting personal health and well-being throughout the event.
extra contact lenses/glasses (if use)	Must	Having extra contact lenses or glasses at Burning Man is essential for vision care. In the dusty environment, they serve as backups in case of damage or loss, ensuring clear vision and preventing inconvenience, allowing for uninterrupted enjoyment of the event despite unforeseen circumstances.
Kleenex - Small packs	Must	Small packs of Kleenex are crucial at Burning Man for convenience in managing hygiene. They offer a portable solution for minor cleaning or nasal care, providing quick access to tissues in the desert environment where traditional amenities might be scarce, ensuring comfort and cleanliness throughout the event.
Ladies: Tampons or Divacup/Moon Cup/ Lunette Menstrual Cup - If Tampon go non applicator for less trash	Must	Ladies may find tampons or menstrual cups like Divacup, Moon Cup, or Lunette crucial at Burning Man for menstrual hygiene. They offer discreet and reliable solutions, ensuring comfort and convenience during menstruation in the desert setting, allowing for uninterrupted participation in the event's activities.
Bug Protection	Nice	Bug protection is vital at Burning Man to ward off insects like mosquitoes or flies. It prevents bites and discomfort, ensuring a more enjoyable experience without the nuisance of bugs, especially during certain times or locations at the event.
Ladies: Yeast infection cream, pill etc.	Nice	Having yeast infection cream or medication is essential for women at Burning Man to address potential health concerns. It ensures preparedness for managing yeast infections, offering necessary treatment and relief, promoting comfort and health while attending the event.
Men: Talcum/Jock itch powder	Nice	Talcum or jock itch powder is crucial at Burning Man for preventing moisture-related skin issues. It aids in keeping areas dry and reduces the risk of chafing or discomfort in the desert environment, ensuring personal comfort and skin health throughout the event.
aloe & burn lotion	Nice	Aloe and burn lotion are indispensable at Burning Man for skin care. They soothe and aid in healing sunburns or skin irritation caused by the intense desert sun, providing relief and promoting skin recovery, ensuring comfort despite exposure to harsh conditions at the event.
Arnica or any other kind of muscle rub	Nice	Arnica or similar muscle rubs are essential at Burning Man for alleviating soreness and muscle fatigue. They offer relief from physical strain caused by active participation, providing comfort and aiding in recovery, ensuring a more enjoyable experience throughout the event.
Bag Balm	Nice	Bag Balm is invaluable at Burning Man for skin protection and restoration. It soothes and moisturizes dry or irritated skin, providing relief from the harsh desert conditions, ensuring skin health and comfort throughout the event.
Boogie Wipes	Nice	Boogie Wipes are essential at Burning Man for gentle nasal care. They offer a soft and effective solution for clearing dust or debris from the nose in the desert environment, ensuring comfort and hygiene amidst dusty conditions at the event.
condoms & lubricant	Nice	Condoms and lubricant are crucial at Burning Man for safe and comfortable intimacy. They promote responsible sexual health practices, offering protection and ensuring comfort for individuals engaging in sexual activities during the event.
Essentials Oils - Peppermint, Rosemary, bergamot , Lemon & Eucalyptus (put a 2-3 drops in dust mask, voila you can breathe again) Note: Lemon Eucalyptus is great on the skin for helping with the bugs of 2015	Nice	Essential oils like Peppermint, Rosemary, Bergamot, Lemon, and Eucalyptus are invaluable at Burning Man. Adding a few drops to a dust mask provides refreshing relief, helping clear the airways from dust and offering a revitalizing aroma, enabling easier breathing in the desert environment.
eye drops - moisturizing/saline solution	Nice	Eye drops, whether moisturizing or saline solution, are essential at Burning Man for eye hydration and comfort. They alleviate dryness caused by dusty conditions, offering relief and ensuring clear vision, promoting eye health and comfort throughout the event.
Hair (anyone) - color die, cornrows, dreads, braids, extensions	Nice	Color dye, cornrows, dreads, braids, or extensions at Burning Man offer creative expression and versatility in hairstyles. They enhance individual style, enabling unique looks and adding flair to personal appearance, contributing to the vibrant and diverse atmosphere of the event.
Massage oil	Nice	Massage oil is valuable at Burning Man for relaxation and rejuvenation. It facilitates soothing massages, offering relief from muscle tension and promoting relaxation in the desert environment, enhancing well-being and providing a moment of calm amidst the event's activities.
Moleskin	Nice	Moleskin is essential at Burning Man for foot care. It prevents blisters and provides cushioning, offering comfort and protection against friction caused by extensive walking or dancing in the desert terrain, ensuring better foot health throughout the event.
nail polish	Nice	Nail polish at Burning Man adds a playful and creative touch to personal style. It complements outfits, fosters self-expression, and contributes to the vibrant and diverse atmosphere of the event, allowing individuals to showcase their unique personalities through nail art.
Saline Nasal Spray, Moisturizer & Sinus Rinse	Nice	Saline nasal spray, moisturizer, and sinus rinse are crucial at Burning Man for nasal and sinus care. They alleviate dryness, clear dust particles, and maintain sinus health in the desert environment, ensuring comfort and promoting respiratory well-being throughout the event.
Neti pot & saline (not table salt)	Nice	A Neti pot with saline solution (not table salt) is vital at Burning Man for nasal hygiene. It offers gentle irrigation, clearing dust and impurities from nasal passages, ensuring respiratory comfort in the dusty desert environment, and promoting nasal health throughout the event.
Neosporin for dry cracked noses (prevent nosebleeds)	Nice	Neosporin is essential at Burning Man for preventing nosebleeds due to dry, cracked noses. It moisturizes and protects, minimizing irritation and potential bleeding caused by the arid desert conditions, ensuring nasal comfort and health during the event.
medical tape - Plastic, Cloth, or Silk	Nice	Medical tape, whether plastic, cloth, or silk, is essential at Burning Man for wound care. It secures bandages or dressings, offering reliable adhesion and ensuring proper protection and treatment for minor injuries, promoting healing and preventing infections during the event.
superglue - apply to cuticles	Nice	Superglue is useful at Burning Man for quick nail repairs. Applying it to cuticles in small amounts can seal minor nail cracks, providing temporary reinforcement and preventing further damage, ensuring maintained nail health and appearance throughout the event.
throat lozenges	Nice	Throat lozenges are essential at Burning Man for soothing sore throats. They offer relief from dryness or irritation caused by the desert conditions, ensuring comfort and promoting throat health, allowing participants to enjoy the event without discomfort from throat issues.
Gum	Nice	Gum is valuable at Burning Man for oral hygiene and freshness. It provides a quick and convenient way to freshen breath, especially in the absence of traditional dental care facilities, ensuring oral cleanliness and a refreshing experience throughout the event.
TP (single ply septic tank safe only) - a couple of extra roles	Nice	Having single-ply, septic tank-safe toilet paper is crucial at Burning Man. Extra rolls ensure personal hygiene in portable toilets. They guarantee sufficient supply in the absence of traditional facilities, promoting cleanliness and comfort throughout the event in managing sanitation needs.
Vinegar or Witch Hazel + container your feet & hands fit into, also add a little to each package of baby wipes & spray bottle	Nice	Vinegar or Witch Hazel, with containers for hands and feet, are essential at Burning Man for foot and hand care. Adding them to baby wipes and spray bottles aids in cleansing and refreshing, combating dust and maintaining hygiene, ensuring comfort and cleanliness despite the desert environment's challenges.
vitamins/multivitamins	Nice	Vitamins or multivitamins are vital at Burning Man for supplementing nutrition. They boost immunity and energy levels, compensating for dietary gaps during the event, ensuring optimal health and vitality to sustain participants through the diverse activities amidst the desert environment.
Burt’s Bees cuticle cream	Optional	Burt's Bees cuticle cream is essential at Burning Man for nail care. It nourishes and moisturizes cuticles, preventing dryness and cracks caused by the arid desert conditions, ensuring healthy and well-maintained nails throughout the event.
foot - peppermint foot lotion (body shop), fresh lemons, wine skin, etc.	Optional	Foot care essentials like peppermint foot lotion (Body Shop), fresh lemons, and wineskins are crucial at Burning Man. They offer relief and refreshment for tired feet in the desert environment, providing soothing care and rejuvenation after long days, ensuring foot comfort throughout the event.
prep-H to help that transition	Optional	Prep-H is useful at Burning Man for various skin-related purposes. Its multi-functional properties can aid in soothing skin irritations, providing relief during the transition to the event's environment, ensuring comfort and care amidst the challenging conditions.

Body - Bathing

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
Towel: they dry quickly.	Must	Having quick-drying towels at Burning Man is essential for convenience. Their rapid drying properties offer practicality in the desert environment, ensuring efficient use and easy maintenance, allowing participants to stay dry and comfortable throughout the event.
solar shower: 3 G. heats water up to 120+ degrees in a few hours.	Must	A solar shower is crucial at Burning Man for convenient bathing. With a capacity of 3 gallons and the ability to heat water to over 120 degrees in a few hours, it offers a practical and eco-friendly way to enjoy warm showers in the desert, enhancing hygiene and comfort during the event.
Water catch bin	Must	A water catch bin is essential at Burning Man for responsible water usage. It collects and conserves graywater, promoting Leave No Trace principles by containing runoff from activities like washing, ensuring environmental stewardship and minimizing impact on the desert landscape.
Spare shower nozzle	Nice	A spare shower nozzle is essential at Burning Man for backup during potential equipment malfunctions. It ensures uninterrupted access to water for showering, offering a contingency plan to maintain hygiene and comfort, ensuring a continuous and functional showering experience throughout the event.
teva's/Flip flops/water shoes	Nice	for in the shower or just after getting out for in the shower or just after getting out
Nail brush	Nice	A nail brush is indispensable at Burning Man for maintaining cleanliness. It helps in removing dirt or dust accumulated in nails due to the desert environment, promoting personal hygiene and ensuring clean and well-groomed nails throughout the event.
platform to put under sun shower in your catch bin to avoid walking in a mud pile.	Optional	A platform under the sun shower in your catch bin is crucial at Burning Man to prevent mud accumulation. It offers a stable surface, avoiding the creation of a muddy area, ensuring a cleaner and more comfortable showering experience without the inconvenience of walking in mud.

Body-Face

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
makeup, make up remover, etc. (No Glitter)	Must	Glitter is little bits of plastic and it makes a mess of the Playa
Eye Liner Water Transfer Tattoo	Optional	Great for adding flare to any costume or outfit
False eyelashes	Optional

Home

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
Home Option 1 - Tent	Must	The less only mesh parts the better. Ideally closes completely. Enough room for your costumes, they take space!
Home Option 2 - Shift Pod	Must	Tent alternative. very popular
Home Option 3 - Hexayurt	Must	a link to some hexayurt models which have been built and work really nicely on the playa
Home Option 4 - Vehicle (RV, Car, Van)	Must	Rental vehicle companies have limitations around Burning Man & the one's that allow it get booked up very early in the spring so plan ahead of renting
Home Option 5 - Shipping box	Must	giant huge wooden boxes. For instance a 5'x8'x4'. You can pack them or take them apart and lay them flat. - essentially 5 sheets of plywood and a bunch of 1"x4" pine with a 2"x4" base or a pallet. If you just assemble them and pack all your gear into them. Decorate and habitat
separate shade structure if in tent, like monkyhut	Must	to erect over tent so the sun does not heat up your tent quite so bad, if camp doesn't have
Group area like a dome	Nice
Large ground tarp	Optional	is quite rare but if it’s a wet year you'll need it.

Home Inner

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
Bed - air mattress & pump or Futon mattress (if you have space)	Must	make sure to put some padding/blanket between you and the air mattress - the air inside it can get very cold or warm depending on time of day and can make it hard to sleep.
insulation blanket (wool)	Must	this goes between Air Mattress & bedding - insulate you from the cold air that will come from under you inside the mattress
Pillows	Must	(double case them, keeps out the playa dust)
sleeping bags/bedding	Must
Full length mirror	Must	Camp might have one. Great to see your whole outfit & also for watching people having fun checking themselves out. (Make sure to secure it - no need to have a broken mirror to clean up)
Small personal mirror (for make up)	Must	Especially if there is no big one!
Tarp/plastic cover to put over bed	Nice	I don't care how dust proof your home is... playa will get in and land on your bed and pillows, this helps keep it to a minimum
Clear Plastic Hanging Wardrobe - one Hanging & one Shelf	Nice	Hang/fold all the clean clothing inside
Clear Plastic shoe hanging rack	Nice	great for organizing glasses, lip balm, lighters, goggles, saline, etc., etc.
Collapsible Clothing Rack	Nice	I personally love the ones that cost around $50 because they collapse super flat and fast, it's not a whole bunch of pieces to fit together.
Drawer unit - Small 3 or 4 plastic organizer	Nice	great for keeping by the bed and storing all the little stuff while keeping your "home" clean.
Carpet/floor mat	Nice	Keep the dust down and make home nicer - roll up and wait to shake out till home. (they act like moop magnets so use it to your advantage) *Note: make sure edges are taped off or won't unravel to help keep moop down.
extra blankets and/or pillow	Nice
RV decorations	Nice	If renting an RV - decorating the inside could help reduce the cleaning.
Tapestries, decorations	Nice	Make your home a little Shangri-La

Home Outer

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
foil-faced bubble wrap or tarp to cover windows (if staying in RV)	Must	Dramatically cuts down on how much you will need to run the generator
chairs - arm and chase	Nice	camping section $15 each
folding table	Nice
Small White Board	Nice	Place outside tent, great for leaving notes, agenda, etc.
Trash Container w/ lid - Drywall buckets 5G	Optional	I like to use the super cheap laundry folding bags from Ikea one white (burnables), Green (landfill), Blue (recycling).

Kitchen

Item Name	Priority	Details
blocks to raise up cooler	Must	A lot of heat is transferred from the playa… raising the cooler will make the ice last longer.
Cooler	Must	1 to 2 depending on how long you will be out there. Make sure it has a spigot to drain the water!
Cup - with carabiner or colapsible (X-Mug)	Must	be self sufficient - keep it with you so you always have it - going to other people's bars - they won't have a cup for you...
large Tupperware container/bathroom trash can - fit's in cooler to put perishables in	Must	It acts like a cool box, keeping the veggies cool but not burning/drowning them. - they last longer!!!!!
mesh bags/cheep colander with lid - to dry out wet trash (keeps trash from smelling when you pack it out)	Must	1) if camp doesn't have 2) letting everything dry out before putting it in trash bag really cuts down on the smell.
Trash bags, contractor grade	Must	Pack it in, Pack it out! We must look after our city if we want to have it for future generations. Be prepared to take your trash out with you and perhaps help grab an extra bag from somewhere else!
utensils, plates, bowls, glasses, mugs	Must	bring an extra in case someone forgot to bring theirs
biodegradable soap, small sponge and towel	Must
Broom (for evaporation pond's gray water)	Must	1) if camp doesn't have one. 2) Sweep around the puddles of water so whenever you get a chance, it will all evaporate quicker.
Cookware: pots, pans, cooking tools	Must	if camp doesn't have
Collapsible Silicone camping equipment	Must	all kinds of options now... bowls, cups, coffee makers etc. - personally like the brand Sea to Summit
cutting board and knife	Must	if camp doesn't have
Dishwashing Tubs with Lids - 3	Must	1) if camp doesn't have, 2) Can be used as storage bins to and from BM
Gray Watter Elimination (Evaporation Pond or waste tank)	Must	if camp doesn't have - Lots of options for what it looks like, search on google! http://www.instructables.com/id/Gray-B-Gon-wind-powered-evapotron-for-graywater-di/
fuel for stove	Must	if camp doesn't have
Stove, 2 burner propane (+ propane canisters, matches)	Must	if camp doesn't have
Tools - measuring cup, can opener, utility knife	Must	if camp doesn't have
zip lock bags 1gl and 1qt size	Must	for food once packaging open & for clothes, stuff, dust protection
Debbie Meyer Green Bags For Fruits & Vegetables	Nice	works! put fruit and veggies in them and then in a cool box in the cooler... I have taken F&V's home after a week on the playa and they're still good.
Extra blanket to put around cooler	Nice	adds insulation and keeps it cooler.
olive oil	Nice	does wonders on cleaning playa dust off of objects...
Thermos	Nice	hot tea or chocolate out onto the playa for a night’s
Use drop-off centers for trash & recycling	Nice	24 hours a day following Burning Man - separate out recycling from garbage http://burningman.org/event/preparation/playa-living/trash-recycling/
cooler full of dried ice & 24 personal watter bottles pre-frozen (good trick for 5-6 days)	Optional	transfer the bottles that have melted into water into the cooler with dry ice, and transfer the frozen one's into your cooler. works best by putting down a row flat on the bottom, put food on top, then a few in-between, and then a row flat on top. Make sure the cooler with Dry Ice in it is OFF THE GROUND AND WRAPPED IN A BLANKET this will make it last much longer, 5-6 days without having to go buy ice :)

Kitchen Drinks

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
Emergen C/ Electrolyte Packets	Must	You will need these!
almond/soy/rice milk	Must	get the shelf stable boxes so you don't have to keep so many in the cooler
Coffee/Tea - instant	Must	Chi in a box, Starbucks instant coffee, etc.
Energy Shot's	Must	some options: 5 hour energy, Guayaki - Organic Energy Shot or GU Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel
coconut water	Must	staying hydrated Favorite brand is Amy & Brian All natural coconut Juice
Pedialyte	Nice	great for hangovers and staying well hydrated
Frozen juice like Odwalla	Nice	act as ice for the first couple of days.
Gatorade - powder mix	Nice
Big Boxes of Juice		packaging take up less trash
beer - caned		can's = less trash to take home then bottles - there is also a recycling camp and you can take your cans there. Please stay away from glass bottles
booze - plastic handles		It's a great gift to party places...
booze mixers		It's a great gift to party places...
box wine/Saki		box = less trash to take home
refreshing chill-able beverages

Kitchen Food Meals

Item Name	Priority	Details
couple of pre-made meals	Must	1) Pasta, Empanada's, etc.... something that tastes good cold (no cooking needed). 2) good for the first day, when you're hungry and still setting up camp.
aidells chicken pineapple teriyaki meatballs		no cooking necessary
Bacon and Eggs
bread		Keep Tupperware in the cooler. will last the week.
granola/cereal and Yogurt
peanut butter & Jelly
Chili, instant rice, lentils, tasty bites (Indian food) heat & serve
Meat - burgers, chicken, stake, etc.		freeze it before
Nori sheets		make yummy veggie rolls
Pasta - Mac and cheese, spaghetti, etc.
Quinoa		1) pre make at home 2) good for sweet & savory bowls
vegetables - Persian cucumbers, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, avocado, broccoli, etc.		1) Use - Debbie Meyer Green Bags For Fruits & Vegetables 2) Focus on hardy vegetables that will last longer. Do NOT put directly into ice water - keep in plastic container
Meals from your favorite restaurants - vacuum sealed and frozen		partially freeze them and use a vacuum seal machine to suck out all the air. Fully freeze them afterwards. On a playa, big pot water boils for 5-10 minutes.

Kitchen Food Snacks

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
Hard boiled eggs	Must	perfect preteen packs - pre boil & peel at home.
Organic Baby Food (3.5-Ounce Pouches) - best moist yummy protein when you think you cant eat but know you need to!	Must	I like Ella's Kitchen brand - great packets of moist organic snacks - good combinations of food, easy to get down!
Pickles	Must	Helps balance the body with the high alkaline environment. Acid and alkaline imbalances can cause intestinal gas and bloating.
Clif Shot bloks	Nice	Calories, electrolytes and caffeine - go down easy when you... um... don't want to eat. Note that only the Cherry and Orange flavor have caffeine and the cherry flavor has twice the caffeine of the orange flavor, so I usually just go with the cherry.
Fruit - bananas, oranges,		Use - Debbie Meyer Green Bags For Fruits & Vegetables - and then keep an open Tupperware tub on top of ice.
Fudge / chocolate		Refrigerate your chocolate before you go - then as you're packing up to go pop it in a cooler with an ice-pack or insulate or wrap it in some towels to keep it cool & store the chocolate away from people and other heat sources
Chips and salsa, hummus		The salt tastes so good!
Jerky - beef, turkey, tofu
Sugar snack like Nutella
Nuts, Luna bars, fruit roll ups
Snacks - cheese, salami and crackers
Sweets - brownies, muffins, cookies

Kitchen Water

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
CamelBak (70 oz.) or other personal portable water system	Must
Water - Approx. 2G. to 2.5 G. per person, per day {1 G. weighs about 8 lbs} Freeze 1G. and put in cooler for travel, helps save space then buy ice on playa (make sure to let a little watter out before freezing it)	Must	Pick up in Reno & includes enough for bathing (Note if you use the separate coolers, put only drinks in one and then you can use the melted ice for cleaning dishes, etc... resulting in the need to buy/bring up less water)
electrolyte water - 1 per day	Nice	It Tastes like water but has the electrolytes you need without sugar etc. A few brands to choose from
Whole Camp - tank filling and tank rental if needed. "Potable Water"	Nice	This is the most eco-friendly in my opinion and can be a great comfort!

Extra Stuff

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
Stamps & postcards	Nice	Did you know that Burning Man has a fully-functioning postal service?
Small notebook - before departure write down every event and the locations of people you want to connect with. At Burn keep notes in it.	Nice	good to have it all in one place and fit in a personal bag.
Notebook, blank note cards for notes, Pen	Nice
Cigarettes/Electronic Cigarettes (menthol is amazing out there)	Nice	amount used per night at bar/club (including sharing) x # days on playa then add at least 2 more packs. I usually get 1 pack for every day on playa then add 2 more packs and usually have extra to help out those that ran out.
Party Enhancement Treats	Nice	to enhance your experience if you so desire
Personal ashtray	Nice	A full size Altoid tin's works really well
whip cream yummies	Nice	and dis-charger for them
Art supplies (paint, paper, pens, etc)	Optional
business/social calling cards vistaprint.com / kinkos with camp name and address on the card	Optional
Candles	Optional
iPod with earbuds	Optional
musical instrument to carry around	Optional

Night

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
Head lantern and extra batteries	Must
Personal night lighting to decorate yourself, your tent, guidelines, etc. for safety at night. Consider more energy efficient, reusable LED or El Wire lights (instead of “single-use” glow sticks).	Must	.
Anchors and guylines lighting - safety at night for everyone (Solar powered twinkle lights, etc )	Must	Light up your guylines at night so people don't trip over them! Put this up as soon as the structure goes up. Early on as the city is not as built so guidelines stand out and people are still getting acclimated!
Flashlight/ camp night light	Must
LED Solar Lawn Lights	Nice	around camp - fit over rebar nicely!

Tools

Item Name	Priority	Details
5lb sledge	Must	for rebar - you can borrow if need be
Camera (label it with your name and contact info also take a picture of you with address info... helps for getting it back)	Must	put an address label on it so they can get it or at least the pictures back to you in-case you lose it!
Rebar Ends Covers	Must	tennis balls to cut (trick - cut across the logo so you can find it next year)/ rebar plastic end caps/ or solar lights
Rebar - for your tent, guylines, and any other structures you put up 2' straight (x # need)	Must	For the edges of your tent and the guylines! Everything must be secured to the ground or it will go flying! (I have seen 20 foot tall domes with no panels (just the frame) be picked up and flown over whole camps.
3/8"x14" lag bolts - Rebar alternitive that you screw in and out with an impact driver	Must	Alternative to tent stakes - Use drill/impact driver to screw them into the playa.
Rebar Puller (lots of options here - hook with eye, Vice grips, stakepuller - expensive option)	Must	If camp doesn't have it: strong hook with eye on it -
Know your knots	Must	tie it down right the first time - useful knots
reference stuff	Must	for the visual people out there, here's some stuff I have gathered on pinterest
Industries Metal Stakes (4-Pack - x # need)	Must	I have used these (lavishly) for my tent (tent only) and found when they are pounded all the way into the playa it works great! They are strong, cheap, and easy to get in and out. I use rebar instead of rebar on my tent.
Batteries (Extra batteries for everything)	Must	Consider doing rechargeable batteries that can be solar charged during the day. lots of AA and D batteries for lamps/etc
butane lighters	Must
Camera charger	Must
Gorilla Glue 2 oz. or some other super strong glue	Must	In 2014 the soles of my only (non-platform) boots started to pull away, a little Gorilla Glue, pressure mixed with time, and I was up and dancing in style again! I believe this is the best for fixing shoes and I have seen a lot of broken platforms out there!
extra rope/clothes line/etc.	Must	Extra guy lines to secure tents in high winds (150’ parachute line, rated to 300 lbs)
MOOP collection bag/container (Matter Out of Place)-	Must	ideally something that closes securely and is big enough for can's etc. (empty out every time you go to camp) - at a minimum I like using a 1 gallon zip-lock bag. More info about MOOP - http://www.burningman.com/environment/playa_restoration/
Stacking Rubber Bins	Must	suggest 1 per category (idealy all the same size to make packing easier) This is probably how you are going to get most of your stuff to Burning Man. I like the medium sized ones more than the really big ones, as they are easier to live in once you get there and can't get too heavy. Make sure the lids fit securely or you'll be chasing them in the wind!
Pliers; Needle nose, regular, & vice grips	Must	to pull out rebar - see Rebar Puller above for more info
Safety pins	Must
Scissors	Must
Screwdrivers: flat & Philips	Must
Swiss Army knife	Must
Tape - duct, electrical & masking tape	Must	Masking tape for defacing logos
work gloves - heavy duty	Must
Zip ties: long and short.	Must	can be used in all kinds of ways
12 V. car inverter/cigarette lighter power converter/inverter and car battery to run lights off grid and battery charger to recharge battery off grid	Nice	for camera battery and possibly charging cordless drill or other things.
bungee cords/tie-downs (extra)	Nice	You might just have to strap that extra trash to the top of your car, etc...
Compass	Nice	To help you navigate during a huge white-out or pick a random direction for an adventure :)
Compressed air	Nice	camera equipment
Guy line covers - Foam	Nice	gray or use swimming tubes cut
Generator - Honda EU3000iS - Super Quiet Generator	Nice	If you need power &/or camp doesn't have one (only at my 7th year did I have one of these - total luxury) There is a solar village that you can recharge stuff at if needed.
some heavy duty extension cords	Nice	If your camp has power or you have a generator you'll need to be able to plug into power grid
Power strips	Nice	If your camp has power or you have a generator you'll need to be able to plug things in
Battery Cordless Screwdriver + extra batteries & charger	Nice	If you are building something on the playa. *** Note: keep the battery in a cool place out of heat to keep it's life strong. They don't like high heat.
Bit's for screwdriver (all the different ones you need)	Nice	If you are building something on the playa
Car emergency kit - Jumper cables, tow cable, roadside flares, reflective triangle, tire inflator, air compressor, first aid kit, flashlight and extra batteries, roll of duct tape, multitool, work gloves, etc.	Nice
Motorola handheld walkie talkies	Nice
Magnet Sweeper/Rake - picks up metal screws, nails, etc. from building projects (great for moop sweep)	Nice
Pick axe (smallish)	Nice	If you have electrical lines or water hoses it's best to dig a little trench and cover them. It can also work well for getting candy caned rebar pulled out (getting it started)
Rebar stake carrying box	Nice
sewing kit for repairs	Nice
small broom to sweep dust out of tent	Nice
time telling device (i.e cheap, disposable watch)	Nice	It can be great to know what time it is in case you are meeting people or have a work shift scheduled somewhere.
Tool Box/Bucket	Nice	Nice to have it all in one place and can be stored out of the way till tear down
Wire clippers	Nice
12" stakes and twine/caution tape for marking camp size	Optional	if going early for setup - have stakes need twine
PVC cutter	Optional	be sure to catch all shavings and Carry out with you
Fire extinguisher (2x)	Must	one for the cooking area, one for the sleeping area
Clothes pins	Nice	invaluable for hanging things inside a tent or shade structure.
Knee pads	Optional	for when your are pounding or pulling rebar
Portable fan/Swamp Cooler	Optional	Nice to have a way to keep cool!
ice based solar powered air/swamp cooler - DIY	Optional	great DIY project and could just use the cooler as one of your pack bins to bring stuff in.

Travel Bike

Item Name	Priority	Details
Bike (fat tires and big seats help a lot!)	Must	use a cheap one, the playa dust will kill it.
Bike Rental	Must	Lots of options now to rent bikes and places to donate after the event
bike lights if no Head lamp	Must	you're going to want to make your bike standout and easily noticeable.
Bike lock	Must	People "borrow" bikes all the time without returning them… Always lock it up even in camp or just a few moments.
Duct tape with your name, camp name, & address	Must	This has gotten bike's back to friends before!
Kickstand with big ball at end	Must	use a tennis ball or something like that to make the foot of the kickstand bigger. I like to use a doll head.
bicycle decorations (to make them more distinct)	Must	Day and night bike pimping! There is also a "Pimp Your Bike" camp but they get really booked really fast!
basket or some way to carry extra stuff.	Nice
bike chain lube or oil	Nice
Pump, upright for camp	Nice
spare bicycle tires, bicycle repair kit/tools	Nice	need to measure tires first for correct size Note there is a few bike repair camps, and make sure to be self reliant
Mini GPS Tracker for bikes	Optional	For those who really love their bike... there is now tech to find it - this is one of many options

Travel Car

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
Put car air on Recirculate at the entrance gate sign	Must	This will save your car a lot! It prevents the intake from consuming all the playa dust. One year I didn't do this and as soon as I started up the car and turned on the AC or fan it blew a huge plume of playa dust everywhere in the car. Yuck. When I keep it on Recirculate the whole time, no internal playa dust storm
before you leave cover interior car surfaces with blankets, towels, and/or sheets	Must	By covering all of the surfaces in your car/vehicle, you will radically reduce the time and effort cleaning your car after the event.
Before departure - service the vehicle and fill up tanks (no one wants to breakdown on the way if they can avoid it)	Nice	The older your vehicle, the more important this is!
new air filter - if taking your own car.	Nice	take a new air (filter) for your car to replace the one full of playa dust as soon as you get off the playa and can stop somewhere safe. It could add lots of miles to your engine and probably lots of miles per gallon.

Pre Departure Task

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
Get rest before the long drive...	Must	Most Burning Man related accidents happen from people driving to and from without enough sleep.
Notify someone of your plans	Must	Tell them where you are going, how long you'll be there and when to expect you back. Also any vital info of how to be reached while on the playa - camp name, etc incase of emergency.
Make arrangements for pets and plants being looked after	Must
Save Energy - Turn off AC, Electronic devices, appliances, etc.	Must
Set up email auto response	Must
Clean out perishables from fridge	Nice
Get cash from ATM	Nice	for Ice
Pay bills	Nice	don't want anything cancelled while away
Nice	Print out or Download maps, guides, etc.
Take out garbage	Nice
Charge all batteries	Optional
Put mail on hold or arrange for mail pick-up	Optional

Clothes

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
costumes, fun, party outfits - Day (light weight) and Night (warm layers)	Must	You can be anything on the playa, Radical Self Expression!!! Get creative, lots of different pieces put together. Think of dress-up/superheroes as a kid... super sized (stay away from sequins, feathers, and glittery clothing, it's moopy) http://www.pinterest.com/stitchshop/festival-fashion/ Watch out & Be careful with tassels & other things that can get caught in your bike....
underwear (natural fibers ie: cotton)	Must	potentially multiple pages per day for the ladies
socks natural fibers ie: cotton)	Must	Buy a new pack of socks and wear a new pair every day.
accessories	Must	scarfs, belts, wigs, chains, etc... anything you might want to play dress up in :)
Camp tear-down outfit sealed in Ziploc bag until the very end.	Must
cool comfy PJ's	Must	you may be sleeping a lot in the day time
Drive home outfit sealed in a Ziploc bag until getting in the car.	Must
Shoes regular - work shoes, lightweight hot day sandals/flip flops, & tennies	Must	any of my favorite shoes to put on tired feet!
Shoes party - platforms, boots, flat boots, cowboy boots, etc.	Must	What you like to get dressed up in (stelleto's not recommended)
Utility belt, Small backpack, messenger bag, fanny pack, CamelBak, etc.	Must	Something to put a few key items into (your ID, a couple $ for the coffee bar, a bit of tissue, etc.)
White outfit	Nice	For the white party
Bandannas or similar wraps	Nice	a great impromptu dust mask and if you get too hot, soak in water and put on your neck/head/etc.
hat - day shade	Nice	Cowboy, black hat, etc.
Sarongs, skirts, shorts, kilts, pants, bikinis, utilikilts, nothing; folks wear them	Nice
Tutu - yes men and ladies	Nice
Volunteer Work shift clothing--ie: ranger shirt, hat, coat, etc (others might have a med shift or something).	Nice

Clothes - cold weather 

Item Name	Priority	Why Need
Warm coat - Down or synthetic down Jacket, vest or similar	Must	It can get really cold at night
lots of warm layers / polypro / fleece	Must
mittens or gloves	Must
long underwear	Nice
Night hat - fleece or fur, etc.	Nice
polypro or wool socks	Nice

What can you not bring to Burning Man?

Here's a detailed list of items that you cannot bring to Burning Man:

Firearms and Weapons: Burning Man is a peaceful event, and bringing firearms or any kind of weapon is strictly prohibited. This includes guns, knives, swords, tasers, and any other item that could be considered a weapon.

Illegal Drugs and Substances: While Burning Man embraces radical self-expression and experimentation, the use or possession of illegal drugs is against both federal and state laws. This includes substances such as marijuana (despite its legal status in some states), cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, and others.

Glass Containers: Glass poses a significant safety hazard in the desert environment of Burning Man. Broken glass is difficult to clean up and can cause serious injuries to participants and wildlife. Therefore, glass containers, including bottles and mirrors, are not allowed.

Feathers: While feathers might seem like harmless decorations, they pose a serious environmental risk at Burning Man. Feathers can easily become litter and harm wildlife if they are not properly disposed of. Thus, bringing feathers for decoration or costumes is prohibited.

MOOP-Producing Items: MOOP stands for "Matter Out of Place," and Burning Man is committed to Leave No Trace principles, meaning participants must clean up after themselves entirely. Items that produce MOOP, such as confetti, glitter, and plastic beads, are not allowed as they can create a significant mess in the desert.

Drones: The use of drones is not permitted at Burning Man due to safety and privacy concerns. Drones can interfere with emergency operations, disrupt the peaceful atmosphere, and violate the privacy of participants.

Unauthorized Motor Vehicles: Burning Man has specific rules regarding motor vehicles, including restrictions on driving within the event site and a limit on the types of vehicles allowed. Participants cannot bring unauthorized motor vehicles such as ATVs, dirt bikes, or large RVs without prior approval.

Animals (Except for Service Animals): Bringing pets or non-service animals to Burning Man is prohibited. The harsh desert environment is not suitable for animals, and their presence can create safety and sanitation issues.

Sound Systems Without a Permit: Burning Man has guidelines for sound camps and art installations that involve amplified sound. Bringing a sound system without the necessary permits can result in fines and penalties.

Structures Over 12 Feet Tall Without Approval: Building large structures at Burning Man requires approval from the event organizers. Structures taller than 12 feet that are not approved in advance are not allowed.

Is clothing optional at Burning Man?

Yes, clothing is optional at Burning Man. The event promotes radical self-expression and encourages participants to dress however they feel comfortable, whether that means wearing elaborate costumes, minimal clothing, or even nothing at all. This ethos fosters a sense of freedom and acceptance within the community, allowing individuals to express themselves authentically without judgment

How much money do you need for Burning Man?

The amount of money needed for Burning Man varies widely depending on factors such as transportation, accommodation, food, and the level of comfort and extravagance desired. However, a rough estimate would be around $1,000 to $2,000 for a basic experience, including tickets, camping gear, food, and miscellaneous expenses. Some participants spend significantly more, especially if they opt for luxurious accommodations, extravagant costumes, or art installations. It's important to budget carefully and plan ahead to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience at the event.