Every year free-spirits flock to the festival in the desert, famously known as Burning Man. Thousands will gather this year in Nevada's Black Rock Desert to create a community dedicated to art, self expression and self reliance known as Black Rock City for one week starting August 27 and ending September 3.
For newbies, knowing what to bring is key as you can't buy anything in Black Rock City. The mentality is that people bring necessary items and share or barter for goods and services, from everything from granola bars to vodka to necessary items like water and camping equipment.
Burning Man's website states, "Even considering going to Burning Man for the first time can be daunting. And while it's true that Burning Man is not for the faint of heart, with some research, preparation, and planning, an experience -- and opportunity -- beyond your wildest dreams awaits you."
What to pack?
Think of Burning Man like a week long camping trip. Be prepared to have everything you need to survive on you.
Water: at least 1.5 gallons per day, per person. This is used for drinking, cooking and bathing-there are no showers on site. Bring a reusable water bottle to keep on you.
Food: The obvious one. Bring enough food that isn't super perishable for you and your group for the week. Items like canned goods you can cook on a portable stove top, oatmeal and dried fruit are ideal if you don't have a mini fridge on hand.
First aid kit: Just in case all that dancing and exploring gets you into a little accident, have band aids, antiseptics and some pain killers with you.
Clothing: The desert can get cold at night even with the scorching heat of a late August day. Bring clothes for layering and comfortable items. Bring good shoes that are comfortable to walk in because you will probably be on your feet for most of the day exploring and hanging out with the thousands of others who have joined in on the week long celebration. Bring a hat and sunglasses too. It gets scorching hot some days and you'll be glad you have it.
A tent, or some sort of shelter: Some people choose to roll up in an RV or a van, while others choose a tent to sleep in. Make sure to also bring lots of blankets/sleeping bags because it can get down to 40°F at night in Black Rock.
Dust mask and goggles: It is super dusty out there, so just in case of a dust storm.
Garbage bags: To clear up your campsite. Part of the culture around Burning Man is to leave no trace after the event, so trashing the place is a big no no.
Flashlights: For those nights.
Just for fun
Costumes/Fun things to wear: A lot of people dress up in crazy, colorful outfits to make the experience fun and memorable.
Alcohol: Because you are there to have a good time right? A lot of people bring alcohol that you can barter with or they will share, but it's always good to have some on hand. Never know when you might need a cold beer.
Open mind and a sense of humor: Enjoy it, relish in it, experience it for what it is.
For more information about art installations at this year's event see here.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
