To: burningmanvancouver@topica.com
From: Christopher Weeks <imagine@intergate.ca>
Subject: [Burning Man Vancouver]
Date: Thu, 2 Aug 2001 23:48:16 +0000

A number of people have asked about a basic packing list for Burning Man. The following is a list we created last year to help with the shopping and packing process. The food area is not detailed, so you're on your own there. Hope this helps stimulate your thoughts and make your preparation process more fun! If anyone has helpful additions, send them on. It always helps to see what other people are taking.

Peace,
Christopher

Chris & Rick's Burning Man Checklist from last year - updated August 2, 2001

Food Related:

Remember that fresh fruit & some veggies may not be allowed across certain US state lines (like California) and of course you can't take it across the border either. It's best to purchase your fruit & veggies in Nevada.

(note from NK Guy - the border into California is the only internal American border where you will be stopped at an agricultural checkpoint, and if you come into Nevada from the north the problem is that there simply isn't anywhere you can really buy produce before you hit the playa.

So if you take the northern route you can either buy your produce in Alturas, California or, if you're troubled by the fact that grocery stores in Alturas have a lousy selection, you can buy it in Washington and Oregon and see what the California agriculture people are after. Last year, for example, the inspector was only concerned about mangoes and didn't care about any of the other stuff we had.

If they do insist on confiscating your food you could always point out that you're going to be driving straight through to the Nevada desert through a tiny corner of California and thus should not be posing any threat to the Californian agricultural industry, and see what they say. Of course, if you enter Nevada from the west you can do all your produce shopping in Reno.)

• Ice chest - one for food & one for ice only (line ice chest w/ aluminum foil to reflect heat - ice will last longer)
• Ice - block ice lasts longer than chunks
• Cooking stove
• Cooking stove fuel
• Cooking utensils:
• Pots & pans
• Spatula, etc
• Coffee pot
• Knives
• Chopping block
• Can / bottle opener
• Mixing bowls
• Aluminum foil
• Ziploc bags
• Paper towels
• Sponges, rags
• Matches, lighters
• Pam spray - our personal favorite (Note from NK Guy - I dread to think for what)
• Dishwashing liquid
• Clean-up / washing tub
• Plates, eating utensils, drinking glasses, coffee cups, disposable cups for guests
• Collapsible water storage containers (sufficient for 2 gal per person per day)
• Water spray bottles (these ended up being one of the most useful items of 2000!)
• Canteen or other portable water system, carrying strap
• Large and small Ziplocs for sandproofing items
• Trash bags

General Camp & Survival Stuff:

• Stakes and barricade tape for marking camp area
• Tent
• Tent pad
• Plastic tarp w/ smaller stakes for securing tarp to playa
• Stakes & rebar, sledge hammer, pry bar for removal of stakes from desert
• Tie-down ropes (we used over 200" in 2000)
• Rain fly for tent
• Backpacks! You need this to haul around camera, film, respirator, goggles, toys, etc.
• Earplugs - silicone is the only way to go!
• Sunscreen, oil, moisturizers, lip balm
• Leather work gloves; for construction & cleanup
• Shade structure and supplies
• Sleeping mattresses
• Sleeping pad
• Blankets
• Sheets
• Pillows
• Clock (w/ backup battery)
• Camp toilet - we took it last year but never used it
• Bags for camp toilet
• Toilet paper
• Towels
• Washcloths
• Wet Ones - lots and lots of them! Perfect for micro-baths, foot-baths, and cleaning just about anything.
• Solar shower, catch basin for shower - you need something to stand on while showering on the playa
• Area rugs, and tarp to place underneath; extra tarp to protect rug during rain
• Small rug to use outside tent / RV entryway
• Broom, whisk broom - yeah, you will actually want to sweep off your rugs & tarps
• Gas lanterns & fuel, extra lantern mantles
• Flashlights, headlamp, batteries
• Candles
• Lawn chairs, some form of reclining chairs so you can stretch out!
• Drumming chairs
• Tool kit, sledgehammer, shovel, rake, ladder
• Wire ties / zip ties - all sizes, larger ones were especially useful last year
• First Aid kit
• Saline solution to keep sinuses moist
• Respirator & replacement filters - paper dust masks don't work
  (Note from NK Guy - I found my cheap paper masks to be adequate last year, but I know Chris didn't. You could always try both - the paper masks are certainly cheap compared to a real respirator, and aren't as heavy and hot.)
• Goggles to protect eyes during sand storms
• Writing materials
• Contact list / emergency contact information file
• Receipts for any expensive items you are taking across the border. Upon return, you may be asked to prove that you originally purchased that notebook computer or camera in Canada. You can also register any new looking item at Canadian customs before heading across the border.

• Of course, all your art project supplies and techno-toys!
• Camp marker: flag or other visual homing beacon on a tall pole
• Communication radios, batteries
• Bicycle, pump, repair kit & accessories, plus 2 spare tire tubes for each bike!
• Bicycle flashers so you're seen at night, batteries
• CD player, batteries
• Music
• Musical instruments - drums, drum chairs, shakers, etc.
• Camera, tripod, film, batteries
• Binoculars
• Kites, string & reel, anchor for kites, repair kit for kites
• Necklace making supplies: beads, cord, fasteners

• Cargo pants & shorts give you lots of places to put stuff - and not lose it on the playa.
• Backpacks, hydropacks
• Sunglasses
• Hats
• Something to shade body
• Warm clothes for evening
• Gloves!

Gifts:

Stuff for your new-found playa friends / items to barter. Use your imagination.

• Keep it fun, simple (and artistic if you can)
• Wearable art / accessories is most always a good idea
• Something personal and handmade is always the most wonderful gift to give and receive
• Barter items can be used for obtaining everything from entrance to a special area, a drink at a bar, someone to change your bike flat, or a ride on a dragon car.
• The main thing that is not recommended to bring is a bunch of really cheap little plastic junk. We get enough of this in our lives.