BEFORE
ARRIVING
As we walk into the world of Burning Man (BM) there are some core concepts that will arise time and time again. Reading this section will prepare you to more deeply understand the rest of this document. For first-time burners, BM can seem very intimidating. There’s a lot to digest, but do your best, be radically self-reliant, and for what you lack, the Playa provides.
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Burner Knowledge
10 PRINCIPLES
Let’s start with the
Ten Principles
The 10 Burning Man Principles are the guiding methodology around BM Culture. There aren’t hard rules, but they are strong guidelines. Please familiarise yourself with them as we will reference them throughout.
In DC we practice the 11th principle of
Consent
Burning Man Terms
Next we'll tackle:
Burning Man Terms
Of all those terms the most important ones you’ll see are:
Matter out of Place - Moop.
This means anything that wasn’t there when we (Burners) arrived. The lake Burning Man sits on has animals hidden underneath and an entire ecosystem that is delicate. It is also sacred to local Native tribes. Burning Man gives a score to every camp for how well they Leave No Trace and it can affect placement or if you are even invited back.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Very simply, the government agency that allows us to hold BM on federal land. They have their own law enforcement agency and you can identify them and other LEO’s by the guns and uniforms they wear.
Burning Man Organization (BORG).
The entirety of Burning Man's board, official team, and decision makers. Essentially they are the people in official positions and make big decisions like rules, ticket prices, etc. We either ALL HAIL THE BORG or generally make fun of them. Again, they are Burners just like you and I. They are out there having a great time with all of us and you’ll likely run into many kinds of BORG members without knowing it during your burn.
Playa.
Very simply, this is the name of the dried up lake bed that Burning Man takes place on. The playa is the fine acidic dust material that flies around and gets in every crack of your belongings.
Darkwad.
Someone who has no lights on at night. It is highly recommended to put lights on. This allows art cars to see you, your friends to find you, and so on. In the spirit of Self-Expression, there are people who actively choose to not wear lights. That is choosing to play Burning Man in Hardcore mode.
Gerlach.
The small town before you enter Burning Man. Don’t expect to get much from here. There is a pizza shop and one gas dispenser. Most amenities are about an hour away in Empire, Nevada.
What-Where-When (WWW).
This is a list of events that Burning Man puts out with times and locations. Inside this book, or App, you can find thousands of things to do all hours of the day.
Default World.
This is life outside of Burning Man.
The Man.
This is what people on Playa call me, Marky. Just Kidding. The Man is the central structure in the middle of Playa that everything is oriented around. It is the logo. It is also what we burn on Saturday night.
The Temple.
Each year an artist team gets to build a giant building that houses letters to passed ones, pictures of loved ones, or just anything you want to burn. It’s an extremely powerful place. There are Temple Guardians, which are people that are trained to sit with people’s grief and give them space to mourn. Every Sunday we burn the Temple and it is a beautiful experience.
Center Camp.
Center Camp is located right in front of the man along the 6 o’clock road. It is a big area that is run by the Burning Man organization. It is open to the public the entire burn and is a public resting space. They have performances there and they provide general information to help you. Go to center camp if you need help from the BORG (ALL HAIL).
Center Camp used to be lively and full of people at all times. Then they stopped selling coffee for some reason. Ironically, due to the whole no money thing, people didn’t hang out there very much in 2024. Hopefully in 2025 and beyond, it’ll be a lively spot once again.
Center Camp used to be lively and full of people at all times. Then they stopped selling coffee for some reason. Ironically, due to the whole no money thing, people didn’t hang out there very much in 2024. Hopefully in 2025 and beyond, it’ll be a lively spot once again.
The Playa Provides.
This is a common saying and it means that if you are in need, it’s okay to ask other people. Sometimes, without even asking, your problems get solved. Water magically appears, food will be offered, comfort from the sun. The reason is Burners take care of other Burners. If you see someone in need, consider it your civic duty to help them.
What To Bring
This is a long list that a lot of people like to use every year. Use it as a guide and decide what matters most to you:
Burning Man Prep List
Note: This is a view-only list, click File -> Download to save it to your computer. Also, do the same for this file if you want a copy for yourself.
BIKES
Your bike will become your home. You want a basket, a seat cover (not pictured), lights, tennis balls to help it not dig into the playa dust, and some way to identify it. You'll thank yourself.
Your bike will be the most important vessel to get around. It will serve as your travelling home base. When it comes to choosing a bike, pick a bike with big tires and less gears. Anything mechanical will likely have trouble as the burn progresses. The playa is relatively flat but there are big sand patches, bumpy roads, and the wind will be blowing against you and making your way harder. You will leave Burning Man in better physical condition.
Electric bikes are becoming more and more popular but remember, everything you bring will get playa dust inside of it. Playa dust is extremely acidic and it will eat up electronics.
Electric bikes are becoming more and more popular but remember, everything you bring will get playa dust inside of it. Playa dust is extremely acidic and it will eat up electronics.
Bike Tips:
Get a bike basket. If it’s not a solid basket, line it with something so things don’t fall out the bottom. Try to get a lid so things don’t pop out of the top. Get a horn of some kind. It’s fun, and beneficial, to be able to make noise while others are riding around you. Bike injuries happen every single year on Playa. Decorate your bike. You want your bike to stand out amongst all the other bikes. Get a tall flag, get lights, paint it, attach buttons - whatever you can do.
Bike Locks:
You want a bike lock. You want a lock that can lock your bike to itself. People mostly actively steal bikes on the 2nd and last day. Mostly because with 80,000 people some people are opportunist and will take bikes to sell or repurpose. Mostly though, you don’t have to worry about bike theft. It’s people who accidentally take bikes that are more common.
Bike Lights:
Bike lights are multi-purpose. They let people find you, follow you, and not run you over. They also serve to light up the playa to ride on it. Decorate your bike with lights and add functional lights to see at night.
A lot of people use El Wire but there are a lot of options for bikes. Bike Wheel Lights are common, so are some kind of bright headlights and backlight. A lot of people use LED lights with a battery pack. Get creative and make your bike your own.
A lot of people use El Wire but there are a lot of options for bikes. Bike Wheel Lights are common, so are some kind of bright headlights and backlight. A lot of people use LED lights with a battery pack. Get creative and make your bike your own.
Yellow Bikes:
There are lights that are painted green called the yellow bikes (I know) that are communal bikes. They are obvious and they are meant to be shared. You are not supposed to lock them up. They are also options if you are in a pinch.
Other Vehicles:
The Bike is the most popular option but if you want to do one-wheel, that’s possible. Tricycles, electric longboards, whatever - we’ve seen electric flying carpets. That’s not an exaggeration. Get Creative with it.
TENTS
Your tent will become your home. If you can, you want shade because it gets very hot during the day. Sleeping after 10am is very hard on Playa if you don’t have temperature control. Paradoxically, tents with windows are a huge problem. The playa dust gets in everything and you want a way to block the dust from getting in during a sandstorm.
If you have the means then a Shiftpod or a Kodiak Wooden Canvas tent are staples of Burning Man. Any tent will really do but being able to stand is a huge plus.
Another consideration is the wind storms can get pretty rough and you want something that can withstand some strong winds. Some people straight up sleep on the floor. It’s all about your comfort level.
If you have the means then a Shiftpod or a Kodiak Wooden Canvas tent are staples of Burning Man. Any tent will really do but being able to stand is a huge plus.
Another consideration is the wind storms can get pretty rough and you want something that can withstand some strong winds. Some people straight up sleep on the floor. It’s all about your comfort level.
WATER
Even though camp might provide water, you always want enough water for yourself. A rough estimate for your own use is around 1 gal per day, per person. You are going to be in a dry desert. Alcohol does not go well out there. Do not expect to come out to the Burn and get plastered every night. People go to the hospital from dehydration because they are drinking too much. Water is more important.
There are collapsible water containers that you can fill the day before you arrive on Playa. You should fill them before you reach Gerlach. You will want to stock up on all water and food items before you get to Gerlach. Burning Man says there is a place in Gerlach but I don’t have much info on it.
There are collapsible water containers that you can fill the day before you arrive on Playa. You should fill them before you reach Gerlach. You will want to stock up on all water and food items before you get to Gerlach. Burning Man says there is a place in Gerlach but I don’t have much info on it.
FOOD
There’s a saying, “The Playa Provides”, that basically means whatever you need at Burning Man, somehow it will find you. That means people will take care of you if you are dying but let’s not die. You want enough food to last you all burn. Personally, I bring 3 cans of soup per day. I am a minimalist. Some people prepare entire meals and cook them on camping stoves. Some camps, such as ours, will have stoves with propane burners that you can use.
People will try and feed you all over the playa and using the WWW, you can find food at most times of the day. Think of them as emergency backups. Practice Radical Self-Reliance as much as you can. In 2023 it rained and everyone was trapped because of the mud. Not having food would be an absolute monster to overcome.
People will try and feed you all over the playa and using the WWW, you can find food at most times of the day. Think of them as emergency backups. Practice Radical Self-Reliance as much as you can. In 2023 it rained and everyone was trapped because of the mud. Not having food would be an absolute monster to overcome.
Gifting
I made thousands of these little pins over the years. I give them to people after a nice conversation, after a fun moment, or sometimes just to give a gift. It has gotten me into some silly and wonderful situations. They are not requirements but it is fun to gift things.
Gifting is one of the ten principles and one of the most misunderstood ones. It doesn't mean showing up with a truckload of trinkets or spending money you don't have. A gift can be a cold drink, a poem you wrote, a skill you have, a song, a joke, or just a genuinely good conversation at the right moment. The only rule is that there is no expectation of anything in return. Not a thank you, not a reciprocal gift, nothing. You give because you want to, full stop. It is also worth knowing that gifting is one of the best icebreakers on the playa. Offering something to a stranger opens a door that might otherwise stay closed. Some of the best connections at a burn start with something as simple as handing someone a piece of fruit in the middle of the desert.
CLOTHING
People wear all sorts of things. Some people wear their normal clothes, some dress up. There's no judgement. Just don't wear clothing that will drop MOOP (Matter out of Place) on the ground. No glitter, feathers that fall off, things like that.
Burning Man is a wonderful place to wear whatever you want - or nothing at all. Plenty of people practice nudity as a form of expression. The Playa sun is extremely rough. You want clothing that you can feel comfortable in.
Some people, such as myself, wear just normal shorts, boots, and a t-shirt or no shirt. I look not much different from the default world. That is totally okay, there is no wrong way to dress.
Some people dress to the nines. They have fabulous outfits, costumes, custom lights, speakers on them, all sorts of things. If it makes you happy, bring your imagination!
It is important to remember it will be very hot during the day and very cold at night. It’s unpredictable so you have to be ready for everything. Layers will be your best friend. Having a backpack, a satchel, or a fanny pack will also be super beneficial to carry things around.
Some people, such as myself, wear just normal shorts, boots, and a t-shirt or no shirt. I look not much different from the default world. That is totally okay, there is no wrong way to dress.
Some people dress to the nines. They have fabulous outfits, costumes, custom lights, speakers on them, all sorts of things. If it makes you happy, bring your imagination!
It is important to remember it will be very hot during the day and very cold at night. It’s unpredictable so you have to be ready for everything. Layers will be your best friend. Having a backpack, a satchel, or a fanny pack will also be super beneficial to carry things around.
TRAVEL CUP AND BOWL
You want to have a bowl with silverware and a cup on your person at all times. This is so you can partake at other camp’s bars (alcoholic or non alcoholic) and if you want to eat the plethora of food around Playa, it’s good to have your own bowl.
A lot of people carry collapsible bowls on their bikes and some kind of cup with a lid. You will be biking with a cup full of liquid so it’s best to get something that screws on and doesn’t leak. I usually have a camping spork set that I carry with me as well. Carabiners will be your best friend.
A lot of people carry collapsible bowls on their bikes and some kind of cup with a lid. You will be biking with a cup full of liquid so it’s best to get something that screws on and doesn’t leak. I usually have a camping spork set that I carry with me as well. Carabiners will be your best friend.
Packing List
Again, read this list:
Burning Man Prep List
Burn Tips
Long Hair
The best idea for long hair is to braid it (or get it cornrowed) at the beginning of the Burn and leave it braided until it’s time to leave. You may have to re-braid it once or twice during the week. Washing out and shampooing (not to mention conditioning) hair with the meager water amount allocated to your shower is not practical. If you leave your hair down, it will collect all of the playa’s dust and increase in volume by around 600%.
Drivers License or ID
Some people blow up their drivers license really big and tape it to their cup. Some bars will ID you if you want to drink alcohol and it’s easier than carrying your id and losing it. Some bars will not take photocopies and require an ID. The Orgy Dome, for example, requires an up to date, legal ID (no exceptions). One great hack is to get a luggage tag and attach it with a carabiner to your pack, so you can tuck it in a pocket and won't lose it. Another great thing to do is change your phone background to be your camp location and Playa name. That way, if it falls on the ground someone can return it to you.
Label Everything
Another great way to keep your stuff is to label it with your playa name and your camp location. So I would label everything with “Marky | KarmaLoveCamp 7:45 & D.” Another important thing to do is change the lock screen image on your phone to show the same information. That way if you drop your phone, someone will bring it back to your camp before they return it to the official lost and found.
Lost and Found
Burning Man has an official lost and found and it’s at Playa Info which is at Esplanade & 5:45. During the burn and at the end of the burn they post pictures of everything found and they give months for people to claim them. See the tip above to hopefully not have to go through all that.
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