Preparing for Burning Man

Burning Man's namesake in 2006.

If this is your year to finally take part in Burning Man, from Aug. 1 to Sept. 7, then there are a few things to consider/know/budget before committing to a ticket.

Right now, tickets are still available for $280, but when those 9,000 sell out, the price goes to $300. Tickets purchased after July 31 will be held at will call, and Internet sales end August 28 (assuming there's any left). Tickets are available at the Burning Man website or by visiting the Melting Pot World Emporium at 1049 S. Virginia St.

Eight years ago, it was possible to be a lamp lighter or a barista and get a discounted ticket. That, however, is no longer the case.

If you’re interested in volunteering you must prepare to meet all the other obligations that come along with participating, which includes buying a ticket. 

The Basics

First off, read the official Burning Man Survival Guide and first-timer's guide. Then, look for survival guides put together by other veterans. Half the battle to maximize your experience is making it through the week by being as prepared as possible. On top of reading these guides, it’s also suggested to go with someone who’s been before. 

Jessica Schneider, burner, and proprietor of Junkee Clothing Exchange, shared a sad observation: “Last year, I saw people crouched in the trunk of their car for shade,” Schneider said.

Obviously, that’s not ideal. Designs and ideas for shading your group are prevalent online. Supplies are available at various outlets around the Reno-Sparks area. I stopped into Twin City Surplus to have a look at the nice selection and included a list of supplies at the bottom of this article.

What to do with water?

Greywater from daily life is another issue that comes up frequently according to Matthew Ebert, a.k.a. Metric, executive director at Friends of Black Rock/High Rock.

The mantra of “pack it in, pack it out,” applies to everything (only coffee, ice, and toilets are available onsite), including the water you use to cook and shower with.  Evaporation is a useful way to lighten the load, but expect that a greywater evaporation pool could still result in a muddy pit of bacteria.

Innovators suggest using evaporation more for solid food wastes than greywater (either way, be mindful that bacteria creates odor). Metric suggested hand sanitizers, along with cook-less, high-protein, salty snacks, and using your water supply mainly, if not solely, for drinking, as a few ways to deal with gray water. If you’re feeling awesome, consider building a Nosefish shower.

Getting around

There is plenty to see at BM, and the amount of space you have to cover in order to see it is significant. If you’re interested in fabricating a mobile art piece, visit the Dept. of Mutant Vehicles. Otherwise, it’s highly recommended you get a bike. Many places sell bikes, but recycled BM bikes ideal for the playa will be available soon, once again, from the Reno Bike Project.

Anthony Arevalo, local artist and RBP mechanic, asks that all requests be sent via email to RenoBikeProject@gmail.com. The price for a bike is the same as last year at $55. When asked what advice he’d give to people who want to bring their own bikes, Arevalo said, "Don’t."

Costumes

I had the pleasure of interviewing both Schneider and Monique Baron, co-proprietor of The Melting Pot, simultaneously. The date their stores flip for BM is July 1, and Schneider has been hard at work modifying clothing and coming up with ideas.

Baron’s store specializes in corsets and clubwear. Both recommended the Chocolate Walrus for bondage apparel as well as the Antique Store next to the Walrus where two little old ladies specialize in petticoats and tutus. In this respect, it’s a good idea to mix and match, be innovative and create your own style. Or else, I don’t care, go to Ilaniowear.com and just throw in some glowsticks.

Debauchery

Lastly, we come to debauchery. In this respect I have only two things to say. First off, apparently there are undercover cops with night vision prowling around for giddy-glassy-eyed-candy-kids. This hero/villain dynamic can be avoided by doing what you do any other day in order to not get arrested for vices.

Have some wisdom to share? Add it in the comments.

Supply list from Twin City Surplus

• Generic dust goggles: $1.99 each
  
• G.I. thermals: $9.99
• Army Shovels: Not recommended — Do not dig giant holes in the playa!
  
• Solar shower: $11.99
• Camp grill: $14.99
• Propane Stove: $34.99
• Dust mask: $1.99
• Carhart bandana: $1.59
• Hammock with stand: $89.99
• Pup tent (complete): $49.99
• Double-size airbed: $49.99
• Full-size airbed: $26.97
• Raised twin airbed: $32.99
• Folding cots: $59-$100
• Folding picnic table: $39.99

Simple shade solutions

• Military-style net: $129.99 (10' x 20')
• Black solar netting, white/desert/camo
• Spreader pole: $24-34.99

Cool stuff from the Bargain Yard (out back)

• Spools of rope, chain, whatever
• Hubcaps
  
• Old electronics
• Heavy-duty gas cans
• Large and small ammo suitcases
• Mortar tubes
• Fans
• Large plastic barrels
• Old Sun-damaged mouth wash