Adriana, aka Dusty Princess and Greg took their ShiftPod to the playa for the first time this year. They came prepared with everything from a swamp cooler to a closet. See some photos below where I point out a few items that made the difference.
When I saw that SHIFTPOD had released a MINI version of their tent I was so excited because not only is it more affordable, but it's also is much lighter and easier to travel with (hello Afrika Burn!)
Watch my video to see my first impressions of the SHIFTPOD MINI:
When I saw that SHIFTPOD had released a MINI version of their tent I was so excited because not only is it more affordable, but it's also is much lighter and easier to travel with (hello Afrika Burn!)
Watch my video to see my first impressions of the SHIFTPOD MINI:
Officially, Wednesday is just another day on the playa, but for lots of burners Wednesdays are for wearing white. Participation ranges from the subtle to the outrageous. So grab some white wings, a white tank top, some white boots, and show just how angelic you can be.
*One caveat. The items below are meant to be for inspiration. Of course you can shop online, but I truly hope you will also search your local Goodwill and attend some clothing swaps as well.
There are so many ways you can interpret this year's Burning Man theme: I, Robot. If you want to see some complete outfits check out my blog with a variety of interpretations for I,Robot.
Below I've pulled together some ideas and base pieces for building a variety of different robot themed outfits.
Black Rock Desert is known for its whiteout dust storms that bring the city to a halt at any time, day or night. Winds can reach up 80 mph (130km/h) creating dangerous whiteout conditions that will have you choking on the playa dust if you aren’t prepared. As a veteran burner I can vouch that breathing in too much playa dust can wreak havoc on your lungs and vocal chords.
Generally speaking the most intense dust storms are rare, and only happen a few times at any burn. But just biking around the playa can result in breathing in enough playa dust to irritate your lungs.
My approach to avoid injuring my lungs is to always have three kinds of dust masks available. The first item that I keep with me day and night is my favorite scarf.
I recommend everyone have a scarf like the one here because it is the most versatile thing you can carry. I have used mine to cover my head, protect my shoulders, cool me by wetting it down, provide ground or seat cover, and yes, become a makeshift dust mask in a pinch.
Aside from the scarf, I carry a technical dust mask with me at all times. These masks have professional filtering and are meant to keep dust and pollutants from reaching your lungs. And just because they keep dust particles out doesn't mean they are boring. You can see some suggestions below:
Now my scarf is a great impromptu mask, but isn't as convenient as a simple, less technical mask. When the need arises I also have a small cloth mask that isn't as good at filtering dust as the masks above, but it will give some protection and they are generally more comfortable. These masks are colorful, and some of them even light up!
Check out my suggestions below:
Feeling crafty and want to make your own dust mask? Check out my blog on how to sew your own custom dust mask.
Every year Burning Man releases a new theme that is meant to inspire the art and inspiration for the burn that year. One of the most fun ways to participate in the theme is to create outfits based on that year's theme.
While I, Robot might inspire images of tin man and C3PO, and who doesn't love a shiny outfit, the organizers have asked people to be inspired by current and future technologies (including robots).
Burning Man is legendary for its dust storms that sweep across the Black Rock Desert, sometimes without warning. Winds can range up 80 mph (130km/h) creating total whiteout conditions, especially if you are be outside the city. Exposure to the elements at Burning Man can be serious, and that's why the right pair of goggles is something that can't be left at home as you prepare for that thing in the desert.
The good news is, most burns only experience a handful of serious whiteouts, and goggles aren't often needed as anything other than an accessory.
When dust storms do hit, they can happen during the day or the night, so most of my friends and I have a three pack that includes goggles that are tinted or clear for night and day.
This three pack even include a yellow pair for low lights conditions, which can make a difference when the lighting changes in the middle of the day.
Dust storms are no joke, and while they aren't a constant, you should have your goggles with you AT ALL TIMES. Preparedness is literally the different between a great burn, and one that lands you in a medic tent.
Of course this three pack of motorcycle goggles are very utilitarian, so if you want something more fashionable you can consider trying a pair of ski goggles or other funky motorcycle goggles
I personally find goggles to be less than comfortable in the heat and spend most of my days in sunglasses. I typically recommend that burners bring two or three pairs of cheap sunglasses and one pair of nice goggles that can be taken out when things get dusty.
Here are a few of my favorite sunglasses:
Of course, if you want to personalize your goggles check out my blog on how to add gems to them.
Heeeeey virgin! You, yeah you! If you haven't been to Burning Man you are still an uninitiated virgin. And unlike high school where that word would garner you all kinds of attention, at the burn, we love our virgins. Yell it loud and proud that it's your first time, and keep these ten things in mind:
Be teachable. Remember the first time you had sex? No matter how good it felt, you still had no idea what you were doing. So listen to the veterans, they are to help and occasionally fuck with you. There are ten principles for a reason, and Burning Man only works when they are heeded.
Give yourself enough time! Don't skimp on the number of days you spend at the burn. Soak it up! Show up on Sunday and watch the city grow into a frenetic party by Saturday. And don't skip the temple burn, it is one the most sacred burns you will ever watch.
Take time to prepare. There are tons of blogs and packing lists online that share different tips and tricks on how to burn, and while we do our best here at Dusty Depot to provide all that information, we still recommend you take the time to research and prepare to have the best burn possible.
Participate! Wear artistic outfits, help with art, go to lectures, burn something in the temple, dance when you feel like it. There is no point watching everyone else play while you wait for an invitation.
Self Care! Don't skimp on sleep. The burn is a marathon, not a sprint so plan to have a great time, but also bring ear plugs, and a good eye mask. Eat right. Everyone does the burn a little differently when it comes to food, but whatever you do, don't skip meals too frequently. The burn is hard on your body, and not nourishing it can have serious consequences.
Hydrate! Just like food, you will need to drink lots of water and electrolytes.
Make plans for your accommodations. During your week on the playa you will need a place to change your costumes, get some sleep, and you might even want a place to retreat for a few hours to recharge. Do yourself a favor and create a dust free environment to stay in, whatever that looks like.
Learn the language. There is a culture to the burn, from the principles we stand for, to the language we speak. The burn isn't a festival, it's a community, and you are about to become its newest member. You should know what moop is, why you shouldn't be a darktard, and what a shirt cocker is.
Be prepared to miss something. The burn is massive! With hundreds of pieces of art, music, and festivities. Just remember that where ever you find yourself on the playa, you are in the right place.
Take risks. Watch the sunrise, fall in love, cry, release something, become a better you. The burn is a place to evolve, so come in with an open heart to what is possible.
Read: The 10 Things Every Burner Needs
