How to Survive at Burning Man

Between the sweltering daytime heat, the chilly nights and the violent sandstorms, Burning Man will test just about anyone's physical stamina and sanity. However, there are a few things that you can do to make the week exponentially easier.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dust mask or handkerchief
• Goggles
• Shade structure
• Water-spraying fan
• Tent fan
• Parasol
• Heavy coat
• Bicycle
• Chap stick
• Sunblock
• Lotion

1. Strap your goggles to your head, and keep a dust mask or handkerchief handy. The sandstorms can be brutal, and if you get caught far from camp without these items, you'll be in trouble. Without the goggles, you'll be squinting about blindly trying to find your way. Without a handkerchief or dust mask, you'll have a sore throat and difficulty breathing by the end of the week. When choosing goggles, be sure that they form a suction around your face, or sand will inevitably find its way into your eyes.

2. Cope with the overwhelming daytime heat. If you want to have a chance at being comfortable at all during the day, it's important to set up a shade structure at your camp. This doesn't mean you have to purchase a $600 geodome. E-Z UP sells affordable canopies that will do just fine if properly secured with some strong rope and rebar. Bring extra sheets and fabric to attach to the poles and ropes to create additional shade. Parasols are really nice to have when walking long distances, and having those portable fans that spray water is absolutely necessary. Also, Coleman sells a nice tent fan that you'll need if you want to attempt to sleep in your tent during the day.

3. Use plenty of sunblock. Sunburns are hard to cope with any time, but imagine having to deal with one in the blistering desert for a week. SPF 45 is a safe bet considering that the temperatures can shoot up into the high 90s. It's also crucial to have a good lip balm on you that has at least SPF 15. Between the heat and the dry weather, your lips can get pretty damaged in the desert without a daily application. When the sun goes down, it's good to have some regular lotion around so that your skin doesn't get too dried out.

4. Bring at least one really warm coat. The nights are almost as cold as the days are hot. A sleeping bag might be sufficient, but you would do well to bring one extra cover. For some added comfort, invest in an air mattress. Sleeping on the ground for a few days is usually not so bad, but roughing it like that for an entire week can be really hard on the back.

5. Drink water all the time. It's very easy to overheat, and then become sick and cranky. Take big gulps, and make sure that you're peeing clear, otherwise you're not drinking enough. If you're drinking alcohol and using other substances, you're likely to be dehydrating yourself even further, so drink even more water in those situations. If you're out and about, make sure to bring a canteen or bottled water along for the trip.

6. Having a bike is essential at Burning Man. Without one, it will take hours longer to get from point A to point B. Everyone tends to respect each other's possessions, so you won't need to bring a lock. However, keep in mind that there is a good chance the bike won't go back with you in the same condition as you brought it in.

Tips & Warnings

• When you start feeling hot, tired or cranky, remember to have a good attitude about things. A positive mindset is the key to surviving this event. Embrace the fact that you can't get a comb through your hair and that you haven't showered in 6 days.
• Since Burning Man is a "leave no trace" event, you have to take everything that you bring in out with you. That includes smoked cigarettes, empty cans of beer, plastic packaging and everything else. Minimize the amount of waste you bring in with you by taking food and other items out of unnecessary packaging before you leave home. Be sure to have trash bags so that you can keep your camp clean.