Tent
If you're camping with us, you get to pitch your tent under our residential shade structure. It cuts 90% of UV, and provides substantial protection against wind and dust. Remember, though, that you'll be camping on the open playa during our first and last nights on the playa. Each person gets a 10' x 10' space in the shade structure. If you're sharing a tent with someone, you might consider using one tent for living space, and one for gear storage.Things to think about when shopping for a tent:
- You'll spend a fair amount of time in your tent (as will all of your gear), and you'll find that a large tent that lets you stand upright is much more comfortable than a small backpacking tent.
- Winds on the playa can be severe: tents designed for casual camping will fail catastrophically during a playa windstorm.
- The playa is very dusty. Be aware that if you have a tent with a mesh ceiling covered by a rain fly, the dust will have no trouble finding its way under the fly and into your tent.
- Rain on the playa is rare, but it does happen.
Furnishing your tent
- A ground cover under the tent is optional but will help protect it.
- No matter what you do, your tent will end up full of playa. Consider a small broom or other playa removal device.
- A small lantern will come in handy, especially if you can hang it inside your tent.
- A small trash container is very useful.
Sleeping
You have a couple of options for bedding. No matter what you choose, remember that temperatures can drop into the 40s at night. From most to least luxurious:- An air mattress, with sheets and blankets.
- A camp cot, possibly with a sleeping pad, and a sleeping bag.
- A sleeping pad and sleeping bag.
- A pillow.
- You're likely to do much of your sleeping during the day. Consider an eye mask to block out light.
- Black Rock City is always noisy. Earplugs help tremendously. Test them for comfort beforehand.
- If you need to pee in the middle of the night, you'll need to get up, get dressed, and trek all the way to the porta-potties. Unless you have an empty gatorade bottle.
- Covering your bed during the day will result in a much less dusty bed by the end of the week.
Camp luxuries
Optional but nice to have:- A folding camp chair.
- A folding camp table.
Personal care
You'll want to bring most of your usual personal care supplies. Remember that water is very scarce, and it's important to minimize gray water.- Nail clippers.
- Tooth brush.
- Tooth paste.
- Dental floss.
- Deodorant.
- A razor (electric is easier than bladed).
- Any medications you need.
- Girlie stuff.
- Minor first aid kit.
- Small mirror.
- Shampoo.
- Soap.
- Sunscreen
- Sunburn treatment
- Lip balm
- Foot care products
- Hand sanitizer
- Moist towelettes