Playa Prep: Packing and Preparation Tips

If you’re heading to Burning Man this year, now is the perfect time to focus on your Playa Prep. July marks the point when plans become reality. Before long, you’ll pack your vehicle, double-check your supplies, and point your wheels toward the Black Rock Desert. However, great adventures begin long before you leave home. They begin with smart playa preparation.

Among all your tasks, your shelter deserves the most attention. Your tent and shade structure will become your home for the duration of the event. They protect you from the blazing sun, afternoon winds, and dusty weather. Therefore, choosing the right setup should sit at the top of every Playa Prep checklist.

Test Build For The Win

Even more importantly, don’t leave your gear in the box. Instead, take everything outside and build it. This simple practice can save hours of frustration later. As you assemble your tent and shade structure, confirm that every pole, stake, bolt, and connector is present. Likewise, inspect the fabric for damage or missing parts. If something is broken or missing, you still have time to replace it before your trip. It is also a great opportunity to get rid of plastic wrappers and excess packaging before you go to the desert.

A full practice setup also teaches valuable lessons. You will discover the correct order for assembly. You’ll learn which tools work best. In addition, you’ll find out how long the process actually takes. Better yet, you’ll gain confidence before arriving on the playa. When you finally reach camp, you’ll spend less time scratching your head and more time enjoying the experience.

Don’t stop after putting everything together. Practice taking it back down as well. Packing your equipment neatly makes loading your vehicle much easier. Furthermore, you’ll know exactly where every piece belongs when it’s time to head home. Label your bags and bins, which is especially useful if you are traveling or shipping gear with a group.

While you’re outside, think about improvements. Test your ratchet straps, guy lines, and rebar alternatives (Atomic Octopus uses and recommends lag bolts). Try different layouts. Measure how much space your camp really needs. You may even discover a better arrangement before arriving in Black Rock City.

Playa Prep Is Ongoing

Of course, Playa Prep includes much more than shelter. Make sure your vehicle is ready to go, you have a bike, make a first aid kit, figure out what to wear & your footwear and foot care, or get through any sewing projects. Make sure your camp generator is packed and ready for Burning Man. Continue building your packing list, test your lights, charge your batteries, and organize your kitchen gear. Nevertheless, your tent and shade structure remain the foundation of a successful camp. If they work well, the rest of your setup becomes much easier.

The calendar says July, and that means the countdown has truly begun. For many burners the clock has been ticking for months, but even newcomers should get a move on. So don’t wait until the last minute. Don’t forget to check out our last minute Tent Tips, Generator Guide, Packing Guide, Ultimate Bike Guide and our Ultimate Guide to Leave No Trace. Get your Playa Prep underway today. A few hours of playa preparation now can prevent major headaches later. Most importantly, you’ll arrive ready to enjoy everything Burning Man has to offer from the moment you reach the playa. During the event, come visit Atomic Octopus on Bodhi @ 3:15!