So you’re going to the playa, but this ain’t no beach, and it can be a bitch. So be prepared or she’ll kick your ass. With this quick checklist you’ll have everything you need (somethings you can share with friends) and you won’t have to go begging the neighbors like a newbie.
TICKET
ESSENTIALS:
Water, a 2.5 gallon jug will last two days, honest! Even with a shower
Food, but you won’t eat as much as you think. Minimize the wrapping, leave outside boxes at home.
First Aid Kit…comes in handy. There is a medical tent for the big stuff
Tents, I bring one for me and one for my stuff. Found that works best.
Sleeping bag, sometimes it gets cold, though I do bring 800 thread count sheets and blankets ;-)
Air Mattress/whatever so you are comfy
Chair, so you have a place to park your buttocks
Medicine if you need it, bring it, including thing like Excedrin and Abreva.
Trash bags or container. Though if you prep well you won’t have much trash
Headlamp, lantern, flashlight and
Extra batteries
Bicycle – fo sho
Portable Water bottle or a camelback
YOU WILL WANT TO HAVE:
A big hat
Sunscreen and lip balm
Socks, to prevent playa foot
Warm clothes for night, cool for day….including costumes if you are in to that
Dust mask or scarf
Goggles!!!
Rebar/lag bolts for super duper tent stakes, yes I have seen tents roll down the playa-not mine.
Safety stuff for the rebar, tennis balls, rebar covers etc. No fun when someone is impaled
Tire repair kit or spare tubes
Cook stove, or plan to share one, and fuel
Baby wipes…I find these an essential item!
Ice Chest
STUFF YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU HAVE:
Ear Plugs
Sleep aides if need if really want to sleep
Whatever you like to alter your mind with, heh
Reflective material for tent. Keeps it cooler and darker for sleeping in
Ground tarp, especially if it rains
Lotion
Vinegar for your feet…keeps playa foot away
Shade structure
Gifts…sometimes it’s nice to have something special to share with the cool people you’ll meet
Head wrap…help keep your hair from getting totally playafied
Really cool costumes
A portable drinking cup to take to parties
OTHER REALLY GOOD STUFF:
Sledge hammer
Danger tape
Rope
Rain poncho
Solar lights
A clip on Coffee cup, works for all beverages
Bungee cords or straps
Zip Ties
Duct Tape
Single ply toilet tissue (porto friendly)
Baggies
Biodegradable soaps
Clear plastic boxes..easy to pack and find stuff in camp better than paper bags or suitcases
FOODY LIST:
Honestly…folks just don’t eat as much in the desert as they do at home. Think about that as you select and pack food. Some clever ideas here…
Individual soy milk (don’t need fridge)
Jerky, meat or veggie
Food bars, great for taking on your bike
Pouch meals that you can just heat in hot water or on your dash board
Emergen-C
Fruit cups
P-nut butter
Packing things in individual servings, eg cereal rather than the whole box
Bagels (hold up better than bread)
Lillith’s SAFETY TIPS:
Whenever you go out on your bike, take goggles, mask, water and food. I’ve been stuck out in a dust storm and was glad I had the essentials. I’ve hung out in other camps and once in a porto!
Rain: Take shelter and wait for the rain to pass. Do not try to walk or drive, playa is impossible to deal with wet, and everything will dry quickly once the sun returns. And it will!
Leave contact info with someone at home; for their benefit. If there is a family emergency they can get hold of you through the local sheriff’s dept.
HAVE FUN, FUN, FUN….THAT’S WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT ANYWAY!!!!!
