The Essential Burning Man Packing List (+ What To Forget)

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Packing for Burning Man isn’t like packing for a normal trip. Radical self-reliance is one of Burning Man’s 10 Principles –– you’re responsible for bringing everything you’ll need to survive a week in the desert! Think extremely hot days, surprisingly cold nights, potential rain, and dust everywhere.

The Burn is a special community to me, I have been to that thing in the desert 10 times now! I fly in from Australia each year, so I have to be ultra-prepared when packing. I’ve also volunteered with the Gate team for over five years, so I know what items get confiscated or aren’t allowed.

Even as an experienced Burner, I always forgot one item –– so I put together this ultimate packing list to help you come prepared. I’ve also created a free, downloadable Burning Man Packing List to help you while you’re packing.

Complete Burning Man Packing List

Use this as a guide and adjust it based on your camping setup and needs. I’ve included everything from essentials to easy-to-forget items so you can avoid last minute stress!

Joining a theme camp can help international travelers coming to the Burn, as they usually often provide shared essentials like a kitchen, shade, and tools. You can find camps through Facebook groups or by posting on the Burning Man Spark Classified website.

Access the free printable Burning Man packing list here!

The Essentials

Here’s the necessities. It takes a lot to survive in the hot desert for a week!

Food & Water

You can NOT buy food or water at Burning Man, it is necessary to bring all your supplies before the Burn! Bring at least 1 gallon of water per day for yourself. I use two of these 5 gallon water jugs. I have used this collapsible one as well, (bring two!). If you’re biking out for a while, I recommend putting a 1 gallon jug in your bike basket or having a water bladder bag like a Camelbak.

Once while working the Gate, a woman asked me where she could buy water, and I had to radio my supervisor — because if you’re not fully prepared, they can literally turn you around. I do a further breakdown of all the food items below!

Your Ticket and ID

To pick up your ticket at will call, you’ll need your ID. Your physical ticket is needed to enter Burning Man, no phone screenshots!

There are many bars at Burning Man and they should ask for your ID if you want alcohol –– you will need to provide a hard copy! If you’re afraid of losing it, print a copy of your ID to carry around but know you might get denied some drinks.

Bike & Lock

The Burning Man perimeter covers 7 square miles, I would highly recommend bringing a bike. Here’s my guide on where to get a bicycle for the Burn! I recommend a cable combination lock because you will lose a key and the dust can damage inside the keyhole.

Lights

You and your bike need to be lit up at night. It is a serious hazard if no one can see you in the dark! Bring enough lights to wear around your neck, clothing, bicycle, and for getting married like my friends here.

Bring extra batteries! I usually keep the string lights in a tied up bunch in my bike basket so it’s easy to find at night and then I can reuse them.

UV-Protective Goggles

The playa is really bright and there are frequent dust storms (I think I remember 2018 dust storms the entire time). I bring two, a tinted and a regular pair.

One of my biggest regrets in life actually is not wearing proper goggles my first few Burns and my eyes have gotten more sensitive over time. Call me a conspiracist but I think it was partly because the playa dust.

Face Mask or Scarf

Remember face masks from the pandemic? Yes, those ones. I like bringing a few N95s and some scarves, they get dusty fast so bring many!

One year I got stuck in a few dust storms without a mask and got sick in the first few days which made the event more exhausting than usual.

Sunscreen

I usually wear a base of coconut oil to help my skin heal from the dust but also a non-nano zinc sunscreen. This brand is great because it spreads easily. Wear long sleeves as well if you’re worried!

Sunhat and UV-Protective Sunglasses

I prefer a sunhat with a drawstring just in case a dust storm hits, you won’t lose it! UV-protective sunglasses are crucial as the brightness can be intense and damaging. The glasses are good for cruising around, but also keep goggles in your bag or basket for when it gets windy.

Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar neutralizes the alkaline dust from the playa.

If you’re being good, you should soak your foots in a small bucket of vinegar at the end of each day, then rub on coconut oil or lotion. This helps prevent playa foot, a terrible phenomenon where your foot skin starts cracking open and then gets very painful and itchy. Wear boots or closed shoes as well to prevent this.

Lotion, Moisturizer, and / or Coconut Oil

Lotion is going to help your skin because you’re going to feel so dry and disgusting after days in the dust. In my first few years, I only brought coconut oil and always forgot lotion — so I ended up feeling super dry. I love the Weleda brand of lotion for having natural ingredients. You might want to get an after sun cream as well, in case you get sunburnt!

Chapstick or Lip Balm

I often forget this item and regret it immediately. Accidental dehydration happens and this can help your lips.

Tent / Hexayurt / RV

I am low maintenance with Burning Man and go with a tent every year. I now use lag bolts to secure my tent because it is safer and easier than using rebar. If you don’t have an impact driver for the bolts, someone is guaranteed to have one and help out if you offer them snacks.

If you’re using rebar, remember to pack a rebar hammer, cut tennis balls to cover the exposed ends, and add string lights so they’re visible at night because tripping on rebar is a serious hazard.

Sleeping Pad & Blankets

It will be cold in the night, so bring as many blankets as your car allows or a good cold temperature rating sleeping bag.

My best friend puts their pillow in a large plastic bag then adds the pillowcase over it because everything in your tent will get a layer of dust on it.

Headlamp / Lantern / Flashlight

I bring a few headlamps, and a small lantern to hang from the top of my tent. Remember to bring batteries!

Pickles & Electrolytes

Pickles is my favorite thing to pack for Burning Man because the electrolytes and salt give you instant energy in the dusty environment. They are so refreshing and needed.

MOOP Bag / Garbage Bags

Always bring extra garbage bags. One for dusty and dirty clothes in your tent. One for garbage waste. One I keep in my bike basket just in case you see MOOP (Matter Out Of Place = Trash) on the desert floor. Some for your shoes in case it rains.

Travel Insurance

It’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents because healthcare in the United States is expensive! Two of my friends were play-fighting over a foam pit during my second Burn, and one fell onto the ground in an area with no foam and broke his leg.

We found a Black Rock City Ranger, they radioed the BRC Emergency Services and he was transported to Reno to get a cast. This would have cost him over 10k if he didn’t have insurance –– do not forget this!

Things Most People Forget to Pack (But Shouldn’t)

These items are overlooked when packing but will come in handy!

• Earplugs –– The playa never sleeps but you will want to
• Spray bottle to cool yourself off
• Dust pan and tiny duster for cleaning (actual) dust from your tent
• Work gloves –– To help build your camp, your shelter, art, etc.
• Watch –– You may not want to carry your phone (bring a disposable camera for photos!) so bring a watch because you might want to be on time for a beekeeping workshop. Also there will likely be no phone internet service.
• Camping chairs
• Antibiotic ointment
• Scissors
• Zip ties
• Duct tape
• Power banks –– To charge your phone or camera battery
• Cutlery & bowl (For food events and camp dinners)
• Poncho or rain jacket (Just in case!)
• Nasal saline spray

Portable Cup

There are a lot of free drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic) at Burning Man but you do need your own cup! A lid is preferred if you want to take drinks to go. I drilled a hole into my drink cup handle and attached a string so I can drink and ride my bike at the same time (responsibly!).

Cash

Everything at Burning Man is free!! Except ice! In 2025’s Burn, you could pay with card but in the desert, technology can mess up and it’s good to bring cash.

Ice is for sale located at 3:00 & G, Center Camp, and 9:00 & G Plazas. Last year the prices were $12 for a 16-pound bag of crushed ice and $7 for a 10-pound block of ice (it really is one solid giant piece so make sure your cooler has room).

Anti-Diarrhea Pills

Too much pickle juice in the hot desert, unexpected body changes, periods, and I have dysautonomia (malfunctioning nervous system), so I have needed these pills more than once.

Cigarette Ash Holder

The Leave No Trace principle is important and even something as small as ashes should not touch the sacred ground. Check out one with a lid here or use a simple mint tin.

Bungee Cords

I strap these over my milk crate bike basket to keep things from flying out while riding. They’re especially useful when the ground gets bumpy or after it rains. A friend of mine once lost a handmade mask when it bounced out of his bike basket because nothing was securing his items.

Microfiber Towel

Someone might invite you to a sauna, you can use one on your bike seat when it’s too hot, or for relaxing on the desert floor. Mine has a cute design from Rei, they have quite the selection.

Food & Drink

A deeper dive into what kind of food options you should bring. Depending how low maintenance you want to be, you can do no-stove camping, bring a stove, cooler, or a whole set up in your RV.

Remember fresh foods will go bad quick on the playa and if you bring a cooler, you will have to buy ice! You also have to take everything you bring in back out, and this is not fun with moldy food compost.

Hydration

Remember you can not buy food or water on the playa, you will have to pack everything you need.

• Water –– Bring at least 1 gallon per day (about 4 Nalgene 32 oz water bottles per day).
• Hydration Bag –– Good for dancing forever.
• BPA Free water bottle –– I use my Nalgene instead of a hydration bag.
• Coconut Water – This is my favorite thing to have on playa every year, I bring a cooler just to have cold coconut waters.
• Electrolytes

No Stove / Low Effort Options

I usually don’t bring a camp stove but I am usually part of a bigger theme camp that provides camp dinners. There are also many food events on playa (take a look in your Burning Man book you’ll get upon arrival) but remember self-reliance and bring everything you need.

• Canned fish, lentils, beans, dolmas
• Bread & wraps
• Veggies
• Peanut butter & jelly
• Hard cheeses & crackers
• Almond Butter
• Protein Smoothie Sachets

Snack / Grab & Go Items

These are important to chuck in your bike basket or keep in your fanny pack for when you want to keep dancing but get hungry at 3am.

• Chips
• Protein / granola bars
• Nuts
• Dried fruit
• Trail mix
• Apples
• Beef Jerky
• Pickles (great for electrolytes, my favorite thing to eat on playa!)

Camping Stove Options

If you’re ok with bringing gas canisters, a portable stove is wonderful to include in your packing list.

• Ramen, rice, and quinoa
• Canned soups
• Pasta with veggies

Clothing for Day and Night

You want to pack for cold nights and hot days. I bring a mix of stylish and practical clothing and I put everything in a giant garbage bag to protect from the dust.

• Warm layers –– Fur coats should be decent quality so the fibers don’t shed and create MOOP.
• Many socks –– Socks will get dusty fast
• Boots or closed shoes –– Going barefoot is enticing but keep your feet NON-dusty for as long as possible –– you don’t want playa foot (cracked foots).
• Rain boots –– If the forecast has rain, it doesn’t hurt to be extra prepared
• Underwear & leggings
• Scarves to cover your face
• Stylish clothing –– Onesies and fishnets are very annoying to take off at 2am in the porta potty so I skip these. I bring my banana suit everywhere –– it’s fun, simple, and easy to remove!

Toiletries

Don’t forget the simple things!

• Toothbrush, tooth paste, floss
• Lotion (very important, do not skip packing this!)
• Lip balm
• Retainers, contact lenses
• Menstrual pads, reusable pee cloth
• Toilet paper (Single Ply) –– bring a few rolls, keep one in your bike basket just in case the porta potties run out (this happens!). Single Ply to keep the porta potty cleaners happy. A reusable pee cloth can come in handy for this too.
• Eye drops
• Nail clippers
• Antibiotic ointment
• Makeup –– just don’t bring glitter and I’d skip the lashes because they could become MOOP
• Small compact mirror

Creative

It’s a joy to take photos at Burning Man. I do bring my DSLR but you can’t go wrong with disposable cameras! They are dust proof! If there are people in your photo, you need to ask consent of everyone in the photo.

• Cameras (preferably disposable) 2-3 rolls of film if you bring your own camera.
• Camera batteries and chargers –– keep cords wrapped in clothing in your tent and out of the sun.
• Power bank –– I bring both of mine just in case.
• Power converter for car –– So you can charge at Burning Man if needed. It’s easier to bring extra batteries. I haven’t used my converter at the Burn.
• Small journal –– You may attend a life changing workshop (haha) and want to write down your new life plan. I attach a pen so it doesn’t get lost.

Things You Should Bring Extra Of

It’s a harsh environment and you can’t just buy more of these at the store while in the desert.

• Food & water
• Garbage bags
• Socks
• Lip balm or chapstick
• Bandaids
• Headlamps and batteries
• Zip ties
• Film rolls
• Coconut waters (to share!)

What To Leave At Home

There are several items you shouldn’t bring to Burning Man –– either because they are not allowed or they will make your experience harder. I have volunteered with the entrance gate for over 5 years so I have seen firsthand which items get confiscated. It’s always better to know this before dealing with it when you arrive.

Weapons are forbidden! I would think is an obvious one to leave at home but we confiscated rifles from a participant who claims he borrowed his RV from his neighbor and didn’t know about their existence. Personal fireworks and lasers are also a hazard and not allowed.

Don’t bring stuff that is likely to shed or fall apart, creating MOOP! This include sequins, glitter, styrofoam coolers, and synthetic wigs. Fur coats need to be decent quality –– if they shed, they can be confiscated at Gate.

Bringing a drone requires a lot of registration so I would skip that item –– you can just get a free ride from a pilot at the airport and take your own photos from the plane.

Plants and animals are not allowed. Real service animals are permitted but not a great idea because the harsh dusty environment. I worked with Gate in 2025 and a woman brought her life’s supply of plants in her van ––her home –– and was in tears when confronted at the Gate. Plants can ruin the desert ecosystem so the rules are strict on this.

Beyond prohibited items, here’s some things I’ve seen people bring and regret:

• Too Much Clothing –– Bring warm layers and options but don’t overpack. It’s a pain to wash clothes afterward that you didn’t use (but have to because everything will get dusty).
• Non breathable fabric clothing –– like polyester or nylon, these get very hot and uncomfortable. Go for natural materials like light-weight cotton or bamboo (these are also less flammable… Just in case).
• Wet Wipes –– These are unnecessary waste and the chemicals can be harsh on your skin in the desert. I prefer to use washcloths with water or vinegar to clean my things and hands/feet. If you do bring wet wipes, do NOT throw them in the porta potties because they make it harder to clean out.
• Valuables –– There’s an unspoken rule, don’t bring anything to the Burn that you don’t mind breaking or losing. Dust can be damaging!
• Glass Items –– Skip glass beer cans and you can bring your aluminum cans to Recycle Camp at Center Camp.

Helpful Packing Tips

Here’s a few ways to make your life easier before Burning Man and during the event.

Section Your Items

To keep things organized, I section my items before the Burn. Divide your packing list items based on how and when you will use them so you don’t have to spend extra time trying to find things when you’re late for a sunrise disco!

When driving into the event, I pack a change of clothes for day and night. The entry line can take longer than expected and you could arrive at a totally different time of day than planned.

Go Bag Items

To be ready for adventure at all times, I pack a “go bag” with daily necessities so I can be away from my camp for long periods.

• Cameras in ziplock bags
• Extra water and snacks
• Headlamp
• Hand sanitizer
• ID for drinks
• Small bottle of lotion
• Eye drops
• Bandaids and antibiotic ointment
• Watch

Bike Basket Items

Usually I leave these things in my basket to prevent losing items by constantly moving them from my tent to the basket.

• Eye goggles
• Water Bottle
• Lights
• Tripod
• Bowl for food events
• Toilet paper roll
• Garbage Bag for MOOP

Duct Tape Labeling With Camp Address

Use duct tape to label your gear with your name, camp name, and address so it can find its way back to you if it gets lost. Last year I was gifted stickers labeled with name/camp name/address for this exact purpose which has been the most practical playa gift I’ve seen.

This is the smartest thing to do if you care about an item, I do it even for my sentimental water bottle.

At my first Burn, we found a camera and tracked down the owner by looking through the photos and piecing things together –– it was really fun, but also a miracle without a label!

Leave The Packaging

If you are buying many new items for your packing list, trash the plastic packaging before coming out to the desert. I’ve seen people bring fully packaged lights, sunscreens, bike locks, etc but it will be less for you to pack in and out if you remove it beforehand.

Remember the Leave No Trace principle –– there are no garbage cans on the playa!

Plastic Wrap Around Camera

It’s smart to have a lens cap and lens tether, but I also wrap a plastic grocery bag around where the lens connects to the camera body to help keep dust from getting inside. Then I put the camera always in a ziplock bag or in a dry bag.

Ziplock Bags

I use ziplock or sandwich bags to sort small items. This can prevent your stuff from getting dusty or lost. One of my friends does this with all his socks and underwear to keep them clean.

Squirtable Lotion

Packing a lotion bottle with a pump dispenser is crucial! It’s much easier to use when your hands feel so dry and dusty, especially if you have sensory issues.

Bike Basket As Storage Container

I use a milk crate to store food for the drive down to Black Rock City. Once I arrive, I chuck the food items into my tent, strap the crate onto my bike’s rear rack with zip ties, and use it as a basket!

Fill Up At Every Gas Station

My first Burn, I packed a full jerry can of fuel because I thought I’d run out on the drive! In reality, if you fill up at gas stations within 100 miles of Burning Man, you won’t run out.

The closest reliable option for gas (aside from Gerlach, which can be expensive and slow) is in Fernley, Nevada which is about 1.5 hours from the playa. This will save you from packing a potentially explosive item you don’t need.

Fernley is also the last stop for groceries and survival items you may need for the Burn.

No Phone Service

There will likely be no phone service on the playa. Prepare in advance –– print out your friends’ camp addresses, bring a watch for time and a disposable camera for photos, and download or screenshot any event information from the Burning Man apps.

In case of an emergency like rain, internet will be provided to some camps but if you really need help, you can go to a Ranger outpost. You can find more information on what to do if you really need phone service for an emergency here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few questions people often ask me about what to include into a packing list for Burning Man!

Do I really need goggles and a dust mask?

YES! The alkaline dust can damage your eyes and as a photographer and human with eyes, I care about this. The playa can be very bright, I always bring a tinted pair and a regular pair.

How much food and water should I pack for Burning Man?

At least 1 gallon per day of water per person. Enough food for the amount of days you will be traveling +3 days worth. During the mud-pocalypse of 2023, we were all stranded for 2 extra days because of the rain, so prepare in advance!

Is it cold at night at Burning Man? What should I pack for the nights?

Temperatures usually drop into the 40s°F (4-9° C) but occasionally plummet close to freezing. During the day, it can reach 80-100°F (28-38°C) so the difference is a bit extreme. Bring enough warm layers, hats, scarves, socks, and a good sleeping bag if you’re in a tent.

Final Thoughts

You can prepare all you want but something may still go wrong! That’s the joy of Burning Man, if you really need at item you forgot, playa magic will bring it to you. Pack smart and stay flexible. Remember to grab my free printable Burning Man packing list to help you while you plan!

If you’re headed to the playa, check out more survival tip guides about Burning Man here.

If you plan to bring a bike to Burning Man (which makes the experience easier and more fun), check out my guide on how and where to get a bike.

Enjoy your Burn!