Fuck yeah! Welcome to Burning Man! 💕🏜️

This guide is meant to help you prepare for your first event. It contains learnings and memories from my first time with sprinkled additions from other campmates.

Table of Contents

What to wear

Be functional

Desert weather varies significantly. You’ll encounter sand storms and temperatures ranging from 40ºF to 100ºF. Make sure you plan outfits for both cold and heat by utilizing layers at night, or plan on two outfits per day; one for the day and one for the night.

Be expressive

I highly recommend that you experiment with how you want to show up and be perceived by others on the Playa rather than try to replicate the “burning man aesthetic” you see online. Much of the event is spent joining events and meeting new people around the Playa and clothing is a huge way to set the tone for the experience you want to have. Feel good in what you wear, and you’ll have a great time.

Plan for lazy days

If you're bringing several outfits, you are probably going to want a day that's just easy. Something where you don't need to watch out for snagging on your bike, deal with sweat under your necklace, etc... Something breathable, loose, and protective from the sun. Suggestions: harem pants, a romper, a dress, a kimono, etc...

Watch out for moop-y outfits

It’s a core principle of Burning Man to leave no trace on the playa. Matter Out Of Place (MOOP) harms the event and will result in our camp not getting placement with the city next year. Do not bring outfits which may drop components. Examples: sequins, feathers.

Bring extra underwear/bras/socks

Burning Man is a sweaty place. Your tent (if you’re camping in a tent) will likely be over 100ºF when the sun comes up. Make sure you bring extra essentials.

Shoes you can walk + bike in

Similar to your outfits being functional, you will be walking + biking all day and all night. Bring shoes that you can do this in. I highly suggest not compromising shoe quality or comfort for an outfit. Blisters are a quick way to not enjoy the event.

Avoid brands + logos

To quote one of the 10 principles of burning man: