Get ready for overwhelm…
Below (after my signature), I’ll post the most basic Burning Man prep list. And yes… it’s intimidating.
But that’s okay — for a number of reasons.
Have you ever considered why Burning Man is so powerful for people? I’ve never been… but I can guess one reason it changes lives:
It’s difficult.
It’s a challenge.
It’s HARD.
Some beautiful things in life arrive easily. The air you’re breathing right now — easy, free, beautiful.
But other beautiful things? They take effort.
We are manifesting something in an incarnated world.
This is duality. The viscosity of the substrate is thick — and it’s supposed to be that way (even if we wish it weren’t).
We bought in. We chose YES. We hit the Send It button.
So would I expect anything less?
The list is huge. The work is anxiety-inducing. But we know how to deal with that. And even though I sometimes wish it were otherwise, I know we are on target, aligned with the essence of our deepest desires.
Ease, magic, and flow are coming. They might already be here if I just accept it. (And hey — I do have two beautiful friends who’ve been to Burning Man dozens of times and are walking us through step by step. That already sounds like ease.)
Meanwhile, there will be challenges. The goal? Stay as calm as possible with them… even if “calm” is more like grinning through the chaos and getting to work handling my shit.
It always works out.
But I still like to pretend it won’t and run the drama loop.
Maybe one day I’ll sit back, put my feet up, and let all the love and magic in without resistance. That would be nice.
Until then… I have work to do.
Let’s stoke that sacred fire.
— Jason
P.S. For the curious, here’s the infamous prep list. Scroll at your own risk.
🔥 Burning Man Prep List
Shelter & Camp Setup
• Sturdy tent (dust-proof, wind-resistant)
• Canopy / shade structure (EZ-Up, tarp)
• Extra-long stakes, rebar, or lag bolts
• Ground tarp or RV mat
• Duct tape, zip ties, ratchet straps
• Rope or tie-down straps
• Firewood with tarp
• Burn barrel (6 inches off the ground)
• Industrial garbage bags + ties
• Fairy lights / LED camp lighting
• Binder clips (the unsung heroes)
Sleeping Gear
• Sleeping bag (20°F rated) + warm blankets
• Sleeping pad or air mattress
• Extra sleeping pad (optional)
• Pillow
Water & Hydration
• 1.5–2 gallons per person/day
• 2 jugs filtered water
• Extra cleaning water (2–3 carboys)
• Reusable bottles + coffee mugs
• CamelBak or hydration pack
• Frozen water bottles for cooler/drinking
• Vinegar foot soak bin
Food & Cooking
• Non-perishable food (canned, bars, dried fruit, rice, beans)
• Pre-cooked / frozen meals
• Cooler with dry ice
• Camp stove + fuel
• Cooking utensils, pot, pan
• Reusable cups, plates, cutlery
• Biodegradable soap
• Green smoothie supplies
Clothing & Protection
• Costumes (bring the wild)
• Warm layers for nights
• Breathable layers for days
• Extra underwear & socks
• Hat for sun
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen & lip balm
• Dust mask or bandana
• Goggles (clear & tinted)
• Rain gear & footwear
• Sturdy boots
• Earplugs
Hygiene & Health
• Washcloth & soap
• Towel
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper
• First aid kit
• 5-gallon bucket + liners (emergency toilet)
• Baby wipes
• Personal medications
Bike & Transportation
• Bike (serviced)
• Lights (front & rear)
• Lock
• Repair kit & pump
• Extra tubes
• Decorations (EL wire, glow sticks)
• Waterproof bags for electronics
Tools & Miscellaneous
• Phone straps
• Spare car keys
• Offering for the Temple
• MOOP bags (attach to belt/bike)
• Flashlights & headlamps
• Dry ice setup for cooler