What To Pack For Burning Man (And What I’d Bring Again)
If you’re heading to Burning Man in Black Rock City, let me save you some trial and error.
This isn’t a generic “festival packing list.”
This is what I actually brought, used, and would absolutely bring again.
Burning Man is not Coachella. There are no vendors. No last-minute Target runs. You’re living in the desert for a week. Wind. Dust storms. Cold nights. Brutal sun.
Here’s exactly how I set up my camp.
If I had to do it again, I’d pack lighter — but smarter. I created a no-fluff essentials list based on what actually worked on the playa. No overcomplicated survival gear. Just what matters.
Check out the full Burning Man packing guide here before you load the car.
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Shelter Setup (The Most Important Part)
1. TAILI Inflatable Camping Tent
Instead of fighting poles in 20mph wind, I used the TAILI Inflatable Camping Tent with Pump.
Inflatable beams instead of traditional poles = game changer.
- Setup was fast.
- Solid structure in wind.
- Way less stress on arrival day.
Would I bring it again?
Yes. 100%.
2. UNP 8 Person Tent
We also had the UNP 8 Person Tent for extra space.
Even if you’re not filling it with 8 people, the extra room matters. Burning Man gear expands quickly — coolers, bags, costumes, food bins, random stuff you collect.
More space = less chaos.
3. Screw-In Heavy Duty Tent Stakes (16 Pack)
Desert lesson: regular stakes are useless.
The heavy-duty screw-in tent stakes were critical. The playa ground is hard-packed dust. You need something that actually bites.
Pair that with:
4. Ratchet Tie Down Straps
For canopy and tent reinforcement.
When a dust storm hits at 3am, you’ll be glad everything is locked down.
Sleep Setup (Because You Actually Need Rest)
5. Inflatable Air Mattress
Desert ground is not forgiving.
I brought an inflatable air mattress and it made a massive difference. If you’re there 6–8 days, comfort matters.
6. Basics Bath Rug
This sounds random… but hear me out.
Playa dust gets everywhere.
That small bathroom rug outside the tent entrance helped reduce dust tracked inside. Cheap. Simple. Worth it.
Cooking & Food Setup
Burning Man is self-reliance. That means cooking.
7. Portable Gas Grill
Easy meals. Reliable heat. Simple cleanup.
8. Windproof Camping Gas Stove
Critical for windy mornings. Regular stoves struggle out there.
9. Propane Splitter with Gauge + 4ft Hose
This setup let me:
- Run multiple propane devices
- Monitor fuel levels
- Avoid running out unexpectedly
That gauge matters more than you think.
10. 72QT Igloo Marine Cooler
Desert heat is brutal.
The Igloo Marine insulated hard shell cooler held ice longer than expected. Ice is available at Burning Man, but you don’t want to be buying it daily.
Shower Setup (Yes, You Can Shower)
You don’t have to suffer.
Here’s the simple playa shower system:
11. Wolfwise Pop Up Shower Tent
Private. Quick setup. Folds down easily.
12. 48” Kiddie Pool (Water Catch)
Used as a shower base to catch grey water.
Burning Man is strict about Leave No Trace — you must manage your water.
13. Electric Shower Pump
Game changer. No gravity-only drip showers.
14. Solar Camping Shower Bag
Heats water during the day. Free hot water from the sun.
Is it luxury? No.
Is it amazing on Day 4? Absolutely.
Transportation & Storage (Highly Underrated)
Space is ALWAYS limited.
If you don’t have a trailer hitch yet, Burning Man might be the reason to get one.
15. Trailer Hitch Setup
Check out this hitch setup on Etrailer. Adding a hitch opens up options:
- Cargo basket
- Hitch rack
- Or towing a small trailer
16. Folding Luggage Rack for Car Hitch
Extra storage space = less crammed vehicle interior.
Trust me, by the time you pack water, tents, food, and gear… you’ll understand.
What I’d Do Again (And Why)
✔ Inflatable tent — fast setup, strong structure
✔ Heavy duty stakes — non-negotiable
✔ Proper propane setup with gauge
✔ Dedicated shower system
✔ Hitch storage solution
Burning Man isn’t about roughing it for the sake of it. It’s about preparing well so you can actually enjoy the art, the people, and the experience.
What Most First-Timers Underestimate
- Wind
- Dust infiltration
- Cold nights
- Storage space
- Fuel consumption
- Ice needs
- Sleep quality
Prepare correctly, and the week feels amazing.
Prepare poorly, and it feels long.
Final Thoughts
If you’re heading to Burning Man for the first time, don’t copy a random Pinterest list.
Build a setup that:
- Survives wind
- Handles heat
- Manages water
- Protects sleep
- Maximizes vehicle space
This is what I personally used, tested, and would bring again.
If you want the exact links to everything, I’ve got them organized in one place. Click them here! And you can check out my Burning Man for beginners here as well!
See you on the playa. 🔥🌵
