I started sharing this packing list in the 1998, and updated every year since. Check out the new section at the bottom for some specific things that just work out there for me.

This list was forged in dust. I’m a Burner since 1996; designer for Burning Man since 2004, but most folks know me for my packing list… so if you see me out there say hi, let me know if it was helpful, or if you have anything I should add.

Tips + Personal Faves
New for 2026, a few specific things that just work well for me out there. I’m not affiliated with any brands.

Hydration Tablets. I add these to my water bottle every time, makes drinking water less of a chore and you need those damn electrolytes. The plastic tube keeps dust out and dosage easy, I carry them with me and bring extra tubes for sharing/gifting. Nuun Hydration Tablets watermelon, fruit punch or tropical, I’m not a fan of the citrus flavors.

Electrolyte Gummies with Caffeine – Easy, portable, legal energy for long nights Clif Bloks

Hydrocolloid Bandaids –  great boo-boo protection, they just dont come off until you want them to, keeps cuts and blisters clean and playa free until you get into a more sanitary environment. Hydroseal Blister Bandaids

Train Case – sturdy and handsome way to keep makeup or other small items organized, visible and contained. Like these. Make sure it has a pull out divider shelf and mirror.

Mini Cardboard Drawers for my playa jewelry, stickers and swag. Light weight, I keep this packed year round so its ready to go. Ikea Fjaderharv

Folding Storage Stool. At the entrace to my Shift Pod (normalize calling them Jiffy Pops please) for getting shoes on and off, doesnt take up much space, folds flat for storage, I keep my trash inside so its not a part of my decor. Ikea Kjuge

Folding Table – Every camp has them, put one in your domicile. Too many folks live off the floor of their Jiffy Pops, lift it up friends. I have a 6 footer in there, toss some nice fabric/table cloth over it, instant decor, and quality of life improvement.

Mini Shelf Unit – The more surfaces you have to put things where you can see them, the less you’ll be loosing your mind trying to find that one thing.  Ikea Vesken, good for small spaces not for its looks – it breaks down for storage.

Stack some folding bins as a makeshift dresser, opening to the front. This kind of thing. 

Garment rack – self explanatory. I got this one, was easy to break it down for storage after the event.

Plug in cooler – (for campers with generator access) Graduating from cooler maintenance last year was a huge win,  I had a 12V JicSuXi Car Refrigerator, worked well, but please do your own research.

Shade/Shelter – Black Rock Hardware straightforward, reliable, and infinitely expandable. Your purchase funds big art in BRC.

Cooler maintenace tips – Keep your cooler cool in the shade, cover with a blanket or reflective insulation, lift it off the hot playa with 2-by-4s, dry ice will stay frozen and save you about 3 days of cooler maintenance (check Grocery Outlet in Reno). Bag your cubes in large ziplock bags – easily remove the melted water and use for washing up.

If you like my list, if it helped you survive… drop me a line and say h.