The Ultimate Packing List for the Burning Man Festival: Don’t Forget the Bike!

The Burning Man Festival isn’t just a festival — it’s a full-on survival experience in the

desert with no stores, no cell service, and no second chances if you forget something

crucial. Whether it’s your first burn or your tenth, packing right is the key to not just

surviving but thriving in Black Rock City.

So what do you need? Let’s break it down — and yes, we’ll say it loud: your bike is not

optional. Renting a Playa bike is one of the smartest moves you can make. Here’s

why, and what else should be on your Burning Man Festival must-pack list.

1. A Reliable Playa Bike (and the Right Rental Service)

There are 7 square miles of dust, art, and wild adventure to explore — and doing it on

foot just won’t cut it. Biking is the main way Burners get around, and not just any

bike will do.

Look for Burning Man Festival bike rentals that offer:

● Fat tires for navigating dust and sand

● Lights (front and back — it’s a must for safety!)

● A basket or rack for hauling your water and gear

● A comfy seat (you’ll thank yourself by Day 2)

● Dust-resistant components or a post-burn return/cleaning policy

Don’t have one yet? Reserve your Playa bike rental early — many sell out before

August!

2. Personal Essentials

The Burning Man Festival is extreme: hot days, cold nights, dust storms, and no

running water. Here’s your must-have list:

● Hydration pack or big refillable water bottles (1.5 gallons per person per day)

● Goggles + dust mask or bandana

● Headlamp and backup lighting

● Electrolytes, sunscreen, lip balm

● Wet wipes, biodegradable soap, and hand sanitizer

● MOOP bag (Matter Out Of Place = trash you find AND your own)

✨ 3. Costume & Comfort Zone

The Burning Man Festival is the place to express yourself. From glittery capes to

steampunk goggles, anything goes — just make sure it’s functional:

● Light-up gear for nighttime visibility

● Playa boots or dust-friendly shoes

● Layers (think sun hat by day, faux fur coat by night)

● Comfy socks and breathable underlayers

● A shady daytime outfit and something cozy for sunrise rides

4. Bike Maintenance & Extras

If you're bringing or renting a bike, bring a mini repair kit or check if your Burning

Man Festival bike rental provider includes one. Other helpful bike gear:

● Zip ties & duct tape (Playa gold)

● Extra bungee cords

● Bike lock

● Extra lights or glow sticks to keep your bike visible at night

5. Camp Setup & Survival

Whether you're joining a theme camp or going rogue:

● Shade structure or tent with rebar stakes

● Sleeping bag and insulating sleeping pad

● Solar lights for your camp

● Earplugs (it’s never truly quiet)

● Camp chair, reusable dishes, and a cup you’ll never lose

Final Tip: Plan for Dust, Pack for Joy

You’ll get dirty. You’ll get lost. You’ll probably cry at some point. But with the right

gear, you’ll also laugh harder, connect deeper, and bike into moments you’ll never

forget.