Real Talk for Lightning in a Bottle First-Timers: Secure Your Tent or Watch It Fly Away (6-Year Vet Advice)
I’ve been going for the past 6 years, so here’s some real talk for the 1st timers:
Tents: Secure them properly. The wind on the playa can be brutal — I’ve seen many people have to leave the festival because their tent collapsed or got blown away with all their stuff inside. Use sturdy rebar stakes (at least 10”), guy lines, and consider a proper shade structure or carport if you can. Don’t underestimate the wind.
Have a proper shade structure (carport, shade cloth, or ez-up with sides). Otherwise the sun turns your tent into a boiling oven by 10 a.m. If you want to sleep during the day, you’ll need good shade + ventilation.
Face mask(e.g bandana) + goggles can be handy when it gets stormy. Sand in your eyes and mouth sucks.
Shower lines are brutal in the mornings and expensive, so have a backup plan.
Ice is sold on site and potable water is easy to find every few blocks — bring big jugs and a wagon.
Pro tip: cucumbers hydrate better than water and are way easier to carry in.
And most importantly — be ready to enjoy one of the best days&nights of your life. I guarantee that on Monday morning you’ll be crying because you don’t want to leave.
Happy LIB!