Tips for Your First Time at Burning Man

[@PhilBagels]

Good advice all around. I'm surprised you didn't mention: 1) Sunscreen. Not just moisturizing lotion, but a good SPF 50 sunscreen. And watch out for lotions, because some of them can be counter-productive in the alkaline environment of BRC. 2) Vinegar. Put it on your hands and feet, or anywhere else where your skin is irritated. The acidity of the vinegar counteracts the alkaline dust. 3) NEVER walk barefoot on the playa. Did I mention the alkaline dust? Alkaline dust absolutely hates your feet! 4) Toilet Paper. The port-a-potties are usually well-stocked, but every once in a while, they might not be. 5) A hat with a chin strap. Protect your head from the sun beating down. And you need that chin strap, because the wind will try to steal your hat. And the wind will carry it away faster than you can ride your bike. 6) A bike lock. Bicycle theft doesn't happen too often, but it sucks when it does. 6a) Poke a hole in a tennis ball and stick it on the end of your kickstand. This way, you can park your bike without it sinking into the dust. That's just one possible solution. Anything to widen the base of the kickstand so it doesn't poke a narrow hole in the dirt and fall over. And make sure it stays on! 7) Be aware of how you're feeling. Drink water frequently. Rest when you feel tired. Don't overtax yourself. 8) A sense of humor. Essential for all of life, really. But at Burning Man, things WILL go wrong. In addition to the dust, heat, cold, lack of modern conveniences, there is also a certain percentage of people with a pretentious, elitist attitude - you aren't doing Burning Man as correctly as they are. These are the perfect type of people to laugh at. 9) Courage. You will meet strangers there. Often very strange strangers. They will want to hug you. Hug them back. It's OK. 10) Learn the 10 Principles of Burning Man, and do your best to apply them. Baby wipes are great, but don't throw them in the portos. I've been nine times. 2011-2019. Also from SoCal. We usually take the 395 through Adelanto and Ridgecrest and Bishop and Luning and Fallon. We get gas at Fernley, and don't go through Reno at all. Every time we pass Manzanar, we think, "One of these days, we really ought to take a tour of that place."

[@danseaman2257]

Honestly, one of the best 1st-timer's videos I've seen, and you've only gone once?? You definitely were paying attn the first time, nice job! I don't go anymore, but went 4 yrs in a row performing w/the Fire Conclave tribe from AZ and this video REALLY hits on the top concerns and solutions most people will experience on their Virgin Burn. Hope you're having/had a GREAT burn... look fwd to more vids. IF YOU'RE GOING FOR YOUR FIRST BURN, WATCH THIS! - Primal, '09-'12

[@NatalieGoldReacts]

Aw thanks so much! I definitely got really into the preparations my first year haha. Fire Conclave is awesome!!

[@riorodrigues5240]

Very much agree. Basically said what I was about to comment. I like to watch these BRC prep videos because everyone has different tips (keeping daily outfits individually wrapped is so smart!) Hope to see you both this year at the burn. Its been too long and this year is a much needed burn

[@oldschoolisnewschool]

Best Advice I go! Make sure that you go! If it rains like 2023 stay till the playa drys because your ride will get stuck.

[@HartzProductions]

Going to my first Burn! Thank you so much for this, very helpful! 🙏🏼

[@reesewilliams6970]

Natalie, you rock! Thank you SO much for these helpful tips. It's my first year and you have helped me prepare for this amazing experience. I'd love to run in to you at the burn this year if you're there. Your insights are very appreciated! R

[@tye2071]

anyone watching this, The Gas Station in Gerlach does not take credit cards from outside USA. Tried using the Gas pump and it required a US ZIP code that matched the credit card... Lucky someone let me give them Canadian dollars and let me use their Credit card to fill up our bus ( this was after hours ) EDIT : great video

[@NatalieGoldReacts]

great tip!

[@amirlach]

Weird, on my recent trip to Salt Lake my Canadian credit card worked everywhere.

[@samr_-zi6zm]

@@NatalieGoldReacts Hi.pleeeez reaction the lady of heaven kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z37EdXSNZc-Fj68 Amazing trailer😍

[@williamozier918]

@@amirlach The town of Gerlach is one of the most remote towns in America, and if not for the Burning Man crowd once a year there would be NO commerce in that area at all.

[@testfire3000]

I have been watching your reaction vids for a couple months, subbed and joined your Patreon. Now I discover this whole other side to you! hahaha, lots of fun.

[@SassyShelly]

You mentioned shoes falling apart. I imagine clothes are doing the same? Is it pretty much kiss everything goodbye that you wore cuz you can never wear it again or are things salvageable with a wash.

[@michalshalon3214]

Wash with vinegar and perhaps a water softener, and clothes, bedding should be fine. Wear old tennis shoes during the day and boots at night and boots can be cleaned up and oiled or wiped well depending on what their made of. Tennis shoes might be destroyed or maybe not, just wash in washing machine as well.

[@rigelb9025]

Wow, Natalie, that's interesting. I didn't know you were into that. I must say, you give terrific advice. But for an event called 'Burning Man', it sure seems like most of it is geared toward 'not burning alive', which is somewhat ironic. And as a sidenote, you truly do have beautiful eyes.

[@mariamgvineria9484]

It was so helpful and interesting to watch! Thank you and hope I'll go there soon! ♡

[@JP-tm1mq]

Hey, what's with the PA license plate? Anyway it's been a dream of mine for the last 10 years to feel the burn but getting older each year and the wife isn't on board with the idea. Thanks!

[@NatalieGoldReacts]

The boyfriend's from PA haha. Also, I know plenty of ppl that have gone solo before if that's something that interests ya!

[@laracontrone5984]

I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION. I saw that most of the people when look for a camp, usually ask also for shower! what did you do for this "problem"?

[@adel8632]

I camped solo and brought a shower tent with a camp shower bag, and a baby pool to catch the grey water. It worked great! I got to wash my hair a few times which made all the difference! I was even able to offer showers to my neighbors.

[@NatalieGoldReacts]

I didn't shower my first year. Just used baby wipes. This year I went with a camp that had a shower, if you brought your own water. Different strokes for different folks, but you're gonna be really dirty regardless. I'd say just focus on not letting dust sit on your feet/hands for days without cleaning and you'll be fine.

[@danseaman2257]

Water Truuuck!!! :}

[@riorodrigues5240]

If its your first time to the playa, dont be concerned about showering. You are going to be dusty.. embrace it. Bring baby wipes and if you can swing it, a portable shower but make sure you are able to your gross gray water because even water on the playa considered moop. If you plan to make Burning Man your home for years to come, plan on volunteering. Most places you volunteer at provide shower tokens after your shift. But honestly, you can totally get by without showering. However, showering at least 2 times during the week (like on Tuesday and Friday) is fucking nice ngl

[@raymondpaul123]

Actually 50°F at night is about as cold as it ever gets snd that’s rare. The most magical nights are from really hot days stays warm all night. so much fun. Some of us have pretty tough feet and the talkie powdery magic of the playa doesn’t destroy our feet and it’s kind of fun to walk around barefoot sometimes if you have tougher feet. Or want to take care of them every night with vinegar and cleaning and you know all that groovy stuff

[@profesorpluto3532]

Very helpful video. Thankyou.

[@carlroland3947]

some good tips fpr next year thanks

[@BigMike246]

Great video! I think I watched this last year for my first Burn.

[@Bball_Fitness]

Great advice

[@flixjoystix9006]

A fellow Burner, that's awesome. I was there in 2012. What years have you gone?

[@dncook1955]

Excellent advice, thanks because I am going 2022, if it happens.....thanks again.

[@psychedtobehere]

Any tips for how you'd get camping gear out there if you lived somewhere besides the west coast? Thanks! - A Midwesterner

[@Native_Creation]

REI or Craigslist, rent or purchase gear locally

[@EgbertWilliams]

Pennsylvania license plate? Your home state?

[@willmckinley7275]

What is your playa name?

[@KenHiroshi627]

thats what my brother said was the hardest thing to combat...the super alkaline dryness!

[@burningmanmike]

Don't go! It's too dusty, too hot, too crowded, and full of stinky hippies.

[@merizalderestrepo1773]

can we please keep it like that too? let it remain an experiwnce for the stinky hippies. the rest of the people can go to coachella or tomorrowland

[@manicirishwriter]

🤔

[@coachmegabi6708]

Thank you

[@umbro1893]

Easy : 1. Tip for the Burn : Don’to go to this merchandising useless party

[@patrickrobie1592]

Natalie I’d really would love to talk to u ….. I’ve always wanted to do burning man with my friend and Cousin unfortunately my health wasn’t good and i had to cancel

[@artemaverin59]

Aj, it’s another Natali Gold. Ciao!

[@leewardside2476]

THANKKKK YOUUUUU

[@SlabCityTelevision]

Hello

[@xoallisonnxo12]

AH such a good tip to bring ziplocks!!

[@totalpublicexposuret.v.cha2874]

Wow

[@JTheTeach]

Tip number one: Don't go

[@chrisr9581]

Goes to burning man once...

[@gauthamswaroop8468]

Is it possible for an Indian to go there?

[@marsalias2916]

Could you help me friends? 🙂

[@sonnygower8242]

Music Festival.

[@Pinkielover]

best tip.. never go , its a waste of money and time.

[@tofumar]

Burning man is my nightmare

[@EmAytch_]

You’ve been to one burning man, and now you are the “master” offering tips? You should have had a co-host, someone who’s been to 10 at least. Burning Man is different every year and I can’t even compare the themes and vibes from each of the 4 Burns I’ve been to. Most of the people at the Burn ARE first timers, so I guess I’m glad to see people making this FAQ type videos. I wish I had seen one before my first time, but still probably wouldn’t want to take tips from a one-timer. Also, if you’re going to pitch the environment friendly shtick, make sure you are consistent. Don’t bring glow sticks because they’re bad for the environment? There are tens of thousands of glow sticks at burning man!! But you say bring ziplocks... I agree, bring ziplocks, but be consistent. It matters HOW you dispose of goods you bring!

[@NatalieGoldReacts]

never claimed to be a master, just offering my advice from the things I learned :)

[@squishybrain]

Instead of complaining about Natalie's tips, perhaps you could have been specific about which of her tips weren't good ad why. Better yet, offer your own suggestions on how to get by at burning man. You've been there 4 times. I'm sure you have some good ideas. Build up, don't tear down.

[@ryancox3834]

@@squishybrain burning man is predominantly made up of sanctimonious pricks mate. I knew there would be one comment bashing her for this video lol.

[@johnnielsen7413]

Always one in the comment section, eh, Matt? If she had been to 10 Burns, you'd have demanded a 20-year vet. Natalie is great, and deserves better than you.

[@EgbertWilliams]

Shut up douche, it's not brain surgery.

[@henrytowne7463]

Love's truck stop in Fernley at i-80; clean.spacious, takes cash or credit. A 5 gollon gas can is a good idea but bring a deep tub for content containment to put it in for playa-safe storage... Burn on.