The Wedding Party — 2026 —

Non-negotiable. You need hands-free water access at all times. CamelBak MULE or Osprey Skarab are the classic choices. Get the 3-liter bladder — smaller ones run out too fast.

Water alone isn't enough — you lose electrolytes sweating all day. LMNT, Liquid IV, or Nuun tabs. Bring more than you think you need. Hyponatremia (low sodium) is a real risk on the playa.

A handheld misting fan is one of the best quality-of-life items you'll own on the playa. The evaporative cooling effect in dry desert air is dramatic. Get one with a rechargeable battery.

Soak in water, wring out, snap to activate. Drape around your neck for instant cooling. Cheap, light, effective. Bring 3–4 so you always have a dry backup.

5-gallon collapsible jugs for camp water storage. You'll buy a water allowance at BRC or bring your own — either way you need vessels. Platypus and MSR make good ones.

For peak afternoon heat, a soaked cooling vest can be a game-changer. Especially useful for people who run hot or have trouble in extreme heat.

In a whiteout, you literally cannot see. Ventilated, anti-fog goggles are essential — not optional. Get ones that seal against your face. Ski goggles or motocross-style both work great.

A bandana is not enough. A 3M half-mask P100 respirator filters playa dust effectively. For lighter use, quality N95s work for shorter exposures. Have both.

Playa dust is alkaline and desiccating. Saline spray several times a day keeps your sinuses from drying out completely. Little Remedies or any pharmacy brand — buy a few.

Preservative-free single-use vials (Refresh Celluvisc or Systane). The playa is brutal on eyes. Use them liberally. Regular preserved drops irritate inflamed eyes — get preservative-free.

Playa dust destroys electronics. Store your phone, camera, and batteries in sealed ziplock bags or dustproof cases when not in use. Your future self will thank you.

Low shoes or open sandals fill with playa dust in minutes. You want ankle coverage — a boot that closes out the dust. Leather or synthetic, doesn't matter. Just cover the ankles. Broken-in before you arrive.

Merino wool regulates temperature, resists odor, and doesn't get scratchy when dusty. Bring way more pairs than you think you need — at least 8–10 for a week. Your feet will be doing a lot.

For around camp (not deep playa), a pair of slides or Crocs is great. Gives your feet a break from boots. But never rely on them as your only footwear.

You will walk more than you expect. Moleskin and Body Glide anti-chafe balm are essential. Apply pre-emptively before blisters form, not after. Your feet will do miles every day.

You're at altitude, in a reflective white dust environment, with no shade. Zinc oxide mineral sunscreen is better than chemical — doesn't wash off in sweat as easily. Apply constantly. Seriously, you will burn.

A hat with a 3"+ brim makes a huge difference. Crushable/packable styles work well. UPF-rated fabric is a bonus. Pair with neck gaiter for full coverage.

Counter-intuitive but true: a light, breathable long-sleeve UV shirt keeps you cooler than bare skin by blocking direct solar radiation. Get UPF 50+ rated fabric in white or light color.

Playa destroys lips and skin. SPF lip balm applied constantly. And bring a heavy duty moisturizing body lotion — CeraVe or Eucerin — to repair skin each night. Your skin will thank you for months.

Electroluminescent wire is the classic BM body light. Flexible, colourful, low battery draw. Get a kit with battery pack and multiple colors — wrap it around your costume, backpack, anything.

Front and rear, minimum. But more is better. Spoke lights, frame lights, handlebar lights — the more visible your bike, the safer you are in the dark. Flashing patterns over solid.

Battery-powered LED strips for your costume, tent, or camp. RGB color-changing options are great. USB-rechargeable versions run all night on a power bank.

Leave inhibitions at home. Chunky biodegradable glitter, face paint, body shimmer, faux fur coats, sequin everything — the playa rewards the committed. Your everyday clothes will feel boring forever after.

Don't bring a summer bag. Nights get genuinely cold. A 30°F rated bag will keep you comfortable without being overkill. Mummy style is warmest; rectangular is more comfortable.

A good insulated jacket that compresses small enough to fit in your backpack. You'll be out at 3am and you'll want it. Synthetic fill is better than down in dusty environments.

A beanie and light gloves for the coldest nights (usually before dawn). Sounds excessive until you're watching sunrise at 6am shivering without them.

Lightweight merino or synthetic thermal top and bottom. Wear under a costume for warmth without bulk. Great for late-night adventures when the temperature drops fast.

A Jackery, EcoFlow, or Goal Zero power station keeps your devices, lights, and fans running all week. 500Wh is the minimum useful size; 1000Wh+ if you're running a fan all night. Pair with solar.

The playa gets 10+ hours of sun. A 100W foldable solar panel charges your power station during the day. Get one compatible with your power station brand (most use MC4 connectors).

A 30,000mAh+ power bank keeps your phone, lights, and small devices going when you're away from camp. Anker makes reliable, dust-resistant options. Carry it always.

There are no showers (unless your camp has one). Large unscented body wipes are how you stay clean all week. Burt's Bees, DUDE Wipes, or baby wipes work. Bring a lot — each wipe does one body part.

Biodegradable, all-purpose. Works for body, hair, dishes. Concentrated — a little goes a long way. The standard for Leave No Trace hygiene. Peppermint is refreshing in the heat.

The playa strips moisture from skin faster than almost any environment on earth. Apply a thick moisturizer head-to-toe every morning and evening. Your skin will thank you for weeks after.

Your hair will be dusty all week. Dry shampoo absorbs oil and makes your hair feel human again without water. Get a multi-pack — you'll use more than you expect.