The Summerisle Guide is for First Timers, Veterans, and Everyone In Between! Click on on a topic or download a printable copy.
Packing checklist for first timers
If it’s your first Burn, or you’re not a seasoned camper, it can be nerve-wracking to figure out what you should bring. Here’s a list of items that should help. We’ll start with the essentials, then tell you about some great-to-have items. Summerisle is a Leave No Trace event with NO dumpsters so all your trash will have to be carried out with you on the way out. It’s also a good idea to unpackage as much as possible before you come. Reduce your trash early!
Essentials:
- A government-issued I.D.
- Cash/card for onsite purchases of tickets or ice. CASH PREFERRED.
- Something to sleep in like a tent. Check your tent BEFORE getting to the burn. Waterproof it and check for holes.
- A tarp for under your tent
- Tent stakes and a hammer or mallet
- Sleeping gear – mattress, sleeping bag, pillows & blankets
- Clothes, costumes, wigs, makeup. Be ready for chilly weather at night and/or rain. DO NOT bring feathers or boas – they shed & make a mess. NO GLITTER – its biodegradability is irrelevant, it wasn’t there before we arrived (MOOP!)
- Hygiene items – toothbrush and paste, deodorant, soap etc.
- Camp chair
- A headlamp to get around at night
- Batteries for everything (maybe rechargeables?)
- All medications & supplements
- A basic first aid kit
- Food and a way to heat or cook it
- Reusable dishes and utensils
- Drinks. The water at Summerisle is potable, but we recommend coming in with large water cubes already packed. The water source is down by the Gate and it’s not the shortest walk.
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- A cup to carry with you. BURNER MUST.
- Garbage bags – it’s carry in, carry out!
- If you smoke, bring a portable ashtray (metal mint containers work great)
Great-to-Have Stuff:
- Extra toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Ziplock bags for used wet wipes (don’t flush hthem, even if they are “flushable” – never put wipes in a porta-potty!)
- Waterproof socks and strap-on sandals for poor weather conditions
- A bathing suit in case it rains
- Lanterns/lights for your camp – inexpensive battery-operated string lights are great for around camp (and to keep others from stepping on your tent stakes!) and for lighting wood piles.
- Drums, fire poi, etc. for the Burn!
- Gifts and your talents to give
- Gallon ziplocks for ice in your cooler
- Lighter(s) if you want to start a fire or help others do the same
- Roll of paper towels, or a box of rags
- Earplugs/eyemask for sleeping.
- Pedialyte works great for hangovers
- Kefir or other probiotic, yogurt-based drinks can do worlds of good for nausea and upset stomachs!
- A way to pry up rocks – THIS LAND IS ROCKY. Rebar works well!