General Tips
The temperature can easily fall below freezing, but highs in the fifties or even sixties are not unknown. Follow these tips to stay warm, dry and comfortable, to make your weekend a pleasant one!
Bring more clothing than you think you will need—it’s better to have too much than not enough! Perhaps more importantly, bring the right kinds of clothing—all the layers you can bear won’t be very comfortable if your entire outfit is wet, heavy, or stinky!
Insulated, waterproof boots are a must-have! Also bring water-resistant outerwear to cover layers of breathable synthetic material. In addition to a warm hat, try balaclavas, dickeys (mock turtlenecks), ear muffs or glove liners. Be prepared to cover your face, ears, neck, head, etc…
Check your clothing material. Cotton kills, so look for things made of synthetics, silk and wool.
Dress in loose layers of clothing that can easily be removed when you get warm, or put back on as you start to get chilly. This ability to “layer down” as you heat up will keep you from overheating, and more importantly, from sweating and getting your clothes wet.
Plan on bringing multiple changes of clothes and multiple pairs of gloves (or mittens for even more warmth), hats, boots, etc. so you’ll always have something dry, as you may change your ensemble two or three times as often as you would under normal conditions.
Costumes are strongly encouraged. Faux fur is always in fashion. Don’t forget colorful hats, gloves and scarves!
Seek out heat producing art installations and theme camps based around warmth. Enjoy the company of other participants to warm your body and soul. Try not to spend much time alone in the cold, and keep an eye on other solo participants. Share the Warmth of our community by helping others stay dry and comfortable. You’ll be amazed how much better you feel when you help a fellow burner in need.
Be careful not to overheat. Also, think twice about using a personal heating device that may dry your skin, cause burns or create a fire hazard. Stay on your guard, and maintain a safe distance from campfires, fire art, fire performances and other heat sources.
Propane Heater Safety
If you would like to run a propane heater in an enclosed space, please note the following safety tips:
Ensure good ventilation. While it seems counter-intuitive to keep air flowing through a space you are trying to heat, the last thing you want to do is fill your tent with poisonous gas.
Purchase a carbon monoxide detector. They are typically less than $10 and can be purchased at many retailers like Amazon. Remember that carbon monoxide is odorless and can be fatal.
Make sure your propane heater is specifically designed to be used indoors. These models often have safety features like low-oxygen sensors and automatic shut-off in case the unit is tipped over.
When running the heater, keep it away from flammable materials, and do not store extra LP or propane cylinders near the heater while it’s in use (fuel cylinders should always be stored outside). Also, make sure it’s not too close to your carbon monoxide detector for a more accurate reading.
Never leave your gas heater on while sleeping or leave it unattended. You’ll decrease the risk of things going wrong and preserve fuel. When you turn the heater off, remember to also shut off the gas supply on the cylinder.
Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Early signs of poisoning are similar to flu symptoms: headache, dizziness, and nausea. If you’re feeling these symptoms and suspect the heater isn’t working properly, get some fresh air right away! And then call for First Aid.