(1) A tent -- the bigger, the better

(2) Shade covering for your tent

(3) Extra large (12") metal tent stakes, or rebar -- regular tent stakes will not penetrate the playa

(4) Sleeping bag (it gets really cold at night, so make sure you will be warm)

(5) Air mattress (preferably something really comfortable -- I bring an Aero Bed).

(6) Headlamp/flashlight -- very important. I would bring a backup just in case the first one goes out.

(7) Bicycle -- having a bicycle is really important. Bring a beater bike. Decorate it with crazy lights (not just the standard red blinky), fur, sparkles and other stuff. You may also want to bring a bike lock. People often have bikes "borrowed".

(8) Rain gear -- jacket, pants.

(9) Clothing for cold weather -- I bring polypro long underwear and pack plenty of fleece.

(10) Hats -- to protect your precious face from the deadly solar rays.

(11) Earplugs -- if you have difficulty sleeping when there is background noise, you should bring these. A neighboring camp may decide to start a 4am jam session, or a party car may drive by blasting music at 7am after you've just drifted off to sleep.

(12) Goggles -- an absolute necessity in the event of dust storms. Get something lightweight, stylish and decorative. Do not buy expensive ski goggles. They may get thrashed.

(13) Head scarf/face mask -- for dust storms.

(14) Umbrella/parasol -- great for sun protection during daytime promenades. Decorate your parasol, stroll without fear of UV radiation, and watch others gravitate towards you.

(15) Sunscreen

(16) Water bottles/camelback -- I generally keep 2 liters with me at all times. You could get by with a single liter bottle but will have to plan on asking strangers for water when the bottle runs dry.

(17) Moisturizer -- unless you like crackly, dry skin.

(18) Saline nasal spray -- The dry dusty climate can make your nasal passages pretty painful. This stuff really helps to keep all your membranes hydrated.

(19) Spray bottle -- Nice for spraying that someone special with cool water in the middle of a scorching day.

(20) Extra toilet paper -- the port-o-potties sometimes run out of TP, so having your own stash can be a godsend.

(21) Sexual lubricant -- for those special moments with one or more desired partners.

(22) Costumes -- for night-time and daytime.

(23) Lighted adornments for evening adventures -- you should get some lights to cover your body in the evening for two reasons. First, everyone's doing it. Second, it really helps others in your crew to track your location. It gets very dark on the playa. Having some noteworthy light will reduce the possibility that you get separated and can't find others.