Since this is my first trip to Bonnaroo, I’ve been doing some research on how to survive the four days in the hot Tennessee summer sun. I’m a city boy, and my experience with camping has gone about as far as the New Jersey State Parks. Naturally, I was a bit apprehensive about being dropped off in the middle of a Manchester farm to live in a tent with no air conditioning and no bathroom.
While Bonnaroo may be primarily about the music and atmosphere, it is impossible to enjoy it all without being properly equipped to live there. Think about how frustrating it would to drive thousands of miles away from home to realize you don’t have enough pairs of underwear or socks. Or when a summer thunderstorm hits, how deflating would it be to realize you left your poncho home?
The following is a still-developing list of the most-crucial survival elements for Bonnaroo 2009, compiled from a number of blogs, Web sites and first-hand accounts.
The Essentials:
– Water: Lots of it; the sun can suck the energy right out of you if you’re dehydrated.
– Food: While your space may be limited, it’s better than spending $5 on a slice of pizza.
– Money/Tickets/Directions: Duh.
– Extra clothes: This includes more underwear, socks, t-shirts and shorts than you think you need.
– Shelter: A tent (or two) with enough space to fit you and your friends.
– Sleeping bag/Blankets/Pillows: Anything to make you comfortable sleeping on the floor.
– Sun screen: The last thing you want to worry about is an uncomfortable sun burn.
– Sun glasses: How else would you be able to see your favorite acts through the glaring sun?
– Jacket/Poncho: For when late-night jam sessions get chilly, or when the rain comes.
– Camera: You’re going to want to capture these memories to show your kids – or maybe not.
Helpful Additions:
– Kettle grill: To cook food and, again, to save some money.
– First aid kit: Because you never know when a mini-disaster may strike – include aspirin.
– Bug spray/Citronella candles: Apparently the bugs are a major problem in Manchester.
– Cooking utensils: Pots, pans, bowls, plates, can openers, aluminum foil, among others.
– Wet wipes: You’d be surprised how multi-useful these really are.
– Wine/Beer/Booze: Come on now, it’s Bonnaroo.
– Cooler/Ice: To make sure you keep all those beverages and food nice and chilly.
– Extra, old shoes: The farm is known to get rather muddy in the rain.
– Can opener: Imagine trying to get into a can of baked beans with a survival knife.
– An open mind: Things have been known to get freaky, so be prepared.
Bonnaroo or Bust! 