Festival Blast – Stayin’ Alive
Water is the single most important element you can ingest at Bonnaroo. The Tennessee sun and heat are both relentless and brutal so you need to be prepared. Fil Manley, [who gets points for a cool name], writes about dehydration, alcohol & drugs and other topics to keep you going for 4 rocking days & nights. It's long, comprehensive and might just save your life.
Pictures by Bonnaroo Chris.
“There is no sort of land animal in the world… whose structure is not primarily that of a water inhabiting being which has been adapted through the modification and differentiation of species to life out of water.”
~ H.G. Wells
There were two deaths at Bonnaroo 2011 and one in 2010, bringing the total number of deaths to 10 since 2002. At least two were drug-related, some were heat related and two were automobile accidents. It is believed that both deaths this year were heat related, although autopsy and toxicology reports have not been released yet.
According to the medics on site at Bonnaroo, they spend the majority of their time treating heat-related illnesses. I decided to write this short survival guide after I spoke with a 22-year-old girl who wound up in the medical tent this year with an IV in each arm. This girl is a college student, bright, smart, a writer and photographer, but apparently, there are plenty of smart people in the world who still don’t understand how to stay healthy at Bonnaroo
This is not a medical treatise and I am not a medical professional. If you have a medical problem, I strongly suggest you speak with your doctor before choosing to attend Bonnaroo.
Please enjoy, and remember, not all of these tips will be appropriate for everyone. Once again, if you have any doubts, please consult a doctor.
» Dehydration Can Kill You
By far, the most important thing you can do for your health at Bonnaroo is to drink liquids (not alcohol). Dehydration is the precursor to hypothermia (overheating of the body). The human body cools itself through perspiration, and the evaporation of sweat from the skin. If you become dehydrated, your body can no longer cool itself. Symptoms of dehydration and overheating include headaches, visual disturbances, decreased blood pressure (hypo-tension), and dizziness or fainting when standing up. Untreated dehydration generally results in delirium, unconsciousness, swelling of the tongue and, in extreme cases, death.
Dehydration symptoms generally become noticeable after 2% of one's normal water volume has been lost. Initially, one experiences thirst and discomfort, possibly along with loss of appetite and dry skin followed by constipation. Symptoms of mild dehydration include thirst, decreased urine volume, abnormally dark urine and unexplained tiredness.
Not only do you have to drink water, you also have to replace electrolytes and minerals which are lost in sweat. This is important, because our bodies use these minerals for a variety of purposes and when they’re depleted, other problems can develop.
Sports drinks like Gatorade contain electrolytes and can be great for replacing them. I like to start each day at ‘Roo with a large glass of orange juice. My favorite drink at Bonnaroo is V8 juice. I normally don’t drink it, but it’s the perfect Bonnaroo supplement, providing minerals, electrolytes and vitamins. I buy six 6-packs of 5.5 ounce cans, and I try to drink three to six per day depending on how hot it is.
In addition to replacing your electrolytes with juice or sports drinks, you should also drink lots of plain water. Bonnaroo has multiple watering stations where you can fill up your water bottle or pack for free. The water has a slight sulfur smell because it’s well water, but it’s drinkable.
I carry Emergenc-C which I add to my water providing extra energy, nutrients and a lot of convenience. Caffeine and energy drinks can also contribute to dehydration. Both increase metabolism and heart rate, and are diuretics. Use these sparingly in hot environments.
» Am I Dehydrated?
How do you know if you’re getting enough water? According to Wikipedia, “A useful rule of thumb for avoiding dehydration in hot or humid environments or during strenuous activity involves monitoring the frequency and character of urination. If one develops a full bladder at least every three to five hours and the urine is only lightly colored or colorless, chances are that dehydration is not occurring; if urine is deeply colored or urination occurs only after many hours or not at all, water intake may not be adequate to maintain proper hydration.”
So, in summary, drink lots of water, and drink juices to replace vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. If you’re not urinating at least every three to five hours, then you’re not getting enough liquid. Be aware - headaches, dry skin, dizziness and rapid heartbeat are all early signs of dehydration.
» Drinking Alcohol
Yes, many of us go to Bonnaroo to party, and drinking for many people is a big part. Beware though; drinking alcohol is not the same as drinking water. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means every time you drink it your body loses water. A day of drinking with no water intake in a hot environment can lead to dehydration, hypothermia and other very serious consequences, including a visit to the hospital, or death. Combining alcohol with other drugs such as Molly (MDMA) or LSD can exponentially increase your risk of dangerous health problems.
» Drink After Dark
Bonnaroo isn't a one-day event. It happens over multiple days. Exhaustion and depletion of physical energy can sneak up on you.
One strategy which has served me well is to save my drinking until after the sun goes down. At night, the temperature drops and I find that it’s much more pleasurable to have a drink an hour or two before going to bed, than to drink during the day in the heat with the sun beating down. I also try to drink in moderation, which for me means drinking one to three drinks, then following that up with water. Even if you wait to drink until after the sun has gone down, unless you’ve been properly hydrating yourself during the day, it’s possible that you could start drinking alcohol when you’re already in the early stages of dehydration.
Remember, if you’re going to drink, it means you have to replace the water you lose because of the diuretic action of alcohol. For me, I try to drink a 12-ounce bottle of water, for every two alcoholic drinks I drink, and that’s at night when it’s cool. If you’re going to drink alcohol during the day, you should drink a lot of water to combat alcohols diuretic effect.
» Drugs at Bonnaroo
I am neither condemning nor promoting drug use. My purpose here is to educate. Drugs are a fact of life at Bonnaroo as they are on every street in the U.S.
Some drugs commonly found at Bonnaroo can contribute to heat related problems. One very popular and common drug found at Bonnaroo is MDMA, also known as Molly, Ecstasy, or “E.” MDMA is a form of amphetamine, and as such, you should understand that when you take it, you expose yourself to a variety of side effects which can be intensified and complicated by the heat, and which make you more prone to dehydration.
Overdoses of MDMA can be very dangerous and even more so in a hot and humid environment like Bonnaroo. According to Wikipedia, one of the potential side effects of MDMA overdose is hypothermia. In other words, if you’re already at risk of hypothermia from dehydration and sun exposure, and you take MDMA, you run the risk of putting yourself in a life threatening situation. Many people combine MDMA with alcohol, which in the climate at Bonnaroo can be not only dangerous, but deadly.
MDMA which is sold as “Molly” comes in the form of a white powder. Keep in mind that if you buy a white powder from a stranger at Bonnaroo, who says it is Molly, you really have no idea what it is. It could be absolutely anything from methamphetamine to ground diet pills. In other words, Caveat Emptor, or “Buyer Beware.”
LSD and other hallucinogens are also very popular at Bonnaroo. A lot of research has been done into the function and effects of LSD. There have been no documented deaths associated with overdose of LSD, although there have been instances of people dying under its influence because of a reduced ability to recognize common dangers and personal safety. There is also evidence that LSD may trigger fugue states or seizures when combined with some antidepressants. LSD has also at times been linked to both hypo and hypothermia.
One side effect of LSD is a reduced ability to accurately gauge the effects of alcohol making it very dangerous to combine large amounts of alcohol (especially liquor) and LSD in an extremely hot and humid environment.
» Safe From The Sun
One important strategy for keeping cool at Bonnaroo is to dress for the sun and heat. A lot of people spend their time at Bonnaroo wearing nothing but sunglasses and a bathing suit. Exposing large areas of skin to direct sunlight for long periods will greatly increase the rate at which you lose moisture and can contribute to dehydration.
Bonnaroo is a four-day event. If you get a wicked sunburn on Thursday, expect to be completely miserable by Sunday. In order to have fun every day at Bonnaroo, it’s a great idea to protect your skin from direct exposure to the sun, and dressing properly can also help prevent overheating.
The best way to stay cool at Bonnaroo is to wear loose fitting, light weight, light colored cotton clothing. On very hot days, it can be good to wear long sleeves. Wearing loose fitting clothing allows breathing room between your skin and your clothes which allows for the movement of air and dehydration of sweat.
It’s also a good idea to wear a wide brimmed hat. I wear a wide brimmed straw hat made by Panama Jack. Yes, it’s not the best fashion statement, but fashion is the first thing out the window at ‘Roo. A wide-brimmed hat keeps the sun off your shoulders, face and neck, and a straw hat allows plenty of air movement which keeps your head cool and allows sweat to evaporate.
It’s a great idea to use sun block. If you allow your skin to burn, it creates an inflammatory response and forces your body to deal with the damaged skin. Not using sun block allows UV light to penetrate your skin, speeding dehydration as it dries. You should use sun block on every exposed skin surface, including your feet if you’re wearing sandals and the back of your hands. I like spray sun block, because it’s easy to use.
» Fuel for the Engine
Eating right at Bonnaroo makes a big difference in the quality of your overall experience. Many people use Bonnaroo as an excuse to eat worse than they normally do, but in my opinion, given the harsh conditions, it makes a lot of sense to not only eat as well, but better than you normally would.
For me, this means drinking a lot of V8 juice, eating raw vegetables and fruits, such as cucumbers, apples, celery, bananas, nuts, oranges and grapefruit. I like to eat salads at Bonnaroo. The greens and vegetables, and vinaigrette dressing, with chicken or tuna salad, digest easily and don’t slow you down in the heat.
I like to eat smaller, more frequent meals at ‘Roo, and supplement my diet with nuts, power bars and dried fruit, which are easy to carry and are packed with vitamins and minerals which help to replace nutrients lost through sweating.
Another easy and lightweight meal for Bonnaroo are burritos. I buy tortilla wraps, canned black beans, salsa, sour cream and whatever else occurs to me. This makes a very easy-to-prepare and filling meal which also contains plenty of nutrients.
Bananas contain a lot of potassium and fiber, which make them a must have food for ‘Roo. Potassium is one of the minerals depleted when you sweat and Bananas are an easy way to replace it while giving yourself other nutrients and fiber.
It’s very important to get enough fiber when you’re at Roo, and to eat things which don’t upset your stomach. The only place to relieve yourself at Bonnaroo is in the port-a-potties which are sometimes less than sanitary and not always emptied on time. Bonnaroo usually does a pretty good job of upkeep on them, but when they don’t, using them is a disgusting task. Eating well at Bonnaroo will help prevent problems such as diarrhea, which is not only a problem in itself, but also can contribute to dehydration.
» Pace Yourself and Pay Attention
Again, Bonnaroo isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. That’s why it’s important to pace yourself. Pay attention to the signals your body sends. Eat when you’re hungry, eat small, frequent meals, make up your mind to drink water constantly, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Rest frequently in shady places, and try to get as much sleep as you can. If you find yourself getting overheated, or over-tired, immediately find shade and rest. Remember the symptoms of dehydration and over-heating and when you experience them, do something about it right away. Remember, that if you find yourself feeling thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.
» Ways to Stay Cool
During the heat of the day, I keep a glass of ice-water handy, which is one of the best ways I’ve found to keep cool. You can also get a case of bottled water and freeze the bottles before you leave, then throw them in a cooler. As they melt, they keep your cooler cold, and provide a convenient source of icy-cold water.
If you get really hot, soak your T-shirt in ice water from your cooler, then put it on, and sit in the shade for a while. The ice-cold water cools you quickly, and as it evaporates, it continues to cool your body.
Walking miles at Bonnaroo is a fact of life. I find that after a day or two, my feet begin to hurt badly. If you have a cooler full of partially melted ice, you can relieve the pain in your feet and cool yourself off by putting your feet in a clean garbage bag then immersing them in the ice water. You won’t be able to stand it for long, but in a few minutes, it will cool off your entire body, and it helps your feet feel better for a while. It also contributes to an overall sense of well being which lasts for hours.
If you find yourself up late at Bonnaroo, it’s a good idea to find a place to sleep other than your tent. Once the sun hits your tent it’s impossible to sleep. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than trying to sleep in a tent when the Manchester sun is shining on it.
Instead of a tent only, it’s a great idea to carry a tarp with you to Bonnaroo. The silver ones reflect sunlight well, and if you tie a large one between two vehicles and put your tent beneath the tarp, you can make your tent much more comfortable by not allowing sunlight to hit it directly. You will also need heavy duty stakes and bungee cords or rope.
» Wicked, Wicked Dust
Second to the heat, the dust at Bonnaroo is the biggest problem for a number of reasons. Depending on how much rain has fallen in prior months, as a problem it can range from a minor annoyance to a full on health hazard. In 2007, middle Tennessee had been undergoing a drought for months and the grass had died, leaving the earth exposed. The earth on the farm at Bonnaroo, when dry, turns to a very fine dust. This year, 2011 was only incrementally better.
Cars, trucks, horses and golf carts are constantly moving. That combined with the incessant foot traffic means that the dust never settles. Most of the camp exists under a cloud of dust which is visible to the naked eye, and when and if it does settle, it settles on the people, tents and cars.
Tent city at Bonnaroo (where you camp) is connected with by a series of dirt roads. These roads are packed with foot traffic the entire time. In order to get to Centeroo (where the concerts take place)you have to walk. Depending on how far away your camp is, it might be a short, or a long walk, but either way, you're almost certain to be walking in a crowd of people, which means any time you're walking at Bonnaroo, to and from Centeroo, you're inundated with dust.
This dust not only gets in your eyes, ears, hair and on your skin, but it also gets in your lungs and sinuses. Any particulate matter which gets in your lungs causes inflammation, difficulty breathing and causes mucus to build up resulting in a hacking cough. This year, I was still coughing three days after Bonnaroo ended.
That's why I recommend that for the health and safety of your lungs, that you carry some type of breathing filtration with you. I use a simple bandana. I carry around ten of them with me every year, and tie them around my face to filter out the dust. They also double as handkerchiefs, and are handy for keeping the sweat out of your eyes and a hundred other purposes. Some people actually buy breathing masks such as those used for painting, or sanding drywall.
I know it sounds like it's not that big of a deal, but until you actually experience it, you can't understand it. Bandanna up at Bonnaroo and save your lungs. You will breathe easier, and you will eliminate one of many interconnected problems which can contribute to dehydration and illness.
If you have asthma, or some other type of pulmonary disease, this becomes more than just a good idea, it becomes a necessity.
On a side note, when you're being led into your campsite on Thursday, if you can, get as far away from the road as possible. The people close to the road get buried in dust because of the traffic. By Sunday, you and everything you own will be covered in it. Being a few feet away can make a big difference.
» Must Haves
There are a few things I take every year, which I’ve learned can be very helpful and make life easier at Bonnaroo.
Bandannas - Not just a hippy accessory, a do-rag or a fashion statement, but one of the most necessary items on my packing list. I take many and use them all. At night, they keep my head warm. I always have one tied to my belt loop, where it serves for wiping the eyes, cleaning the camera, or drying hands after washing. Most importantly, they work perfectly as a shield around the face to keep dust out of the mouth and nose when you're walking the dirt roads of 'Roo.
Headlight – I bought mine at Walmart, and it’s indispensable. The newer LED lights burn for a long time on a single set of batteries, and are very useful for walking at night on uneven ground or digging through a backpack at night. Probably the most important reason to carry a light is so that you can use the port-a-potty at night. The port-a-potties are often filthy, and finding one which isn’t is only possible if you can see.
Ibuprofen - Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug which helps with all kinds of muscle aches and pains as well as the occasional hangover. Be careful not to combine ibuprofen with large amounts of alcohol, as this can damage your liver.
Garbage Bags – I carry these in my backpack. They can serve as an impromptu rain jacket, for body, camera or pack, and can also act as a ground cover. They’re lightweight and don’t take up much room. When you’re done, use them for garbage.
Pepto-Bismol or other Stomach OTC Med – In case of food poisoning.
Stuffable Hammock - This is a hammock which stuffs into a small sack, is lightweight and easy to carry. There are quite a few places at Bonnaroo where you can string up a hammock in the shade and sleep when it’s too hot at your camp.
Rubber Mud Boots – I bought mine at Walmart, and if there’s a lot of rain at Bonnaroo, they’re invaluable. The commonly used foot paths become mud pits when a heavy rain falls at Roo’. Having boots means you won’t slip and you won’t get covered in mud.
Tarps – I bring extra tarps. You never know when you’re going to need them, for shade or protection from the rain.
Rope – Simple cotton clothesline rope which you can buy in 100’ sections at Walmart for a few bucks and is great for tying things down, or tying a tarp.
Windbreaker – I carry a windbreaker stuffed in the bottom of my backpack where it serves as extra padding for my camera. For me, it’s all about weight, and a nylon windbreaker weighs almost nothing and can be compressed into a small space. The windbreaker can be very handy if you find yourself far away from camp and it gets cold. When night falls at Bonnaroo, the temperature drops quickly. Also, if you make your way into the theatre or comedy tent, the air conditioning can quickly make you cold. Having a wind breaker handy is very helpful at times and it also doubles as a ground cloth.
Air Mattress – This is another thing I can’t live without at ‘Roo.
Heavy Duty Tent Stakes – The tent stakes that come with some tents are bendy aluminum things which are nearly worthless. You can get heavy duty stakes at Walmart which last for years. These prevent your tent from washing away in the event of a heavy rain or blowing away in heavy winds and are also useful for staking a tarp.
Skin Powder – If you’ve ever had heat rash, you understand the need for this. The weather and long distance walking over days can make anyone susceptible to this painful skin problem. I like Gold Bond powder, but you could also use baby powder or anti-monkey butt powder.
Aloe Vera Gel – Great for soothing sunburned skin.
Emergen-C - These packets of powder have become an integral part of my life, and are a fantastic way to supplement your diet in a hot, sweaty environment.
So, that’s it, I hope it helps. Thanks to Wikipedia and Poorvin.com from which I gleaned some information.
The most important idea here is that you pay attention to how you’re feeling and what your body is telling you, because your body doesn’t lie and will almost always give you a sign if there’s a problem.
Remember, Bonnaroo is a marathon, not a race. Take your time, have fun and be careful, so you can do it again next year.
Fil Manley
Pictures by Bonnaroo Chris.
“There is no sort of land animal in the world… whose structure is not primarily that of a water inhabiting being which has been adapted through the modification and differentiation of species to life out of water.”
~ H.G. Wells
Festival Blast – Stayin’ Alive, A Bonnaroo Survival Guide
by Fil ManleyThere were two deaths at Bonnaroo 2011 and one in 2010, bringing the total number of deaths to 10 since 2002. At least two were drug-related, some were heat related and two were automobile accidents. It is believed that both deaths this year were heat related, although autopsy and toxicology reports have not been released yet.
According to the medics on site at Bonnaroo, they spend the majority of their time treating heat-related illnesses. I decided to write this short survival guide after I spoke with a 22-year-old girl who wound up in the medical tent this year with an IV in each arm. This girl is a college student, bright, smart, a writer and photographer, but apparently, there are plenty of smart people in the world who still don’t understand how to stay healthy at Bonnaroo
This is not a medical treatise and I am not a medical professional. If you have a medical problem, I strongly suggest you speak with your doctor before choosing to attend Bonnaroo.
Bonnaroo is difficult, even under the best of circumstances, and people of all ages have died there.
Rather than medical advice, this is a summary of survival strategies I’ve learned after attending Bonnaroo for six consecutive years. Some of the tips seem simple, but all of them have served me well. Some I’ve learned on my own, some through research, and some were shared with me by other Bonnaroo veterans.Please enjoy, and remember, not all of these tips will be appropriate for everyone. Once again, if you have any doubts, please consult a doctor.
By far, the most important thing you can do for your health at Bonnaroo is to drink liquids (not alcohol). Dehydration is the precursor to hypothermia (overheating of the body). The human body cools itself through perspiration, and the evaporation of sweat from the skin. If you become dehydrated, your body can no longer cool itself. Symptoms of dehydration and overheating include headaches, visual disturbances, decreased blood pressure (hypo-tension), and dizziness or fainting when standing up. Untreated dehydration generally results in delirium, unconsciousness, swelling of the tongue and, in extreme cases, death.
Dehydration symptoms generally become noticeable after 2% of one's normal water volume has been lost. Initially, one experiences thirst and discomfort, possibly along with loss of appetite and dry skin followed by constipation. Symptoms of mild dehydration include thirst, decreased urine volume, abnormally dark urine and unexplained tiredness.
Sports drinks like Gatorade contain electrolytes and can be great for replacing them. I like to start each day at ‘Roo with a large glass of orange juice. My favorite drink at Bonnaroo is V8 juice. I normally don’t drink it, but it’s the perfect Bonnaroo supplement, providing minerals, electrolytes and vitamins. I buy six 6-packs of 5.5 ounce cans, and I try to drink three to six per day depending on how hot it is.
In addition to replacing your electrolytes with juice or sports drinks, you should also drink lots of plain water. Bonnaroo has multiple watering stations where you can fill up your water bottle or pack for free. The water has a slight sulfur smell because it’s well water, but it’s drinkable.
I carry Emergenc-C which I add to my water providing extra energy, nutrients and a lot of convenience. Caffeine and energy drinks can also contribute to dehydration. Both increase metabolism and heart rate, and are diuretics. Use these sparingly in hot environments.
» Am I Dehydrated?
How do you know if you’re getting enough water? According to Wikipedia, “A useful rule of thumb for avoiding dehydration in hot or humid environments or during strenuous activity involves monitoring the frequency and character of urination. If one develops a full bladder at least every three to five hours and the urine is only lightly colored or colorless, chances are that dehydration is not occurring; if urine is deeply colored or urination occurs only after many hours or not at all, water intake may not be adequate to maintain proper hydration.”
So, in summary, drink lots of water, and drink juices to replace vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. If you’re not urinating at least every three to five hours, then you’re not getting enough liquid. Be aware - headaches, dry skin, dizziness and rapid heartbeat are all early signs of dehydration.
» Drinking Alcohol
Yes, many of us go to Bonnaroo to party, and drinking for many people is a big part. Beware though; drinking alcohol is not the same as drinking water. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means every time you drink it your body loses water. A day of drinking with no water intake in a hot environment can lead to dehydration, hypothermia and other very serious consequences, including a visit to the hospital, or death. Combining alcohol with other drugs such as Molly (MDMA) or LSD can exponentially increase your risk of dangerous health problems.
» Drink After Dark
Bonnaroo isn't a one-day event. It happens over multiple days. Exhaustion and depletion of physical energy can sneak up on you.
One strategy which has served me well is to save my drinking until after the sun goes down. At night, the temperature drops and I find that it’s much more pleasurable to have a drink an hour or two before going to bed, than to drink during the day in the heat with the sun beating down. I also try to drink in moderation, which for me means drinking one to three drinks, then following that up with water. Even if you wait to drink until after the sun has gone down, unless you’ve been properly hydrating yourself during the day, it’s possible that you could start drinking alcohol when you’re already in the early stages of dehydration.
Remember, if you’re going to drink, it means you have to replace the water you lose because of the diuretic action of alcohol. For me, I try to drink a 12-ounce bottle of water, for every two alcoholic drinks I drink, and that’s at night when it’s cool. If you’re going to drink alcohol during the day, you should drink a lot of water to combat alcohols diuretic effect.
» Drugs at Bonnaroo
I am neither condemning nor promoting drug use. My purpose here is to educate. Drugs are a fact of life at Bonnaroo as they are on every street in the U.S.
Some drugs commonly found at Bonnaroo can contribute to heat related problems. One very popular and common drug found at Bonnaroo is MDMA, also known as Molly, Ecstasy, or “E.” MDMA is a form of amphetamine, and as such, you should understand that when you take it, you expose yourself to a variety of side effects which can be intensified and complicated by the heat, and which make you more prone to dehydration.
Overdoses of MDMA can be very dangerous and even more so in a hot and humid environment like Bonnaroo. According to Wikipedia, one of the potential side effects of MDMA overdose is hypothermia. In other words, if you’re already at risk of hypothermia from dehydration and sun exposure, and you take MDMA, you run the risk of putting yourself in a life threatening situation. Many people combine MDMA with alcohol, which in the climate at Bonnaroo can be not only dangerous, but deadly.
MDMA which is sold as “Molly” comes in the form of a white powder. Keep in mind that if you buy a white powder from a stranger at Bonnaroo, who says it is Molly, you really have no idea what it is. It could be absolutely anything from methamphetamine to ground diet pills. In other words, Caveat Emptor, or “Buyer Beware.”
LSD and other hallucinogens are also very popular at Bonnaroo. A lot of research has been done into the function and effects of LSD. There have been no documented deaths associated with overdose of LSD, although there have been instances of people dying under its influence because of a reduced ability to recognize common dangers and personal safety. There is also evidence that LSD may trigger fugue states or seizures when combined with some antidepressants. LSD has also at times been linked to both hypo and hypothermia.
One side effect of LSD is a reduced ability to accurately gauge the effects of alcohol making it very dangerous to combine large amounts of alcohol (especially liquor) and LSD in an extremely hot and humid environment.
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One important strategy for keeping cool at Bonnaroo is to dress for the sun and heat. A lot of people spend their time at Bonnaroo wearing nothing but sunglasses and a bathing suit. Exposing large areas of skin to direct sunlight for long periods will greatly increase the rate at which you lose moisture and can contribute to dehydration.
Bonnaroo is a four-day event. If you get a wicked sunburn on Thursday, expect to be completely miserable by Sunday. In order to have fun every day at Bonnaroo, it’s a great idea to protect your skin from direct exposure to the sun, and dressing properly can also help prevent overheating.
The best way to stay cool at Bonnaroo is to wear loose fitting, light weight, light colored cotton clothing. On very hot days, it can be good to wear long sleeves. Wearing loose fitting clothing allows breathing room between your skin and your clothes which allows for the movement of air and dehydration of sweat.
It’s also a good idea to wear a wide brimmed hat. I wear a wide brimmed straw hat made by Panama Jack. Yes, it’s not the best fashion statement, but fashion is the first thing out the window at ‘Roo. A wide-brimmed hat keeps the sun off your shoulders, face and neck, and a straw hat allows plenty of air movement which keeps your head cool and allows sweat to evaporate.
It’s a great idea to use sun block. If you allow your skin to burn, it creates an inflammatory response and forces your body to deal with the damaged skin. Not using sun block allows UV light to penetrate your skin, speeding dehydration as it dries. You should use sun block on every exposed skin surface, including your feet if you’re wearing sandals and the back of your hands. I like spray sun block, because it’s easy to use.
» Fuel for the Engine
Eating right at Bonnaroo makes a big difference in the quality of your overall experience. Many people use Bonnaroo as an excuse to eat worse than they normally do, but in my opinion, given the harsh conditions, it makes a lot of sense to not only eat as well, but better than you normally would.
For me, this means drinking a lot of V8 juice, eating raw vegetables and fruits, such as cucumbers, apples, celery, bananas, nuts, oranges and grapefruit. I like to eat salads at Bonnaroo. The greens and vegetables, and vinaigrette dressing, with chicken or tuna salad, digest easily and don’t slow you down in the heat.
I like to eat smaller, more frequent meals at ‘Roo, and supplement my diet with nuts, power bars and dried fruit, which are easy to carry and are packed with vitamins and minerals which help to replace nutrients lost through sweating.
Another easy and lightweight meal for Bonnaroo are burritos. I buy tortilla wraps, canned black beans, salsa, sour cream and whatever else occurs to me. This makes a very easy-to-prepare and filling meal which also contains plenty of nutrients.
Bananas contain a lot of potassium and fiber, which make them a must have food for ‘Roo. Potassium is one of the minerals depleted when you sweat and Bananas are an easy way to replace it while giving yourself other nutrients and fiber.
It’s very important to get enough fiber when you’re at Roo, and to eat things which don’t upset your stomach. The only place to relieve yourself at Bonnaroo is in the port-a-potties which are sometimes less than sanitary and not always emptied on time. Bonnaroo usually does a pretty good job of upkeep on them, but when they don’t, using them is a disgusting task. Eating well at Bonnaroo will help prevent problems such as diarrhea, which is not only a problem in itself, but also can contribute to dehydration.
» Pace Yourself and Pay Attention
Again, Bonnaroo isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. That’s why it’s important to pace yourself. Pay attention to the signals your body sends. Eat when you’re hungry, eat small, frequent meals, make up your mind to drink water constantly, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Rest frequently in shady places, and try to get as much sleep as you can. If you find yourself getting overheated, or over-tired, immediately find shade and rest. Remember the symptoms of dehydration and over-heating and when you experience them, do something about it right away. Remember, that if you find yourself feeling thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.
» Ways to Stay Cool
During the heat of the day, I keep a glass of ice-water handy, which is one of the best ways I’ve found to keep cool. You can also get a case of bottled water and freeze the bottles before you leave, then throw them in a cooler. As they melt, they keep your cooler cold, and provide a convenient source of icy-cold water.
If you get really hot, soak your T-shirt in ice water from your cooler, then put it on, and sit in the shade for a while. The ice-cold water cools you quickly, and as it evaporates, it continues to cool your body.
Walking miles at Bonnaroo is a fact of life. I find that after a day or two, my feet begin to hurt badly. If you have a cooler full of partially melted ice, you can relieve the pain in your feet and cool yourself off by putting your feet in a clean garbage bag then immersing them in the ice water. You won’t be able to stand it for long, but in a few minutes, it will cool off your entire body, and it helps your feet feel better for a while. It also contributes to an overall sense of well being which lasts for hours.
If you find yourself up late at Bonnaroo, it’s a good idea to find a place to sleep other than your tent. Once the sun hits your tent it’s impossible to sleep. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than trying to sleep in a tent when the Manchester sun is shining on it.
Instead of a tent only, it’s a great idea to carry a tarp with you to Bonnaroo. The silver ones reflect sunlight well, and if you tie a large one between two vehicles and put your tent beneath the tarp, you can make your tent much more comfortable by not allowing sunlight to hit it directly. You will also need heavy duty stakes and bungee cords or rope.
» Wicked, Wicked Dust
Second to the heat, the dust at Bonnaroo is the biggest problem for a number of reasons. Depending on how much rain has fallen in prior months, as a problem it can range from a minor annoyance to a full on health hazard. In 2007, middle Tennessee had been undergoing a drought for months and the grass had died, leaving the earth exposed. The earth on the farm at Bonnaroo, when dry, turns to a very fine dust. This year, 2011 was only incrementally better.
Cars, trucks, horses and golf carts are constantly moving. That combined with the incessant foot traffic means that the dust never settles. Most of the camp exists under a cloud of dust which is visible to the naked eye, and when and if it does settle, it settles on the people, tents and cars.
Tent city at Bonnaroo (where you camp) is connected with by a series of dirt roads. These roads are packed with foot traffic the entire time. In order to get to Centeroo (where the concerts take place)you have to walk. Depending on how far away your camp is, it might be a short, or a long walk, but either way, you're almost certain to be walking in a crowd of people, which means any time you're walking at Bonnaroo, to and from Centeroo, you're inundated with dust.
This dust not only gets in your eyes, ears, hair and on your skin, but it also gets in your lungs and sinuses. Any particulate matter which gets in your lungs causes inflammation, difficulty breathing and causes mucus to build up resulting in a hacking cough. This year, I was still coughing three days after Bonnaroo ended.
I know it sounds like it's not that big of a deal, but until you actually experience it, you can't understand it. Bandanna up at Bonnaroo and save your lungs. You will breathe easier, and you will eliminate one of many interconnected problems which can contribute to dehydration and illness.
If you have asthma, or some other type of pulmonary disease, this becomes more than just a good idea, it becomes a necessity.
On a side note, when you're being led into your campsite on Thursday, if you can, get as far away from the road as possible. The people close to the road get buried in dust because of the traffic. By Sunday, you and everything you own will be covered in it. Being a few feet away can make a big difference.
» Must Haves
There are a few things I take every year, which I’ve learned can be very helpful and make life easier at Bonnaroo.
Bandannas - Not just a hippy accessory, a do-rag or a fashion statement, but one of the most necessary items on my packing list. I take many and use them all. At night, they keep my head warm. I always have one tied to my belt loop, where it serves for wiping the eyes, cleaning the camera, or drying hands after washing. Most importantly, they work perfectly as a shield around the face to keep dust out of the mouth and nose when you're walking the dirt roads of 'Roo.
Headlight – I bought mine at Walmart, and it’s indispensable. The newer LED lights burn for a long time on a single set of batteries, and are very useful for walking at night on uneven ground or digging through a backpack at night. Probably the most important reason to carry a light is so that you can use the port-a-potty at night. The port-a-potties are often filthy, and finding one which isn’t is only possible if you can see.
Ibuprofen - Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug which helps with all kinds of muscle aches and pains as well as the occasional hangover. Be careful not to combine ibuprofen with large amounts of alcohol, as this can damage your liver.
Garbage Bags – I carry these in my backpack. They can serve as an impromptu rain jacket, for body, camera or pack, and can also act as a ground cover. They’re lightweight and don’t take up much room. When you’re done, use them for garbage.
Pepto-Bismol or other Stomach OTC Med – In case of food poisoning.
Stuffable Hammock - This is a hammock which stuffs into a small sack, is lightweight and easy to carry. There are quite a few places at Bonnaroo where you can string up a hammock in the shade and sleep when it’s too hot at your camp.
Rubber Mud Boots – I bought mine at Walmart, and if there’s a lot of rain at Bonnaroo, they’re invaluable. The commonly used foot paths become mud pits when a heavy rain falls at Roo’. Having boots means you won’t slip and you won’t get covered in mud.
Tarps – I bring extra tarps. You never know when you’re going to need them, for shade or protection from the rain.
Rope – Simple cotton clothesline rope which you can buy in 100’ sections at Walmart for a few bucks and is great for tying things down, or tying a tarp.
Windbreaker – I carry a windbreaker stuffed in the bottom of my backpack where it serves as extra padding for my camera. For me, it’s all about weight, and a nylon windbreaker weighs almost nothing and can be compressed into a small space. The windbreaker can be very handy if you find yourself far away from camp and it gets cold. When night falls at Bonnaroo, the temperature drops quickly. Also, if you make your way into the theatre or comedy tent, the air conditioning can quickly make you cold. Having a wind breaker handy is very helpful at times and it also doubles as a ground cloth.
Air Mattress – This is another thing I can’t live without at ‘Roo.
Heavy Duty Tent Stakes – The tent stakes that come with some tents are bendy aluminum things which are nearly worthless. You can get heavy duty stakes at Walmart which last for years. These prevent your tent from washing away in the event of a heavy rain or blowing away in heavy winds and are also useful for staking a tarp.
Skin Powder – If you’ve ever had heat rash, you understand the need for this. The weather and long distance walking over days can make anyone susceptible to this painful skin problem. I like Gold Bond powder, but you could also use baby powder or anti-monkey butt powder.
Aloe Vera Gel – Great for soothing sunburned skin.
Emergen-C - These packets of powder have become an integral part of my life, and are a fantastic way to supplement your diet in a hot, sweaty environment.
So, that’s it, I hope it helps. Thanks to Wikipedia and Poorvin.com from which I gleaned some information.
The most important idea here is that you pay attention to how you’re feeling and what your body is telling you, because your body doesn’t lie and will almost always give you a sign if there’s a problem.
Remember, Bonnaroo is a marathon, not a race. Take your time, have fun and be careful, so you can do it again next year.
Fil Manley