I was a newbie last year and found out I had come suitably equipped thanks to the helpful tips from this bunch!
From a loner-girl perspective, I'll just give you what worked best for me
For the day: hot summer attire, ie:
- tank top
- light cotton skirt/trousers/shorts
- hard wearing sandals (comfy, waterproof, that don't mind the dust)
- wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses (the sun, which was out more often than not, is glaring and intensely hot. As others have said, a sunstroke is a serious possibility if you don't take care)
- a bag, containing the following: a long-sleeved top/fleece if the wind picks up, a foldaway plastic poncho if the rain comes down, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle
**additional tip: I found long light/cotton skirts were definitely the way to go, as they keep you both cool in the heat and warm if it's a bit breezy, they also mean you don't have to remember to lather on the sunscreen all over your legs and just do the top part of your body. And, seriously, don't forget sunscreen, what with the altitude, the sunburn can be REALLY bad!
For nighttime: as soon as the sun goes down, temperatures drop drastically!
- layers layers layers, everyone will tell you that
- vest + long-sleeved top + fleece + ski jacket
- tights/pantyhose/leggings (whatever you americans call them
)
- thick trousers/jeans
- long woolen socks
- sturdy shoes/boots, with a sole thick enough to keep the cold from working upwards from the ground, through your feet and making your whole body shiver
- gloves
- scarf
- hat/anything to keep your skull and ears toasty, some even find a lampshade appropriate
do NOT underestimate the cold at night! It's kinda scary if you're not prepared
**additional tip: again, my long cotton skirt was briliant at night on top of my trousers, kinda like a portable tent that insulated my body heat and kept me much warmer than trousers alone!
That being said, when you're dancing in the middle of the crowd, it's bearable. It's when you head back to camp, stand around listening to the late-night jams, and, at some point, curl up for a few snatches of sleep, that the cold get's to you.
One of the best bedtime tips I was given was: remember to change into your pyjamas! I know this might sound silly, and quite frankly stupid considering by what time you'll be getting into bed and what state you'll be in by then
But seriously, it might be tempting to sleep as you are, but you'll end up suffering from the cold much more, as your layers of clothing from the day, drenched with sweat from the footstomping, will become humid and cold the moment you stop moving. Get into dry, comfy pyjamas, and you're guaranteeing that the few hours you sleep will be comfortably warm ones
Few!
I think I've covered it!
Listening to:
Crooked Still - New Railroad
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