Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
Post by rodneyfrench on Feb 9, 2009 10:18:44 GMT -5
ok, i got a few for you 'roo vets out there that have experience with tent only.
ill be flying to TN (possibly on the tuesday before the fest). My first question is with the logistics of flying with all the gear needed to camp for a week.
How have you gotten all your gear on the plane ie tent, cooler, food, plus all other supplies? Seems like this could be tricky. Did you fly a day early and supply up in TN? Is it easier than it sounds to get all your gear on the plane? Did you pack light?
Second is how the vets like to plan out their day at the 'roo. Do you spend the early afternoon in the shade of your tent and fuel up for the late nights? Do you hike in with everything you need knowing you wont be back to your camp until after late night? Give me some insight into your typical 'roo day!! I guess i would be most concerned with the big nights like Friday and Saturday....
Thanks to anyone who might take the time to respond!!!
ok, i got a few for you 'roo vets out there that have experience with tent only.
ill be flying to TN (possibly on the tuesday before the fest). My first question is with the logistics of flying with all the gear needed to camp for a week.
How have you gotten all your gear on the plane ie tent, cooler, food, plus all other supplies? Seems like this could be tricky. Did you fly a day early and supply up in TN? Is it easier than it sounds to get all your gear on the plane? Did you pack light?
Second is how the vets like to plan out their day at the 'roo. Do you spend the early afternoon in the shade of your tent and fuel up for the late nights? Do you hike in with everything you need knowing you wont be back to your camp until after late night? Give me some insight into your typical 'roo day!! I guess i would be most concerned with the big nights like Friday and Saturday....
Thanks to anyone who might take the time to respond!!!
if you fly in early, you will likely be renting a car. and either staying at walmart or a cheap hotel (somewhere). pack light.
as far as your second comment - you will definitely not be in the shade of your tent during the day. your tent will easily be over 100 degrees in the sun.
tent only is close to centeroo, so you can go back and forth easily. my personal preference is to travel with no backback - since its hot as hell carrying all that junk around.
I'd be judicious as far as what I flew with. With the insane baggage charges it would probably be cheaper to buy a cooler and food once you are in TN. This assumes that you are renting car and can do some shopping. If you are taking the shuttle right from the airport this obviously isn't a possibility. I know people who have flown with their gear and a cooler, so it can be done, make sure to measure the size of your stuff and estimate the loaded weight and check w/ the airline so that you don't get caught by surprise when it comes to baggage charges.
Post by Darth Boo Boo Kitty @#*& on Feb 9, 2009 11:36:56 GMT -5
I can't answer the flying questions, but I can answer the tent-only...Tent only is super close to Centeroo. We go in and out all day long and all night long. Saves money on beer and allows one to rest at camp if one chooses. For that reason, I travel light in Centeroo - camera, schedule, water and a Cliff Bar if we don't have breaks between bands.
I flew in last year and found that the problem was weight not space. Most airlines have a fee if you go over 50 lbs. on a bag. I the end I got everything in but had a bit more in my carry-on then I wanted. If your planning on bringing the majorityof your food and water for the weekend you are going to find it nearly impossible, unless you pay for more bags. I would suggest bringing breakfast and snacks and getting everything else at Roo. The prices are high but not exuberant. Plus it makes everything way easier. Plus the free water simplifies everything. It tastes fine just don't smell it. I am doing kinda the same thing you are doing this year. I am flying in on wednesday and staying in a hotel then going back to the airport and taking the shuttle.
In regards to planning out the day I found a plan I liked alot. Unless you really want to see someone on a main stage go see all the tent acts until the sun goes down then go to the main stages if you want. This keeps you out of the sun ad cool during the hottest parts of the day. In fact two of the days I stayed in the same tent for the entire day until the headliner. This meant I was on the rail using less energy, in the shade, and had plenty of energy for headliner/latenights.
I flew in both '06 and '07. I ended up driving last year. In '06 I arrived on Wednesday and stayed at the Super 8 near the airport. There was a Kmart and a liquor store within walking distance and I was able to pick up any supplies I couldn't bring with me. In '07 I arrived on Tuesday and rented a car for a day and checked out some of Nashville and went shopping. Both times, I took the shuttle and would highly recommend it.
I posted a bunch of info about this last year and I'll post the link, but I'm too tired/lazy to look for it right now.
Post by billclinton on Feb 10, 2009 0:06:16 GMT -5
We typically chilled at the tent under the shade for most of the earlier sets in the day that weren't big names. Head up to Centeroo around 3 in the afternoon, so the sun isnt blistering for too long. Sun sets in a few hours and all the good sets start rolling, and you're ready for it all because you stayed cool all morning, took a nap in the shade, and energized with some food!
Last year me and my brother flew in on Wednesday. We each packed a large duffel back with sleeping bags, clothes, tent. Took hotel shuttle to Airport Super 8, there is a kmart or target (dont remember which) right across the street where we bought cooler, food, and other things we needed. Next day hotel shuttle back to airport and on Bonnaroo shuttle to Manchester.
This will be the first of 5 years that I am going to experience tent-only. I to cannot answer the flying questions because I have only ever drove in. I was in BFE 3 of the 5 years the other 2 were VIP. It didnt bother me being in BFE but it does have its disadvantages for those that like to go back to camp alot. This year we will have 3 people in one car meaning 2 tents, 1 shade canopy, all our crap and a shower tent and after dealing with shady neighbors and them taking up their car spot as well as some of ours, Im thinking we have no choice but to use tent only this year. All of our stuff is not going to fit comfortably in one car spot.
Post by fightforyourmind88 on Feb 11, 2009 18:25:47 GMT -5
I also have a question. I will probably be taking the shuttle from Nashville to Roo. I will be going by myself, but hope to meet up with people down there. My question is, do they have carts or something to help you move your stuff from where the shuttle dropped you off to Tent Only? Or is it just going to be every man for himself. Thanks.
There are people driving around in golf cart-esque "taxis", but they can be tough to track down. You might have to lug your stuff for 15 minutes or so.
There are people driving around in golf cart-esque "taxis", but they can be tough to track down. You might have to lug your stuff for 15 minutes or so.
Post by Lawn Gnome on Feb 12, 2009 22:54:38 GMT -5
I live in Knoxville, so I've never had to fly.
Camping, I always pick 3 or 4 day shows I really want to see. We have always carried a large canopy so there is plenty of shade during the day. Just pace yourself and keep it in moderation. I recommend the cinema tent in the heat of the day in between shows. Caught Garden State one year in an especially packed house.
PS: I also recommend the cinema tent @ the oddest of hours. Caught Friday the 13th in there one year @ 3:30 in the morning. The strung out "Don't go in there!" cries were priceless.
Post by nothingsshocking on Feb 16, 2009 22:11:59 GMT -5
My boyfriend and I flew in last year. We only brought one big suitcase (it weighed 49lbs, 50 was the limit without an extra charge). It contained: two person tent, shade canopy, air matress w/battery operated airpump, two tarps, sheets, small blanket, rope, and a small fan. Thats all we need to camp. Then we just brought a smaller bag with clothes in it. We only brought $300 cash and that was enough to eat 3 meals a day for both of us. We didn't bring any food.
I think we got to the farm around 2, the walk from shuttle to tent-only seemed really long (probably because of the 49lb suitcase). But when we got there, there was still plenty of room.
As for planning the day.. usually we'd leave camp around noon and not return until the music was over, just brought a camelpak with what we needed in it. Napped under trees a couple times. I didn't want to waste time at camp missing out on the good tunes!!!
We typically chilled at the tent under the shade for most of the earlier sets in the day that weren't big names. Head up to Centeroo around 3 in the afternoon, so the sun isnt blistering for too long. Sun sets in a few hours and all the good sets start rolling, and you're ready for it all because you stayed cool all morning, took a nap in the shade, and energized with some food!
Yeh thats basically what I did and it worked great! I didnt leave camp till almost time for bbking last year and was totally spun out at the time. Got sobered up right before Jack came on and it was amazing!! The first year I was there most of the time and got totally worn out and didnt see many late night shows so I switched it up in 07 and 08 and it works best that way for me!
I was wondering how space is allotted in tent-only. If you roll in with 8 people in 4 tents and a shade canopy can you claim the necessary space? Would this be roomier than squeezing in behind our car? The proximity to the entrance and the possibility of spreading out more is sounding ideal.
We are a pretty deep group and I am thinking tent-only is a good options as with 2 cars I'm not sure we'll be able to fit behind our cars.
Post by Darth Boo Boo Kitty @#*& on Apr 29, 2009 10:47:16 GMT -5
You can claim the space you want (don't be a douche) as long as it's there to claim. Get there by early afternoon Thursday and you shouldn't have a problem. Our crew is between 8-18 deep and we never have a problem setting us a sweet camp.
Post by Britney's_Fears on Apr 29, 2009 15:13:20 GMT -5
I don't camp tent-only but I can offer some insight into what to lug into Centeroo.
As little as possible, especially if you like to dance.
My first year I was all paranoid about not having things I might need so I had a fannie pack with Gold Bond, Hand Sanitizer, Flashlight, extra bottles of water, etc.
Each year I diminished what I carried because I realized I never used any of it and it was a p@!n in the@$$ to keep up with.
So this year I'm taking cash, a lighter, and a disposable poncho if it looks like rain. And I am going to dance my @ss off!
We typically chilled at the tent under the shade for most of the earlier sets in the day that weren't big names. Head up to Centeroo around 3 in the afternoon, so the sun isnt blistering for too long. Sun sets in a few hours and all the good sets start rolling, and you're ready for it all because you stayed cool all morning, took a nap in the shade, and energized with some food!
This is the best strategy IMO. However you can do it. STAY IN THE SHADE until the noon sun begins to subside (around 1:30-2:00) Don't head into Centeroo earlier than that unless there is a band you just CANNOT miss playing around noon. Drink only water and moderate alcohol if at all. When you go to Centeroo plan to be there the rest of the day, until you come back to your campsite to sleep. You will waste precious energy walking back and forth from Centeroo to your campsite. All you need to take to Centeroo with you is money and water (small disposable rain poncho if it looks like rain or a plastic garbage bag), maybe a hoodie or heavy shirt to put on when the sun goes down (you can also use this as a pillow to nap between shows.). Don't carry a backpack, fanny pack, etc. You will hate that you brought it. There's nothing worse than trying to dance with a bunch of crap on the ground between your feet. And more than likely you won't use anything in the pack.
(I used to bring hand sanitizer, Gold Bond, map, etc. and ended up using none of it.)
If there is a long period of time between shows you want to see, like an hour or two, don't go back to your camp, find someplace cool and lay on the ground using your hoodie oir heavy short as a pillow and try to doze off, even if you don't sleep it will energize you.
Once the sun starts to go down you may "indulge at will".
The point of all this is to save your energy for the late night shows.
I always go back to the tent if there is more than an hour to spare. There you can use a cleaner toilet, wash your face, grab a bite to eat, have a drink, and then walk back. If you can't handle a few miles a day of walking then you should invest in either a tred mill for training or a wheel chair.
I also have a purse that has come with me to every festival for almost ten years. I keep everything I need in it. All travel sized. I don't remember the last time I didn't use everything in my fest bag. From the toothpaste to the first aid kit.
But if you choose to travel with nothing don't worry, there will always be someone like me that will have what you need.
I always go back to the tent if there is more than an hour to spare. There you can use a cleaner toilet, wash your face, grab a bite to eat, have a drink, and then walk back. If you can't handle a few miles a day of walking then you should invest in either a tred mill for training or a wheel chair.
I also have a purse that has come with me to every festival for almost ten years. I keep everything I need in it. All travel sized. I don't remember the last time I didn't use everything in my fest bag. From the toothpaste to the first aid kit.
But if you choose to travel with nothing don't worry, there will always be someone like me that will have what you need.
An obvious departure from my opinion. So you see original poster you really have to do what works best for you at Bonnaroo. Three different people are going to have three different opinions on what works best.
