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I have never been to Bonnaroo before and I have yet to buy my ticket for 2010's festival. The reason I'm waiting to purchase my ticket is because of what I hear about the heat. I have a medical condition that causes my body to not produce sweat efficiently, and therefore my body just builds and builds heat until I either pass out or have a heat stroke. I really do want to go to Bonnaroo, but I'm absolutely terrified of what the medical outcome of it might be for me. So how is the heat? Is it really as nightmarish as everyone says? I've heard everything from people dropping like flies left and right to people being perfectly fine as long as they had a hat on. I just don't want to miss all my favorite bands because I'm curled up in agonizing pain haha. Thanks guys.
Post by questionablesanity on Mar 15, 2010 14:01:03 GMT -5
In 2004, it was complete misery. I'd guess it was 95-100 F all weekend. It rained and the humidity was ridiculous.
In 2009, it was over cast a lot, rained Thursday. I was pretty comfortable the majority of the time. I spent a lot of time at tent shows.
I would ask your doctor to see what he/she thinks. It can be pretty brutal. I don't know where you are from but TN heat can take you out. If I were you, I think I'd find another fest and I rarely steer people away from Roo.
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Post by crazykittensmile on Mar 15, 2010 14:01:40 GMT -5
It CAN be very hot.
Last year's weather was extremely mild... but I remember 2007 being a complete and total broil. It was so hot I couldn't stand to see some of my must see acts for more than 15 minutes because they were playing in the middle of the day and I literally couldn't take the heat (this was with a hat, a spray fan and minimal clothing, mind you!).
Considering that the weather is highly unpredictable, coupled with the fact that you will be outside for days... it doesn't sound like roo may be the healthiest fit for you.
Post by itrainmonkeys on Mar 15, 2010 14:03:33 GMT -5
The last two years it's been relatively nice. There were times of rain but there was a lot of overcast skies which led to the sun's power being diminished a tiny bit.
From 11 a.m. until like 4 or 5 p.m. it tends to be really hot. Especially if you spend all your time in the open sun watching the two biggest stages. I try to avoid the main stage (What stage) as long as I can and stick to the 3 main tents (which are shaded). It's still hot at the tents but you aren't baking in the sun.
That said, there are lots of ways to combat this. I always would bring a towel and just wear it on my head. It keeps the sun off me and my neck and I would occasionally run it under one of the many water stations before putting it back on my head and that always cooled me off. There are also air conditioned areas as well as "mist tents" which spray misty water.
There are ways to avoid the sun and it's worth it because once it starts getting a little dark the atmosphere is just amazing. Nice and cool.
I'm from and live in Georgia, so I know Summer heat. Georgia heat is NASTY BRUTAL and humid. That's why my condition gave me so many problems as a child. If its more mild than Georgia in the summer than maybe I can do it.
Post by questionablesanity on Mar 15, 2010 14:22:17 GMT -5
I think that if you can handle GA, then you can handle Roo is you're careful. After 2004, I told myself that I'd never go back because it was so miserable. But the lineup got me back last year. I'm glad that I did. Depending on who you want to see, you could hang out in the cinema and comedy tent during the day where it's supposed to be cool. Then you could venture out for night shows.
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
As a Houstonian, I think all the people who complain about the heat are pansies, but I guess having a medical condition is different. My advice would be to go frequently to the water stations and make use of wet towels to keep your head cool. Avoid daytime stage shows (stick to the tents). Maybe try to hit up some shows in the Blueroom/Cafe Where and the Comedy Theatre during the day, those are air-conditioned. Be sure to get an ez-up and position it slightly to the east of your tent so it will block the morning sun (which will bake you in your tent starting at around 7:30). And be sure to know where the medical services tent is, in case you need to go there.
Yes it is hot. But I think people have problems with the heat at Roo because they are not prepared. If you know you have issues with heat, you will be more aware of it, and prepare. Bring a shade tent no matter what. Wear a camel back. It will provide water and keep your back cool. Drink A LOT. Plan on shady shows during the day and fit in trips to the fountain and mist tents. If you start having problems, get into one of the air conditioned tents for awhile or to the medical tent. You can do Roo. It just takes planning and awareness. Like some of the others said, though, there are other festivals with milder weather if you are really concerned about it.
Post by crazykittensmile on Mar 15, 2010 15:26:58 GMT -5
I'm still very concerned.
Roo can be hard enough for people without such medical conditions... it's a great time, but I'm not sure it's worth the risk of heat stroke...or worse.
Sorry to be a Debbie Downer, but I think you should talk to your doctor about your plans before you even consider going.
Post by pondo ROCKS on Mar 15, 2010 15:28:31 GMT -5
If you have a medical condition that limits you in the heat, I would recommend not going because a. it can/does get hot. b. there is a TON of walking around (700 acres is big).
I hope you find a festival that is cooler weather that you can enjoy.
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I lived in Georgia (Kennesaw/Marietta area) for about 7-8 yrs and been just outside of Nashville since. To me, Georgia heat was a little hotter, but less humid. As far as an overall comparison, I would expect Bonnaroo to have a similar heat index as to what you would feel on a mid-June day around the Atlanta area. The difference is not going to be a big one, if at all. As others have stated, as long as you are prepared and know your limits you should be fine. Just make sure you know what you are getting yourself into as far as the whole 4 days camping out and a possible long walk from your campsite to Centeroo.
I mean, I can handle a day in Georgia heat. Its really painful and exhausting and unpleasant and I tend to get ill, but I can handle it. The main issue is the fatigue resulting from my condition. After one day I'll be physically exhausted from the heat. Three more days of heat exhaustion on top of that? I'm just not sure my body could take that you know? As much as it kills me , maybe I shouldn't go. : (
Another option could be VIP. You can do a search and ask some more specific questions in the appropriate threads as far as the air conditioned restrooms/showers/lounges/tents and it would cut down on a bunch of walking around too. But if you don't feel good about going, its either going to be really good or really bad. Take some advise from here, ask questions, but use your own judgement and a doctors advise. Or wait until the week of Bonnaroo to get your tickets so you will have a much better idea of what to expect from mother nature.
Last year, I fell in love with the mist tents... every year, I'd go into them, but last year I loved it. I'd even go in at night.
That said, last year's heat was fine... The times I was most hot would be Sunday afternoon at the What Stage (Erykah and Snoop) and Saturday afternoon (Bon Iver/Mule/Volta). Friday was excellent after the rain on Thursday. Also, moving around helps... being stationary does you no favors. The water last year was so much better tasting than it's ever been, it became a constant resource for me.
To me, 06 was the worst year, mostly because I was terribly unprepared... I was so burnt by the end of the weekend, it was retarded. 07 was very comfortable to me, but the dust on Sunday and its humidity were a bit much. 08 was the most comfortable year I've ever been, though.
As a Houstonian, I think all the people who complain about the heat are pansies, but I guess having a medical condition is different. My advice would be to go frequently to the water stations and make use of wet towels to keep your head cool. Avoid daytime stage shows (stick to the tents). Maybe try to hit up some shows in the Blueroom/Cafe Where and the Comedy Theatre during the day, those are air-conditioned. Be sure to get an ez-up and position it slightly to the east of your tent so it will block the morning sun (which will bake you in your tent starting at around 7:30). And be sure to know where the medical services tent is, in case you need to go there.
You come on up to my Minnesota and deal with my -20 belows during the winter and I'll go down and spend some time in your Texas heat. It takes us until Sunday most years to adjust to the heat at Roo. It's no fun not being able to stomach food. We ate all our meals at night. In Minnesota it's in the 70's in early June. You go down there and hello 95 degrees of butt kicking heat. It's all what you're use to. You southerners can handle the heat and we got you beat in the deep freeze.
Last Edit: Mar 16, 2010 5:30:14 GMT -5 by biglou - Back to Top
No that it means anything really but you could wait until the weather network has some idea of what the weather will be like. the can forecast up to a month generally beforehand. Not that it's probably that accurate but it's an option. Also come prepared with ways to cool yourself off. Hand held fans and water spritzers (work amazingly well) big hats, anything else you would normally do. This will be my first year as well, and I just booked my trip to gulf shores last week. I'm sooo excited. Is there no air conditioned anything?
I'm sure if you can handle Georgia heat you can handle this. Hope you can make it!!!
I mean, I can handle a day in Georgia heat. Its really painful and exhausting and unpleasant and I tend to get ill, but I can handle it. The main issue is the fatigue resulting from my condition. After one day I'll be physically exhausted from the heat. Three more days of heat exhaustion on top of that? I'm just not sure my body could take that you know? As much as it kills me , maybe I shouldn't go. : (
I would imagine being at Bonnaroo all day is a lot more taxing on the body than just a regular day in the heat in Georgia. You are probably right in thinking that adding three days to that will be a lot to put your body through. There is shade...but not a lot....and personally I think it is just as hot if not hotter under the tents (becasue of the crowd) and to me it felt like the comedy tent was hotter than being outside last year.
I know a lot of people are suggesting ways of keeping cool, but obviously your body does not work like everyone elses so those options may not work for you. Have you spoken to your doctor? That is probably your best bet on finding out whether or not you should attend.
If you come I'd suggest you carry a few chemical ice packs. I'm an EMT and I've used those on hot/dehydrated runners in marathons with good success. You crush the inner bag to start the chemical action and put the pack under your armpits to lower your core temperature.
If you come I'd suggest you carry a few chemical ice packs. I'm an EMT and I've used those on hot/dehydrated runners in marathons with good success. You crush the inner bag to start the chemical action and put the pack under your armpits to lower your core temperature.
I came here to say this, also if you get those bandannas full of the gel crystals that you soak first so they swell it will help. They actually mimic sweating, my mom is the same way and they help her a ton.
Edit
Also getting a decent digital thermometer so you can check your temp periodically is not a bad idea either.
Last Edit: Mar 17, 2010 12:15:13 GMT -5 by Deleted - Back to Top
I would not recommend you even try going GA. I would say VIP is a much better option as this would reduce the amount of walking and waiting in line to enter Centeroo as well as giving you access to the air conditioned tents in the VIP camping area and in Centeroo which should make it much easier on you when you need to escape from the heat. In VIP you can also take a free shower anytime you wish to cool you down.
As you probably already know you should have a Camelbak, or similiar options, on you at all times and make sure you are constantly drinking from it as this will keep you hydrated and reduce the chances of heat related problems. Also stay away from Alcohol or other substances which dehydrate you, at the very least stay away from them during the day.
As someone who lives in the Atlanta area I would consider myself somewhat used to the heat (I even had a car without A/C for a few years) however we are not used to spending an entire day, let alone 4 days, exposed to it so it can make things difficult.
As a Houstonian, I think all the people who complain about the heat are pansies, but I guess having a medical condition is different. My advice would be to go frequently to the water stations and make use of wet towels to keep your head cool. Avoid daytime stage shows (stick to the tents). Maybe try to hit up some shows in the Blueroom/Cafe Where and the Comedy Theatre during the day, those are air-conditioned. Be sure to get an ez-up and position it slightly to the east of your tent so it will block the morning sun (which will bake you in your tent starting at around 7:30). And be sure to know where the medical services tent is, in case you need to go there.
You come on up to my Minnesota and deal with my -20 belows during the winter and I'll go down and spend some time in your Texas heat. It takes us until Sunday most years to adjust to the heat at Roo. It's no fun not being able to stomach food. We ate all our meals at night. In Minnesota it's in the 70's in early June. You go down there and hello 95 degrees of butt kicking heat. It's all what you're use to. You southerners can handle the heat and we got you beat in the deep freeze.
aww you don't need to go to Texas to get the heat, just a few hours south....We Iowans enjoy freezing cold (-50 considering the windchill in 09) and upper 90's-low 100's in the summer.
...at least I am telling myself I can handle the Tenn heat for that reason
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2010: 3/12: The Bad Plus/Happy Apple/Buffalo Collision/The Bad Apple 6/10-13: Bonnaroo 6/19: Rock the Garden 7/30-31: Mid West Music Fest 8/21: Los Hombres Calientes 8/31: Marijuana Death Squads 9/11: The Book of Right On w/ City on the Make 9/23: Of Montreal w/ Janelle Monae 10/4: Broken Social Scene 11/23: Grinderman
I never thought I would recommend someone not go to roo but it seems like the thoughtful choice for someone in your situation. It doesn't really matter where you grew up or what kind of summers you are accustomed to. Most likely your not used to being outside and sleeping in tents for days on end. The heat is bearable day to day but you have to account for a distinct lack of indoor recovery time. I tend to take it with little to no trouble (possibly cause I'm a local yokel) but if there is a legitimate medical condition involved I would think twice about making the trip.
I don't know the specifics of your situation, so I can't say anything for sure, but if you have a medical condition that causes you that much trouble with the heat, I would say it's best to reconsider going. I also live in GA, but I was born and raised in TN. While I'm used to the heat in the south, it was pretty bad in 2007, I saw some people passing out at tents (mostly from not hydrating, I think).
Like others have said, it was milder in the last two years, but there's no promise that 2010 won't be the hottest Bonnaroo on record, you just can't tell. So, I urge you to proceed with caution if you do decide to go. Also, if you do go, stay hydrated! Another suggestion would be to stay cool however you can (cinema tent, mist tents, etc.) during the day and actually enjoy yourself at night. It was down right chilly some of those nights, so that wouldn't be a problem.
Again, I think you and your doctor can make a better decision than any of us can, so be careful when you're making your decision. The last thing we want to see is anyone getting hurt.
Post by candyflippedaround on Mar 23, 2010 1:29:27 GMT -5
dont want to be negative but, its fucking hot. its hard to do as a fully functioning 20 something year old person without a medical condition. its fucking hot. no joke, you are just baking in a field.
You come on up to my Minnesota and deal with my -20 belows during the winter and I'll go down and spend some time in your Texas heat. It takes us until Sunday most years to adjust to the heat at Roo. It's no fun not being able to stomach food. We ate all our meals at night. In Minnesota it's in the 70's in early June. You go down there and hello 95 degrees of butt kicking heat. It's all what you're use to. You southerners can handle the heat and we got you beat in the deep freeze.
aww you don't need to go to Texas to get the heat, just a few hours south....We Iowans enjoy freezing cold (-50 considering the windchill in 09) and upper 90's-low 100's in the summer.
...at least I am telling myself I can handle the Tenn heat for that reason
Well neighbor, I wish you luck with the heat and a good time all around. We are hitting Sasquatch, where it's usually in the low 80's day time and mid to up 50's at night. I will be back at Roo when I see a lineup I just can't miss.
