So you’ve bought tickets, have a means of getting there, and got the time off approved.
You’re (almost) ready to a music festival, CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Even getting to this part can pose some difficulties, so let me ease the load by helping you with what’s next: packing.
When done right, packing can be easy breezy and make your festival experience feel like you’re truly at home. When done wrong, well…let’s just say you DON’T want to make that rookie mistake.
Take it from a veteran of 25+ music festivals, my first couple rodeos were filled with mistakes of overpacking, not packing enough, and the worst; forgetting jumper cables.
After years of improvising and memories I’ll never forget, I’ve compiled a list of festival necessities. Feel free to take advantage of it so you don’t have that, “OH SHIT!” moment when you’re hours from home.
Essentials:
Before you even THINK about leaving, put these items with you, somewhere safe:
- Ticket
- ID
- Money
- Keys
- Spare keys
- Cell phone
- Jumper cables
- Hydration pack (Use coupon code REDROLL for 20% off ElevatedLyfe.com)
Toiletries:
Feeling clean is something everyone is desperate for day 3 of the festival. Packing all these will get you give you some dignity, as far as your hygiene goes.
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Deodorant
- Face wash
- Body wash
- Shampoo
- Dry shampoo
- Conditioner
- Brush
- Chapstick
- Baby wipes
- Toilet paper
- 2 Towels
- Spray bottle
- Germ-X
- Cotton swabs
- Lotion
- Sun screen
- Razor
- Shaving cream
- Aloe vera
- Ear plugs
- Eye mask
- Tweezer
- Nail clippers
- Ponytails or bobby pins
- Tampons
- Nail polish
- Make up
Clothes:
Packing clothes is tricky, and this is where many people overdo it. Remember to try everything on, wear the bulky stuff, and roll up your clothes before packing. Try to limit your clothes to one bag!
- Festival outfits
- Sweatpants
- Sweatshirts
- Two pairs of socks for every day you’re staying
- Underwear
- Sunglasses
- Kandi
- Jewelry
- Tank tops
- T-shirts
- Flip flops
- Tennis shoes
- Shoes you don’t mind getting dirty/losing
- Rain ponchos
- Hat
- Bandana
- Swimsuit
- Backpack
- Waterproof bag
Camping Gear:
The more decked out your campsite is, the better. You really start to appreciate the extra touches after your campsite looks like a tornado hit it, while the neighbors looks like a palace.
This section of the list is crucial for the as homey of an experience as you can get. TRIPLE CHECK this list if you want to camp comfortably!
- 3 Tarps
- Tent
- Canopy
- Stakes
- Hammer or mallott
- Pocketknife
- Rope
- Ducktape
- Camping shower
- Air mattress or cot
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Sleeping bags
- EXTRA BLANKETS
- 2 Tables
- Chairs
- Lanters
- Battery operated string lights
- Ashtray or cig butt container
- Butane stove
- Extra butane
- Pots or pans
- Cooking utensils
- Paper plates
- Cups
- Silverware – SPORKS!
- Paper towels
- Cooler
- Trash bags – one for dirty clothes
- Blow up furniture
- Ground rug
- Tapestries
- Black binder clips
- Headlamps or flashlights
- Lighter
- First aid kit
- Bug spray
- Ziplock bags
- Ibuprofen
- Niacin or sleeping medicine
- Cold medicine
- Vitamins
Entertainment:
Entertainment is going to be different for everyone, more or less. The first couple things are pretty generic, but now is the time to think about what you want to do in the meantime, when you’re not in the festival.
- Speaker
- Chargers for phone and speaker
- Portable charger or solar charger
- Camera or GoPro
- Beer pong balls and cups
- Hula-hoops
- Cards
- Frisbee
- Glitter
- Poi
- Glow sticks
- Handheld fan
- Whatever else you like to bring for fun!
Food:
For food, I tend to cook and eat a giant breakfast in the morning, pack some snacks, and get another bite inside the venue.
Classic festival cuisine has consisted of grilled PB&J, chocolate chip pancakes, avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, grilled cheese and apple sandwiches; whatever concoctions you choose to create.
I usually try and use all the perishables in the first day, and save non perishables for the later end of the festival. I am not allergic to anything, so this is the grocery list I usually go with:
- Water – LOTS!
- Electrolyte packs or drinks
- Ice
- Juice or soda
- Granola bars
- Fruit snacks
- Crackers
- Hummus
- Beef jerky
- Nuts
- Dried fruits
- Avocados
- Kiwis
- Apples
- Oranges
- Bread
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Instant pancake mix
- Syrup
- Chocolate chips
- Bagels
- Bacon
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Sweets
- Velveeta Mac n’ Cheese
- Beer or alcohol
And there you have it guys, my ultimate festival packing list.
Is there anything not on here that you guys consider is a necessity? Do you have any questions about whats on / not on here? Comment below and let’s talk about it!
All the love,
Katy
