How to Pack for a Music Festival

Whether you’re preparing for your first music festival or you’re a seasoned veteran, smart packing choices are key to avoiding frustrations that distract you from the music. Though several large music festivals merged with the world of fashion, there are other important things to remember while preparing.

Before you even start packing, check out your festival’s list of prohibited items. Some of these items are no-brainers, but others are more obscure, and it’s best to check before rather than showing up with prohibited items, holding up lines and delaying your festival experience. Planning ahead is especially important if you’re flying to a festival, because there are several items you won’t be able to pack in a carry-on that you’ll need to buy or rent when you arrive.

Once planning is done, it’s time to pack. Beyond your usual clothes and toiletries, here’s a list of some essential items you’ll want to add to your suitcase.

• Phone accessories, including a waterproof case, external charger and charging cord: Your phone is your lifeline at a festival, from photos and Snapchat to maintaining contact when you inevitably lose your friends. It also keeps you connected to the festival app and text alerts if stage locations or lineup times change.
• Water bottle: Some festivals allow you to bring an empty water bottle to fill inside the festival. Take advantage of this. Water bottles and other drinks inside the festival will be a fortune, and though the lines might be long and the water warm, you’ll thank yourself for bringing the bottle.
• Earplugs: This seems counterproductive, but chances are you’re not going to love every band you hear, and earplugs will not only protect your hearing long-term, but will also protect your sanity during those especially annoying performances.
• Sunscreen: Buy a travel-sized bottle and reapply throughout the day. Once in the morning is not enough, and getting burnt on the first day will not make for an enjoyable festival experience.
• Gum/mints/energy bars: If you’re allowed to bring these in, you’ll appreciate the mints if there’s no water around and after a long day of greasy, food-stall snacks, and energy bars are your best option to keep you fueled throughout the day if your budget doesn’t have room for expensive food inside the venue.
• Sunglasses: This is another one that seems obvious but can take away from the overall experience if you forget them. On a sunny day, it can be nearly impossible to see a stage, and you don’t want to miss your favorite band, especially if you need to see TV screens because you’re far from the stage.
• Pain reliever: This is an essential, not only for the hangovers, but also for twisted ankles, aching knees, toothaches and anything else that could slow you down during a long festival weekend.