Get out and enjoy your next festival with our writers' tips learned from their experience!
By: Allison Clymer
It seems that a major music festival occurs somewhere in the country every month. Whether it is Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits or Bonnaroo, each festival requires the attendee to enjoy every moment of every concert. So, how exactly can you maximize your own enjoyment in the best way possible? Well, we’ve come up with a list of items to pack to make sure that you completely cover the bases.
1. Portable battery charger
This one is the most important item. Let’s be honest and admit that we often take way too many videos at concerts. However, your phone is used for way more than just taking pictures and videos of your experience. You need your phone to stay in contact with your friends and people you’ve met at the festival, to look at the upcoming schedule to see where all the concerts you want to see are being held and to can call an Uber driver before and after the festival. With a portable charger, you won’t need to worry about your phone dying at the wrong moment!
2. Rain jacket or poncho
Sometimes, the weather is not always bright and sunny. It can be cold and rainy no matter the time of year. So, it’s best to be prepared and check the weather before you leave for the festival. If you see any hint of rain, bring a light rain jacket or purchase a cheap rain poncho for the times it might rain!
3. Hydration Backpack
Drinking lots of water is very important, especially if where you are going is very hot. Avoid dehydration by purchasing a hydration backpack that has 2 liters capacity in the water bladder. Not only will you remain hydrated, but you will also be saving trips to the water stations than if you had a small water bottle.
4. Hand Sanitizer
Festivals mean porta-potties and porta-potties mean no sinks usually. Often the hand sanitizer they do provide runs out and people are left with nasty hands. Avoid the panic of messy hands by carrying a travel hand sanitizer. Spritz it on before eating some of the many handheld foods offered at music festivals, and allow it to freshen yourself up throughout the day.
5. Froggy Towels
I got a free towel to get wet and that changed the game on the 90 plus degree day. Get similar wet-and-wring towels on Amazon or other outdoor stores to cool yourself down. It can also double as a small blanket for sitting and watching bands from afar and can all be wrapped into a small bag.
6. An Optimally Sized Bag
It can seem like a Gold Locks case when it comes to bags for concerts, the backpack is too big, while a fanny pack may seem too small. Also, considering strict baggage limits finding the right size is necessary for enjoying the festival and allowing yourself to be hands-free. I choose to use a fanny pack and found a cheap and fashionable one right at Walmart, so find what fits for you and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
So where to next? Get going to your next festival stress-free and enjoy the music!
Photo courtesy of Chase Congelton