Your Ultimate Music Festival Packing List

Music festival season is upon us at last! If you’re a music fest newbie—or even if you’ve been attending them for years—you might have a vague idea of how to get festival-ready. Comfy shoes and sunscreen seem like obvious choices (thanks, mom), but you may want to consider packing a few extra, unexpected items that’ll help make your fest experience so much more comfortable. Music is great for your mental health, so it’s important your festival experience shines. 

Whether you’ll be standing in a sweaty crowd on a blistering summer day or dancing all night, this list of essentials will have you covered. (Trust us, even your mom will be impressed.)

So in the words of Regina George: Get in, losers. We’re going music festival shopping.

Don’t Forget the Music Festival Essentials

Before checking all of the boxes below, it’s important to make sure you have your basics covered. Must-haves include:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Lip balm
• Hand sanitizer
• Comfortable (and stylish) clothing and shoes
• Tickets
• Concert schedule (with your faves highlighted, of course!)
• Cash or credit card
• ID
• Tent (and tent lock), if you’re staying overnight
• The perfect summer playlist to keep the music going between sets. 

1. The Perfect Bag

Obviously, you need something to hold your must-haves. Ideally, it should be lightweight, durable, and hands-free. The Way Out Waistpack or Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack are the most practical accessories to hold it all together. If you’re wanting something slightly bigger with an off-the-shoulder strap. And for those who have a heavier haul to carry, the Half Pints will get the job done.

2. CBD Lotion

Yes, it’s super important to protect your skin from the sun, but your weary muscles deserve some love too. CBD lotion is going to be your secret weapon when your legs or back are ready to give out after hours of standing on your feet. It soothes and cools, so rub this stuff on and let the magic sink in.

3. Baby Wipes

This cannot be overstated enough: Bring baby wipes. Not only will they be able to wipe the sweat, mud, and other questionable substances off your body, but they’ll also come in handy when the porta-potties inevitably run out of toilet paper.

4. Travel-Size Baby Powder

There’s nothing more tortuous than inner thigh chafing in the summer. Thankfully, a few shakes of baby powder can offer some sweet relief in the moments when you need it most.

5. Hydration Pack

Hydrating at music festivals is key, and our two-liter pack is so much better than a regular water bottle. You carry it on your back, for starters, so your hands are free to clap loudly for your favorite band. Plus the eye-catching swirl design is sure to start some conversations with potential new friends.

6. Telescopic Flagpole

Traveling to a music fest with a big group of friends? Using a lightweight telescopic flag pole is a game-changer. Hold up this bad boy as you wade through the crowd and your group won’t have to stress about getting lost or separated.

7. Microfiber Towel

An ultra-soft towel is going to be your new best friend. Microfiber absorbs more water and dries faster than a regular towel, so you can dry off properly after a shower or while camping.

8. Yoga Mat

Sure, you can use this to practice your downward dog (if you find the space, that is), but here’s a fest hack: Use a yoga mat to chill out on the lawn as you wait in line for General Admissions. You can thank us later.

9. A Big, Floppy Hat

Too much time in the sun isn’t great for your skin—and even if you’re A+ about re-upping your sunblock, you still might miss some spots. Plus, who wants the sun beaming directly into their eyes? A giant, floppy hat is both stylish and practical.

10. Snacks

While some festivals may not allow you to bring your own food, we recommend loading up on snacks if it’s allowed. Never underestimate the power of a quick nibble on dried fruit and nuts! Load up the Lunch Break with your favorite goodies to keep your blood sugar steady and the fun going. 

11. First Aid Kit

Let’s face it: accidents happen! The Basic Accessory Pouch or the Cinch Caddy are the perfect size for a mini first aid kit. After all, why should a small cut leave you down for the count? Make sure to include:

• Bandages
• Antibiotic wipes
• Aspirin
• Gauze pads
• Tweezers, if allowed by festival rules.

The CDC has a great list for a fully loaded first aid kit, if you want to prep for any possibility.

Have fun, be safe, and get ready to rock out. Don’t forget: Customizing your bag is a great way to show off your style and taste to other festivalgoers. These fun personalization ideas will get you started.