Knowing what to bring to music festivals is an art form. With limited space, what not to bring can even be just as important as what you decide to take with you. Depending on your travel situation and space in the car, your packing list can drastically change from festival to festival.
We’ve been to festivals with a full luxury setup, air mattress and all, and others with no more than a 60L pack on our backs.
Depending on what festival you’re going to and where it is, your setup can change as you prepare for each event.
Here are 7 different items to bring to each festival to make things a little more comfortable:
ENO Hammock and Slap Straps
Not an absolute essential, but these awesome hammocks take up little to no room in your back and weigh around 16-20 oz. Portable, lightweight, and comfortable – that’s a winning combo.
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CamelBak
Tired of all those trips to the refill station? Carry your water on your back with a CamelBak. Doubling as a backpack, these portable oases can be lifesavers when you’re roaming the festival grounds.
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Extra Tent Stakes
Extra tent stakes are something that your should always have in your gear. They’re cheap and they take up almost no space in your supplies. If you break or lose your stakes then you’ll be thankful that you have a few extras – the alternative could be pretty rough if some storms roll through.
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Walkie Talkies
Another non-essential, but an absolutely epic thing to have with you. No worries about cell phone service or bringing a phone charger; just grab and go.
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Flashlight
This one’s pretty self explanatory, have you ever tried searching through your tent at 3 a.m. without a light? Exactly.
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Multi-Tool
Whether you’re looking to cut some rope to hang a tapestry between trees or open a can of soup, a multi-tool always comes in handy while you’re out in the woods.
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Portable Water Bottle
Help minimize waste at the festival by bringing your own reusable water bottle. It’s good for the environment, and it helps the green team out as well. It’s a no-brainer.
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Fanny Pack
Don’t want to wear a backpack but you still want to have the essentials with you? Latch everything to your waist and romp through the festival grounds like there’s no tomorrow and these little festie-friends will still be in tow at the end of the night.
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While this may seem like an obvious list, you have to start somewhere when it comes to your camping endeavors.
After years of camping at festivals, in national parks, and on friends’ properties – this basic list is a great starting point for any novice festival attendee wanting to improve upon their gear. If you’re wondering where to purchase some of these items, check the links below and they’ll give you a solid starting point.
photo credit: My old flashlight via photopin (license)
photo credit: Leatherman Wave (EDC) via photopin (license)
photo credit: tokidoki hip bag via photopin (license)
This is great, thanks! so looking forward to seeing Dillon Francis perform his new tracks at Lolla in a couple weeks and now I won’t be so completely unprepared