Festivals<\/a> offer everything a music fan could want in one place \u2014 and the only thing that\u2019s as important as seeing every band or artist as humanly possible in the span of a few days is your festival packing list.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re out in the desert or vibing by the beach, every music festival calls for a list of packing essentials. (Headed to a non-festival show? We\u2019ve got a guide for what to bring to concerts<\/a>, too.)<\/p>\n Before your next big festival, check out our list of what to bring to a festival \u2014 and what to leave at home! \u2014 below.<\/p>\n Your entry pass will undoubtedly be your most precious possession throughout a music festival. Pack your wristband first if it arrives in the mail ahead of time, or review instructions for in-person pickup at least one week in advance. Some festival tickets are now mobile, so be sure to check details for your event and make sure you download any apps or otherwise access your tickets before<\/em> you get on site.<\/p>\n Unless you\u2019ve brought enough battery power to use your digital wallet all weekend (see below), it\u2019s always a good idea to bring the real deal with alternative payment methods, such as a credit or debit card. While many festivals now have cashless policies, it can be a good idea to stow away some paper bills in case of emergency (or for pre\/post-fest plans).<\/p>\n A festival is like a marathon in many ways, except it often stretches two to three extra days. Play the long game and choose your shoes wisely with comfy sneakers to last all weekend. For muddier festivals \u2014 remember Ren\u00e9e Zellweger in Bridget Jones\u2019s Baby<\/em>? \u2014 comfy boots<\/a> are also a great option. And now is not the time to break in new shoes: No one wants blisters.<\/p>\n Is that a stylish outfit topper or day-saving accessory? The right hat can not only help you complete your look, but keep you safe from extended sun exposure. Don\u2019t become a Lollapalooza Lobster.<\/p>\n Similarly, cover what your clothes can\u2019t with clinically-approved sunblock. Anything above SPF 30 should protect against 97 percent of skin-damaging UV rays. Just a note: Most festivals don\u2019t allow you to bring in aerosol sunscreen, so make sure to check your festival\u2019s website for a list of prohibited items.<\/p>\n Can you even say you saw that Bonnaroo set after spending the whole time squinting through sun blindness? Enjoy everything in plain, painless sight with a pair of polarized sunglasses.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t let ringing ears be the soundtrack to your weekend and invest in some quality, noise-filtering earplugs tailored for a festival\u2019s wall of sound.<\/p>\n Depending on the dust level, consider stashing away a bandana, face scarf or neck gaiter. Even if the skies are clear and wind speeds low, the fashionable accessory can create extra comfort and sun coverage around your neck.<\/p>\n Regardless of location, be ready for rapid temperature changes with a sweater or jacket on-hand. A poncho or rain jacket could also prove valuable if inclement weather is in the forecast.<\/p>\n When it comes to making a list of what to pack for a festival, everything comes down to the bag holding everything. Clear, waterproof fanny packs and totes no larger than 12\u2033 x 6\u2033 x 12\u2033 are the likeliest to get through security, though some events may allow extra storage space for the longer haul. To see if backpacks are allowed at your festival, be sure to look at the specific bag policy on the festival\u2019s official website.<\/p>\n Apart from what you wear, the next most important decision is how to stay hydrated, whether you\u2019re in the desert at Coachella or a steamy city setting. Fans can typically bring an empty, reusable water bottle, and venue permitting, complete your resupply pack with a mobile hydration backpack<\/a>. Most festivals also have free water refill stations, and you can find where those are on a map on the official website.<\/p>\n Where water fails, chapstick prevails. Chapstick or lip balm may be the smallest item among your festival essentials, but can make the biggest difference when it comes to dry lips.<\/p>\n Some messes are just too big for hand sanitizer (though that\u2019s also worth bringing along for bathroom runs). Continue to feel fresh and clean no matter how long you find yourself in the often shower-free environment with a pack of disposable deodorant wipes.<\/p>\n Onsite vendors will have you covered for any major meals, but the snacks in between are up to you. Although outside food is generally not allowed at most festivals, you can usually get by with small, sealed bites that fit in your bag like granola bars. To further keep your energy up, Emergen-C packets<\/a> or dissolvable hydration tablets<\/a> are great for vitamin and electrolyte boosts, and over-the-counter Ibuprofen<\/a> will be handy for any sudden aches and pains.<\/p>\n In a world where your phone is your ticket, wallet and nearly everything else, the battery holds the real power. Keep your phone battery boosted with a portable charger, and remember to pack a matching cord if your supply isn\u2019t wireless.<\/p>\n For festivals that involve camping, you can usually bundle your festival pass with a camping pass, but the overnight equipment like a sleeping bag or tent rarely comes included. Before your festival camping journey, check the average nighttime temperature of your camping location and select corresponding climate-ready camping basics such as a tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Also, toiletries like shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste. Bonnaroovians know the most and for any first-timers, this thread<\/a> is a great place to start if you\u2019re looking for info about festival camping and other festival hacks.<\/p>\nWhat to Bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Festival Wristbands or Tickets<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
Wallet with Cash, Credit Card or Debit Card<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
Comfortable Shoes<\/strong><\/a> or<\/strong> Boots<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
Hat<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
Sunscreen<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
Sunglasses<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
Earplugs<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
Scarf or Bandana<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
Layers<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
Waterproof Bag<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
Water Bottle<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
Chapstick<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
Body Wipes<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
Festival Fuel<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
Portable Charger<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
Camping Gear<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n