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 what you should bring. 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. 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.

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 Flag Pole

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.

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.