An Essential Festival Season Packing Guide: From Coachella to Outside Lands

Epic festivals such as Coachella, Outside Lands, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and more are announcing dates and lineups by the day.

2024 Music Festivals: How to Buy Tickets to Coachella, Governors Ball, Bonnaroo and More

Next up is Coachella, which returns to the famed Empire Polo Grounds on April 12 with headliners Lana Del Rey, Tyler, the Creator, Doja Cat and No Doubt. Tickets are still available to buy on resale sites such as Stubhub and Vivid Seats.

But as any festival-goer knows, these are events that you have to plan for. With high temperatures and swarming crowds, festivals are a lot more streamlined, and enjoyable, when you come packed with the right things. Coachella and Stagecoach, which both take place in the Palm Springs heat of Indio, California, for example, can reach upwards of 100 degrees, meaning that a portable way to stay hydrated throughout the weekend is a must. And every festival’s jam-packed itinerary requires days of non-stop activity, so comfortable shoes that don’t detract from your outfit is double important.

From stylish fanny packs to portable phone chargers and hands-free water bottles, here’s everything you’ll need for festival season this year.

Baggu Crescent Fanny Pack

You’re bound to clock miles of walking at any festival you go to, and coupled with the heat, you won’t want anything weighing you down. Fanny packs are great because you don’t even have to think about holding them — everything you need is easily accessible and it stays close to your body so you don’t have to worry about pickpockets.

Mini Backpack

If fanny packs aren’t your thing, a mini backpack is the next best way to keep your hands free throughout the day. No one does it better than the Swedish brand Fjallraven, whose compact and adorable backpacks that come in dozens of vibrant hues have become a trend of its own in recent years.

Clear Bag

Some festivals, and many stadium events, require small, clear bags so you’ll get plenty of use out of this thermoplastic fanny pack designed for that very reason

Some festivals, and most stadium events, require small, transparent bags to get through security so you’ll get plenty of use out of this clear fanny pack from Lululemon designed with just that in mind.

Wide-Brimmed Hat

If you don’t want to worry about reapplying sunscreen throughout the day, wide-brimmed hat is a stylish way to protect yourself from the UV rays. This classic, versatile option from Madewell even rolls up with a clasp so you can easily store it a way when you get too hot. Top off the look by pairing it with one of the trendy sunglasses we rounded up here .

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a must when it comes to sun protection (and photo-ready style). But it’s never a good idea to bring along expensive shades when items can get so easily lost and stolen in the crowds. these adorable and trendy glasses from Free People make for the perfect accessory to spice up your weekend style, without breaking the bank.

Hydration Backpack

Staying hydrated is of utmost importance during a festival but it can be hard to remember to drink water with the endless supply of stimulation and distractions surrounding you. A hydration pack, like this one from CamelBak, which stores up to 50 fluid ounces, makes it easier than ever to sip on water throughout the day without carrying a heavy water bottle in your bag.

Staying hydrated is of utmost importance during a festival but it can be hard to remember to drink water with the endless supply of stimulation and distractions surrounding you. A hydration pack, like this one from CamelBak, which stores up to 50 fluid ounces, makes it easier than ever to sip on water throughout the day without carrying a heavy water bottle in your bag.

First-Aid Kit

Bruises, scratches, and the likes are basically a rite of passage at festivals. If you come prepared with an adorable first aid kit like this one from Welly, your friends will thank you for it.

Portable Hand Sanitizer

If you didn’t panic-buy a year’s worth of hand sanitizer a year ago, then now’s the time to re-stock. Aside from effectively disinfecting and keeping you safe from germs, EO is also an easy way to clean off dust and dirt that’s sure to accumulate on the festival grounds.

Ear Plugs

Powerful speakers are necessary during outdoor events where the standing crowd can stretch back a limitless amount. Whether you’re one to bravely wheedle your way to the front, or safely stand farther from the crowd, ear plugs are a good way to mitigate ear damage and more comfortably listen to the music. Check out more of the best ear plugs for concerts here.

Face Masks

Public health experts note that KN95s offer the most protection against the virus. Not only is Maskc a great choice for double filtration, but they come in stylish designs and colors to match with your festival outfits. Plus, a wide range of styles are half off on their website for a limited time right now. Check out more Hollywood-loved KN95 face masks here.

Face Sunscreen

Sunscreen is another must at outdoor festivals, where you’ll be exposed to high UV levels for hours at a time. Since you likely won’t have time to freshen up midway through the day, you’ll need a fast and easy way to reapply SPF. This one from Supergoop has 40 SPF, can be easily applied over makeup and is small enough to carry around in any bag you have — and is a top recommendation by celebrity makeup artists.

Portable Phone Charger

Yes, this year is the year that you’re responsible enough to bring your own portable phone charger and don’t go phoneless, and totally hopeless, for the rest of the weekend. This high-rated one from Anker is slim and hassle-free, while also offering more than two full charges for the iPhone 12 and close to two full charges for the Galaxy S20.

iPhone Fan Accessory

Keep cool throughout the day with this handy fan, that can spin for up to 100 hours while plugged into your phone.

Baby Wipes

If you’re heading to the desert, you know how easy dust can accumulate. Keep yourself sanitized with this portable pack of baby wipes — your friends will thank you.

Camping Chair

If you’ve graduated from the mosh pits to the grassy field behind the crowds, then you’ll need a comfy chair to stake your claim. This one from Coleman folds up small enough to easily carry around and has cup holders and pockets to store any essentials while you lounge.

Arlo Safe

Whether you need emergency help immediately or want someone to know you’re okay, Arlo Safe delivers personal protection for ultimate peace of mind when you’re on the go. Their team of live, medically trained security experts are ready 24/7 to make sure you’re safe. Check them out on the app store.

Koozie

Whether you bring your own beverages or buy them on the grounds, you’ll want a soft coozie to keep your hands warm once the temperatures drop.

Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a must, especially at dust-ridden desert fests like Coachella and Stagecoach.

Disposable Camera

Sometimes the vintage haziness of adisposable camera is preferable over a hi-res iPhone photo. Plus, it’s an easy way to save battery and storage throughout the long weekend.