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After a year with no live music, festivals are finally opening their doors again. Epic events such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Rolling Loud, Outside Lands and more are announcing new dates and lineups by the day, and after a year of what feels like an anti-mosh pit, their anticipated come back is music to any concert-lovers’ ears.
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 vaccine card covers, here’s everything you’ll need for festival season this year.
Pastel Fanny Pack From Herschel
Courtesy of Amazon
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. You can even color coordinate with your outfit. This compact fanny from Herschel comes in a bunch of different colors and designs, making them both stylish and functional.
Packable Sunhat From Madewell
Courtesy of Madewell
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.
Vaccine Card Protector
Courtesy of Amazon
Even the most veteran of festival-goers might not have thought about this one. While festivals mark a hopeful return to normalcy, some things will be a bit different this year, including a fully vaccinated crowd. While specific guidelines surrounding vaccines haven’t been set in stone for most festivals yet, it’s a good idea to bring your vaccination card if you need to prove immunity at any of the event’s sites. A plastic cover will keep it clean from what will surely be a very dirty weekend.
CamelBak Hydration Pack
Courtesy of Amazon
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.
Mini First Aid Kit
Courtesy of Target
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.
Purell Hand Sanitizer
Courtesy of Amazon
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, Purell is also an easy way to clean off dust and dirt that’s sure to accumulate on the festival grounds.
Large Bandana
Courtesy of Urban Outfitters
A colorful bandana tops off any festival look, and is an awesome accessory because of how versatile it is. You can wrap it around your head, wear it as a preppy scarf or even tie it around your torso as a top.
Zalik Ear Plugs
Courtesy of Amazon
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.
The Purple Face Mask
Courtesy of Purple
Face masks have always been a helpful way to avoid sunburns and desert dust at festivals, but now you might be inclined to also wear them as a way to be Covid-safe in the crowd. But in the heavy heat and throngs of people, you’ll want to bring the most breathable mask possible that you won’t be uncomfortable wearing for a long time. This one from the The Purple is a great choice because of its unique moisture-wicking Breeze Mesh used for the inner and outer layers that the company adopted from their famously cool pillows. If you’re worried about it getting dirty or lost, though, you can always opt for a pack of disposable ones.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Courtesy of Amazon
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.
Portable Phone Charger
Courtesy of Amazon
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.