_edited.jpg)
September's come around, which means music festival season is soon to be in full swing! (In Cape Town, at least).
If you've made the executive decision to attend a music festival this year, then you sure are in for a treat.
It's probably one of the most exciting experiences you'll ever have in this lifetime, so it's good to be fully prepared for it.
I haven't been to that many festivals before, but I've definitely been to enough for me to know what goes down.
So, here's a list of all the "just-in-case", "I-almost-forgot" and the "I-didn't even-think-about-that" things you need for a music fest!
1. WATER (lots of it)
For obvious reasons. Stay hydrated so you can have more energy and stay alive and things ya know.
Also, bringing bottled water is great for brushing your teeth at your campsite as opposed to in a porta potty or something.
2. Portable phone charger
Most music festivals have phone charging stations but they can be a bit pricey and you have to leave your phone there for a bit, so just bring your own fully-charged one along.
3.Mini bag/ fanny pack
It's more than just about making fashion statements to stunt on these [retracted], but you're actually going to need something to put all your stuff in so your hands can be free on the dance floor.
4. Toilet paper
The porta potties tend to run out and you have to wait until someone comes around with fresh rolls. Also, I'm sure your own rolls are a lot less likely to have a stranger's pee on it :)
5. Camping chairs
Don't be that person who steals everyone else's camp chairs because you didn't bring your own, nobody likes that person.
6.Flip-flops
Flip-flops in showers are a great way to avoid potential foot fungus.
7. Money
Always keep that extra stash on you, just in case. Food and drinks at festivals can be pretty pricey. Some festivals even have little novelty stalls.
8. Tent pegs + mallet
It's pretty alarming how many people don't bring this along. You wouldn't want your tent to blow away or get stolen. Real talk, at one of the festivals I attended, a guy's entire tent got stolen. Like the whole tent. Just like that. Learn from his mistakes.
9. Lock and key
Never underestimate the safety of your things at festivals, always keep your things locked away and make sure everyone using the tent has their own key.
10. Dirt bag
And no, I don't mean your boyfriend. (Kidding). But keep your space as clean as possible. Festivals accumulate so much waste, real G's don't litter.
11. Torch or head torch
Not all festivals are as lit as the next one (and I mean lit as in terms of actual light, although it could be a double entendre hmmm) so a torch or any source of light would be great for not stubbing your toe or tripping over someone's tent ropes (not speaking from experience though haha whaaat).
12. Ticket and ID
I know this is pretty obvious but it's just another reminder. I mean, imagine being that friend to forget their ticket and ID at home and having to turn around....just imagine.
13. Ice (ice baby)
Buy a few bags for your cooler box on the way to the festival because they usually sell per cup at the bars and it's ridiculously overpriced.
14. Plasters
Honestly it's so easy to get a little cut or something, especially while intoxicated. There are medical tents at festivals but they could be busy or far away from your tent so grab those babies for a quick little patch up.
15. Insect repellent
Personally insects are the last thing on my mind at festivals, but if you're someone who's concerned about insect bites (as I probably should be) then bring some repellent along.
16. Condoms
I mean let's not play ourselves here, we all know what goes on at festivals. Condom drives for the less fortunate. Make sure you bring some along to donate to those in need. Amen.
17. Sunglasses (with UV protection)
If your clout goggles have UV protection it makes you so much cooler, just saying.
18. Sunblock
You may be spending a lot of time in the sun, so...
19. Bandanna/ scarf
Not to make a fashion statement or anything, but if you're at a festival that's really sandy, put something around your nose and mouth to protect yourself from all the dust.
20. Rain Jacket
Be prepared for all kinds of weather!
21. Ear plugs
Apparently getting a peaceful night's sleep ruins the full effect of the festival but I mean if it's your thing, go for it. I'm sure your ears will thank you. You will be able to fall asleep without it though.
22 Warm jacket
It's usually super cold and night and early morning. Not to sound like your mom but take a jacket with, damn.
23. Yoga mat
If you're going to use a sleeping bag, put one these babies underneath for a more comfortable sleep. You could also chill on it outside your tent. Plus, it's not that much of a schlep to bring along.
24. Pillow Case
Instead of bringing a whole pillow along, bring an empty pillow case and stuff it with clothing and a towel or something to create your own pillow and save space.
25. Hand sanitiser
Keep a bottle on you. If you're using the porta potties just to wash your hands you'll probably end up having more germs than before you entered.
26. Wet wipes
For a cheeky lil tent shower, nobody is going to know. Or care. Shower lines at festivals are usually long and some don't have warm water. So, if you'd like to skip a shower or two at the festival, keep that MF thang on you.
Even if you do shower but get some dust and dirt on you after, a quick wipe down will do.
27. Towels
I feel like one large towel should be fine, for showering and also if you're going to be swimming. Just hang it out in the sun like you're at your mother's house.
28. Pads/tampons
For all my fellow womb-owners, always keep these packed in just in case.
29. Sun umbrella
If it's going to be really hot, bring one of these along. Most festivals have tented areas though but if you're looking for some shade nearby your tent, ya know.
30. Floaties
For chilling on the dam/ lake if there happens to be one. Could even be used to chill on at your campsite.
31. Duct tape
Nothing strange here, it's good to have this to patch up any potential holes in your tent or blow-up mattress in case you get one.
32. Mini mirror
A compact mirror may be a bit too small, so pack in a bigger one because porta potty mirrors are useless (if you're lucky enough to find one. Also, I think I'm done with all the porta potty trash talk now.
33. Plastic bottles for bought drinks
If you're buying drinks from the bar, bring an empty water bottle to throw your drink in instead of leaving your drink open, for safety reasons.
34. Headache tablets
Just in case. Don't mix it with any substances though.
35. Vicks/ nasal spray/ eucalyptus oil
You may wake up with a blocked nose. Use any one of these to open those sinuses right up!
36. Face mist
This keeps you refreshed. Even use some rose water in a spritzer bottle to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
37. Lighter
Even if you're not a smoker, there's always going to be someone looking for a lighter. It's a great conversation starter and basically makes you a saint.
Enjoy the festivals and stay safe!
Comments