Summer is officially less than 2 weeks away! Bringing with it longer days, warmer weather, and the anticipation of festival season!
It's time to celebrate and create memories we'll cherish for a lifetime! From large music festivals to intimate concerts - the season to let loose, embrace the rhythm, and dance under the sun and stars is finally here!
So dust off your gear, pack up your bags, and get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of live music, fun vibes and great people. Let the festival season begin!
We've curated a list of must-haves to pack for your next fest - keep reading below for our top picks to help you make the most out of your experience and focus on having the time of your life with pals old and new!
Essential #1 - Fun, Flexible Outfits for Slaying in the Sun and Dancing the Night Away!
A top tip to having the most enjoyable festy-time is being prepared for the changing weather conditions through the long days and wild nights out on the floor.
Opt for:
Lightweight, breathable fabrics so you stay comfy and dry through all your grooves.
Fun patterns and bright colours so your friends can find you easily in the crowds.
Don't forget:
A cute cozy outfit or at minimum a warm hoodie, sweater or jacket for the evening breeze and creeping temp drop before sunrise sets (It's always coldest right before dawn!) - We like to wear our MELT zip-up windbreaker and trackpants paired with a MELT bikini or swimsuit underneath for easy warm to cool switch-ups! - There are so many style options and colourways - check out the whole collection here!
Make sure to pack at least a couple sets of swimwear for a multi-day summer festival - in some more humid climates your suits may take a while to dry, these also make for a great versatile undergarment - packing a variety of muti-purpose and compact items will make sure you have options for any situation!
A water-resistant or waterproof shell - Our MELT windbreaker tracksuits also hit the mark here being unisex AND water-resistant! ;)
Comfortable shoes are a must to keep your feet happy during long hours of walking and dancing. For multi-day festivals, we recommend bringing at least 2 pairs of comfortable shoes for dancing and exploring the grounds - sneakers are typically best, 1 pair of waterproof boots in case of sudden rains and a pair of sandals or flip-flops for river floats, quick bathroom trips and communal showers.
Our MELT Collection is made with festival life in mind - our styles are comfortable, functional and multi-purpose using breathable fabrics that are easy to pack, dry quickly when wet purposely and water-resistant to keep you dry when it's unexpected...did we mention they also GLOW under UV?!
2 - Be Protected From the Elements
There's nothing like a nasty sunburn to ruin a good time! Practicing sun safety is crucial for general health and overall comfort - pack sunscreen with a high SPF, UV protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck. Get two styles in one with our reversible bucket hats!
A bandana or scarf is also extremely compact and can come in handy to cover your head or shield your face from dust in a pinch!
For the extra hot days, soak your bandana, scarf or hat in cool water and wear the freshness! Bonus is that the scarf can be used in place of a blanket for snack breaks and chill afternoons on the festival lawn.
3 - Stay Hydrated!
Staying hydrated is essential during a festival, especially if it's held in the warmer months.
Pack a refillable water bottle or tumbler to ensure you always have hydration on hand!
- Increase the replenishment by adding nutrients to your water with an electrolyte supplement to keep you energized through the days and nights on the dance floor!
Coconut water is also a handy, delicious and natural option!
Bonus: Make ice cubes (with coconut water for the extra nutrients) or freeze bottles before you head off on your adventure to keep bevvies fresh for longer if you won't have access to power and are relying on keeping things fresh in a cooler! This also works for pre-packaged electrolyte drinks like Powerade or Gatorade and saves on ice and space by utilizing frozen beverages in place of ice packs.
4 - Keep Batteries Charged
Don't let a dead phone battery or flashlight dampen your festival experience. Bring a portable charger to keep your devices powered up throughout the day so you can keep in touch with your pals and capture all the moments!
Opt for a high-capacity charger that can recharge your phone multiple times. This way, you can capture memories, stay connected with friends, and use festival apps without worrying about running out of charge. - We LOVE this one from Amazon.ca
5 - Proper ID and Pay Options
If you are planning to consume alcohol at the event, don't forget proper ID! In order to be served in British Columbia, you must have two pieces of official identification on you.
In addition, having ID on you is extremely important in case of an emergency if you require help and need to be identified.
When going anywhere remote or afar from home, it is wise to bring more than one payment option in case of issues with specific payment processors or accidental losses. Bring at least two payment card options (one on you and one stored safely in your home base) so you're not left in the dark!
Despite the rise in digital payments, sometimes things happen rendering systems down or unuseable. We always recommend keeping some cash in case of emergency. Even a small amount can save you in a pinch in case of POS System or wifi glitches.
6 - Small Fixes
Although there should always be a fully-equipt paramedic team at any major event, small accidents happen, so we always have a basic first aid kit on-hand at our home base.
Essentials include assorted band-aids, antiseptic wipes or spray, tweezers, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, anti-nausea meds and antihistamines.
Duct tape is also an amazingly versatile tool which can be used for various quick fixes from first aid to tent repair! We always pack a roll.
7- Somewhere to keep your goods!
Keep your most essential essentials close at hand and safe while staying hands-free so you can grab a drink, hug your friends and waive 'em in the air to your favourite songs!
A fanny pack or a crossbody sling bag is the perfect option to keep all the important smalls with you at all times, for us this includes:
Phone
Wallet
Chapstick
Hand Sanitizer
Small Pack of Babywipes or Tissues
Hair Elastic
Portable Battery Pack
Earplugs
8 - Ear Protection
These are often overlooked, but an essential to have longevity in your party! Earplugs help protect your hearing, especially if you plan on being near the speakers to feel the bass at a festival.
Concert speakers can create sounds that are upwards of a 100 decibels! It only take around 80 to cause damage to your hearing.
Common earplugs range from filters that can muffle from 15 - 25 decibels. Find the kind that works best for you and fits your unique needs!
These are definitely an essential, if not just for hearing protection, but also to help with overstimulation from all the people, lights and sounds that can sometimes get overwhelming, even for the most experienced festival goer!
Earplugs can also be helpful if it's dusty to keep ears clean!
9 - Something to Snack On
The right snacks are indispensable for keeping the party going strong and providing the fuel you need to support long fun-filled weekends!
To sustain the spirit, pack snacks rich in protein, healthy fats, salts and essential vitamins.
Great options include: nuts, seeds, granola bars, jerky, avocados, trail mix, and fresh fruits and vegetables like oranges, apples, peppers and berries offer a perfect combination of taste and nourishment. Bananas are also an excellent source of potassium to power dancing muscles and keep well without refrigeration.
Individually packaged items are ideal so you can toss a few in your fanny pack for a quick dancefloor nosh! Powerhouse treats not only keep you energized but also support your immune system so you never have to have FOMO for your favourite song while waiting in line for a bite.
10 - Camping Gear
When embarking on the adventure of a festival, having the right camping gear is a non-negotiable for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Your tent becomes your sanctuary on the festival grounds, providing a cozy home to retreat to amidst the excitement.
A good-quality shelter shields you from the elements and offers a private space to rest and recharge, while a comfortable sleeping bag and mat or mattress ensures a good night's sleep after a day of festivities.
Go with a larger group to pool resources and supplies to create the ultimate home base.
Don't forget: a canopy, tarp or shelter structure large enough to cover your whole group for hangs, a portable speaker for campsite jams, board or card games are a fun way to fill downtime and your camping chair!
Investing in reliable camping gear can truly enhance your overall fest experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the joyous atmosphere while knowing you have a comfortable refuge to take respite in.
PRO TIP! Bring distinctive, fun and bright decor and lighting for your camp so it's easy to spot from a distance! Once everyone has moved in to camping, it can be difficult to distinguish one tent from the next or find your way home after hours on the dance floor! Putting a tall flag or sign high up on a vehicle or attached to your canopy structure is a great way to make sure you can easily find your way back.
11- EXTRAS
If you know us, you will know that here at EMM, we always love to go a little extra! ;)
Here are a few added supplies you can pack to elevate your experience even further:
Pack a headlamp so you can be hands-free on your night-time adventures and avoid the risk of losing your phone in dark port-a-potties!
A handheld FAN will feel like a lifesaver on a scorching day! Cool yourself and fan your friends for a nice surprise - or make new friends by offering your breeze! - also indulge in a CLACK or two if you're having a real good time.
A light blanket or tapestry is useful have around as alternative seating or a little cover up in case of strong sun or a cool breeze.
Towels are always handy! Bring more than you need. Festivals get messy and things get spilled. Save yourself an uncomfortable time by packing some extra towels.
A small mirror for ease in creating your festy looks! Extra handy if you have one with a built in light!
Ziplock Bags - don't take up space, always come in handy whether it's leftover food, exploding sunscreen or a collection of littles you need to contain all together. Ziplock bags have saved us many hassles.
Zap Straps / Zip Ties - so small, so useful. From camp site fixes to a desperate alternative for a hair tie - zap straps are incredibly versatile - an indispensable pack.
Mini Broom and Dustpan - It doesn't matter how good you are about not wearing shoes inside your tent, somehow the dust will find it's way in. Pack a mini broom and dust pan to keep your sanctuary dirt-free!
Lip Balm - The changing temperatures, exposure to the elements and consistent movement have a way of wrecking havoc on the lips if you're not careful. Pack an extra nourising and protective balm so you can "Woooo" to your hearts content! - We LOVE this one from Frosted Fox Bath Co!
A really good moisturizer - Skin can suffer while enduring all the elements of a multi-day festival, make sure to add the moisture back in with a super hydrating moisturizer! - Frosted Fox has you covered here too, we LOVE their Shea Butter Lotions for the ultimate skin quencher.
Luggage Lock - If you don't have a vehicle to keep your most important belongings secure, we recommend bringing a luggage lock to secure your tent - Attach the key ring to your fanny pack so it's easy to find when you're ready to retreat!
By packing these essentials, you'll be well-prepared to have the best time at your next music festival. - Did we forget anything? - Comment below!!
Most importantly, let loose, immerse yourself in the music, and enjoy creating unforgettable memories with friends and fellow festival-goers.
A festival is a once in a life time occasion as they are constantly evolving. A great festival will be consistently making improvements and trying innovative ideas year-to-year ~ Immerse yourself in the experience and take it all in!
PS: Did you know we can make custom matching fits for your and your squad? - Inquire today to be the cutest troupe on the lawn!
TLDR: Remember to pack light, HYDRATE, be bright, prioritize comfort, plan to go with a group to make a rad home base, consider the events location and weather conditions when preparing for your trip! HAVE FUN!
Written by EMM Creative Arts Co. - 06.08.2024
EMM Creative Arts Co. (c)
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