You plan for months—don’t forget the small stuff
You worked for these moments. You’ve been counting down for months, maybe even a year. You saved up, booked tickets, planned outfits, and cleared your schedule. When the gates open and the music starts, the last thing you want is to realize you forgot something important.
Most packing lists cover the basics—tent, clothes, tickets—but it’s the often-forgotten essentials that can make or break your experience. Here’s a list of 10 festival must-haves, including one most people never think to bring, that will keep you comfortable, prepared, and able to relive every beat.
1. Hydration Pack
A hydration pack is the ultimate festival essential for long days in the sun. It keeps you hydrated and your hands free for dancing, taking photos, or holding a drink. Plus, most festivals have refill stations, so you’ll save money and avoid single-use bottles.
2. A Gaiter or Bandana
Some festivals get dusty—really dusty. A gaiter or bandana is a simple solution to protect your face and lungs from blowing dirt while still looking stylish.
3. Sunscreen You’ll Actually Use
Festivals mean all-day sun exposure, and skipping sunscreen isn’t worth the burn. Brands like Coola make lightweight sunscreen that works perfectly for festivals—effective without feeling sticky or heavy.
4. Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the bright sun during the day and stage lights at night.
Pro tip: Buy cheap sunglasses just in case. Leave your expensive designer pair at home—you won’t want to cry over scratched or lost $200 shades in a muddy field.
5. Sunglasses Chain
A small but game-changing accessory. Keep your sunnies secure while you’re dancing and avoid dropping them in the mud or losing them in the crowd. You also get bonus outfit points since it doubles as a fashion statement.
6. Earplugs (Comfortable, Not Foam)
Long sets and booming bass can leave your ears ringing for days. Invest in reusable, high-fidelity earplugs that protect your hearing without ruining the sound quality.
Pro tip: Can't stress this enough! Sunglasses chain are a must in the festival game. Hook your pair of earplugs to your sunglasses chain. It’s a must in the earplug game—don’t fumble in your bag mid-set, and reduce the risk of losing them while dancing.
7. Vitamin C or Energy Powder
Boost your hydration game by adding electrolytes and vitamins to your water. They help fight fatigue and keep you going strong through those marathon music days.
8. A Comfortable Day Bag
Think small backpack or crossbody sling. Big enough for essentials, but not so heavy it becomes a burden during 12-hour days.
9. Festival Map
Sounds old-school, but printing a map saves your phone battery and makes navigation easy. You’ll avoid fumbling through screenshots or pulling your phone out every five minutes.
10. A Festival & Concert Journal
This is the most overlooked essential. Between the heat, the music, and the non-stop action, details start to blur. The REKORD Festival & Concert Journal is designed for multi-day events, with space for setlists, standout moments, who you went with, and even a pocket for tickets and wristbands. It’s the perfect way to capture the experience in the middle of the chaos—so years from now, you’ll remember more than just a haze of music and glitter.
Final Tip – Pack Smart, Enjoy More
Multi-day festivals are all about the music, the people, and the memories. A little preparation means you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking up every moment. Start with these 10 music festival essentials, and you’ll be ready for anything the festival throws your way.
Heading to your next festival? Bring REKORD and remember the best moments of your life.