If you’re new to raves and festivals you might be wondering what you should pack, whether it’s a camelbak, fanny pack, or chest rig. I for one am considered the mom of my group, so I tend to over pack, but I have compiled a list of essentials and extras that I recommend. My top three must haves for each festival are earplugs, chapstick, and gum.

I cannot stress enough how important earplugs are. I have forgotten to pack them before, and due to this I now suffer from occasional tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Our hearing is so important, and whether you like to ride the rails or relax on the grass, the long exposure to loud sounds can affect your hearing long term. 

While being outside in either the dry heat, humidity, or cold, chapstick and gum come in handy. Gum helps supply your vocal cords with extra moisture after talking for long periods of time while also providing you with a fresh scent. Chapstick helps to protect against, chapped, cracked, and windburned lips. I would recommend bringing chapstick with some SPF protection if possible. 

Some festivals are notorious for their sandy and dusty grounds. Vicks Vapor Rub Inhaler does just the trick to help with nasal congestion from the particles floating in the air. To prevent allergies from flaring, a face mask can protect the continuous dust from entering your nasal cavity while also spicing up your rave outfit. 

By the end of the day, most of the porta potties will be out of toilet paper and soap. The worst feeling is being in the bathroom finishing up and realizing there is no toilet paper. This is where baby wipes and hand sanitizer come in handy!

Even at summer festivals, sometimes a cool breeze may come through. I run on the colder side so I always bring a pashmina with me. Throughout the day if I don’t feel like carrying  mine I can pack it in my camelback and bring it out when I get colder or want to take a seat near my rave family. 

I have an extras list for things I tend to bring but I would qualify as extras. These consist of a fan, glow-sticks, reflector glass, and extra kandi to handout. These are my essentials and extras that I pack for at festivals. These will vary person by person, but I hope this gives you an idea of what you should bring to your next festival! 

Essentials:

• ID, Credit Card, Phone 
• Wristband 
• Portable battery charger
• Refillable water hydration pack
• Earplugs
• Chapstick 
• Gum 
• Sun Glasses
• Vicks Vapor Rub Inhaler 
• Facemask
• Baby Wipes
• Hand Sanitizer 
• Pashmina 

Extras: 

• Glow-sticks 
• Reflector glasses
• Fan
• Spray Bottle 
• Kandi 

Stephanie Perez

Hi everyone, my name is Stephanie. I am a nurse working in Raleigh, NC. I go to 7+ festivals a year, and am considered the “mom” of my group. I love the EDM culture, and if you have any questions feel free to reach out!