By Mia Zarrella, Entertainment Contributor
Congratulations. You’ve chosen what music festival you’ll be attending and you’ve purchased your tickets, now you’re thinking about the dreaded packing. Unfortunately, forgetting something is inevitable, but to minimize any disasters, here is a checklist:
1. “Do I look red to you?”
“How could I forget sunscreen?” you might be thinking. When you travel with a group, it is easy to assume somebody else will bring sunscreen. This results in either nobody bringing sunblock, or everybody draining the one tube in two days. Be sure to pack several bottles and consider a high SPF so you won’t have to re-apply as often. Also, pack a travel tube in your fanny pack.
2. “Hey man, sick fanny pack.”
Yes, that’s right. A heinous fanny pack. It will ruin your photos and kill your swag, but you’ll love it nonetheless. They are popular at festivals, so nobody will stick a “kick me” sign on your back. You can store your sunscreen, keys, camera, snack, money, and other belongings in it. But if you’re cringing at the idea of a fanny pack, you can always opt for a backpack.
3. “Quick, hand me the emergency bandana.”
If you’re like me and your hair gets oily after one day of not washing it, you should buy some easy-to-use dry shampoo. If there are showers (which there may not be), you will most likely have to pay a small cost to use them. Or you can do what my friends did and just wear a hat or bandana, all the time.
4. “Someone flash me a light?”
At night, when you’re pitching your tent, rummaging through your bags, or trying to find the Port-a-Johns, you won’t want to waste your phone battery on a flashlight. Also, a head lamp supplies hands-free lighting.
5. “Sorry dude, my phone’s at 10 percent.”
For the people who plan on using their phone to record videos, take photos, or for emergency calls: a portable, pre-charged charger could be a saving grace.
6. “Pass the fork, please.”
My festival crew either used, threw away, or lost all of our utensils on the first day. We ended up eating macaroni and cheese with a knife and fork that we shared amongst the seven of us. Remember that any silverware, mugs, pots, or pans that you bring will have to be washed, so bring dish soap.
7. “My stomach is making noises again.”
Granola bars are good for a snack, not dinner. Bring plenty of easy-to-make, easy-to-clean-up meals. Pasta, soup, hot dogs, hamburgers, and quinoa were easy to make and consume. Remember to bring plenty of ice for the cooler and money to buy ice once it melts.
8. “Quick! Get under the canopy!”
Campers know the importance of being sheltered from the elements. A canopy will supply shelter for you and your belongings from the rain and sun.
9. “Does this thing have a selfie screen?”
Remember those rinky-dink disposable cameras your mom brought to your soccer games and birthday parties? These will save your phone battery and give you some peace of mind if you drop or lose them. Besides, developing the pictures later is always exciting.
10. “Does anybody have the lineup for today?”
Bring a paper copy of your itinerary. You won’t always be able to access the website from your phone and you don’t want to miss any artists just because you didn’t know when they were performing.
11. “I can’t tell if this is a tan or just dirt.”
Body and face wipes. You will need them. You’re not going to be able to use your five-step face cleansing products, so buy face wipes and use them generously. The body wipes will help with the dirt and body odor because trust me, you’ll have it.
12. “AH..HA..CHOOOO!
Aside from tissues, bring your allergy medicine. Itchy eyes and runny nose can easily ruin a concert. Also, bring any other medicine you think you will need.
13. “Can I see your wristband?”
You have had it on your dresser for a month. You’ve been caressing it for weeks. You posted a photo of it on Instagram. Do not forget to bring it with you. Your wristband is your ticket.
Make a list of everything you need and then check off the items once they are attained and packed into your vehicle. Be sure to check the festival’s website for the protocol on what you’re allowed to bring into the concert venue. You may not be allowed to bring backpacks or food and drink, so do some research beforehand. If you’re prepared, this will be the time of your life.
