I’ve been to a bunch of music festivals, and here’s what I always make sure to pack
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Update (6/7/2016): Bonnaroo is this weekend. If you're camping out in the fields of Manchester, Tennessee for the occassion, have a look what you shouldn't leave home without, and enjoy!
In just two weeks, thousands will drive into the deserts of Indio, California to take part in the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, marking the official start to the 2016 festival calendar. It's my favorite season.
In recent years, I've been lucky enough to attend Coachella, Bonnaroo, and Firefly on different occasions, and have become somewhat of a veteran in the field of festival camping. Having had and seen my fair share of failed camping excursions, I put together a list of the essentials for anyone planning on setting up camp for the first time. Some of these will seem obvious, but sometimes the obvious bits are the ones you need the most reminding of.
After five straight years of festing, these are the things I don't leave home without.
Tent
Amazon
Obviously you were going to bring a tent — you know what camping is — but I'm telling you from experience that these easy pop-up tents from Coleman are the way to go. When you arrive at a festival, chances are you are getting in late Thursday night and setting up in the dark. I've seen too many people holding their cellphone flashlight in their mouths while struggling to fit tent poles into seemingly non-existent loops. Get one of these tents and you'll have a place to sleep within 60 seconds of parking your car.
Coleman 4-Person Instant Tent, $164.99, available at Amazon.
Canopy
Amazon
My biggest mistake in festival history was thinking we would be alright without a canopy at Firefly 2011. Oh man did I blow it. When you are spending close to 90 hours straight without any real cooling mechanism, shade is everything, and having a canopy to mark out some shady space just makes your space feel a bit more like home. Plus, in the event of a downpour (Firefly 2015), you can move your canopy over your tent and ensure that you stay dry for the night.
E-Z UP Swift Instant Shelter Canopy, 12' by 12', $107.19, available at Amazon.
Bungee Cords
Amazon
Bungee cords are essential for maintaining your campsite. They're like a more versatile form of duct tape. Whether you need to keep the wind from carrying something away, keep your cooler shut after it's overstuffed with ice, or fix the broke corner of your canopy, bungee cords will help your cause.
24 Piece Bungee Cord Set, $34.95, available at Amazon.
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