Here's Your Guide to Everything You Need to Bring to a Music Festival

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(SPOT.ph) Wanderland, Clark Aurora, Fusion, PLUS63, Bobapalooza, Head in the Clouds, Wavy Baby, and Momentum—we don’t have to finish the list for you to know that these were some of the most anticipated music festivals in the Philippines in 2023. Music festivals are on the rise, with music enthusiasts happily getting more for less, but first-timers will not always know what to expect.

Here’s the thing: You can’t pack for music festivals the same way you would for concerts. It isn’t enough to bring a wallet and a powerbank. Music festivals are a whole day affair, most likely in an outdoor venue that is packed with thousands of other sweaty people like you. As planning for outfits become top of mind, we’re at risk of forgetting the important stuff.

For our list of essentials below, we’re focusing on the specific music festival experience—this goes out for both newbies and avid festival goers. Don't let the elements ruin your fun!

What to pack for music festivals

Sunscreen

Music festivals often take place in sunny outdoor locations, so bringing sunscreen is highly encouraged to shield your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Sunscreen isn’t just protection for the face—it can be applied to the whole body, too.

Avène Mineral Fluid is great for exactly that, but this is best used with minimal makeup on. For hydration, La Roche Posay Anthelios is what we recommend.

Windbreaker or poncho

Even on a hot day, temperatures can drop at night, so it's always a good idea to bring a windbreaker or poncho. Not a jacket, because you’ll want something that can easily fold and be tucked into your small bag without bulking it up. Bonus if the windbreaker is waterproof, too, in case it rains.

This Bershka windbreaker (P1,895) can be a hip addition to any festival outfit. It’s form and function rolled into one piece.

Hat or bandana

If you can’t be convinced into applying sunscreen, then maybe a hat or bandana can shield you from some of those harmful chemicals. It also doubles as a stylish accessory to complete your festival look.

Bucket hats are the way to go for a starter hat. It’s trendy, lightweight, and not too overwhelming on the face. Truth be told, we can't get enough of those color reversible bucket hats (P125) on Shopee.

Mat

It goes without saying that there are no seats at music festivals. The multiple-day event can involve a lot of standing, walking, and dancing around, so having a mat will allow your group to rest and relax. What’s more, laying out a mat will help you carve out your own space in an otherwise crowded event.

Some people are satisfied with a traditional banig, but you can also get creative by finding nice blankets, rugs, or beach mats you already own at home. This picnic blanket (P288) has that perfect look to bring to a music festival.

Water bottle

Staying hydrated is non-negotiable, especially during hot summer months. Did we mention we’re in the Philippines, too? Not only will it keep you refreshed, but bringing a refillable water bottle will save you money (have you seen the price of bottled water in these kinds of events?). You might also want to consider a tumbler for insulation.

Need something reliable? Hydro Flask (P2,590) and Klean Kanteen (P2,350) are the products to choose from, with the latter keeping drinks cold and iced for up to four days.

Also read: Tumbler Smackdown: Hydro Flask vs. Klean Kanteen

Tissue

A lot could happen at music festivals. Drinks could spill, shoes could get muddied, and tears could fall (from happiness, of course). Worst of all: the porta-potties found in music festivals won’t always have toilet paper. Tissue is tissue. Need we say more?

You can also opt to pack wet wipes if you want to be extra prepared.

Bug lotion

Insect repellent is often overlooked when packing for a music festival, but it shouldn’t be. With dengue on the rise, protecting yourself from insect bites has become a must. Luckily, it’s as easy as carrying bug spray or lotion. One application should be good for eight hours of protection.

OFF! Lotion (P213) is a game-changer—you’ll thank us when you’re not driven insane by irritating bug bites all day and night. The lotion smells refreshing, too.

Medicine

Music festivals will have a first aid station on standby for health concerns, but it helps to have your own mini kit of medicine essentials for minor inconveniences like headaches, muscle aches, or stomach aches. Music festivals are physically demanding, so don’t be surprised when you feel the exhaustion kicking in.

Pain relief patches (P77) are also god-send in times like these. It can be applied to any part of your body and is designed to stay effective for up to 20 hours.

Powerbank

Powerbanks have become a must in everyday life, even more so when you’re at a music festival that lasts well into the night. Most of us are guilty of taking way too many videos throughout a live performance, so it’s good to keep a small powerbank with you at all times. Be careful, though, as powerbanks will tend to heat up when used under the sun.

The worst thing about powerbanks is that it tends to be bulky, which is why we recommend this sleek portable charger from Anker (P2,796).

Portable fan

Standing in the sun for a long period of time can easily result in a heat stroke. Stay cool with portable electric fans. Those sleek neck fans (P159) have turned into a recent favorite, but there are also other compact fans (P399) that can be held and stored with ease.

Consider the portable electric fan’s battery life, too. Buy one with batteries that can last the entire day, otherwise the fan will have to compete with your phone for the powerbank.

Not a fan of gadgets? You can also do with a classic hand-held pamaypay.

Lip balm

Being under the sweltering sun while belting out the lyrics to your favorite artist is hard work. How this hard work is repaid often comes in the form of dry, chapped lips. Drinking more water isn't enough to make the uncomfortable feeling go away, which is why keeping a small lip balm can really come in handy.

Dermatologists recommend applying lip balm every two hours to keep your lips soothed and moisturized. This isn't just for girls. Guys will also stand to benefit from using Chapstick (P89).

Also read: PSA: Here Are Cool Ways to Preserve Your Music Festival Wristbands

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