To help you make your rave weekend as safe and pleasant as possible, you need to pack items that will keep you healthy and comfortable during long camping festivals that can easily be uncomfortable. Many ravers instinctually pack light, but there are some essentials that you should never leave behind.
Ultimate Festival Essentials Checklist
Consider this the ultimate rave essentials checklist. If you’re going to a rave, especially a multi-day or camping event, make sure you pack the following items!
Hydration Backpack
Even the smallest hydration backpacks carry around 1.5 gallons, which is more than ten regular-sized water bottles. Wearing a hydration backpack is exponentially easier than lugging around ten water bottles, so having one of these makes staying hydrated much more convenient.
Comfortable Shoes
We know with all the funky shoe styles, it can be tempting to choose a pair of shoes that may be uncomfortable. After all, it’s all about the rave fit, right? Wrong! If your feet are in pain, you won’t be able to dance or walk around comfortably. Sneakers, boots, and sandals are the best move, so leave the high heels at home. If you have to wear uncomfy shoes, bring a pair of flip-flops or sneakers to change into.
Sunglasses
For daytime raves, sunglasses can prevent you from squinting for hours while also being a stunning accessory. Always carry a pair or two of sunglasses to your rave to avoid an uncomfortable day in the sun.
Gum
Gum is one of the most important rave essentials for ravers who partake in certain recreational activities. Keep your palate fresh if you make a love connection at the rave or need something to help you unclench your jaw while partying.
Earplugs
Sometimes the music and bass at raves can be too much. And frankly, the noise level at concerts can harm our eardrums. Bring a handy pair of earplugs to protect your ears without missing out on your favorite music and the exhilarating energy in the middle of the dance floor.
Towel
You can bring a large beach towel if you have a bigger backpack or a small hand towel if you want to pack light. A beach towel can make for a nice picnic blanket when you and your crew want to relax, while a hand towel can help you wipe the sweat off following an intense dance party.
Sunscreen
In case you don’t have a mother around to lecture you about wearing sunscreen, we’re here to do it! Wear sunscreen! Reapply sunscreen! We recommend at least SPF 30, but you can go higher to be on the safer side. Reapply every one to two hours, or you may be an uncomfortable lobster for the rest of your festival weekend.
Hand Fans
Many of the best raves take place in steamy places, so along with staying hydrated, you should bring a hand fan to give yourself a light breeze when necessary. From the sweltering sun to the crowded dance floors, it’s easy to get hot and uncomfortable, so a hand fan is a simple solution.
Bandana Masks
A lot of dust, dirt, and smoke swirls in the air at raves, especially in the more crowded spots. Bandanas and masks are rave festival essentials, as they can guard you against dust and smoke while also reducing the spread of germs.
Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are one of the top rave camping essentials because you won’t always have access to a shower. You can keep yourself clean by wiping down with baby wipes a few times a day, removing sweat, dirt, and grime so you can feel as fresh as possible while camping.
Hand Sanitizer
Raves are crowded places where it’s easy to spread germs. A small bottle of hand sanitizer can do wonders to protect you from diseases while enjoying your favorite music. Sometimes you may not even have access to a sink and soap, so hand sanitizer helps you keep your hands clean.
Toilet Paper
The last thing you want is to find yourself in a portapotty sans toilet paper. While most raves and festivals do their best to keep a steady supply of toilet paper available, it is best not to risk it. Bring at least one roll with you, if not three or four, for the weekend.
Sleeping Bag
One of the most critical rave camping essentials is a sleeping bag. Even the most rugged ravers will regret skipping this essential. When you’re amped up about the rave, it’s easy to convince yourself you can sleep on the ground with just a sweatshirt or blanket. But after a hardcore night of partying, you need a comfortable place to get some shuteye so you can re-energize for the next day.
Fanny Pack
Fanny packs are undoubtedly the best way to carry your belongings at a rave or festival. They’re comfortable to wear and come in many appealing colors, designs, and patterns. Carrying things like your phone, wallet, tickets, souvenirs, water, snacks, and more can be challenging when wearing a skimpy rave outfit. The solution is a stylish fanny pack!
First Aid Kit
Minor scrapes or bruises are common at festivals. You may get bumped into on the dance floor, trip while walking around a festival, or give yourself a painful hangover. Having a first aid kit with bandaids, Neosporin, and aspirin can help you care for yourself during a crazy rave weekend.