Ever been halfway to a festival and suddenly realized you forgot sunscreen or your camping gear? Don’t let these small things ruin your perfect weekend! Learn from our festival slip-ups as we guide you to an enjoyable camping festival experience.
- Electric chargers, and portable phone chargers: Keep your devices powered up so you can stay connected and capture memories throughout the festival.
Our recommendation: The Anker Power Bank is our top pick for 2024. It offers fast charging options, wireless charging capabilities, and a durable build—all at an affordable price. Whether you need to keep your phone charged for snapping photos or want a reliable backup power source, the Anker Power Bank delivers exceptional quality and longevity.
For those seeking versatility beyond just phone charging, consider a high-power jump starter. This device not only charges your phone but also features an LED flashlight and can jump-start your vehicle in emergencies. It’s a practical addition to your festival gear, ensuring you stay powered up and prepared for any situation.
- Sunscreen: Protect your skin from sunburn and sun damage during long hours outdoors.
Our recommendation: For reliable sun protection, we recommend the CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Lotion for Face and Body. This sunscreen is water-resistant, gentle on your skin, and priced at less than $15. Its lightweight formula ensures comfortable wear without leaving a greasy residue, making it ideal for all-day use at festivals. Stay protected and enjoy the festivities without worrying about sunburn!
- Cash:Ensure you have enough cash on hand to cover expenses like drinks, food, drinks, souvenirs, oh and drinks throughout the festival.
Our recommendation: Bring at least $100 with you. In this economy, that might only be enough for a couple of drinks, but hey, better safe than sober!
- Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from the sun’s glare while enjoying outdoor activities.
Our recommendation: Sunglasses are essential for keeping you awake and looking cool during those rough mornings after late nights of dancing. If you’re anything like me, you might be tempted to bring a fancy pair from Ray-Ban or another high-end brand. But for a festival, it’s best to skip the designer shades. Trust me, it’s a lot less painful to lose a $40 pair from a local store than a $300 pair. Save the pricey sunglasses for another day and enjoy the festival worry-free!
- Refillable water bottles:Stay hydrated throughout the festival by easily refilling your bottle at water stations, reducing waste.
Our recommendation: The Owala water bottle is the trending choice for 2024, and it lives up to the hype. It’s way less expensive than other brands, costing only $39 on the official website.
- Travel-sized toilet paper:Be prepared for restroom facilities that may run out or not provide toilet paper.
Our recommendation: While stocking up on travel-sized toilet paper from your local grocery store is essential, consider investing in a portable toilet for added comfort and convenience. Festival bathrooms can be unpredictable, and having your setup ensures you’re prepared for any situation. For those who value their privacy and personal space, a privacy tent is also recommended. It’s a game-changer for maintaining a sense of comfort and privacy during your festival adventure.t experience. Having your own portable toilet ensures you’re prepared for any situation.
- Tent:Provides ample space for sleeping comfortably and storing belongings.
Our recommendation: Full disclosure, we’re in the rooftop tent business and firm advocates of their benefits for overlanding and camping. Brands like IKamper, Thule, RoofTop Tents, and Yakima are great competitors since despite their prices they provide an excellent range of rooftop tents, offering unmatched convenience and comfort for outdoor enthusiasts. While the initial investment in these high-end models may appear substantial, we firmly believe they offer significant returns in both the short and long term. However, if you’re seeking an affordable tent specifically for festivals, REI, The North Face, and Backcountry offer quality and budget-friendly options in traditional tents that can meet your immediate needs without the added investment of a rooftop tent.
- Cooler:Keeps food and beverages cold and fresh throughout the festival.
Our recommendation: When it comes to coolers, you have options depending on your needs. For a budget-friendly choice that gets the job done, consider the Igloo brand. It’s reliable for keeping your food and drinks cool throughout the festival and offers good value for your money.
If you’re looking for something more durable and versatile, investing in a high-end portable fridge/freezer might be worth it. Brands like Dometic and ARB offer models that allow you to adjust temperatures and easily transport them. While these options are pricier, they ensure your beverages stay refreshingly cold and can last for years of festival adventures.
9. Awnings: providing shade and weather protection.
Our Recommendation: When preparing for a festival, having an awning for your vehicle is just as essential as choosing the right rooftop tent. Awnings provide crucial shelter and enhance your outdoor experience, making them a must-have for any festival-goer. There are various kinds of car awnings to choose from, including side awnings, batwing awnings, awnings with side rooms attached, hard case awnings, soft case awnings, and free-standing awnings. Each type offers unique features and benefits, so understanding these differences is important for making the best choice for your needs. Regardless of which awning you choose, having one from our list will ensure you have the perfect shelter for a rainy day at a festival or shade to avoid sunburns. Brands we recommend include Alu-Cab, Front Runner, and RoofTop Tents.
We hope this guide sets you up for an amazing festival experience! Use these tips for future festivals and enjoy Summer 2024 to the fullest. For more on the best festivals on the West Coast for campers and overlanders, like us who want to live in the present and make the most of the 2024 summer season, check out the festivals around you. Happy festival season!