The Ultimate Packing List for Music Festivals
Presented by RooftopTents.ca
Get ready to turn up the volume on your next music festival adventure. Whether you’re dancing through a single day of beats at FVDED in the Park or embracing the full weekend warrior experience at Shambhala or Bass Coast, having the right gear makes all the difference. We’ve put together the ultimate music festival packing guide that’s perfect for British Columbia and beyond, complete with weather-specific survival tips and top-tier gear from RooftopTents.ca to make your experience epic, comfortable, and unforgettable.
🌤 Survival Tip #1: Check the Weather!
With ANY camping experience, you want to make sure that you’re prepared to face the elements. You do NOT have the everyday luxuries of running water, a roof over your head, or heating or air conditioning, so make sure to remember the basics.
If the Forecast Calls for RAIN:
- Tent with a rain cover
- A tarp for under your tent
- Canopy or Awnings
- Extra tarps (under and around canopy)
- Tapestries (for wind-breaking walls)
- Extra tent stakes
- Poncho and/or rain jacket
- Rain boots or waterproof shoes
- Extra layers & socks
- Extra blankets
- Zip ties and/or rope
Pro Tip: Lay a tarp larger than your tent footprint. It prevents pooling at the base and provides a mud-free zone for shoes and gear. Use your canopy as a “patio” entrance to cover the tent opening. Zip ties and ropes help secure tarp walls to your canopy in windy or wet conditions.
If the Forecast Calls for HIGH HEAT:
- High SPF sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight long sleeves
- Bucket hat or wide-brim hat
- Pashmina or bandana (dust protection)
- Tent fan
- Canopy for shade
- Extra tarps & tapestries
- Hydration pack
- Water jugs
- Blender Bottle or Hydroflask
- Hydration sticks like Raveraide
- Sandals or flip flops.
- Cooler &/OR Portable Fridge
- Hand Fan
- Portable Freezer
- Portable Battery
Pro Tip: Keep your campsite cool with walls for your canopy to block moving sunlight. Hydration is key — bring a refillable water container and electrolytes. Dust can be an issue, so protect your lungs and throat with a facial covering.
If the Forecast Calls for COLD WEATHER:
- Pashmina or scarf
- Extra blankets
- Stove or kettle for boiling water
- Hand warmers or gloves
- Thick fuzzy socks
- Insulated coat or fleece jacket
- Onesie or thermals
- Sweatpants & sweatshirt
- Beanie or warm hat
⭐ One-Day Festival Packing List
These essentials are must-haves for anyone attending a festival for just one day.
🎒 Essentials
- Festival ticket & ID
- Debit/credit card (limit cash)
- Sunglasses
- Hat (bucket hat or cap)
- Comfortable shoes
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Bandana
- Sunscreen (non-aerosol recommended)
- Bug spray
- Lip balm with SPF
- Earplugs (music-safe or sleep-grade)
- Daypack or dry bag
- Baby wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
- Water bottle carrier
- First aid kit
- Outdoor blanket or mat
🔌 Electronics
- Portable phone charger
- Travel fan
- Polaroid or disposable camera
🎉 Fun Extras
- Hand fan.
- Bubbles Candy/lollipops.
- Funky outfits.
- LED accessories.
- Hats and jewelry.
🏕️ Multi-Day Festival Packing List
Staying overnight? Here’s what you need in addition to the one-day essentials.
💧 Extended Essentials
- Hydration pack & electrolyte mix.
- Water jugs.
- Trash bags.
- Camping snacks & dry food.
- Flip flops for showers or late-night trips.
- Warm layers (hoodie, jacket).
- Spare underwear & socks.
- Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
- Dry shampoo.
- Portable Solar shower.
- Microfiber towel Cooler.
🛏️ Camping Gear.
- Rooftop tent.
- Vehicle Awning.
- Sleeping bag.
- Blanket.
- Camping pillow.
- Sleep pad or mattress.
- Camping chair.
- Stove + fuel.
- Coffee maker.
- Kitchen gear.
- Camping Table.
- Privacy Rooms.
- Porta Potty.
🔦 Lights & Power
- LED lantern.
- Headlamp.
- Solar string lights.
- Portable Battery.
- Portable Solar Panel.
🎊 Fun Camp Add-ons
- Hula hoops.
- Glow sticks.
- Playing cards.
- Cups & ping pong balls.
🚫 What Not to Bring
- Always check the specific festival’s rules, but commonly banned items include:
- Fireworks.
- Animals (unless service-certified).
- Glass containers.
- Outside food/beverage (in concert areas).
- Large sound systems.
📦 Packing Tips
- Don’t overpack; stick to functional and versatile items.
- Use a small cross-body bag during the day.
- Dress in layers and pack for changing weather.
- Use packing cubes to stay organized.
- Double-check the festival’s gear list before arriving.
Ready to hit the festival trail? From durable rooftop tents to sun-shielding awnings, hydration gear, and portable comforts, RooftopTents.ca has everything you need to make your next festival legendary.
