Festival Essentials: What I Wouldn’t Be Caught Without

When getting ready for any festival, Bonnaroo included, there are obviously the typical items that you want to make sure that you have. I call this my ‘duh list’- but fail not, I also forget something off this list too. To avoid this, I’ve made my ‘duh list’ the first things that I start packing/setting aside when preparing to pack. However, there are a few items that, honestly, I would be caught dead at a festival without. These are NOT your average essentials like a battery pack, etc. The essentials listed here- you’ll be glad you know about, especially for Bonnaroo! (Check out my Youtube video all about this here)

If you’re looking for something more in-depth, click here to check out my entire Rave Hackers Festival Guide! It has tons of information for festival gear and hacks to make your festival experience a great one! Download it now (FOR FREE) below.

Travel

Getting to Bonnaroo is obviously the most important step. No matter how much you prepare it won’t matter if you get a flat and can’t figure out what to do next. Below are the things you should have in your car BEFORE you leave for the trip.

My first year at Bonnaroo my friends and I waited in line for almost 6 hours. During that wait, we quickly realized several things: quit drinking mass amounts of liquids once you get in line because you could be holding it for a while, and make sure to have easily accessible snacks/drinks if needed! When I was trying to come home that same year, my car died and you’d be surprised how hard it was to find someone who had jumper cables. Your car battery dying can be an easy thing! Especially if you’re like me, and utilize it to charge your phone or battery pack when you’re at the campsite!

The Campsite

The camping experience at Bonnaroo is something that people constantly rave about. You’ll see tons of different styles, shapes and looks if you go exploring on The Farm. Below are some things that I feel are underratedly awesome and important for a successfully comfortable campsite.

Every year, it never fails that someone asks for either a knife or scissors when we’re on The Farm, and frequently I myself need one. This is why the multi-tool is SO great to have on hand. Another essential to have on hand is good lighting. Personally, I like to use lanterns, but headlights or string lights are a great option too!

Now, let’s just talk about the cuddle puddle. I’ve gone back and forth about it- but it’s TRULY the way to go. Air mattresses will continue to deflate every night and morning- no matter how much you pump it. Now, why go through all that pain and discomfort when you can just cuddle up in a giant puddle of blankets with comfy padding underneath? Personally, I recommend these pads (they’re great!).

Comfort

Obviously, no one wants to rough it at a festival if they don’t HAVE to. So below are some of my essentials when it comes to Bonnaroo.

One day when I was preparing for Bonnaroo I found some GEMS that really ended up making my life over the past couple years amazing. The battery-powered fans really are essential if you’re going to be in a tent. The industrial style ones (like this) are amazing, and the fan will go all night long. The wet wipes speak for themselves, but the water cooling towels- lemme just tell you about them. They stay oh-so cool as long as you add water- they’re great for under hats or just around your neck. Truly. Lifesaving.

Food

Buying food at the festivals can get expensive- and honestly I love pizza but I’m not a fan of it in the morning. I like to get myself some good nutrition, especially after getting sick after my first Roo!

YES- TRASH BAGS! Save the Earth and the Farm guys- really. We’re so blessed to have such a beautiful experience year after year, and if there’s anything we’ve learned from Okeechobee getting canceled and Electric Forest cutting back to only one weekend- it’s that you HAVE to value the land you’re thriving on. So don’t litter- don’t throw your random shit on the ground (*end of rant*). Also, meal prepping is where it’s at. For example, instead of bringing along 10 whole eggs, I crack them into a bottle and mark every 2 eggs. It makes them easy to pour in the mornings with minimal mess!

The Venue

The items listed below are things that honestly, you’re going to want for yourself. They’re great- and really revolutionized my life when I brought them to Bonnaroo for the first time.

What I would die without:

These are my Bonnaroo non-essential essentials. These are all items that I wouldn’t be caught at Bonnaroo, or any festival, without. Check it out- tell me what you think! Share some of your favorite gear or essentials in the comments down below!