People have long gathered to immerse themselves in the world of music and art, and to be amongst communities that share a common interest. Music festivals offer an escape from the mundane, and a chance to see your favorite artists in one place.

Festival-goers usually end up spending a full day (if not longer, in weekend-long festivals like Coachella, for example) out, so it’s essential to leave the house prepared with everything you need for the day.

Whether you're a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, having a well-prepared music festival essentials checklist is crucial in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. In this article, we guide you through the must-haves of handy items to include in your packing list, including some special considerations for desert festivals like Soundstorm.

1. Back to Basics: Tickets, Wristbands, and ID

The very first things you have to double-check before leaving for a festival are your tickets/wristbands and a valid form of ID. 

These are your keys to entering the festival grounds, don’t forget to pack them. You could go the extra mile and ensure they’re safely secured in a waterproof pouch or a zippered compartment within your bag (for easy access).

2. Hydration is Key

Staying hydrated is critical during a long day of walking from stage to stage, dancing, and singing along to your favorite songs underneath the sun. 

Fill up a reusable water bottle and bring a hydration pack to make sure you have easy access to water. Check beforehand that outside drinks are allowed for the specific festival you’re going to, though, because you wouldn’t want your bottle confiscated. 

3. Sun Protection

Chances are, you’re attending an outdoor festival and will spend all day there, so it’s important you bring adequate sun protection as part of your music festival essentials.

Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat of your choice, and sunscreen are all essential. UV protection is usually an overlooked music festival essential, but it can make a significant difference in your comfort and health during the event. 

Tip: Sun protection isn’t just for sunny days; there’s still a high UV index on cloudy days, so be extra careful not to skim on this.

4. Comfortable Footwear

This may not necessarily be something you pack - unless you opt for uncomfortable footwear for the sake of pictures and you decide to change throughout the day. 

Your choice of footwear can make or break your festival experience, though. Go for comfortable, closed-toe shoes (to make sure your feet are protected from dancers in large crowds) that can withstand hours of dancing and walking. You can even go the extra mile and get gel insoles that provide extra support and cushioning. It's also wise to have a pair of flip-flops or sandals for relaxing at your campsite (especially if it’s a particularly hot day).

5. Cash and Cards

While many festivals have adopted cashless payment systems, it's still a good idea to carry both cash and a debit or credit card - just in case. You might find some vendors that don't accept electronic payments or encounter situations where cash is just more convenient for you.

6. Lightweight Backpack

Finally, the item to pack your music festival essentials in a lightweight backpack.  Look for one with multiple compartments to keep your belongings organized and secure. Ideally, a waterproof, rip-proof, and anti-theft backpack will become your festival (and adventure) companion for life.

Camping Festival Essentials

If you're attending a camping or overnight festival, there are extra essentials you're going to need as part of your music festival packing list. The foundations include a high-quality tent, sleeping bag, air mattress or sleeping pad, and a sturdy camping chair(s). Make sure your tent is not too much of a hassle to set up, as you'll want to get to the stages as quickly as possible. If you're traveling with a group, consider bringing a pop-up canopy to create a communal shaded area.

Alongside those, here are a few other pointers to keep in mind for your music festival essentials checklist:

1. Festival Wardrobe

It’s important to plan your festival outfits carefully. While you’re most likely to prioritize style, comfort is also something to keep in mind.

The smartest way to go about it is to opt for light, breathable fabrics, like cotton or linen, which will ensure you don’t get too hot. You should definitely remember to pack a few extra layers for cooler evenings, something that won’t be too heavy or inconvenient to carry. 

2. Ear Protection

Music festivals are known for their powerful sound systems, and protecting your hearing is imperative, especially if you’re going to be at a weekend-long festival. Investing in a good pair of earplugs that are designed to filter out excessive noise while maintaining sound quality is definitely one of the concert essentials.

3. Portable Phone Charger

Between taking photos and videos, navigating the festival, and coordinating with friends, your phone's battery can drain quickly. A reliable energy bank that can charge you and your friends’ phones will ensure that you all stay connected throughout the event.

4. First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen (especially if there are  large crowds and dancing involved), and it's better to be prepared. Make sure at least one person in your friend group who’s attending the festival has some sort of first-aid kit packed. This should include adhesive bandages, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications you may need (depending on where you’re going, some type of bug repellant, as well as aloe vera gel for sunburns, may also be useful). 

Desert Music Festival Essentials

The most important part of any music festival’s essential checklist is considering the environment. In this case, let’s hone in on a desert festival. Desert landscapes lend themselves as the perfect canvas for some of the world's most extraordinary festivals. Thanks to the absence of urban noise constraints, they’re able to have massive sound systems and infinite creative possibilities, like unique stages, art installations.. One example is MDLBEAST’s Soundstorm Festival, which takes place over three days in Riyadh's beautiful Banban desert, bringing together the hottest EDM talent for the biggest music festival in the Middle East.

Packing essentials may be a little more complicated for these kinds of music festivals, though, due to the dry weather and challenging environments of deserts. The same basic music festival essentials would apply here, but here are a few extra items to bring along:

1. Dust Protection

Desert environments can be dusty, especially if you’re in the middle of a crowd of people dancing. Make sure you pack goggles or some sort of wraparound sunglasses and a dust mask to protect your eyes and your breathing.

2. Scarf or Keffiyeh

A scarf or a keffiyeh can protect from the sun, as well as the dust, and even serves as a fashionable accessory. It's a versatile addition to your music festival essentials list.

3. Heavy Duty Water Bottle, or Hydration Vest

With the dry air of the desert, you’re sure to be even more dehydrated than usual - especially at a music festival. Having a larger water reservoir, like a hydration vest, for example, can be a lifesaver. Make sure whatever you get is insulated and keeps your water cool throughout the day.

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Music festivals are a chance to immerse yourself and reconnect. To fully enjoy the experience, you must be well-prepared with a thought-out music festival essentials checklist.