The Ultimate (Non-Camper's) Coachella Packing Guide
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Are you prepared for Coachella?
Here are some essentials that every festival goer should have in their fanny pack!
Congratulations are in order because if you are reading this, you are probably one of the lucky ones who survived the massive rush to secure your tickets this past January. Prepare yourselves for one of the greatest weekends jam packed with tons of artists, celebrities, music lovers and massive pool parties in the Colorado Desert... or so I have heard. This will be my first Coachella, and although it is difficult to prepare for something that you haven't experienced, I have been constantly reading and watching everything that has to do with the Festival. What? Don't Judge, I am excited..that's all. However, out of this mania, has emerged an encyclopedic list of essentials for the most coveted weekend in the West Coast.
First, if you do not know what Coachella is, it is an annual music and arts festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Personally, I have been waiting years to attend Coachella so the minute I purchased tickets, I sent my boss the most rapid P.T.O request and started planning my trip.
Now its March and the countdown to the 2018 festival, or 'Beychella', has OFFICIALLY commenced. However, my excitement has quickly turned into madness as I realize that there are only T-23 days before the festival!
Here is my exhaustive, in all definitions of the word, list of things that I will be bringing to Coachella this year to prevent myself from lying unconscious from heat exhaustion before Queen Bey hits the stage!
Read until the end for some tips and tricks of navigating the weekend. I will be documenting a detailed Coachella experience on my blog, so be sure to follow me on Instagram for those article updates.
The Ultimate Packing List For Coachella
Be sure to read the Festival's general list of allowed and restricted items before packing, because apparently they are out here separating humans from their selfie sticks! Also, make your life a little easier by purchasing the following items on Amazon- Prime.
I recommend:
1. Fanny Pack
The perfect experience obviously starts with a sturdy bag to secure your belongings in.
Fanny Packs are gold for these types of events and come in all different shapes, colors and sizes ranging in price. This will be my go-to bag for this festival season because of the convenience, versatiliy and the optimum fact that Yara Shahidi made it look exceedingly chic. Ok, not just her, but fanny packs are the new everyday bags, so duh-get with it!
If you are like me and have lots of "essentials", I recommend finding that is big enough to hold a plastic water bottle. The option of the water bottle storage is just convenient if you truly want to be hands free!
Below is a fanny pack that I have particularly been eyeing.
I guess I should say something about backpacks too... they are good, great storage, but won't your back hurt? Think.. about.. it...hmm?? But in all seriousness it is up to you!
2. Water Bottle
SoOoOoO.... Apparently the the price of festival water is astronomical at $5 dollars a bottle!! Justkidding, I have no idea how much it is. Honestly, forums have been giving me mixed messages, but one thing that everyone has agreed on is how buying water can add up. People have spent close to $25 dollars per day for bottles. Honestly, not sure if the price amounts are valid, but I would rather bring my own water bottle to be safe. Besides, you can fill them up at water stations that are conveniently located on the festival grounds.
A Camelback with bag space works and it also has space for your belongings.
This is also a convenient option and may save some room in that fanny pack! -- Collapsible Water Bottle.
3. Portable Battery Pack
Bring like three... call me a little self-obsessed, but I'll own it this time. I want to document everything, so there is no time for my phone's battery to deplete. Apps like Snapchat (or not, thanks Kylie) and Instagram will not only drain your cell data, but also your battery just as fast as you are losing your electrolytes.
There are charging stations at Coachella, but you can probably bypass the long lines by having your own.
4. A "non professional" Camera
As a photographer and blogger, I know that I'll want to document this experience. Unfortunately, according to Coachella rules, only camera's without removable lenses will be allowed in. Simply put, bring a compact!
For those who do not want to compromise the quality of their shots can purchase a good camera between $100 to $500. Although the higher end is a hefty investment, it may be great for future use in times like these. In any case, It is always better than lugging around your heavy DSLR.
5. Fans & Cooling Aids
I should have talked about this first.
I do not know about you, but I overheat AND I am a total Diva about it! I have gone so far as to watch videos of how to make your emergency soda can ice air conditioner-- so I am really not playing!!
Although I would love to be extra and wear a wide brimmed hat, they make me way too sweaty.
I will be taking a fan and am debating between purchasing the following:
The Welltop Mini. (because of the misting feature)
In addition to the fan, I will be taking a cooling towel like the ALFAMO & Way2Cool .
I may even make this Peppermint Cooling Spray. See recipe below.
Peppermint Oil Cooling Spray Recipe
Pour Equal Parts of distilled water and Witch Hazel into a spray container.
Example Measurements: 4 Tbsp. water & 4 Tbsp Witch Hazel
Add 4-10 drops of peppermint essential oil
Example Measurements: 8 drops of peppermint oil.
Shake, spray and stay cool!
6. Sun Protection, Bug Spray & Dust Protection
The last thing anyone wants is a scorching sunburn that lasts way beyond the eventful weekend. Tiny packets of sunscreen, found at convenience stores, can fit very neatly into your fanny pack and should suffice for the weekend.
Don't come home with that Coachella Cough. Festival veterans use scarves, bandanas or dust masks around their faces and neck to protect themselves from the flying dirt in the air.
7. Emergency Cures
If you suffer from seasonal allergies or feel achy; Advil, Benadryl & Antacids will be best friends after a long day and night of partying.
A D.I.Y First Aid Kit comprised of a couple of band aids, Vitamin C (Airborne) tablets, Electrolyte tablets and Neosporin would be enough to take care of any affliction you may have.
8. Ear Protection
It is loud at concerts so imagine a festival with three stages blasting music simultaneously. Ear plugs will help to ease the pressure on your ears. According to Coachella forums, some of the security guards may carry extras. Be kind to them so they will help you out.
9. Sunglasses
Just as you should protect your body, protect your eyes. I assure you that you do not want to lose your expensive pair of Gucci and ruin your weekend so take something cheap so that your fun will continue even if it gets lost. Unless, you have a disposable income like that, then hun bring that Dolce!
10. Chapstick or Vaseline
Your lips will thank you for saving it from the dryness induced by the Coachella Valley. All you need is that 3 for $3.49 Classic Strawberry Chap Stick from Walgreens or some simple vaseline.
11. Wet Wipes & Porta-Potty Supplies
We have all been acquainted with infamous portable restroom stories. Bring your favorite brand of wet ones, Charmin, and some hand sanitizer to do your business with.
12. Snacks
Since food is my favorite pass time, I will probably splurge a little in this area at the venue. However, I will be bringing some snacks bars (i.e protein bars, kind etc.) so that I won't have to leave my perfect spot in the Sahara tent just because my stomach is growling.
13. The Obvious Stuff
There are some things that you never leave home without and there are some you should not forget:
ID, credit cards (Especially the ones that you may have paid for Coachella with), a watch, Coachella Wrist Band, Phone, Pen or Sharpie, Camera and Cash.
TIP #1:
Easily reconnect with your lost items
Make a contact page the screensaver of your electronic devices so that people are able to contact you if it ever gets lost.
TIP #2:
Bring a working Sharpie
Sharpies are good for phone numbers, autographs (if you are fortunate enough to meet a celebrity), jotting notes or meet up times.
Tip #3
Download the Coachella App
Download the Coachella app from your phone's app store to, not only activate your wristband, but to also check set times and set reminders for the acts that you want to see.
Tip #4
It is possible to be both trendy and comfortable
Coachella style is very, well, BOHO- chic, but there is also an abundance of festival street styles that appeal to a variety of people. Click (Here-Elle) and (Here-W) for examples of fashion that were debut at past festivals.
Everyone has their own style; and this will probably be the place to show it. Although many Coachella survival guides recommend to forgo trends and stay comfy, many style guides think the polar opposite. Personally, I will try to aim somewhere in between stylish and comfortable.
For what my opinion is worth, just be yourself, but also go ALL out cause it's Coachella.
Be Mindful: Many people decide to face paint, or wear things of cultural value without being aware of it.. don't be those people. Be mindful and sensitive of the culture of others.
Tip #5
When in doubt, just put glitter on
I will probably stay away from a full beat face throughout the weekend because the 90-degree heat will probably make my beat face look like Mr. "fried" potato head.
Instead, I will probably be using a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. Regardless of what is on my face, I sure know that glitter is a must.
Definitely look into Unicorn Snot for your glitter makeup needs. If you are a glitter fiend like myself, ORDER immediately. This is great for cheek-bones, eyelids, collar bones, basically any place cause it's glittery sparkly and cute.
Tip #6
Luggashelf. If only I could emphasize my love for this invention beyond the bold font type that I am using...
This is the perfect way to organize your weekend wear inside and outside of your suitcase. This is my first time using one and already can feel the difference it has made by reducing my travel anxieties. It has pockets for makeup and toiletries, jewelry and shoes. It also can hold up to 30lbs of clothes.
Update* Actually, I am going to be truthful here, I tested it out and I pack way too much to be using this invention! Uh, so I am not sure if I am going to use it for this trip.
Now you are prepared for the 2018 Coachella Festival!
These recommendations are only meant to enhance your experience. I am sure that you spent a good amount of money to attend this year's Coachella Festival so why not be prepared to guarantee your enjoyment! As you can probably tell, I won't be camping. That is a whole other list on its own. Regardless, I hope these are essentials that could make your festival day more manageable.
If you have any other questions or suggestions of what you'd like to learn more about regarding Coachella, let me know in the comments below.
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