If you're like me, you don't pack for music festivals until 10 minutes to go-time, which means you'll forget something crucial and end up bartering with a dreadlocked burnout named Rave Dave for a keychain flashlight so you can find your tent. Don't be like me. There are a few must-have items for festivals, keeping in mind that venue-based events are a little different than field ones, but not by much.
Positive Mental Attitude (PMA)
Leave your bad mood at home like it's Kevin McCallister.
Socks
Never underestimate these little guys. I've stunk up enough Vans for all of us.
Bathing suit
If you're a woman and don't get a yeast infection at least once a summer from wearing damp lycra for six hours, you're doing it wrong. Why don't you try living for once?
Cool jean shorts or "jorts"
Cut the legs off your denim pants and presto, you're cool.
Undies
Sometimes people (not me) poop their pants at festivals, especially if booze is in the mix (again, not me). Shit happens, so be prepared. Plus, with clean undies, you don't need to shower.
Snacks
It's 4am and you're hungry. You'll think, "Why didn't I bring a box of granola bars or something? This is how I die. I'm so hungry. This is how it ends." Any snack will do.
Cash
Super important! Depending on the festival, cash is a necessity for merch, food, beer, water and recreational party aides (drugs, I mean). Festivals are generally a cash-only economy.
Phone charger
It's 1am. You're turning your phone on and off trying to cheat the last three percent of battery. You can't find your friends and you wished you had put some time into packing.
