You’ve got your ticket, your outfit, and your hype levels at an all-time high—but are you really festival-ready? While most people focus on the basics like water bottles and sunglasses, there are tons of underrated essentials that can seriously upgrade your experience and keep you feeling comfortable, prepared, and stress-free.
Here are 15 slept-on festival packing list essentials that deserve a place in your festival bag
1. Mini Handheld Fan or Neck Fan
Why It’s Slept On: You may think they can handle the heat—until you're sweating in a packed crowd- carry a fan with you.
Why You Need It: Keeps you cool during daytime sets and helps prevent heat exhaustion.
2. Hydration Multiplier Packets
Why It’s Slept On: Water is NOT enough— long days, dancing, and alcohol dehydrate you fast.
Why You Need It: Electrolytes help you recover faster and avoid festival fatigue.
3. Compact Folding Seat
Why It’s Slept On: You'll need to sit down at some point— your legs will thank you after hours of standing.
Why You Need It: Great for taking a quick rest without having to walk to find a place to sit - will fit in a backpack
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4. High-Fidelity Earplugs
Why It’s Slept On: People don’t realize how damaging festival sound systems can be until their ears are ringing. Why You Need It: Protects your hearing while keeping the sound crisp and helps you sleep better at night. BTW you should bring foam ear plugs for while you're trying to get sleep
5. Mini First Aid and Wellness Kit
Why It’s Slept On: You don’t think about blisters, headaches, or dehydration until it’s too late.
Why You Need It: Pack band-aids, pain relievers, antacids, Pedialyte powder, and blister prevention tape - as well as Narcan
6. Cooling Towel or Ice Bandana
Why It’s Slept On: A regular towel or fan is enough to beat the heat at some festivals.
Why You Need It: A cooling towel stays cold for hours when wet and helps regulate body temperature during hot daytime sets.
7. Clip-On LED Tent Light or Headlamp
Why It’s Slept On: Don't rely on your phone flashlight, it drains the battery fast.
Why You Need It: Helps find items in your tent at night or navigate dark festival paths. TIP: Bring two headlamps (you'll probably lose one at some point and pack lots of extra batteries or usb battery packs)
8. Body Wipes or Shower Wipes
Why It’s Slept On: Don't assume you'll have access to showers—and if you do have access the lines are long and time is limited.
Why You Need It: Keeps you fresh and clean between sets, even if you skip the showers.
9. Compression Packing Cubes for Outfits
Why It’s Slept On: If you throw everything in your bag without organizing, it'll be harder to find things and waste your time.
Why You Need It: Saves space, keeps outfits together, and makes packing and unpacking easier.
10. Carabiner Clips and Gear Loops
Why It’s Slept On: There's only so much room inside your packpack or festival belt you can attach small items or frequently used items to your bag. Carabiners are also handy in camp to use too.
Why You Need It: Hook your water bottle, fan, hat, or anything else for easy access.
11. Portable Phone Charger (Solar or High-Capacity Power Bank)
Why It’s Slept On: Charging stations are not easy to find, and they will be busy if you can..
Why You Need It: A high-capacity power bank keeps your phone charged for the whole festival, you can have one with you, and one that stays in camp
12. UV Face and Body Sunscreen Stick
Why It’s Slept On: Bottled sunscreen is messy and annoying to reapply. Plus your hands will probably be dirty, so you don't want to rub them all over yourself.
Why You Need It: A sunscreen stick is mess-free, pocket-sized, and easy to use mid-festival.
13. Reusable Glow Sticks or LED Accessories
Why It’s Slept On: Most people buy single-use glow sticks that don’t last and THEY BECOME TRASH - don't use them - PLEASE Why You Need It: There are so many rechargeable LED accessories to choose from, bracelets, harnesses, bucket hats, and clothing that last all night. They act as fun additions to your outfits, add to the vibe of the festival and make it easier for your crew to spot you in the dark
14. Small Pack of Tissues or Travel Toilet Paper
Why It’s Slept On: NEVER assume porta-potties will always have toilet paper—they won’t.
Why You Need It: You’ll be a festival hero and save yourself or a friend if you have extra toilet paper on hand.
15. Mini Hand Sanitizer or Disinfecting Wipes
Why It’s Slept On: Festival bathrooms are gross and you shouldn't eat with dirty hands. Why You Need It: Keeping your hands clean reduces the risk of post-festival sickness. Fill these little keychain bottles with hand sanitizer - bring extra for your friends
While everyone remembers to pack their outfits and hydration packs, it’s the small, underrated festival essentials that can make the biggest difference. Whether it’s staying cool, staying organized, or staying comfortable, these 15 festival must-haves will help you survive and thrive at any festival.
What’s an underrated festival item you swear by? Drop it in the comments and share this with your festival crew!
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