By: Emmi Buck
- Coconut Water – Making sure you’re hydrated at a festival is crucial. You can see more art and music if you’re properly nourished, and coconut water packs in extra potassium.
- Essential Oxygen Organic Brushing Rinse – It trumps toothpaste by a mile because 1) you don’t need water, and 2) spitting it out on the ground wouldn’t be toxic like toothpaste foam is, but actually cleans the ground and feeds the plants. Swish with the sunrise and enjoy a cozy canoodle in your tent.
- Lights, Lights, Lights – You should bring lights for 1) yourself 2) your tent 3) your bike. Wearing clothing or accessories that light up is not only super fun, but it also keeps you safe so others can see you, and helps your friends find you if you’re separated. Lighting up your tent and chill zone is important for getting yourself home when you’re tired. Your bike should be uniquely lit so not only is it visible to others, but you can pick out in a sea of other lit up bikes.
- NutriBiotics Essential Electrolytes – Keep your body feeling good without all the added sugar of other electrolyte and vitamin supplements. Dance longer and recover faster with Essential Electrolytes, which combines 100 mg of vitamin C with electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, zinc, and chromium). Take several a few times a day, especially when the sun is beating down. Restoring and maintaining our mineral balance goes a long way towards feeling our best at events.
- Stakes/Rebar + Tennis Balls – Securing your tent, shade structure, etc. is really important even if it doesn’t seem windy. You never know when mother nature might decide to blow your way, so stake down everything upon set-up. Don’t forget to put tennis balls on the upward facing ends so nobody gets hurt!
- Nalgene / Hydro Flask Liquid Containers – This is a tip that applies to LIFE, not just camping festivals! Stop wasting disposable drink cups and start bringing your own beverage container(s). Make sure your containers are BPA-free and well-rated so you can take them on adventures and not worry about their quality or ability to keep hot things hot and cold things cold.
- A Personal Potty Plan – Whether it’s a simple water bottle style container (paired with a lady-funnel for girls) or an all-out personal pooper bucket, make sure you have a game plan for when duty calls and portos are miles away. I prefer making my own custom device, but some companies that will handle the dirty work for you include: SheWee, RESTOP, Reliance, Go-Girl, and Go Pilot.
- Essential Oxygen 3% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide – Clean absolutely anything really effectively with this versatile, non-toxic, no bleach, food grade product. Wipe down cutting boards, plates, utensils, knives, tools, tables, and more. Plus, if somebody spills pickle juice all over your White Wednesday outfit, you can remove stains of all types.
- Beyond Coastal Sunscreen – This is another “applies to life” item since we so frequently forget the importance of sun protection. Your dermatologist and future self will thank you – just bring this stuff everywhere and apply frequently! Making your own non-toxic sunscreen is a great option, but if you’re looking for effective store-bought sunscreen, Beyond Coastal makes EWG-approved, good for you and the environment options (and great SPF chapstick too).
- Two Sets of Ear Plugs – One set for sleeping, the other for saving yourself from tinnitus or other more serious ear damage. Splurge on comfortable pairs and make sure the ones you get for going out are high-quality. It’s worth it to spend more now rather than big bucks down the line at the audiologist.
- Water Spritzer – A spray of cool water with a hint of lavender essential oil is heaven on earth when you’re starting to feel the heat. The lavender will make you smell good, disinfects skin, soothes pain, and heals burns. Soak or spritz a bandana and apply to your forehead or back of neck for extra cooling effects.
- Honest Company Baby Wipes – Staying clean can be difficult at dusty festivals with showers being few and far between, especially if you’re out adventuring a lot. Plant-based, natural baby wipes by Honest Co. are durable, hypoallergenic, and infused with various botanicals that are antioxidants, skin soothers, and moisturizers. Bring LOTS so you can share (you’ll make tons of friends) and DO NOT put them in porta potties (you’ll make enemies)!