My little sister is going to Coachella for the first time this year. She’s never been to a festival or rave. In order to ensure she has the best, most comfortable time ever, I’ve made a guide:
The Most Complete List of Coachella Essentials
Seriously, look no further. My mom tried to help and found articles that listed foldable Ray-Ban sunglasses, and lipgloss... Let’s get real. What do you actually need, that isn’t just part of a trend? You’ve already spent enough on that ticket.
This guide is to help you survive being at the festival. Obviously don’t forget your wristband and ID, but these are all items that I bring with me to Coachella and many other festivals or raves. From my experience, they all come in handy and I’m glad I have them. Nothing worse than no more toilet paper at the portapotty or having to find a medical tent and leave the stage to cover a blister.
So let’s get started, first: a good backpack. This really doesn’t have to be anything special, but the most important thing when choosing a backpack is that it is large enough to hold a water bottle. Use that as your guiding factor when deciding.
Your backpack we are now going to fill with what I have experienced are essential items. Some are added to help take you from day to night in the marathon that is Coachella; some are added for convenience of having them right with you.
Most items you should buy at a dollar store or the dollar section of a Target or Walmart. I wouldn't spend too much, things get lost, dirty or broken at Coachella. But anyway, let’s get into it. Also, all these items are cleared on the DO bring into Coachella list per their guidelines.
mini backpack - sized to at least hold a water bottle
hand sanitizer
mini pack of tissues
mini pack of baby wipes
band-aids or moleskin (pre cut) for blisters
earplugs (I love mine they are DUBS brand)
bandana, or mask - I prefer a germ mask b/c it holds on my ears and covers my mouth and nose properly, a bandana still lets in dust. Don’t underestimate the dust at Coachella. When you walk to the venue there will be a lot, and that’s where you need to cover up.
mini sunscreen
chapstick
eye drops - especially if you wear contacts
hat
sunglasses - stick to cheap but still 100% UV protectant. You can get lots of fashionable ones for men & women at Forever 21! I’ve broken or lost a pair of sunglasses at Coachella every year, and I’m a careful person.
leggings - they take up the smallest amount of space and are the easiest way to add a layer to keep warm. They don’t ruin your outfit either. This is men & women! Guys don’t pretend you don’t wear running leggings to the gym sometimes! Pack them!
big scarf - used to sit on during the day, then doubles as a way to stay warm at night.
personal charger - I’m obsessed with mine from BUQU, I’ve literally never had a charger hold a charge so long and charge so fast. This one also hangs on the outside of your bag so it takes up less space too!
empty water bottle - save the $5 and bring your own, empty, bottle from home. There’s free refill stations all over the festival.
extra hair tie & bobbie pins
gum
In my backpack I usually have a small pouch to hold my cards, band-aids, ear buds, hair tie & bobbie pins. This keeps all these items organized so they’re easy to find. I also don’t want to ever bring my whole wallet. The rest of the items I just let roll around free in my bag.
Other pro-tips:
disposable camera - if you have the room in your bag these are super fun to use at Coachella
insoles - I have a cheap pair from CVS that I insert into my sneakers
put water bottles in your car for the drive home, they’ll be nice and chilled, we also usually put a few bags of chips or other snacks as well
rent a locker - if you feel like you’re going to want a big coat or sweatshirt for later, splitting the cost of a locker with your squad is a great idea. You can all store items there and meet up there at the end of the night. It’s also a great place to store a big sunscreen that’s shared as well.
I hope this list is helpful, for you, and my little sister. Have a fun time at Coachella!
