The Ultimate Concert Essentials To Carry This Festival Season
From diffraction glasses to friend trackers, here are some concert go-to’s that should be on your checklist
If you’ve secured your passes, blocked your calendars, and are about to dip your toes into the music festival season, then this list is especially for you. Yes, your life is surely going to change for the better, and yes, you’ll be re-watching that footage where you audibly sang louder than the artist onstage for the thousandth time. But, it’s equally crucial that you’ve got your basics in place. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a starry-eyed first timer, it’s time to get those checklists sorted as you gear up to see your dream concerts in real life. Rolling Stone India spotlights the most elemental additions that one should have handy for music festivals and concerts.
Portable Power Bank
All those concert memories aren’t going to be made by themselves. Keeping one handy at music festivals and concerts should almost be a rite of passage at this point. . Between the bad signal and overarching urge to Instagram every damn thing, you don’t need to be panicking over a low-battery warning. Consider this your festival survival tool.
Digicams and Disposable Cameras
If you’re a physical media aficionado with a penchant for photography, these are going to be your best friends. For many, concerts are that once-in-a-lifetime experience, where time seems to stand still in the most visually striking ways, and point-and-shoot cameras capture those moments with an innate nostalgic charm. While disposable cameras, which are powered by film, have a set limit on the number of photos, digital cameras have a video mode, along with other adjustment options, to experiment with.
Portable Fans and Air Conditioners
Honestly, these are the underrated heroes of any weekend rager. When the sweat, dust, heat, and swamp vibes hit, whipping out a portable fan might just make you the coolest person in the crowd. You might also accidentally end up at the front of the concert just by cooling everyone on your way there.
Electrolyte Mixes & Liquid I.V
All those endless nights of dancing, partying, and crowd surfing require a dedicated drinks break, and preferably one that’s packed with electrolytes. Instant energizers, they replenish and restore balance, keeping you ready to take on yet another fan pit. Pack smarter by taking a collapsible water bottle along.
Earplugs
The ultimate festival cheat code, earplugs take the edge off the painfully loud speaker reverb while keeping all the magic intact, so you hear the music clearly and avoid waking up with a ringing soundtrack nobody asked for. Not only will you be able to hold conversations with other concert-goers, but they also double up as head-turning, metallic statement pieces that are bound to fetch you compliments.
Totem Compass
Are concert stories even complete without the “I lost my friends” lore? While we’ve all done the aimless wandering routine when the cell network runs out , the Totem Compass is here to change that. An evolved, digitized version of doof sticks and totems found at raves and electronic music festivals, the tracker, fashioned as a compass, utilizes Global Navigation Satellite Systems to literally point you in the right direction, with the LED lights glowing brighter as you get closer those friends you lost.
Headgear and Sunnies
Beating the heat is a microtrend of its own. Complete your fit checks with sleek visors or athleisure caps. If you want to take it up a notch, wrap a bandana or a pashmina shawl to nail the boho-chic aesthetic. Y2k enthusiasts, gain infinite aura points with your ski-hats, berets, and vintage baseball caps. For the ones who are still not over Beyoncé’s Renaissance era, rhinestoned or fringed cowboy hats are non-negotiable. Want to emulate Dune energy but also protect your face? Balcavas and ski masks are going to be your best friends. And what’s a festival look without your go-to pair of sunglasses?
Sole Finds
Shuttling between brand activations and the F&B counter, concerts and music festivals also function as an unofficial leg-day workout. As you almost hit the step count of your dreams, it’s also important to choose your footwear wisely. Activate your dad shoe mode on with a pair of trusty NewBalance 574 kicks, or opt for a more grungy, punk-rock look with the classic Dr. Martens boots. Want to channel your inner 2014 indie-sleaze era? You’ve got your Chuck Taylors and Vans for that. Aesthetics aside, you can always rely on gel insoles to reduce soreness, muscle strain, and foot fatigue.
Portable Foldable chairs
All the fellow “uncs” are going to love this one. A lot of festival culture also involves the quality time spent with other attendees, usually at campsites or outside mainstages. Foldable chairs, with their ergonomic support, lightweight structure, and sleek design, come in handy here. Add this to your camping gear shopping list and you’ll be good to go.
Hangover Pills
A certified non-negotiable, hangover pills are a game-changer for those nights where no one is counting their drinks at the bar counter anymore. Pack prudently, and don’t let your festival experience be overpowered by nasty aftermaths and memory blackouts.
Festival hygiene 101
Let’s be honest, nobody wants to be a stinker in the audience. Festival hygiene, although extremely pivotal, is casually overlooked. But quick fixes can go a long way in securing you remain fresh and ready to take on the next set. Build your kit with the basics, starting with deodorant wipes, a toilet seat spray, travel-sized microfiber towels, and hand sanitizers. A UV protectant sunscreen or spray, with SPF 50++, can also help you avoid those nasty sunburns.
Bag-o-logy
While you may be emotionally attached to your beloved tote or clunky bags, nobody wants to be shoved aside by them as you drag them around during concert moments. It’s time to imbibe “the smaller, the better” mantra and put those crossbody bags and fanny packs to use. To further amp up the functionality factor, add carabiners to your belt hooks and bags to hang reusable cups and concert paraphernalia with ease.
