By Kelsea Lee, originally published by Pulse Magazine here
Festival mishaps make for great stories. From roughing it in your janky, hand-me-down tents to losing your flashlight and ending up with no phone on day one, it’s always memorable when things get a little hairy. But if you’ve been around the block, you’ll know that having the right gear can make or break your festival experience. If not, you can trust us—these tried and true essentials will have you hitting festivals like a pro.
DownBeats Ear Plugs
We all love a killer sound system. But for the sake of your ears and your health, make sure you protect your hearing with some earplugs. If you’re familiar with that ringing noise in your ears after a night in front of the speakers, you’ve already gotten a taste of the potentially chronic condition that is tinnitus. This doesn’t mean you have to completely cut the sound quality; companies like DownBeats have created high fidelity ear plugs that lower the level of sound while maintaining balance and clarity--not to mention they cost less than a drink at the bar.
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MPOWERD Luci Lamps
We tend to forget how dark it really gets at night until we’re left helpless out in the wilderness. If you’re not about the clunky flashlights and lamps (and want to save your cell phone battery), MPOWERD has inflatable solar-powered lamps that pack a punch. They’re lightweight, waterproof and completely solar, and collapse flat for extra portability. We tested out their Luci Color and were pleasantly surprised when the color-changing, bubble-like lamp lit up most of our campsite. We even spotted a bunch of these bad boys in the crowds through the weekend, so it seems we’re not the only ones impressed.
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GloFX Kaleidoscope Glasses & Monocles
Festivals serve as a rare opportunity to escape into another world, so why not make the experience as otherworldly as possible? On top of the lights, decor and art, kaleidoscope and diffraction lenses add a psychedelic filter to anything you set your eyes on. Whatever trip you’re riding, whatever music you’re listening to, these will definitely enhance your experience tenfold. Tip: If you’re big on photographs like me, putting it in front of your camera lens makes for some extremely cool shots.
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Selk’bag
The masterminds over at Selk’bag have created the perfect solution to save you from the slippery inconvenience of a traditional sleeping bag. Inspired by the Selk’nam natives of Chile, they’ve designed a sleeping bag that’s wearable and form-fitting, so you can be warm without the hassle. While my friends covered themselves in layers and blankets, I was comfortably chilling out in my Chewbacca bag wondering why I wasn’t the mastermind behind these beauties. To put it simply, it’s a sleeping bag onesie, and it’s life-changing.
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Projekt Glitter
When it comes to being your sparkliest self, there are tons of options to choose from. Even if you’re not a “glitter type” of person, a little sparkle and shine here and there at a festival is always fun. But for those who aren’t well-versed in the art of glitter application, let me just warn you: be prepared to get glitter everywhere. Luckily, companies like Germany’s Projekt Glitter have created gorgeous glitter gels for ease of use, so you can be shining bright in a matter of seconds.
Buy worldwide | Image via Projekt Glitter Instagram
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Matador Pocket Blanket & Towels
You never know when the moment will call for a good old fashion sit, but you don’t want to lug around a big blanket around all day. Matador’s ‘Pocket Blanket’ is a water repellent blanket that folds up small enough to literally fit in your pocket. The blanket was perfect for when I needed a breather but didn’t feel like walking all the way back to my campsite to relax. It even comes with stakes so you can keep your makeshift rest area secure, and it comfortably fits two. They also have compact towels and bags if you like traveling light without giving up the comfort.
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Solar-Charging Backpacks & Battery Packs
Portable battery packs have been revolutionary since they first came out on the market and have become a festival essential if you want your electronics to last you through the event. And with solar-powered chargers on the market, you can spend less time worrying about your batteries and more time having fun. Birksun created a solar-paneled backpack that will charge your phone while you’re in the sunlight, so the more time you spend outside (granted the weather’s nice), the faster your phone will charge.
Buy worldwide | Image via BirkSun Instagram
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Soylent
Holding down a balanced diet is rarely a priority when you’re on a weekend-long bender, but there are some shortcuts that’ll keep you in tip-top shape. One of our favorite meal replacement options is Soylent, which comes in the form of a protein shake, coffee drink, powder and protein bar. Soylent is a nut and lactose-free, vegan product that packs all the carbs, protein and micronutrients to take care of 20 percent of your daily nutritional requirements. Though it may not beat out that slice of pizza that’s been calling your name, you’ll thank yourself for it once the weekend starts catching up to you.
Buy US | Buy UK & EU | Image via
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Jucy Vans
If you haven’t heard of Jucy, it’s time to get familiar. These “mini RVs” are the perfect stepping stone if you want the benefits of an RV without the hefty commitment. They packed all the amenities of an RV into a modified minivan so your homebase will be more convenient and comfortable than a standard tent. The vans can either sleep two or four people, depending on which option you choose. Getting a good night’s rest on a double bed rather than the floor can make a world of a difference. The Jucy is even loaded with a fridge and the back turns into kitchenette that includes two stoves and a sink. Unfortunately, Jucy isn't yet available in Europe or the UK.
Buy US | Image via Jucy Instagram
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Vibedration
Drinking enough water is probably the most important yet overlooked self-care essentials at festivals. If you consider how much time you spend out on the floor and factor in your alcohol consumption on top of whatever other fun activities you’ve partaken in, you already need loads more than you would on a normal day. To make this less of a chore, companies like Vibedration have created hydration packs that will save you multiple trips to the refill station. The backpacks come in various styles and hold 2 liters of liquid, quipped with a mouthpiece that makes drinking water easier than ever.
Buy worldwide | Image via
