What to Pack for Coachella If You're Not VIP
Even though we completely understand the importance of meticulously planning your outfits and Instagram moments for Coachella, your safety and health come first. A big reason why people don't have fun at music festivals isn't because they didn't splurge on a VIP ticket — chances are it's due to them not taking care of themselves. Just think about how grumpy you get when you're sweaty and dehydrated from being in the sun all day.
Luckily, you can avoid all those unpleasant experiences through our simple survival packing list that will leave you refreshed, energized, and feeling like a rock star. For something as little as a pack of wipes to a portable fan that plugs into your phone, scroll through for an array of essentials that are small enough to fit into your carry-on but guaranteed to make a big difference throughout your weekend. All these things combined will keep the good vibes and positive energy flowing, so make sure you don't leave anything behind.
Courtesy of Amazon1/23Earplugs
When you put these on, the earplugs will lower a performer's volume to a level that isn't harmful to your ears while maintaining the quality of the sound. They'll also keep your ears from ringing if you're all about being in the front row. DownBeats Reusable Earplugs, $14; amazon.com.
Courtesy of Amazon2/23Phone Fan
You're going to be surrounded by a crowd full of people in the middle of the desert, so of course it'll be hot. Get the most out of your phone by hooking up a fan to it. It may not be as cool as an AC, but you'll love the breeze. Benks Portable Cooling Mini Phone Fan, $8; amazon.com.
Courtesy of Amazon3/23Neosporin to Go
A music festival is not the time to risk getting an infection. You'll likely end up with random cuts and blisters, so be prepared and strap this onto your belt loop or fanny pack. It doubles as a pain reliever, too. Neo To Go, $5; amazon.com.
Courtesy of Goodwipes4/23Shower Wipes
Take a shower without actually getting wet with these giant hypoallergenic wipes. Don't knock it until you try it — plus it beats having to wait in the never-ending shower line. Consider skipping a day and opting for this quick option instead. Goodwipes Pack, $10; goodwipes.com.
Courtesy of Target5/23Pee Funnel
Are your prayers answered? Let's just say this handy funnel is your ticket to never having to squat over a toilet seat ever again. Hold the wider part up to your body and the rest is history.
GoGirl Female Urination Device, $10; Target.
Courtesy of Instagram/@coachella6/23American Express Card
If you or your parents have an Amex card, link to it on the Coachella app because the perks are endless for cardholders. Benefits include entrance into the card-member club, access to an exclusive Uber priority lane, a free Ferris wheel ride, and more. In some ways the card is your key to VIP treatment you didn't think you'd get through a general admission wristband.
Courtesy of REI7/23Pocket Blanket
You're going to want to sit down at some point during your day, so do yourself a favor and add this mini pocket blanket to your pack. It's the perfect way to chill on the ground without getting dirty. REI Matador Mini Pocket Blanket, $20; REI.
Courtesy of Amazon8/23Neti Pot
Coachella lung is real, and no, it's not because there's anything harmful in the dust at the desert. It simply happens because festivalgoers will constantly be around it. To keep your sinuses in check, Dr. Brian Myers — a doctor who practices at a wellness center close by in La Quinta — highly recommends bringing Neti Pots. You can’t use tap water," he explained to LA Weekly. "You’ve got to use the saline solution that comes with the pot. Our nose, lungs, and mouth are filters for the things we’re exposed to, and a Neti Pot can help rinse out some of the stuff that gets clogged up in there. They get rid of that excess dust and junk so you can breathe more clearly." Nasopure "Nicer Neti" Pot Sinus Wash, $14; amazon.com.
Courtesy of Bloomingdale's9/23Foot Spray
Since you'll likely be breaking in a fresh pair of kicks for the festivities, use this blister-prevention spray to avoid wrecking your feet. PreHeels, $15; Bloomingdale's.
Courtesy of Levi's10/23Bandanna
Being in the desert will result in a ton of sand getting on your face, so protect yourself with a cute bandanna. That's right, the adorable accessory isn't just a fashion statement. Levi's Palm Tree Embroidered Bandanna, $18; levi.com.
Courtesy of REI11/23All-in-One Toothbrush
For a mere $7, you can have your toothbrush, toothpaste, and a case for it all in one tube. It's convenient and makes it effortless for you to brush your teeth throughout the day. REI Aurelle Toob Brush, $7; REI.
Courtesy of La Fresh12/23Feminine Wipes
Staying fresh down there is a big part of feeling clean, and these travel feminine wipes make the process super simple. The pH-balanced wipes eliminate odors and ensure everything is healthy. La Fresh Travel Lite Feminine Hygiene Wipes, $19; lafreshgroup.com.
Courtesy of LuMee13/23Portable Charger
Don't be that person with an uncharged phone. Take a portable charger with you. Grab LuMee's trendy option, which doubles as the ultimate lighting for your 'grams. LuMee Power Light, $50; lumee.com.
Courtesy of Ray-Ban14/23Foldable Sunglasses
Staying in the sun all day long can be rough, but it doesn't have to be with the proper gear. These Ray-Ban sunglasses have complete UV protection and can easily be folded to save space. Ray-Ban Wayfarer Folding Classic, $168; ray-ban.com.
Courtesy of CamelBak15/23Water Bottle Fanny Pack
You can technically bring in any water bottle to Coachella as long as it's empty and not made of metal, but remember you're in it to win it, so treat yourself to CamelBak's hydration belt. Not only is the device an adorable fanny pack, it also provides 20% more water every time you drink from it, which adds up and will keep you away from the long refilling water station lines. CamelBak the Palos 4, $56; camelbak.com.
Courtesy of Sustain Natural16/23Condoms
Festivals are notorious for hookup horror stories. That's why everyone should be prepared, even if you're just looking out for a friend. Sustain Natural Ultra Thin Condoms, $14; sustainnatural.com.
Courtesy of Thrive Market17/23Lube
And don't forget that you're going to be in the middle of a desert, so bring lube, too. Almost Naked Personal Lubricant, $10; thrivemarket.com.
Courtesy of REI18/23Travel Toilet Paper
It may be hard to believe, but this tiny dispenser is filled with 75 pieces of soft two-ply toilet paper. This is a must-have considering that porta potties will quickly run out of toilet paper, and you don't want to be left with nothing to use. REI Cotton Buds Tissue to Go Toilet Paper, $1; REI.
Courtesy of Target19/23Walkie-Talkies
No matter how VIP you are, the service out there is going to be pretty terrible. The best way to stay in touch with your friends is by using walkie-talkies. These old-school devices are reliable and won't leave you with a headache when you're trying to bring your crew back together. Cobra 8 Mile Walkie-Talkies, $55; Target.
Courtesy of Target20/23Stomach Relief
Most of your food will be outside all day, just like you, so don't be surprised if this upsets your stomach. Thankfully, Imodium will relieve all your symptoms, such as diarrhea, gas, cramps, and bloating. Stay close to these tablets because there's nothing worse than having to race to the bathroom in the middle of a crowd. Imodium Tablets, $9; Target.
Courtesy of Sephora21/23Antiperspirant Wipes
Forget sweat stains with this simple solution. One swipe with the wipe's patented formula will have your skin feeling the driest it's ever been. For the sake of your 'grams and everyone around you, go ahead and wipe all that sweat away. DermaDoctor MED e TATE Antiperspirant Wipes, $19; Sephora.
Courtesy of Paula's Choice22/23Moisturizing Sunscreen
Buy an efficient two-in-one product that moisturizes your skin and has a high enough SPF to keep you safe from the sun's rays. You can get your money's worth with this affordable travel-size bottle. Paula's Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer (Travel Size), $10; paulaschoice.com.
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