How to Choose the Perfect Bag for Your Next Festival
You’ve just clicked “purchase” and secured your tickets for your next festival. You’re giddy as you eagerly message your friends about transportation, packing lists, and your must-see performances. As the anticipation builds, you’re likely caught up in the exciting, big-picture details of your festival experience.
Image source: Stylist.co.uk
After you’ve made your plans, don’t neglect the day-of details. In order to have the best festival experience possible, you’ll want easy access to your daytime essentials. Keeping your tickets, money, phone, drinks, snacks, sunscreen and other necessary items nearby but secure can drastically increase your comfort and peace of mind.
Regardless of how long you’re planning to stay at the festival, the perfect day bag is a fundamental first step. Keep reading below to discover the most important elements to consider when choosing a festival bag and our suggestions for your next festival bag.
Important Considerations for Choosing a Bag
No matter where you’re headed for your next festival adventure, comfort should be your first consideration. When it comes to comfort at a festival, there are several key elements to consider.
Complies with Festival Guidelines
Due to security, festivals have fairly rigid bag policies. Fortunately most of them provide plenty of flexibility, so with a bit of research there’s no stress.
For your convenience, we’ve listed the bag requirements of the biggest music festival below. Always check the festival’s website for the most up-to-date information. This overview should give you an idea of the types of requirements that festivals typically place on their attendees.
- Coachella: All bags must be no larger than 20 inches by 15 inches by 9 inches.
- Outside Lands: Any bags larger than 6 inches by 8 inches by 3 inches must be made of clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC. Smaller bags can be made of other materials, so long as they are no larger than 6 inches by 8 inches by 3 inches.
- Governors Ball: Small bags must be clutch-style and made of non-clear material must not be bigger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. All other bags must be made of a clear material and no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches.
- Lollapalooza: There are several bag regulations for Lollapalooza. First, bags and backpacks with more than one pocket are not allowed. Small clutches and fanny packs that aren’t clear must have only one pocket and max out at 4.5 inches by 5.5 inches. Bags of a larger size must be made of a clear material (plastic, vinyl, or PVC) and have only one pocket.
As you can see, the bag restrictions can range from basic to incredibly complex. If you visited Lollapalooza last summer, you had to hunt for a bag that fulfilled the size, material, and pocket requirements! For example, this adorable multi-color tote bag would comfortably fit within the Coachella regulations, but would be a no-go at Governors Ball.
Image source: MoBetaGlass.com
Failure to meet these requirements usually results in a security officer asking you to throw out your bag and whatever contents you can’t carry yourself (or pass on to a friend). To avoid this bleak fate, always carefully consult the festival guidelines when purchasing or selecting your next festival bag.
Goldilocks Size: Not Too Big But Not Too Small
Your festival day bag should strike a happy medium when it comes to size. Any experienced festival-goer will tell you that packing light sets you up for success. Packing light in your day bag is especially important, since you’re committed to carrying it around all day.
With this in mind, your day bag should be spacious enough to comfortably hold all of your essentials without tempting you to bring along unnecessary extras that will just weigh you down.
Organization & Pockets
Just like every other step of preparing for a festival, organization is key. Your day bag will hold a wide variety of items, so pockets are crucial to stay organized throughout the day. There’s nothing worse than missing out on the fun because you’re frantically digging through your bag looking for your wallet.
Staying organized doesn’t have to be complicated or involve a pricey bag. For example, a bag like this colorful hemp messenger backpack features a front pocket for smaller items in addition to the main compartment.
Image source: MoBetaGlass.com
Hands Free
Nothing kills good vibes faster than struggling to drink or dance because your bag is getting in the way. That’s why a hands-free bag is key.
If you’re not a backpack person, hands-free doesn’t have to bum you out. These jute rope handled tote bags showcase your personality and leave your hands free for dancing, chatting, drinking, and more.
Image source: MoBetaGlass.com
The perfect bag for your next festival is a personal decision based on the festival you’re attending, the essentials you like to keep on hand, and your preferences. As long as you follow the regulations of the festival and plan ahead carefully, with the right bag you are set up for an epic festival day.