If you’ve ever attended a rave or electronic dance music fest, then you know these multi-day parties involve a lot more than just a camping trip. They’re also a great opportunity to let loose and express yourself. To get the most out of the experience, you need a lot of different rave gear, from hydration packs and bed rolls to fun accessories that enable you to participate in rave culture.
If you don’t have a lot of time, then it might make sense to order a pre-packaged rave necessities bundle. However, many of these only provide trendy rave accessories rather than the stuff you actually need. In addition, building your own complete kit can be much cheaper.
Here’s how to pack everything you need to thrive at your next rave.
Rave essentials for health and wellness: Water backpacks for hydration
One of the biggest challenges of participating in a rave is staying hydrated. Many of these events lack sufficient access to water, so it’s wise to bring your own supply, plus some additional water bottles as a buffer. Otherwise, you might find yourself needing to make shopping trips to the nearest town or even go home early.
It’s also wise to realize that, when you’re dancing and having a great time, you’ll be reluctant to leave the dance floor to drink water. That’s why it pays to wear a water backpack — sometimes also called a hydration backpack — to your next music festival. With one of these, you can keep grooving to the EDM even while staving off thirst.
Rave recovery supplements
Ravers also need to consume the appropriate amount of electrolytes to keep their bodies in balance during these events, much like endurance athletes during races. Otherwise, they can develop headaches, muscle cramps, swollen hands, or worse.
That’s why it’s also a good idea to take dietary supplements like Rave Doctor’s best-selling capsules, which provide the important vitamins and minerals partiers need to have the best experience possible and recover fast. For best results, take one of these each morning starting three days before the event, during the event itself, and for a few days afterward.
Essential rave festival gear: UV protection, hand fans
To avoid sunburn and protect your skin, pack a strong sunscreen — at least SPF 30 — to help block harmful UV rays. In addition, consider chapstick that offers SPF protection, as well as sunglasses to help shield your eyes.
Music festivals often don’t have the best sanitary conditions, so throw some hand sanitizer into your fanny pack or pouch and keep it with you at all times. That way, if you need a quick snack, you can disinfect your hands quickly before reaching into a bag of chips or nuts.
If the forecast lists hot daily highs, bring a fan. If it’s electronic, then make sure its batteries are working and add a few extras to your bag.
The weather at multi-day events can also be unpredictable, and temperatures usually drop at night. For this reason, don’t forget to pack plenty of warm, comfy clothing. In addition to a wool sweater, consider throwing a pashmina in your backpack. These can be worn as a scarf, a hood, or a belt, and they can also double as a blanket or a towel if needed. Choose bright colors or distinctive patterns to make it easy for your friends to spot you in the crowd.
Get good sleep with earplugs
Sleep is necessary to keep going strong each day, but the DJ will continue spinning tracks long past midnight. That’s why having earplugs isn’t just valuable; it’s essential.
Alternatively, you might want to use noise-canceling headphones. In this case, it’s a good idea to bring a portable charger to keep its batteries going strong, as well as to recharge your phone.
Good hygiene also promotes a good night’s rest, so bring disinfectant wipes. These can substitute for a shower in a pinch and help you keep clean.
Fun festival essentials: Glow sticks, diffraction glasses, and more
Now for the fun stuff! Raves tend to have a carnival atmosphere, and you’ll want to join in. Glow sticks are a staple at nearly every festival, so bring your own supply of these.
Another way to get the most out of the event is by wearing diffraction glasses. These goggles create a kaleidoscope effect, expanding the light show into even more sparkles and making you feel like you are right in the middle of a rainbow. The good vibes surround you, and joy amps up to max!
Rave accessories that make your rave outfit pop: Glitter, face jewels, bandanas
You’ll also want to make sure your outfit and self-presentation are stylish. The rave scene celebrates shimmer of all kinds, so have a stash of iridescent stickers and face gems to use, as well as some eye-catching chunky glitter for your face. Also consider holographic clothing, such as a tank top or skirt.
While high heels might look awesome, they aren’t practical for a night of dancing. You’ll probably only want to wear them for a limited time, so bring an alternative to change into. Otherwise, leave them at home and just go with comfortable footgear instead.
Festival accessories that build community: kandi bracelets and beads
Complete your look with jewelry. Many ravers like earrings that light up or pendants that make a bold statement. Some people go with a studded dog collar for a more punk look. Raves are a haven for unrestrained self-expression.
Kandi bracelets — the ones with the many small beads in various colors — play a unique role in the rave scene. After doing the ravers’ secret handshake, which consists of four gestures symbolizing the community’s core values of peace, love, unity, and respect (PLUR), attendees trade them as a sign of friendship.
Prep your rave bag with the right gear for a great music festival
Preparation is necessary if you want the best experience possible at a music fest, especially if it’s going to last for days. Putting in the time and effort is more than worth it, however, once the event itself gets underway.
Be smart! Pack carefully. That’s the best way to ensure you have a great time.