
Photo Courtesy of WatershedFest.com
I’m heading to Watershed next weekend and wanted to give you a peak at what I’m packing – because there are 25 things everyone should have on their list:
1. Water
Pack a case (or 2) of bottled water. If you only pack ONE thing – pack this. And try to drink at least 2 gallons a day (Four 16oz bottles). I promise – the more hydrated you are – the more fun you will be :)
2. Electrolytes
Speaking of fun, we all know you’re going to let your hair down at night (and probably during the day too) – so replenish with much-needed electrolytes! I’m bringing a case of ZICO Coconut Water…plus it makes a yummy (& healthy) mixer for cocktails. Just so you know.
3. Two Coolers
Bring at least two coolers. Depending on the size of the group and how many days you’ll be at the festival – I recommend having one cooler for food and a separate one for drinks. Here’s a few camping hacks to keep your food cold (but not soggy). We froze our water bottles and will add to the cooler right before we leave.
Make sure to buy ice before you get to the festival – and load up – like 7 or 8 bags! We’re actually trying out dry ice this weekend – hoping to keep everything ultra-cold despite the predicted 90+ degree forecast.
4. Simple Meals
A bbq sounds like a great idea, and most likely the first night it will be…but you may get distracted, tired, and just wanting something quick and easy – so pack a few meal options that you can just grab and go before the next artist hits the stage. I’m bringing IdealShake – which is a meal replacement shake that has 11g of protein (curbing hunger for 3 hours). Just mix with water!
4. Energy Drink
I don’t need to explain why you’ll need this…just don’t forget to pack it! I’m bringing IdealBoost which has Green Tea + Caffeine + Vitamins…and burns fat…so hopefully this will balance out any poor choices made! Because let’s be real…there will be a few :)
5. Medicine
Of course you are going to feel amazing the entire festival…but just in case, pack a few essentials to keep you healthy (better safe than sorry!):
- Ibuprofen
- Allergy Meds
- Eye Drops – I’m packing Rohto Cool Max – they provide relief to dry, red eyes (which is a guarantee at any festival, especially in a hot climate).
- First Aid Kit – I grabbed one from Target for less than $10. (Keep it your car post-festival…always good to have on hand)
- And make sure to pack your day-to-day stuff like vitamins, personal meds, etc.
6. Sunscreen
My favorite is Coola Suncare – which has an amazing Organic collection.

Photo Courtesy of CoolaSuncare.com
7. Bug Spray
Nearly 80 percent are most concerned about encountering bed bugs at hotels; 52 percent on public transportation; 49 percent in movie theaters; 44 percent in retail stores; 40 percent in medical facilities; 36 percent in their own homes; and 32 percent equally pointed to places of employment and friends’ homes. Consider also buying one of the PestPro Thermal do it yourself bed bug heaters which are great for traveling.
8. Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes
9. Toiletries
- Travel Shampoo/Conditioner
- Soap
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
- Dry Shampoo (Important!)
- Toilet Paper
10. Two Towels
One towel for showering (if this is an option) and one towel for the beach (if there’s one nearby). There’ll be downtime in between sets, so likely you might venture to a nearby lake/river, etc.
11. Trash Bags
12. Flashlights/Headlamps
13. Tent
If you’re planning on camping (which is most likely the case at a music festival), then don’t forget a place to sleep! Tent, camper, bed of your truck…just make a plan that works for you (and the weather).
14. Sleeping Bag
15. Blanket
Pack a blanket you don’t mind getting a bit destroyed. Bring it in the festival and you’ll be thankful you have a spot to sit on between sets.
16. Folding Table/Chairs (for the campsite)
17. Pop-Up Tent
It will get hot and you will crave some shade…don’t forget this!
18. Tent Marker/Flag
The struggle to find your tent in a sea of people is real…add some flair and stake up a flag or some sort of tent marker. Make it easy to find your spot (especially after a few drinks).
19. Cards/Games
Cards Against Humanity, anyone? Pack a few games to play while you’re killing time before the headliner.
20. Swimsuit
21. Flowy Dresses
Pack a few dresses to stay cool…plus they’re easy to change into!
22. Sandals + Extra Pair
It’s pretty much Murphy’s Law that if you don’t have an extra pair of sandals…yours will break. So always pack a back-up pair. Flip-flops, gladiators, whatever you can wear for 10+ hours…
23. Undergarments
Bra, underwear, etc…don’t forget the small stuff.
24. Sunglasses
Actually pack at least 2 pairs…because like sandals…one pair might break and these are kind of important!
25. Cash
Looking for an ATM at a festival sounds like a nightmare…bring some cash…and keep it safe.
Enjoy festival season!
XoXo Portia
Disclosure: IdealShape via FitApproach graciously provided product in exchange for the review. The opinions expressed here represent my own, which I take great pride in providing pure honesty…because I’m OBSESSED with sharing the Good!
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