As summer approaches, so do music festivals. You have the tickets, but you may be asking “What should I bring?” Well, The Californian has the  answers for you.

What you bring to a music festival can greatly influence how enjoyable the festival is. If you have the wrong shoes or don’t bring sunscreen, it can really ruin your fun. 

For starters, you should house everything in a bag that is comfortable to carry for hours, but isn’t so big that it becomes a burden. 

Fanny packs are coming back in style and are a must for easy access to essentials such as your phone and wallet. 

Speaking of phones, make sure you pack a portable charger so you can snap the day away without worrying if you’ll have enough juice left to call an Uber. 

For shoes, throw fashion out the window and opt for something more comfortable for walking, such as sneakers.  

Sun protection is important for any festival experience, so don’t forget your shades and sunscreen. You need sunglasses since you can’t see your favorite artist with the sun in your eyes. 

And sunscreen is essential if you’re going to be outside all day because looking like a lobster will surely ruin your weekend. A parasol or large hat can also protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, and make a cute fashion statement at the same time.

Along with fashion statements, layering clothes is both useful and could help compliment an outfit. A tank top and shorts can be paired with a flannel to keep you warm during summer’s brisk mornings and chilly nights. The flannel can then be removed and tied around your waist when it gets warmer. 

Staying fresh and clean is also an important factor in not only your festival experience, but the experience of those around you. 

Since many festivals are in the middle of nowhere, communal washrooms are sometimes the only option, so pack toiletries to keep clean after a day of fun in the sun. 

Just in case there isn’t a communal shower where you’re headed, be sure to pack cleansing towelettes to clean yourself as well as utensils and shoes. 

If you are willing to shell out big bucks for insta-famous food or an overpriced water bottle cash is a necessity.

But if spending your monthly income on food and drinks isn’t your thing, pack your own. Non-perishable foods such as granola bars and dried fruits provide protein and energy, without taking up too much space in your bag. 

Water is also a necessity, so if you don’t want to buy it, pack a reusable water bottle that can be filled up at water stations. It doesn’t matter where your water is from, as long as you stay hydrated.

So, stay safe and enjoy the many festivals that summer has to offer.