Are you heading off to Indio’s annual music and art festival this Spring? If you’re wondering what Coachella essentials you’re going to need for a prime experience, stay tuned. We’re also going to share with you the items you can’t take. Get ready for a fantastic, grooving time!
Personally, I like to be extra prepared when I head off to a festival. Knowing I have all the festival essentials means I’m ready for an incredible time. From sunscreen to protect against California’s rays to a cozy travel hammock, check out the top Coachella essentials.
Must-Have Coachella Essentials
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray
Given that Coachella takes place in the California desert, there’s no avoiding the sunshine. The sun in Indio is sizzling and can do a number on your skin if you don’t protect it.
This Sun Bum sunscreen is a natural, zinc-based lotion that sits on top of the skin to actively block the sun. It’s chemical-free, lightweight, and leaves your skin feeling clean and protected.
The Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray can be purchased here for $14.99. Other Sun Bum sunscreens are available, too.
Fun Sunglasses
As we said, the sun isn’t shy at Coachella! Keep your eyes safe with a pair of funky fun sunglasses.
In fact, these Goodr sunglasses are made so that runners can do their thing without their shades slipping. This means you can dance the afternoon away at Coachella in style without your shades going anywhere.
Goodr has a large selection of fashionable, functional sunglasses. They can be purchased here starting at $23.
Ear Plugs
Don’t let your eardrums suffer from the long-term effects of the fantastic but loud tunes at Coachella. Earplugs like these can deliver a top-notch sound experience while protecting your ears.
These concert earplugs are essentially invisible and comfortable. They’re reusable so you only have to purchase one set. The filter technology allows sound into the ear so that you can enjoy music and other sounds safely. A handy case with a keychain clip makes it easy to carry your earplugs around.
EarPeace Concert Ear Plugs can be purchased here in two different sizes for $29.95.
Hands-Free Bag
A hands-free bag will allow you to dance and mingle with no worries. The Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack is lightweight so you won’t even know you’re wearing it all day.
This is one of the unique Coachella essentials because the body fabric, lining, and webbing are all 100% recycled materials. It’s also weather-resistant. The mini hip pack has two pockets to stay organized and stuffs into itself for convenient storage.
The Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack can be purchased here in several different sizes for $29.
BoomBoom Nasal Sticks
Feel refreshed and reenergized during Coachella with BoomBoom Nasal Sticks. Being on the go can lead to feeling tired, stressed, and achy.
BoomBoom sticks allow you to conveniently sniff essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and spearmint oil. These oils and other natural ingredients give a revitalized boost that feels great!
BoomBoom Nasal Sticks can be purchased here, starting at $19.95 for a variety pack.
Stylish Rain Poncho
While the days are usually sunny in Indio, don’t let your outfits get rained on.
These Vibe rain ponchos are made of water-resistant, breathable materials. They’re long with sleeves and a hood to make sure you’re nice and covered. It also folds down small to conveniently fit into your bag when the weather’s nice.
Vibe Reusable Rain Ponchos can be purchased here in multiple patterns for $22.97.
Easy-Pitching Tent
Rest is always much-needed when the end of the night comes after a long day of enjoying good times. No need to get fancy, but a simple small tent is nice to have. Pop-ups like the Regatta Waterproof Outdoor Tent are ideal! They’re easy to travel with, set up, and take down.
Note: Tents are not allowed in Coachella but can be used in camping areas at night.
The Regatta Waterproof Malawi Outdoor Pop-Up Tent can be purchased here for $121.99.
Travel Hand Sanitizer
In a post-pandemic world, we all know how nice it is to have hand sanitizer nearby. The hand sanitizer clip-ons make it easy to make sure you’re killing any germs. Sinks can tricky to access right away around music festivals. Having this clipped right onto your bag makes life so much easier.
PURRELL Hand Sanitizer Variety Pack (sharing is caring) can be purchased here starting at $14.70.
Shiny Body Glitter
Are your Coachella essentials really complete without body glitter? Shimmer, shine, and stand out in the crowd with a variety of face and body glitter.
Decorate your face, arms, wherever with glitter and sparkles. The iMethod Body Glitter comes with 6 jars of colorful, iridescent cosmetic grade glitter. Glam up for Coachella!
The iMethod Body Glitter can be purchased here for $9.97.
Electrolyte Hydration Multiplier
Being mindful of your water intake is crucial at Coachella. I mean, we do need it to keep our bodies going. Along with sipping water, replenish electrolytes with a hydration mix like the delicious Hydration Multiplier from Liquid I.V.
This replenisher supports hydration and tastes excellent! It’s good for you, too.
The Hydration Multiplier can be purchased here in several flavors like acai berry and lemon lime. Prices start at $24.47 for 16 packets.
Water Bottle Carrier
As we said, hydration is key! You can’t bring water to the Coachella festival, but you can purchase it there. Be hands-free to dance and sip on drinks with a water bottle carrier. How functional, right?
This Natural Life Carrier even has a cell phone pocket for added convenience.
Natural Life Water Bottle Carriers can be purchased here for $20.00.
Outdoor Blanket
When your legs are tired of moving and grooving, it feels nice to sit back and chill. A foldable, picnic blanket is a festival must-have (especially because Coachella doesn’t allow chairs).
Have a seat, lie down, or hang with friends. There are tons of options for stylish, travel-friendly blankets.
This waterproof, colorful folding blanket can be purchased here for $15.99.
Travel Hammock
Kick back and lounge when you need to get off your feet with a travel-friendly hammock. An ENO hammock is a top-notch way to take a rest!
The hammock game is strong these days and you can find many options that roll into a small, attached pouch. The ENO hammock also has this feature. It’s lightweight, too which makes it easy to travel with.
The ENO SingleNest Hammock can be purchased here for $49.95.
Dust mask
Coachella, known for its vibrant atmosphere and pulsating music, also experiences high levels of dust accumulation. As thousands of enthusiastic festival-goers gather, the constant movement and activities stir up dust particles, leading to some seriously dusty conditions.
Without adequate protection, inhaling this dust can result in various health issues, such as respiratory problems, allergies, and aggravated pre-existing conditions. You can purchase a pack of 100 breathable, comfortable, and lightweight face masks here.
Portable Charger
As much fun as you may be having at Coachella, you never know when you’ll need your phone. Keep it powered up with a portable charger. Nowadays there are tons of easy-to-carry, slim portable chargers. It’s handy to have when you need to juice up your phone’s battery.
An Anker portable phone charger can be purchased here starting at $24.99.
Things You Can't Bring to Coachella
Now that you have all the Coachella essentials down, let’s check out some things you should leave at home.
- Aerosol products
- Air horns
- Animals (service animals are allowed)
- Audio recording devices
- Chairs
- Chain, including chain wallets and belts
- Coolers
- Professional cameras
- Drones
- Drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Flammables
- Flags
- Flashlight
- Promotional items
- Class, metal aluminum, or steel containers
- Glow sticks
- Hula hoops
- Musical instruments
- Kites
- Computers
- Laser pointers
- Massagers
- Outside food and beverages
- Personal vehicles
- Selfie sticks
- Sleeping bags
- Tents
- Water or toy guns
- Umbrellas
- Video cameras
- Walkie talkies
- Weapons
Final Thoughts
And, there you have it – Coachella essentials and items to leave at home for an unforgettable experience.
If you need a little self-care post-festival, check out 25 Essential Self Care Sunday Ideas for 2021.