Every spring, Coachella takes over the desert with its music, art, fashion, and—let’s be honest—dust. It’s an experience unlike any other, but it also requires a little preparation if you want to survive (and thrive!) through the long, hot days and late nights. Over the years, I’ve picked up plenty of tips—some learned the hard way—and I’ve put together this list of essentials that will make your Coachella weekend infinitely more enjoyable.
So, before you zip up your festival bag, double-check that you’ve packed these must-haves:
Hygiene Products You’ll Be Glad You Packed
Let’s start with the basics: bathroom survival. Even in VIP, porta-potties are… well, porta-potties. You’ll thank yourself a hundred times over if you pack flushable wipes and hand sanitizer. And yes, bring more than you think you’ll need because toilet paper runs out fast, and clean hands are a luxury out there.
Tech Accessories to Keep You Connected
Your phone is your camera, ticket, map, and lifeline at Coachella, so keeping it charged is non-negotiable. Toss in:
- A portable charger (my favorite is the Anker PowerCore+ mini—it’s lipstick-sized and a total lifesaver).
- Extra long charging cables so you’re not tethered awkwardly to a wall plug when you finally find an outlet.
- A plan for finding friends when cell service fails. Texts don’t always go through right away, so include a timestamp in your messages (“Meet me at 1:30 by the Cool Haus truck”) or agree on a very specific meeting spot in advance.
Pro tip: make your lock screen a “lost phone” message with your name and a friend’s contact number. It’s old school, but it works!
Sun Protection You’ll Actually Use
The desert sun doesn’t play around, and the last thing you want is to spend day two nursing a sunburn. My go-tos:
- Face sunscreen: I love Paula’s Choice SPF 50 for reliable daily coverage.
- SPF setting spray: Supergoop! makes one that’s perfect for reapplying without ruining your makeup.
- Body sunscreen: Banana Boat Sport Cool Zone SPF 50 works wonders, but remember—no aerosols allowed inside the venue. Bring a liquid, mist, or powder version instead.
- Scalp protection: If you’re rocking braids or a middle part, spray some SPF on your part line. Trust me, a sunburned scalp is not the vibe.
- Sunglasses: Grab a fun, affordable pair (like Quay aviators) that you won’t be devastated to lose or break.
Practical Items That Make a Big Difference
This is the section that separates seasoned festival-goers from rookies:
- Cash for food stalls and merch stands that don’t always take cards.
- A reusable water bottle (plastic only, no metal allowed inside). Hydration is survival. Period.
- A light jacket or flannel—it may feel silly in the heat, but desert nights get chilly, and that long trek back to your car/Uber will be miserable without one.
- A mini fan or even a cheap bandana from the dollar store. Between the dust and the heat, these little things become priceless.
- Pain relievers (like generic Excedrin) because music + sun + booze = potential headaches.
Accessories to Bring the Festival Vibe
Of course, it wouldn’t be Coachella without a little extra flair. Pack a few fun things to make the experience even more memorable:
- Flower crowns—yes, they’re cliché, but they’re also iconic. Icing at the mall still has the best selection.
- Glow sticks or LED hair clips to light up the night (and make it easier to spot your friends in a crowd).
- Bandanas that double as dust masks, hair accessories, or just cute styling pieces.
The Most Important Thing You Can Pack
It sounds cheesy, but honestly, the number one thing you need to bring is a good attitude. Coachella is crowded. Lines are long. Things won’t always go your way. But if you lean into the chaos, focus on the music, the people, and the incredible energy of the weekend, it’s going to be an unforgettable experience.
One of my favorite parts of Coachella wasn’t even the performances—it was how kind and cheerful the staff were, even in the middle of the madness. That kind of energy is contagious, and it sets the tone for the whole weekend.
Final Thoughts
Coachella is sweaty, dusty, and sometimes downright uncomfortable… but it’s also pure magic. With the right essentials in your bag and the right mindset in your heart, you’ll be able to focus on what really matters: the music, the people you’re with, and the once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere.
So pack wisely, hydrate like it’s your job, and get ready to dance under the desert sky. 🌴🎶✨
