Festivals are long, hot, multi-day outdoor events, so you need to come prepared for all conditions. Here are our suggestions for the best gear to up your game this season.
Hydro Flask True Pint
Nothing says, “I’m a pro at this show” better than your own personal pint glass. This stainless steel masterpiece features vacuum insulation to keep that cold one chilled. You won’t have to worry about waste either, and this high-tech cup will withstand a good deal of abuse. $22; hydroflask.com
Smith Optics CLARK
These eco-friendly shades allow you to look cool while feeling (at least somewhat) enviro-conscious. Made from 53-percent bio-based material, but looking sharp enough for VIP seats for Sturgil Simpson, these babies will be your best friends on a long day out in the glare. Nose pads keep them from slipping when you dance and polarized lenses put you in that special space. $100; smithoptics.com
IceMule Pro 20L
Who is the most popular dude at the festival? How about that guy with the cooler on his back—literally (and we are using that word correctly here, Father John Misty). This five-pound pack hauls 18 cans and ice with an insulation system that keeps everything cool for 24 hours. $100; icemulecooler.com
Travel Chair Larry Chair
It folds up nice and easy into an attaché-sized carrying case. It’s sturdy. It’s comfy. It’s low enough for most festival regulations. It will serve double duty as a kayak seat. The company recommends it for “hot soccer moms.” What’s not to like about your new favorite seat? $65; travelchair.com
Toad and Co. Hardscape
A shirt that can survive the slings and arrows of dancing in the sun and spills of various liquids is mandatory festy wear. But you don’t want to look too hippy-dippy or too technically square, right? Meet your new top for a week: The organic cotton Hardscape feels as good as it looks. $64; toadandco.com
Saxx Vibe Anchor Boxer
At first you laugh. Ha, ha, Saxx have an anatomically correct, custom pouch for your package. Then you try a pair on. Why did no man ever think of this before? Then your significant other asks you to please change your underwear at some point. You buy another pair—because there’s no reason for everything to be shaking when you are dancing. $32; saxxunderwear.com
Farm to Feet Floyd Fest
These oh-so-special socks will not be available until Floyd Fest kicks off in Virginia this summer (you can buy them there at Farm to Feet’s booth or wait until they hit stores in July), but we could not resist calling out a sock made just for a festival. Plus, Farm to Feet manufacturers completely in the U.S.A. $20; farmtofeet.com
Big Agnes Rocky Peak 4 mtnGLO
We know it can be tough to find your shelter in all the sprawl of tent city late at night after you have indulged in a full day of those festival activities. But what if your cozy dome were all lit up? Not only is the Rocky Peak one outstanding, easy-to-set-up, three-season, four-person tent, it also comes fitted with strings of led lights running along the poles. They are not enough to read a book by, but they will serve as a beacon or give you just enough light to hang out in your post-show afterglow. $350; bigagnes.com
