21 Finest Competition Accessories and Gear (2025): The Necessities and the Fun Stuff

On Harm Reduction

Photograph: The Bunk Police

Regardless of your private habits, drug use could be prevalent at festivals. It’s necessary to know the situation of medical tents, to concentrate to your environment, and to look out in your fellow competition attendees the best way you’d need them to look out for you.

I extremely advocate getting skilled in administering naloxone (Narcan). It prevents opioid overdose, and it is easy to acquire coaching and the drugs itself for reasonable. I took mine by means of EndOverdose on-line. It took half an hour and value $5. I liken it to figuring out CPR or choking rescue; you hope you by no means have to make use of it, nevertheless it’s actually good to have the information simply in case.

I additionally advocate wanting into drug testing kits. You can acquire these from The Bunk Police and DanceSafe. Fentanyl testing strips are inexpensive, and it takes little time to check any substances which may be round. Some festivals have vendor tents that may check substances with amnesty. It would not harm to be ready.

Finally, I like to recommend signing up for alerts from BunkBot when relevant. It’s an emergency alert system that texts people if harmful substances are discovered. It provides one other layer of hurt discount and helps you be additional alert when wanted.

Stick Together

Since telephone service could be spotty at festivals, and never all people has a smartwatch, the buddy system is invaluable. My group sticks collectively when doable, and if somebody has to separate, they make sure that somebody within the system is aware of the place they are going. We additionally designate a meetup spot, each contained in the competition grounds and outdoors of the gates, in case of emergencies. Pay consideration to your environment, and do not be afraid to contact competition volunteers or staff in case you want help.

Unfortunately, pickpocketing does occur. Make certain to arrange stolen machine safety in your suitable iPhone or Android telephone. You may also need to arrange just a few Bluetooth trackers in your pockets, bag, or different requirements. Most main festivals have a devoted lost-and-found program. Review the main points of it earlier than you arrive so that you’re acquainted if want be.

Just for Fun

Photograph: Louryn Strampe

Of course, it is good to be ready with the necessities. But in the end, festivals are about having enjoyable. Here’s a listing of competition equipment you may prefer to have readily available purely for the enjoyment of them.

Kandi-making kits for $20: Trading beaded bracelets is a trademark of digital music, however due to the Taylor Swift Eras tour, extra music genres are becoming a member of in. Any beads will work, however I extremely advocate Stretch Magic elastic ($17)—a budget stuff falls aside method too simply.

Flow props: There are tons of toys that some dancers like to make use of. I’m keen on the Fiberflies Pixel Whip ($85), however the Flowtoys PodPoi ($135) are one other widespread alternative. You may even get levitating wands and light-up staffs. These are tremendous enjoyable to bop with (they usually’ll entertain your fellow attendees).

Little presents: Tiny ducks. Sprouts for your hair. Squishy animals. Festivals typically have a tradition of gift-giving. It’s not anticipated, however it may be good to have one thing to move out to the parents you meet. Consider bringing some trinkets with you—you may even make a brand new pal or seven.

A night-light for $19: If you’re at a tenting fest, shifting round at midnight could be treacherous. And typically you simply need to seize a snack from the cooler with out shining a flashlight round. I like this nightlight as a result of it supplies a delicate glow—sufficient to see with however not so brilliant that I get up everybody within the neighborhood.

A camping towel for $16: Sometimes it rains exterior. Sometimes you by accident spill a complete Beatbox in your tent. Whatever the case could also be, a tenting towel is helpful. They’re tremendous absorbent, they usually dry shortly.

Fun garments: When it involves competition clothes, you could be as daring or as sensible as you need. Don’t sacrifice consolation within the title of trend! But in case you’re searching for enjoyable garments to put on, I like to recommend testing IHeartRaves and Rave Wonderland. These are EDM-adjacent, however they will work for all the pieces from Bonnaroo to Burning Man to EDC. Your favourite artists’ merch might be a very good place to begin, too. And when doubtful, you possibly can at all times decorate—contemplate a bucket hat or a Pashmina-style shawl to make your outfit a bit extra adventurous.

A bandana for $14: We have a number of emotions in regards to the significance of a small, multipurpose material. Music festivals are sometimes dusty and soiled. A bandana works as a face protecting, a sweat absorber, a fast place to sit down, and a straightforward technique to wipe up spilled drinks. Stash just a few in your bag and you will be higher ready.

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