It’s official. Music festival season is upon us and Chaco will once again be taking to the road to meet you at our favorite festivals. Since we’re all looking ahead to days and nights of camping, dancing, and jamming to our favorite acts, we put together a guide to get you ready to trek, trip, and drive your way to your festival destination. Keep reading for more and check out our Pinterest board for more festival travel inspiration.

What To Pack

Have a pen and paper ready? Check out our recommended packing list below:

Camping Gear:

• A weather-ready 3-season tent, like Marmot’s Limelight series. They’re quick to set up and offer plenty of room inside, plus gear storage under the rain fly).
• A tarp, like that blue one your parents keep in the garage. You’ll want it in case the ground is wet or you need an extra shield from rain storms.
• Sleeping Bags: It’s summer time, so something rated for 45-55 degrees will be fine. We recommend Marmot’s NanoWave 45 or NanoWave 55. Bonus: They pack down to the size of a soccer ball.
• Sleeping Pads: Simple roll pads are fine, but if space is a consideration, think about options like Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir® XLite®, which packs down to the size of a Nalgene bottle.
• Head Lamps
• Lanterns and String Lights.
• Hammocks: We love a good hammock and if the nights are warm and the sky is clear, make sure to treat yourself to sleeping under the stars.

Your Pack(s):

1. You can take a beating from the sun and heat, so we recommend skipping heavy day packs and grabbing a roomy hydration pack instead.
2. Hip Packs: Yeah, in worst case scenarios they have been known to make you look like a tourist, but with new options in funky prints, it’s never been a better time to wear a hip pack.

Hygiene:

1. Biodegradable Soap, like Dr. Bronner’s, will keep you clean and won’t harm the environment.
2. Towel: Something ratty is fine, but you’ll want one in hopes you have an option for showers or rinsing off.
3. Solar Shower: If your festival doesn’t offer showers on-site, think about grabbing a solar shower.
4. Baby Wipes. A quick wipe down with baby wipes is often as good as a shower.
5. Toiletries: Yes, just because you’re at a festival doesn’t mean you shouldn’t brush your teeth. Pack what you need.

Festival Gear

1. Glow in the Dark Paint
2. Hoola Hoop
3. Camera

Power Options

1. Phone Chargers
2. Battery Packs

Hydration

1. Water Bottle: Nalgene, Hydro Flask®, and Klean Kanteen all make great options. Whichever you choose, just make sure you bring one.
2. Water Storage: If your festival is remote, consider investing in a multi-gallon water tank with a spigot. It will come in handy for refilling water bottles and hydration packs, as well as cleaning dishes.

Sun Protection

1. Hats
2. Scarves
3. Sunscreen
4. Canopies

Good Reads

Whether traveling by planes, trains, or automobiles, use your down time to catch up on a good book or magazine. Need some recommendations? Check out these classic lists from Outside Magazine (Best Outside Books for Wanderers and 25 Essential Books for the Well-Read Explorer).

Music + Playlists

No trek or road trip is complete without the tunes to match. Check out Chaco’s Summer Playlist for songs that get us amped for every stage and show.

Go Camping Along The Way

If you’re driving the long haul to your festival destination, use the opportunity to car camp along the way. Check out sites like Hipcamp.com and TheOutbound.com (they also have a killer phone App) to find and book the public and private camp sites along your route, and find side adventures to enjoy while you’re there.

Notes When Flying

Flying to your festival? Pack your neck pillow and strap into your Z/Sandals or Flips for the trip. They’re easy to get on and off during security, and our uber comfortable LUVSEAT™ footbed will keep your feet happy and supported along the way.

And When Road Tripping

Roll the windows down, turn the stereo up, and enjoy the open road. Road Trips are the ultimate way to see our country and bond with each other. There’s nothing like hours of being packed in close-quarters to bring people together.

Check out more festival travel inspiration below and don’t forget to check out our style board on Pinterest.