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Opinion by Callie Ahlgrim
- Insider's senior music reporter is attending Coachella in Indio, California for the second time.
- After a learning curve last year, she knows how to pack efficiently for a day at the music festival.
- Keep scrolling to see the 13 must-have items on her packing list.
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Only medium-sized backpacks and smaller bags are allowed, so make sure to pack efficiently.
Coachella allows you to bring "medium" backpacks, as well as fanny packs, hip bags, purses, and handbags. (Check the festival's official rules for exact measurements.)
If your bag looks too big, security guards will have you place the bag inside a small box, like a carry-on suitcase at an airport.
"If the bag doesn't fit in the box, you won't be allowed inside the Venue," according to the festival's online FAQ.
A portable phone charger is essential if you plan to spend most of the day at the festival.
Make sure your charger is lightweight, compact, and fully charged before you leave the house each day.
There are phone-charging stations located throughout the grounds, but you need to bring your own cable if you plan to use them.
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A reusable water bottle will help you stay hydrated.
It's important to stay hydrated, especially during a long day in the desert. Coachella allows you to bring your own reusable water bottle, as long as it's plastic and empty when you arrive. Metal water bottles and containers are banned.
You're also permitted to bring an empty hydration pack through security. You can fill up at any number of free water stations throughout the festival.
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It's always a good idea to have a face mask — especially if you're driving to the festival.
The actual festival is covered in grass, but the dust in the parking lot (and, I imagine, the campground) is no joke.
A mask will help prevent spontaneous coughing fits— not to mention reduce your risk of catching COVID-19. Last year, I tested positive two days after I returned home from Coachella.
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Always make sure to reapply your sunscreen.
Most people will apply sunscreen before they head out to the festival, but reapplying throughout the day is just as important. Bring a travel-size bottle that can be easily accessed — but make sure it's cream, not spray. Aerosol cans are banned.
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If you have sensitive skin, a hat can add an extra layer of protection.
If your face gets burned easily, I'd recommend wearing a comfy hat in the early afternoon — especially one that's foldable and can fit in your bag when the sun goes down.
Plus, bucket hats are a popular festival accessory.
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A small point-and-shoot camera can help you feel closer to performers.
Professional camera equipment is banned (as in, anything with a detachable lens), but a handheld camera will do in a pinch. I bought this 2011 model on eBay for $50, and the zoom is surprisingly effective.
You can also bring disposable, Polaroid, and film cameras if you prefer to take photos of your friends and the scenery.
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Make sure to pack your favorite lip balm.
Lips tend to get chapped in the hot desert sun, especially if you're moving and dancing all day.
I'm partial to the Glossier staple Balm Dotcom.
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Painkillers are a savior for achy muscles.
You might be surprised at how sore you feel at the end of the day at Coachella.
After walking through the massive grounds and standing for hours in crowds, my feet and lower back always feel a bit tender, so I make sure to have Advil on hand.
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Foam insoles are also great for sore feet.
Foam insoles would go into your shoes of course, not your bag, so this is kind of a bonus item.
Most standard styles can be trimmed down to fit your shoe size.
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Mini deodorant is always a must-have at a festival.
This one is a no-brainer. You will be sweaty.
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Hand sanitizer is perfect for mealtimes.
Like most music festivals, much of the food options require your hands as utensils — burgers, hot dogs, french fries, pizza, chicken tenders, etc.
A small bottle of hand sanitizer can help cleanse your hands of festival grime before digging in.
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You'll be glad you brought sunglasses.
I'd recommend bringing a pair of sunglasses that aren't too fancy. After the sun goes down, you'll want to be able to slip them into your bag without worrying about them getting crushed. (Plus, they're exceedingly easy to misplace.)
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A portable fan will keep you cool.
Last year, I bought a handheld fan for cheap at a hardware store because I was so desperate to cool down.
This year, I thought ahead and ordered this sturdier, cuter model from Amazon.
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