You have your festival passes, your outfits have been planned for weeks, and your nails are freshly painted. But whether this is your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, knowing the 2023 Coachella bag policy is an absolute must. Because once you make it out to Indio, you’ll still need a few things on hand to make your experience out in the desert as pleasant as possible (see: a face mask for dust, water, sunscreen —you get the drill).
There are strict bag checks at the festival entrance, so this policy isn’t something to try your luck with. But conveniently, the official Coachella website outlines everything you are and are not allowed to bring onto the grounds, including the various types of bags, down to the size. As you’re packing for the weekend, here’s what bags to add to your suitcase, so you can focus on enjoying Blackpink, Bad Bunny, and the rest of this year’s Coachella lineup.
A Medium-Sized Backpack
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According to the Coachella website, you can have a backpack “no bigger than 18” x 13” x 8.5” when fully packed.” We recommend doing a test run with all your items inside the bag, just to make sure it fits those specs. Similar to when you carry on your luggage at the airport, the bags will have to fit into a box of that size, and if it doesn’t fit inside, you won’t be able to bring the bag in the venue.
Shop Similar: Coach Charter Backpack in Signature Denim, $495
A Fanny Pack
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Belt and hip bags are good to go, so you can go hands-free for all the festivities (unless you’re Shay Mitchell, who held hers as to not compete with her outfit at last year's Revolve Festival).
Shop Similar: Calpak Luka Belt Bag, $58
Other Small or Medium Bags
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Aside from backpacks and fanny packs, Coachella says that other purses and handbags are OK. However, officially they can be no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” to make it past security.
Shop Similar: Free People Billie Suede Crossbody, $58
What Can You Bring Inside?
Once you have your bag(s) picked out, the next step is figuring out what's worth bringing with you. Yet again, Coachella has provided some guidance with a detailed “yes” and “no” list.
On the “yes” list, you’ll find items like Band-Aids, hand sanitizer, ear plugs, binoculars (hey, you never know how far you’ll be from the stage), breast milk and formula, plastic water bottles, water misters (again, it's the desert), and phone chargers.
As for what you can't bring inside the grounds? Skip the aerosol products, blankets (opt for a small towel instead), glass and metal water bottles, laser pointers, and outside food or beverages. For a full list of what you can and can’t bring inside the festival, refer to the Coachella website.
