travel blog, minus the bull$hit

In honor of Coachella this weekend, here’s an honest guide for first-timers, based on my experience as a first-timer. You’re welcome in advance.

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“The best Coachella is the one you actually feel good at.”

So you scored those pre-sale tickets. The lineup is fire, your group chat is unhinged, and suddenly you’re staring at an empty suitcase wondering how anyone survives three days in the desert looking this good. Maybe this is even your first festival. Here are some things you actually need.

☀️ Sun & Heat 

It can hit 95°F+ during the day. I cannot stress this enough: the desert does not care about your fit plans. 

• Sunscreen — and not just on your face. Reapply every 90 minutes. My favorites are:
  • Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick – I’ve been using this badboy for my face since 2017, super easy to pack and convenient for reapplication
  • Dr.Jart+ Every Sun Day Invisible Sunscreen Stick – my boyfriend has been preferring this one recently
  • Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion – our go to body sunscreen
• Sunglasses — this is both practical and a fun accessory for your outfit
• Wide-brim hat — I know trucker hats look cute but a bucket hat or cowboy hat will actually protect your neck and shoulders. Fashion AND function, pick both. Here is the cowboy hat I had last year!
• Refillable water bottle — free water stations are everywhere on the grounds. Bring some electrolyte packets because hydration is more than just water.

🪩 Practical Festival Fashion

Not only does it hit 95°F+ during the day, but once the sun starts setting it can very quickly dip down in to the 50s°F.

Coachella style is absolutely a real thing and I fully encourage you to lean in. But comfort wins over three days of walking 15,000+ steps. The golden rule: would you wear this for six hours on your feet? If the answer involves suffering, reconsider.

• Broken-in shoes — Western boots, chunky sneakers, platform sandals — all valid choices. New shoes are a blister disaster waiting to happen. Wear them in before you go. I personally wore these cowboy boots and my Dr. Martens.
• Layers — as mentioned above, nights drop to around 60°F. A denim jacket, mesh cover-up, or kimono does double duty: keeps you warm AND adds to the whole look.
  • (Optional) Fleece-lined leggings — pretty compact, easy to pack, keeps you warm AND is practical festival fashion
  • Emergency thermal blankets also come in clutch since they’re super tiny to pack
• Crossbody bag, fanny pack, small backpack — hands-free is the only way to do this. Some stages have clear bag requirements, so check current rules before you pack.
• Breathable fabrics — linen, cotton, mesh. Denim gets heavy and dusty fast. Sequins? Welcome at all hours, no notes.
• A bandana or buff for the dust. There’s going to be so much dust.
• Safety pins — unsung festival hero. Always.

💊 The Boring Stuff That Will Actually Save You

• Portable charger — The charging stations have long lines. Just bring your own and don’t think about it again. My recs:
  • Anker Laptop Power Bank, 25,000mAh Portable Charger with Triple 100W USB-C Ports – kinda chunky but also has enough juice for the whole squad and probably even for the whole weekend without needing to recharge
  • Anker Nano MagSafe Power Bank, Ultra-Slim 5,000mAh Magnetic Battery Pack – I personally carry this one around because my bags are teenie tiny
  • Anker MagGo Power Bank, Ultra-Slim 10,000mAh Magnetic Battery Pack – a little thicker than my own, but also twice the stored power
• EARPLUGS — you do NOT want tinnitus.
  • I adore my Loop Experience 2 Plus earplugs.
  • Eargasm High Fidelity Blue Earplugs are also an excellent choice
• Mini med kit — ibuprofen, bandaids, antacids, allergy meds, any prescriptions you take.
• Tissues and wet wipes — the porta-potty situation is a lot. Wet wipes also work as a mid-day dust-off refresh and honestly? A lifesaver.
• Salonpas — we aren’t getting any younger y’all. Excellent for them achy legs when it’s time to rest at the end of the night.
• Some cash — most vendors are card-only but in case service goes down and you’ll want a backup. $40 should be enough.

Okay that’s everything. Pack smart, stay hydrated, wear your sunscreen, and for the love of everything — break in your goddamn shoes before you go. The rest kind of figures itself out. See you in the desert. 🌵

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Some links on this page may be affiliate links wherein I may receive a small commission on purchases. #CommissionsEarned