If you’re heading to a music festival be prepared, but don’t over pack. You don’t want to carry around a bunch of weight. Here are a few items I always bring:

• A small hydration pack with side water pockets. If it’s really hot, use the hydration bladder for water. If the weather is mild you can opt for refillable water bottles instead. A lot of festivals won’t let you bring a big backpack in, so go small. Think 17L or less.

• A packable parachute picnic blanket. These are great for resting or listening to a show and they don’t take up much space in your pack. Grand Trunk makes a nice one, but there are others.

• Several bandanas. If it’s really hot these are a necessity. You can tuck one in the back of your hat to shade your neck or soak it in water and place it around your neck to cool off. Bring a few extra to give away.

• Some small snacks. Most festivals won’t let you bring in food, but you can probably get away with granola bars and trail mix. It helps for those times when you can’t make it to the concession, but are loosing energy.

• Ear plugs. You may not think you need them, but when you score that spot at the rail directly in front of the speakers, you’ll be glad you have them.

• Suntan lotion. And make sure it’s a lotion. A lot of festivals will not let you bring in aerosol cans.

• Backup battery to recharge your phone. It will die. You will be sad if you don’t have this.

• A light jacket. It may not be necessary in August, but in other months it may be. Check the weather. It may be cooler at night than you expect.