There will be a lot more to come regarding my trek to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the exploration of the southwest corner of Colorado but as I embarked on my first big music festival, I was struck by the fact that there were absolute gear necessities. So, for those of you who plan to sit still for a while this summer, whether it be for an extended period (like TBF) or for a few hours during Skakespeare on the Green, here's what I recommend you bring.
1. Tarp
Blankets are nice but if it rains, you're out of luck and stuck schlepping a wet blanket.
A tarp will repel spilled...err...beverages just as well as rain, or in our case even snow
2. Rain Gear
Weather is more likely an issue in mountain communities but I've been to plenty of festivals in the Midwest
that ended in rain. I recommend a pair of rain pants as well as your jacket.
3. Waterproof Footwear
On our last night, we danced in the rain for probably a full FIVE hours. It was muddy and fun but was
also followed quickly by dramatic temperature drops, a perfect storm (yukyuk) for hypothermia/frostbite.
All of those people with no alternative to their Chacos were hurting pretty badly.
4. Sun Screen
Seems like a given, but I saw hundreds of cripsy fried festivarians in the last week. It's just not smart,
people! Especially at 10,000 feet.
5. Bug Spray
I know a lot fo people that like to bring citronella candles but personally I think they're a bit of a disaster
waiting to happen once you toss in dancing and alcohol. Bring your bug spray and it'll be one less thing to
have to manage when all you want to do is go get a snack, dance, visit the merch booth.
6. A Book/Magazine
We heard non-stop, amazing music from about 10am-1am for four days straight. While it was so fun,
there were also times, when I needed a mental change from people-watching and staring at the stage.
7. Chair
I recommend a low-back so as to give yourself more optionsin seating. Most festivals only allow high-
backed chairs beyond a certain distance from the stage. Crazy creeks work great and pack light but
can be hard on your back for really extended use.
8. Water Bottle
You may have to take it in empty, but bring at least one. It's so important to keep hydrated, even if you're
just sitting still for hours on end. This weekend, we observed a young guy (a nurse!) who passed out from
dehydration, fell flat on his face and probably broke his nose.
9. Headlamp/Small Flashlight
All important for gathering your gear up in the wee hours of the evening or just trying to weave your way
to the port-a-john.
10. An Extra Layer.
Even if it doesn't cool down, you'll probably want a reprieve from the sun at some point. Umbrellas
are okay but then you'll be blocking the view of those behind you (not good karma).
If you're in Colorado, you also need to bring a hat and gloves...I don't care what time of year it is. It's mid-June and we used them duing a SNOWstorm on the last night. We also had periods of intense sun when I was very thankful for my kicky, cheap straw cowboy hat.
Snacks are also a good idea and will save you a small fortune, but that's only if the festival you're attending will let you bring them in. Read up on their rules in advance.
Colorado, along with other outdoor-oriented states/communities, is an exception in that the festival wasn't about to shut down for anything. Heat, Rain, Snow, Mud...no difference, the bands still played. As bands get paid whther they play or not, this is often the case, even at small festivals. This is why it's better to be prepared for anything. I would have kicked myself if my lack of preparation kept me from seeing Old Crow Medicine Show play a few songs with Mumford & Sons or if I had missed the experience of the rainstorm breaking and rays of sun burst through during Awake My Soul (I mean, wow!).
And by the way, if you bring all of your gear, and bad weather does strike, you'll wind up with the best view in the house! The unprepared masses will flee the storm while you cover your bag with your tarp, toss on your rain gear and go up front to dance your pants off in that rain.
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