Start Preparing Now: What To Pack For Coachella 2026
- Crazy Staff
- Oct 14
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 15
The desert doesn’t forgive unpreparedness—here’s your minimalist festival toolkit.
ESSENTIALS YOU CAN'T SKIP
The CRAZY staff dug through influencer posts, brand activations, and last year’s Coachella must-haves to find the gear people actually use and the trusted brands of 2026.
1. Hydration tools & sun gear
Bring a reusable bottle like the Hydro Flask or Stanley Quencher (hydration is survival). Add a Lack of Color wide-brim hat and Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 — your desert-day trio. The sun doesn’t play fair.
2. Lightweight layers & statement pieces
Pack breathable fits — Alo Yoga tanks, Free People mesh tops, or Urban Outfitters scarves for layering when temps drop. A standout jacket from The Mighty Company or Levi’s earns extra style points.
lackofcolors/ alo/ themightycompany
3. Footwear that works
Go for Dr. Martens, Converse Run Star Hikes, or HOKA Clifton 9s — sturdy enough for dust, cute enough for selfies. Leave the stilettos for after-party stories.
4. Tech & power backup
A Mophie Powerstation for your phone, Loop earplugs, and a LifeProof dust-proof case are festival lifesavers. Don’t get caught at 2% when your favorite artist hits the stage.
5. Carry-all bag
A Lululemon belt bag or Herschel mini backpack with compartments — easy to carry, hard to lose. Bonus: fits the clear-bag policy and keeps your hands free for dancing.
6. Beauty / skin rescue kit
Keep it simple: Evian facial mist, Summer Fridays lip butter, Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patches, and Neutrogena Hydro Boost wipes. The desert is not skincare-friendly — come prepared.
7. Essentials & security
Your wristband, ID, and a small Adventure Medical Kits first-aid pack go in a Stasher zip bag. Add Apple AirTags if you’re the “where’s my stuff?” type.
8. Nighttime comfort
Pack a lightweight Barefoot Dreams throw, LANEIGE lip sleeping mask, and a silk pillowcase for a bit of glam comfort under the stars.
Pro tip: Leave the heavy obsessions at home. You’ll want freedom—minimal, meaningful items that pull double duty. The desert stage is going to demand energy; let your gear support that, not weigh you down.
WHAT NOT TO PACK
Security at Coachella is strict — and for good reason. Leave these behind:
Aerosol cans (including spray sunscreen or dry shampoo)
Glass bottles or containers
Professional cameras or detachable-lens gear
Outside alcohol or illegal substances
Drones or selfie sticks
Laser pointers, glow sticks, or LED hula hoops
Metal water bottles (only empty reusable plastic bottles allowed)
Hard coolers, lawn chairs, or wagons
Weapons or sharp objects (yes, even pocket knives)
Pets (service animals only)
... and more
Keep it light, keep it legal, and keep it fun — the less you carry, the more you can actually enjoy the music.