Yahoo Canada is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. We may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

Osheaga 2024 will be my 5th-ever music festival: Here are 9 things I always pack for the day — from the right clothing to sun protection

From sunscreen and wipes to ear plugs and a portable charger, there's a lot you don't want to forget if you're headed to a festival for the day.

For every music festival, there's a range of items I'm always packing in my bag to take on the day. (Photos via Lululemon and Amazon)
For every music festival, there's a range of items I'm always packing in my bag to take on the day. (Photos via Lululemon and Amazon)

On top of basking under the sun and cooling off with an afternoon swim, music festivals are near the top of my list for favourite summer activities. From Osheaga in Montreal — which runs Aug. 2 to 4 this year — and Sommo Festival on Prince Edward Island, to Stockholm's Rosendal Garden Party and California's iconic Coachella, I've been lucky enough to experience tons of music events over the years.

Quick Overview
See 4 more

Seeing world-famous artists like Beyoncé, SZA and Dua Lipa perform for thousands of people are some of the most thrilling moments I'll never forget. But so are the times I've groaned over a dying phone with no portable charger, regretted wearing no ear plugs the day after a show or even wished I'd have brought a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. If you're a frequent festivalgoer, it's probably likely you've suffered similar scenarios.

While you definitely shouldn't forget bringing pieces of ID (Osheaga suggests at least two), your debit and credit cards as well as your festival ticket, there are loads of items I'll always be packing for any future festival I go to. If you're prepping your bag or the Osheaga Music and Arts Festival this weekend, or simply getting ready for another festival later this year, here are nine essentials I recommend carrying along with you.


What exactly are you going to be putting all of your belongings into, you might ask? A belt bag is the best option, of course! Osheaga has tight restrictions on what you're allowed to bring inside the festival grounds, and specific bag types as well as sizes fall under those permissions.

While any backpack under the size of 16" x 12" x 6" will be accepted, a fanny pack, belt bag or small bag is probably best. For small bags, anything that's within one gallon in size (or under 9" x 6") will be allowed.

Lululemon's 2L Everywhere Belt Bag fits perfectly within those requirements — and easily goes with any festival outfit you have planned. The bag can be placed either around your torso or wrapped around your waist, and its water-repellant fabric is a great add-on for when you're suddenly sprayed by mid-show water cannons!

$52 at Lululemon

When you're spending hours upon hours under the hot summer sun, it's a good idea to stay on top of your hydration. Even though festivals like Osheaga typically have numerous stalls where you can buy plastic water bottles and other beverages, bringing an empty reusable water bottle you can refill onsite is a good idea to stay budget-conscious and eco-friendly.

But round water bottles might not be the best object if you're tight on bag space. That's why this flat water bottle from MoChic is a great portable option that can fit in any bag.

On top of a leak-free seal, it comes with a leather carry strap if you want to keep it outside of your bag.

$27 at Amazon

Amazon

Speaking of staying safe under the hot sun, doing whatever you can to avoid sunburns is a good idea if you want to keep having fun throughout the day. Bringing a small sunscreen you can easily reapply is almost a necessity for these outdoor events, but make sure it complies with the organizer's rules. For Osheaga, no aerosol containers are allowed, but sunscreens under 100ml are permitted.

Still, choosing a physical version like the Sun Bum Premium Sunscreen Face Stick is a convenient option for festivals. Since it's non-liquid, you don't have to worry about anything spilling or leaking all over your precious electronics or other belongings. It also means you can easily reapply your sunscreen throughout the day, all without the greasy mess of traditional liquid versions.

$15 at Amazon

If you're anything like me, being out-and-about only to get a low battery warning notification on your phone sparks a little bit of stress. But the real wave of dread washes over your mind when you realize you don't have a charger or there's no access to an outlet.

Maybe (most likely) I'm a bit too dependent on my phone. But how else am I supposed to record clips of my favourite singers, meet up with my friends when I'm lost or simply calm my anxiety when I'm in an awkward situation and want to pretend I'm texting?

The INIU Power Bank is a super slim portable charger that's great for travelling and festival days. With 10,000 mAh and options to charge by either USB-A or USB-C, all types of phones will be set for day-long adventures that might require an extra bit of juice.

$30 at Amazon

Amazon

Protecting yourself from sun damage is one thing, but any regular concert attendee knows hearing loss is a serious and common issue. Still, that doesn't mean you have to completely avoid dancing along to the best tunes or singing along to your favourite live performances.

Loop offers a variety of ear plugs — all in several colours — to help manage sound and prevent hearing damage. Whether you simply want to sleep better or you're spending a lot of time at loud events, there's a version that'll suit your needs best.

For concerts and live events, the Loop Experience 2 ear plugs are the best option. They offer 17 dB of filtered noise reduction, and also help lower the volume of live events without compromising sound quality.

$50 at Amazon

Hot weather is in Montreal's forecast for this weekend, but Osheaga attendees can also unfortunately expect to be caught in some rain. While Friday is expected to be nice and sunny, the last two days of the festival could see showers.

Some people might opt for the whole festival experience, including getting fully drenched while standing front row at their number one band's set over the weekend. But for those who don't want to potentially ruin their day due to being soaked, picking up a rain poncho is a good idea if you like staying dry.

The SaphiRose Rain Poncho comes in numerous colours and patterns to appease all fashion tastes. And since it's lightweight, fabric, water-resistant and breathable, it'll likely beat out any cheap plastic poncho you're picking up from your local convenience store.

$35 at Amazon

While taking photos with a phone lets you craft the perfect snapshot, disposable film cameras let anyone who can push a button capture candid moments you can cherish forever. It's also a great, portable tool that helps you live in the present.

The Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash Camera is a one-time camera that can take 27 photos. It features a 10-foot built-in flash, too, to help you take sharp photos no matter your location.

$24 at Amazon


Amazon

With an abundance of sticky drinks and greasy food at your convenience, staying clean is, at least for me, of utmost importance. While I might've snickered a older people carrying wet wipes when I was a kid, I now understand they can make or break how comfortable you feel.

These Stall Mates Wipes are great to have when you're exiting the festival's communal portable toilet, cleaning a spilt drink from your hands or even wiping sweat off your body. For convenience, they're individually wrapped and come unscented, with vitamin E and aloe added.

$27 at Amazon

When you're packing a variety of objects to spend all day at a festival, bringing slim belongings is key to avoid overpacking. You might not think you need it (or perhaps you think this is simply not pretty), but a razor thin wallet is a must if you want a secure place for you ID as well as debit and credit cards (Osheaga is entirely cashless).

Mountain Voyago Co.'s Minimalist Wallet is a best seller on Amazon Canada. It features a slender build that can hold up to 15 cards and eight bills. Its RFID-blocking technology ensures your safety, and it's so thin it shouldn't bulge out of your pockets.

$40 at Amazon

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.