**Coachella Camper's Survival Kit**

[mcskye]

Goldbond - because no one likes chaffing

[coldstart]

"Don't forget to bring a towel!"

[honefone]

Remember ear plugs, you fuckers

[Felixxxia]

Brett, this thread has been a lifesaver for me.

I printed out your list and gathered all the stuff..packed my bag and traveled from Costa Rics to Indio CA..not knowing what the hell to expect, but reassured that I had followed your advice.

The spray sunscreen is amazing. After years and years of searching for a sunscreen that doesnt feel all oily and gross on my super sensitive skin...you have led me to The Sunscreen. I actually loved how refreshing it was to reapply it. I was spraying away happily every three hours, and came back home without burned skin.

Every single item on the list saved my ass as well, specially those wet wipes.

Thank you for the great advice, this is a great thread for Coachella newbies.

[BrettShipes]

Brett, this thread has been a lifesaver for me.

I printed out your list and gathered all the stuff..packed my bag and traveled from Costa Rics to Indio CA..not knowing what the hell to expect, but reassured that I had followed your advice.

The spray sunscreen is amazing. After years and years of searching for a sunscreen that doesnt feel all oily and gross on my super sensitive skin...you have led me to The Sunscreen. I actually loved how refreshing it was to reapply it. I was spraying away happily every three hours, and came back home without burned skin.

Every single item on the list saved my ass as well, specially those wet wipes.

Thank you for the great advice, this is a great thread for Coachella newbies.

My pleasure. I'm glad I could help out.

No shit about the sunscreen, it's like I know what I'm talking about. 5 Coachellas and not one bit of sunburn on my ghostly white skin.

[PhishCake]

Total noob here w/a few ??? about the grounds and policies.

First off, I'm here because of the rumored Phish fest this Halloween. I'll be coming from Vermont , and probly be going alone.


Do they really search your shit "thoroughly"?
Can I bring/smuggle in some hard liquor?
Are we really not allowed to grill/cook our own food? For 3 days??
Will I be allowed a cooler w/beer . soda , water?


I'm curious as to how this goes down. At previous Phish fests the concert tik includes camping. I hope this is the case. And they didn't care about beer, liquor, grilling (just no open fires) and it was pretty much a free for all. R.V.'s were allowed. Lots of vending. It was always a huge multi day party with very little restrictions. I hope the Phish management negotiates some leeway in Coachella's policies.

Any help is appreciated. Thanx in advance.

[djandrews25]

They check really good. We snuck in clear alcohol in waterbottles that were in a cooler full of waterbottles. no cooking grilling. no beer. You can sneak anything in if you are crafty enough.

[PhishCake]

I forgot that trick. I took a cruise to Mexico a few years back and of course we took plenty of "water" bottles. Grey Goose .

funny story. My gf is lactose sensative, so she eats her cereal with....yup WATER. (I know, gross) And then she called ME an asshole when she poured herself a bowl of breakfast vodka!!!

[djandrews25]

Lol i dont know how many people came to my cooler for a drink of water that weekend.

[whencurlsattacks]

My friends and I decided we are going to camp for the first time at Coachella next year....and we have no idea what to expect or bring! This has been awesome!

[MantisMel]

My friends and I decided we are going to camp for the first time at Coachella next year....and we have no idea what to expect or bring! This has been awesome!

Well, It took me about two years to figure it out and I still haven't perfected the art of camping at Coachella. I usually make a list of things that I know I will need. Tent, Sleeping Bag, Pillow, and possibly cushioned floor mat to soften the ground you will be sleeping on.

Then its also important to consider the things you don't necessarily think of due to pent up excitement for the weekend--like aspirin, chap stick, sunblock, toiletries and a towel.

If you are planning to camp on sight I've learned to also BRING SHADE!!! An EZ UP canopy. It does get hot and there will be no trees to hangout under. There are cell phone recharging stations and a mini mart to buy cigs, snacks, toiletries and things of that nature but its wise to bring all that yourself. Also bring plenty of cash with you cuz as much as we all like paying a sevice charge at the ATM it still a good idea to go to the bank before hand.

Don't bring anything valuable!!! i.e. a laptop, your super awesome expensive camera you just bought for Coachella, the diamond tennis bracelet that your grandmother has had since 1664 and what not.

DO bring plenty of snacks and easy to make things that don't involve cooking cuz there is nowhere to cook. WATER!!! WATER!!! WATER!!!! OH! AND BOOZE [which you have to sneak in yourself via camp'ou'flage]!!!

Usually if you plan on joining a camping group for Coachella here on the boards, it's best to wait till the line up is announced to see who you want to camp with. The organizing usually starts then. If you want to do it with just your friends that's cool too! I promise, no matter where you camp you will make new friends.)

Lastly, PLEASE bring a smile, hot chicks and good times! Have fun and enjoy your first Coachella!

[Aurgasm]

Lastly, PLEASE bring a smile, hot chicks and good times! Have fun and enjoy your first Coachella!

espescially these.

I bring a back up source of money, a well stocked toiletry kit and plenty a few towels/blankets. Make sure you wear comfy shoes and a good supply of socks

[phonographer]

o_O good pieces of information. My friends and I are also planning on camping next year as well! I'll have to come back to this later on, just in case the "pent up excitement for the weekend" take ahold of me when the time comes.

[Suffacated]

Usually if you plan on joining a camping group for Coachella here on the boards, it's best to wait till the line up is announced to see who you want to camp with. The organizing usually starts then. If you want to do it with just your friends that's cool too! I promise, no matter where you camp you will make new friends.)

Lastly, PLEASE bring a smile, hot chicks and good times! Have fun and enjoy your first Coachella!

So true...

[gaypalmsprings]

[MantisMel]

I guess it's worth it to try it. But this year I think Im opting for a place with a swimming pool and biking distance from the place.

[Wheres the beef?]

I guess it's worth it to try it. But this year I think Im opting for a place with a swimming pool and biking distance from the place.

Whhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaat.

[LiKeBuTtAh !]

Shade: Kelty's Shadehouse or Sunshade work most excellently
Handiwipes: loaded with alcohol to get your lit-on-the dl :/ ...or for your butt

[soleilvie]

Any ideas for food? I want to avoid bringing ice since it will melt quickly and become a hassle. I also want to limit the amount of food I buy at the festival. I realize I won't be able to take food inside but any ideas of what to keep at the campgrounds?

[OnlyNonStranger]

I guess it's worth it to try it. But this year I think Im opting for a place with a swimming pool and biking distance from the place.

That bikeride on the way back to your hotel is going to be a biiiiiitch.

[M Sparks]

You kind of have to bring ice, you're going to want to have cold drinks. But yeah, I don't like to depend on ice to keep food from spoiling.

We brought shelf stable Peanut Butter and Bagels...gives you a protein & carb load at the same time, plus it somewhat resembles breakfast AND lunch. And it's filling. We would wait as long as possible in the morning to eat...maybe have this around 10:30 or 11. We wouldn't get hungry until 3 or 4...we'd have a good early dinner and that would usually hold us until the end of the day with maybe a shared snack in the evening. We'd usually sneak in a couple granola bars each day too.

Yes, it got boring, but it was cheap, and we only had to buy one meal a day. If this doesn't appeal to you, figure out something else, just keep it simple. Also, even if you are pretty health conscious, don't worry about whether you are getting a perfectly balanced diet. It's 4 days, just concentrate on giving your body enough energy. I think I got something on Saturday that came with a little salad so I could get some greens, but otherwise I didn't worry. Some people try to pack up a ton of complicated food.

[littlewolf]

Some people try to pack up a ton of complicated food.

Good reminder. When I go camping I am the QUEEN of overpacking my cooler full of crap I never touch and I swear I'm going to try not to do it at Coachella. Must.Limit.Food.

[vogina]

You kind of have to bring ice, you're going to want to have cold drinks. But yeah, I don't like to depend on ice to keep food from spoiling.

We brought shelf stable Peanut Butter and Bagels...gives you a protein & carb load at the same time, plus it somewhat resembles breakfast AND lunch. And it's filling. We would wait as long as possible in the morning to eat...maybe have this around 10:30 or 11. We wouldn't get hungry until 3 or 4...we'd have a good early dinner and that would usually hold us until the end of the day with maybe a shared snack in the evening. We'd usually sneak in a couple granola bars each day too.

Yes, it got boring, but it was cheap, and we only had to buy one meal a day. If this doesn't appeal to you, figure out something else, just keep it simple. Also, even if you are pretty health conscious, don't worry about whether you are getting a perfectly balanced diet. It's 4 days, just concentrate on giving your body enough energy. I think I got something on Saturday that came with a little salad so I could get some greens, but otherwise I didn't worry. Some people try to pack up a ton of complicated food.

Sound well thought out and something I would do. BUT, with the introduction of a propane stove/grill to the equation, AND ins/outs the campgrounds will smell like a bbq paradise! You can either hope your neighbor did what some others mentioned and brought way to much food and wish to share it OR you'll be standing around with a peanut butter bagel while I am cooking up breakfast burritos, hot dogs, and bacon burgers. All of which coincide with each other!!

1) instant egg carton 2) bacon 3) hot dog 4) burger paddy 5) cheese (keep frozen)
1) hot dog bun 2) burger bun 3) tortilla (no need to keep cool)

BAM! Deliciousness all day long!! Simple & easy.

[littlewolf]

vogina, can I come visit you for breakfast? Pretty please?

[vogina]

vogina, can I come visit you for breakfast? Pretty please?

i will probably barter with you for something.. but ya for sure.

[koliebo]

sorry folks at this point there is no promise of any cooking. please keep up with the changes.

So it looks like propane stoves may not be allowed after all.

[M Sparks]

I could have sworn the FAQ said "no open flames", but now I can't find it...

[littlewolf]

i will probably barter with you for something.. but ya for sure.

I may have just gotten in over my head.

[lowfront]

I have never brought ice or a cooler in and got along just fine....

[vogina]

So it looks like propane stoves may not be allowed after all.

Where did you quote that from?