Essential Safety Gear for Festivals and Raves: What to Pack for a Safer Experience

Festivals and raves are all about freedom, shenanigans and fun but that doesn't mean you should be careless- safety first! This list covers safety-focused rave essentials to keep you hydrated, protected, and ready for (almost) anything.

Hydration & Sun Protection

• Hydration Pack: Hands-free water access means more dancing and less searching for water stations.

• Electrolyte Packets: Keep your energy and hydration levels up, especially during long hot sets.

• Sunscreen Stick or Spray: A travel-friendly way to stay sunburn-free (look for SPF 30+ and sweat-resistant options.)

• Cooling Towel or UV Bandana: Wrap it around your neck or wear as a headband for instant sun protection.

• Hand Fan: A must for hot dance floors, long sets, or waiting in line.

• Hat: Practical items for keeping cool and adding accessories to your outfit.
  

Anti-Theft & Staying Connected

• Clutch Loop or Phone Tether: Secure your phone to your belt, hydration pack, or bag. These save phones from both pickpockets and accidental drops.

• Decoy Wallet or Phone Case: Keep a dummy one in your pocket and the real one zipped away.

• Apple AirTag or Crowd Compass: Hide an AirTag it in your bag, wallet, or fanny pack to track lost or stolen items. Use the Crowd Compass or Totem Compass to direct you back to your friends.

• Portable Charger: Never let your phone die when you need to find your crew or call for help.
  

Substance Safety

• Narcan (Naloxone): A life-saving nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses. You can often get it free from local pharmacies or harm-reduction groups like EndOverdose

• Fentanyl Test Strips & Reagent Kits: Use these to check your substances for harmful additives. Organizations like DanceSafe offer kits that test for MDMA, LSD, and more.

• NightCap Drink Covers: Available in a variety of styles NightCap offers covers that slip over your drink to prevent it from being spiked.
  

  

  
  

Personal Safety & Nighttime Essentials

• Mini First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, Advil, blister patches, alcohol wipes, and anything you personally need.

• Headlamp or Mini Flashlight: Crucial for late-night campsite missions or navigating to the bathroom. Clip it to your bag for easy access.

• Hi-Fidelity Earplugs: Protect your ears from hearing damage without compromising sound quality. Brands like Eargasm or Loop are popular.

• Condoms/Safe Sex Supplies: Always a good idea - stash a few in your bag or toiletry kit.
  

Final Packing Tips for Safety-Conscious Ravers

• Pack light but smart - the goal is to be prepared, not overloaded.

• Use a checklist so you don’t forget key safety items.

• Label your gear and put contact info inside your bag in case it gets lost.

• Pack in layers — a little extra warmth at night is also a form of self-care.

Other tips:

Keep emergency info on you by adding your emergency contact info or "lost phone" message on your lock screen. You can also keep an emergency contact card in your pocket with your name, allergy or medication info, and an incase of emergency contact. Carry a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer with you or individual wipes to kill those germs. Don't assume porta-potties will always have TP, carry a ziplock bag with some extra (also carry pack of tissues)

Bring some sensory items for you to fidget with if you get a little overstimulated Use the buddy system, always check in with your crew, especially when heading off for a sidequest.

Time stamp texts when you send them just incase they don't go through right away Designate a meeting spot for friends, determine the time to meet and how long you'll stay there. Have a quiet spot plan, know where to go if you're overstimulated, lots of festivals have chill zones, harm reduction tents, or sanctuaries. Plan a safe ride home with a SOBER driver