First Time at a BC Music Festival? Read This Before You Pack (Shambhala, Bass Coast + More)

You can show up to your first BC festival with your outfits planned, food, and a tent …and still end up overheated, dusty, sleep-deprived, and slightly feral by day two.

Because no one really explains what it’s actually like.

The heat during the day, the cold at night. The dust in your nose, your bed, your hair. The bugs. Trying to sleep in a tent that turns into a sauna by 8 am.

This isn’t a basic festival packing list. This is everything I wish I knew before my first Shambhala, Bass Coast, ValhallaFest or any camping festival in BC.

Save this. I’m serious.

🌲 BC festivals are not the same (and your packing matters more than you think)

If you’ve only done city festivals… this is different.

You’re not going back to a hotel. You’re not grabbing food and lounging in AC.

You’re:

• living outside

• camping in the forest

• existing in whatever weather shows up FOR MULTIPLE DAYS.
  

👉 What you pack directly affects how good your weekend is.

1. The heat will humble you

Everyone stresses about rain…

But the thing that will actually get you? 👉 the heat.

Your tent will be uninhabitable by morning.

What actually helps:

• shade (aluminet, canopy, tapestries)

• battery-powered fan

• eye mask

• loose, breathable pyjamas to sleep in

• a cooling blanket

2. The dust is not a suggestion

If you’re going to Shambhala… Dust will become you. A lot of these festivals take place in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, which is notoriously dry.

You will:

• breathe dust

• dance in dust

• somehow sleep in dust
  

Bring:

• bandana or face covering

• baby wipes (you’ll use them constantly)

• something to cover your bed during the day like a tablecloth or extra sheet.

• single-use saline solution nasal rinses

This is one of those things people underestimate every single time. You might not even feel the effects of the dust during the festival, but you'll feel it after.

3. The weather will do whatever it wants

BC weather gives no f*cks about you

You can get:

• hot sun

• cold nights

• random rain

all in one weekend.

Be ready for all of it:

• rain jacket or poncho

• warm layers (hoodie, leggings, socks)

• tarp for your tent setup (both under and over)

• dry bags or ziplocks

• umbrella (good for sun and rain)

4. The bugs… yeah

It’s the forest, the bugs were there first.

Which means you’re sharing space with:

• mosquitos

• no-see-ums (the tiny ones that bite for no reason)

• the occasional hornet that chooses chaos

👉 If you don’t prepare for this, you will suffer... at least I suffer.. terribly mosquitos and no-see-ums LOVE my blood and my bites swell... not fun

What actually helps:

• bug spray (and reapply often, not just once)

• after-bite or anti-itch cream

• light layers at night

• Thermacell at camp

• a small fan in the camp living room (bugs hate airflow)
  

💡 Dusk is when the bite bugs show up the most.

5. Sleep is possible… but not guaranteed

You can sleep BUT between the heat, the noise, and your own life choices, it can be hard

Make it easier on yourself:

• earplugs (non-negotiable)

• eye mask

• a comfortable sleeping setup

• optional: melatonin or sleep support It's also a good idea to bring comfortable seating for your camp living room so you have a spot to sit or rest if you don't want to be in your tent.
  

Even a few hours of good sleep will change your entire experience. If you can't fully drift off to sleep, at least lie there and give your body time to rest.

6. Staying clean is hard

You’re not going to feel fresh the whole weekend. But you don’t have to feel gross either. Personally, I try to lean into the ick and just embrace it. But I know that isn't for everyone.

Bring:

• baby wipes/body wipes

• moisturizer

• dry shampoo

• small towel

• flip flops

• extra cotton underwear (more than you think you need)

• hat to hide messy hair

• sunglasses to hide eye bags and the lack of makeup
  

💡 When you need a quick reset = wipes + fresh clothes. It works every time.

7. Your phone will not survive on its own

Between photos, videos, and bad service… well your battery is going to disappear.

Bring:

• portable chargers (yes, more than one)

• extra charging cables

• optional: solar charger (but highly suggested)
  

8. Just be smart with your stuff

Festivals are good vibes… but still.

Do this:

• lock your tent

• use a crossbody or fanny pack

• tether your phone

• don’t bring anything you’d be devastated to lose
  

9. Take care of yourself (seriously)

This is the part that matters most.

Pack:

• electrolytes

• sunscreen

• earplugs

• basic first aid

• Tylenol

• Your medication(s)
  

👉 You’ll have a way better time if your body isn’t struggling. Here are a few other little tips I've learned along the way:

Always have a snack and water with you. Stay in the shade as much as possible (or wear a hat), USE SUNSCREEN, wear comfortable shoes that are well broken in. Take care of yourself.

Things no one tells you to pack (but you’ll be glad you did)

• flash light or headlamp

• garbage bags (for everything)

• ziplock bags big and small

• tape (fixes more than you expect)

• portable snacks you actually like (salty and sweet)

• a small fuzzy blanket

• a wagon if you need to transport camping supplies
  

Your first BC festival might feel: chaotic, a little uncomfortable, slightly unhinged

…but also like one of the best weekends of your life.

You don’t need to be perfectly prepared (unless you're a Type A like I am). Personally, I always overpack, but live by the ethos I'd have it and not need it than need it and not have it. But then there are wooks who just show up with a sleeping bag and wing it. Festivals are a wild world. Just prepared enough that you can enjoy it, everyone has different standards of what they define as "comfortable."