Best Festival Bags & What to Consider

Let’s face it- tickets are hardly the only thing you need when hitting the festival circuit in the summer. Whether you are hitting Bonnaroo, EDC or Coachella, there are just some things you can’t live without when dancing the night away. 

When it comes to keeping your essential festival supplies handy, you’re going to want something that is both fashionable and functional. We know all the hard work you put into your outfit so we’ve rounded up five of our best options that make for the perfect festival companion without sacrificing the fit. 

6 Best Festival Bags

Festy Bound

Just like you, this mini backpack is Festy Bound. Our take on the classic mini backpack from the days of yore (aka the 90’s), this mini packs a full size punch. Whether you are going to Burning Man or EDC, the Festy Bound mini backpack has a way of complimenting even the most extra of outfits while still retaining its function. 

Once you open the main body compartment, you’ll find three additional pockets, including a secret smell-proof pocket, for keeping your festival supplies organized and within easy reach. 

Hot Box

We love a good Hot Box and bet you do too. ;) This mini backpack with a classic silhouette comes back with features that will up your festival game to the next level. Like any good festival bag, this one is packed with pockets to keep all your essentials organized and close by. 

The main compartment has a wide opening for easy access with two smaller pockets inside, plus a secret compartment. Two side pockets and a front pocket round it out to provide a pocket for damn near everything. 

Outfit

Need a little more protection? The Outfit might be for you. A smell-proof fanny pack complete with a 3-digit combo lock will help keep your goods safe and your scent under wraps well into the witching hour. 

Two large compartments and a back zippered pocket, you can keep your important things like your ID and debit card close to you while keeping your more fun items ::wink wink:: within easy reach. 

Don with Lock

If fanny packs aren’t quite your vibe, but you’re still looking for extra protection, look no further than The Don with Lock. The Don is a 100% smell proof crossbody bag equipped with a TSA-approved lock to keep your phone, credit cards, and other essentials safe while you enjoy the festival. 

With its crossbody design and adjustable shoulder strap, this smell-proof bag can be swung easily from the back to the front in one swift motion so that you can be the first one with a lighter out, ready to go. 

Stash Pack

Bigger doesn’t always mean better. The Stash Pack fanny pack is ready to rock the festival scene without interfering with your ability to comfortably fist-pump the night away. With just enough space for your phone, wallet, keys, and small essentials, consider this hip bag an upgrade from your standard, run-of-the-mill fanny pack. 

Plus, there’s only one main compartment, giving you easy access to all your things. Because nothing is worse than scrambling around a big pocket trying to find that one piece of gum. 

Slinger

Sling bags have been all the rage this summer, and we understand why. With ample space for all your essentials, and even your non-essentials, you’ll be more than prepared for your next festival with this bag with The Slinger. This bad boy is equipped with 7 compartments so you can keep your phone and wallet within the easy access front pockets and still have plenty of room to keep a spare jacket inside. 

Speaking of jackets, you don’t need to fret about getting caught in the rain. The Slinger is available in a variety of water-resistant color options for both practicality and style. 

Types of Festival Bags to Consider

When you're going to a festival, you need the right bag to take along with you on the adventure. 

Backpacks

When it comes to conquering festivals, backpacks are a great option, especially if you tend to like to be over-prepared for the unexpected. Unlike traditional bags, backpacks evenly distribute the weight of your essentials, ensuring that you’re comfy while walking miles around the festival grounds. Festival backpacks should have padded shoulder straps and enough space to hold as much stuff as you desire. 

Although backpacks are a practical option for festivals and events, we recommend checking the festival's bag policy before you go, just in case the venue requires smaller bags.

Mini Backpacks

Speaking of smaller bags… if a normal backpack is just too much for you, do not fret! Mini Backpacks offer the same comfort of a backpack, but a more compact and easy to maneuver through the crowds with. Keep yourself hands-free when you're enjoying the atmosphere. The best part? Mini backpacks come in a range of cute designs to elevate your festival look. 

Crossbody Bags

Step up your festival game with a crossbody bag. Not only are they stylish, but the functionality and versatility of crossbody bags are unmatched. Say goodbye to digging through your bag - crossbody bags keep your things easily accessible, whether it’s your phone for capturing festival memories, or your wallet for a snack run. The best part? You can wear a crossbody on your back or on your chest to keep your valuables extra secure. Crossbody bags are some of the best options out there for festivals plus day-to-day life. 

Fanny Packs

Fanny packs, bum bag, belt bag, hip pack, whatever you want to call it, they have made an epic comeback, and they’re going to be your go-to sidekick for festivals and events for all the right reasons. No more lugging around a heavy bag - fanny packs stay comfortably strapped to your waist. Or if you’re feeling fancy, they can be worn crossbody style with their adjustable strap. Arguably, fanny packs are the best bags for festival goers. 

How to Choose the Best Festival Bag

Choosing the perfect festival bag can be tricky, so here’s your guide to nailing it this festival season. 

Size and Capacity

Second, consider size and capacity. Maybe make a list of all the things you need with you - think phone, keys, wallet, water - and a list of the things you would like - maybe a light jacket, snacks, and room for extra things you may buy along the way. If you’re someone who packs light, you definitely don’t need to be lugging around a backpack, but a fanny pack would likely come in handy. This can sometimes be the trickiest part of picking out a bag, so we recommend making a check-list of the items you want to bring before buying a bag. Sine we're so thoughtful, we made a basic check-list below for you already. You're welcome. 

Security

Next, think about security. Are you worried about people smelling your cannabis or potentially stealing your ish? Maybe try a smell-proof, lockable bag or something that you can wear closer to your body like a fanny pack or crossbody. When you’re enjoying the music and dancing, the last thing you want is to worry about the person next to you getting too curious about what’s in your bag. A simple lock can defer sticky fingers from prying in, not to mention, locks on your bags protect your 4th amendment rights. 

Comfort and Wearability

Nobody wants sore shoulders or an aching back during a festival. When you’re walking miles everyday from stage to stage, you’re going to want a bag that can keep up with you, comfortably. We’d recommend backpacks, crossbodies, or fanny packs to keep the weight of your pack well distributed while you party on. 

Durability 

Durability is key - festivals can be rough, so opt for a bag that can handle the adventure and many more. Consider the materials used, high-quality materials will give you a high-quality experience. It’s also good to keep in mind the weather. You may want to narrow your search down to water-resistant bags in case there's a chance of rain. Plus, water resistant materials are easier to clean off so you don't need to worry about grass stains or spilling a bright blue slushie on it. 

Style and Aesthetics

The style of your bag can be the ultimate game-changer when it comes to rocking a music festival. Think about it - festivals aren’t just for music; they’re a place where people express themselves and have a chance to show off their unique styles. Your bag is more than just a functional accessory, it can be a statement piece as well. Whether you’re going for the classic Coachella bohemian look, or more of a neon rave type beat, your bag should match the vibe. 

Pockets and Accessories for Organization

You know what's a lifesaver at a concert or festival? Pockets. Here’s why. Music festivals are about moving, dancing, and embracing the atmosphere - the last thing you want is to be fumbling around the bottomless pit that is your bag. Pockets offer the gift of organization, ensuring that your most important items have their designated spot. Bonus points because pockets help minimize the risk of losing things. I mean we’ve all been there, right? So, when choosing your next festival bag, make sure it has enough pockets for what you need!

And let's be real- part of the allure of festivals is getting to really showcase your personal style and taste. From pins to patches to keychains and beyond, picking a bag that allows you to show off how cool you actually are is a bonus. 

Know the Rules at Your Festival

Everyone hates homework, but you should probably glance over the festival's website before attending the event. Every festival has its own set of rules and regulations, from bag policies to where you can go. Familiarize yourself with these rules ahead of time so you don’t have any unexpected surprises when you get there. Many venues require clear bags or have certain size regulations that you’re going to need to know ahead of time, unless you want to throw away your bag at the show. So here’s your reminder to take a few moments to look at the rules before you dive into the music. 

Essentials to Pack in your Festival Bag

Now that you have your bag, you’re ready to start packing! Packing your festival bag with the right essentials can make or break your experience, so here’s a checklist to make your life easier. First up, your ticket, ID, and wallet - these are your keys to entry and peace of mind. Unless you’re living in 1990, you probably have a cell phone and you probably bring it everywhere with you, so don’t forget that (unless you’re going on a phone cleanse, we support that). You may want to play it safe and bring a portable phone charger as well.Not to sound like your parents or anything, but sun protection is a must, so stash some sunscreen and sunglasses for those outdoor festivals. You may want to bring a small water bottle and some snacks with you too so you can keep on dancing instead of waiting in food lines. Lastly, it’s smart to bring some cash just in case vendors don’t accept cards. With these essentials on your side, you’re ready to immerse yourself in the music and the magic of a festival!

After being stuck inside last summer in sweatpants, you may be struggling to pick out your outfits for events. We’ve done the hard work for you and made some festival outfit ideas for you to get inspiration from! C’mon, it’s hot person summer, grab your favorite Dime Bags and go have some fun at a festival! 

*Please check the bag policies at any festival you are going to attend so that your Dime Bag does not get confiscated!*