I’ll be honest with you: the first time I had to pack for a festival with a clear bag, I was clueless. I had no idea how to fit everything I thought I’d need into that tiny plastic pouch. I packed my essentials, but when I got to security, I realized that certain things—like my lip balm, weren’t allowed because they were in a tin, and that liquid hand sanitizer wasn’t going to cut it.
If you’ve been there, don’t worry! I’ll tell you what to bring in a clear bag (and what gets confiscated) so you can breeze through security and focus on the fun.
What to Bring in a Clear Bag: The Essentials
When packing for a festival with a clear bag, it’s important to strike a balance between practicality and comfort. You need to bring only the essentials, while making sure everything fits within the size restrictions. Most festivals with clear bag policies stick to a standard size limit of 12″ x 6″ x 12″, so let’s start with the basics that every festival-goer should pack.
Hydration: Staying Refreshed
The first thing you’ll need is hydration. Bring an empty, reusable water bottle that you can fill at free water stations. Many venues allow you to carry in a plastic or collapsible bottle, but remember to empty it before you reach security, or it will be confiscated. Staying hydrated is important, especially if you’re out in the sun all day.
Sun Protection: Guarding Against the Elements
When you’re in a crowd, you want to make sure you’re protected from the sun’s harsh rays. A small bottle of sunscreen (lotion only—many venues ban spray sunscreen) will help, and don’t forget a lip balm with SPF. Sunglasses are also a must to shield your eyes from the glare. Packing these items will keep you comfortable and safe under the sun all day.
Power: Staying Charged
A portable phone charger and charging cable are essential when you’re attending an event. From navigating the venue to finding friends, your phone will be your lifeline. Make sure you pack a charger to keep your phone powered throughout the day and avoid the dreaded “low battery” notification when you need it the most.
Hygiene: Keeping Clean
There’s nothing worse than feeling sticky and uncomfortable during a festival. Pack travel-size hand sanitizer, tissues, or even a roll of toilet paper in case you find yourself needing to freshen up. Wet wipes are also great for cleaning off dust or spills, and they don’t take up much space in your clear bag.
Hearing Protection: Protecting Your Ears
Festival sound systems can be pretty loud, and while you’re there to enjoy the music, protecting your hearing is essential. High-fidelity earplugs are a great option for enjoying the show without damaging your ears. These earplugs reduce sound levels while still letting you enjoy the music, making them a smart addition to your packing list.
Weather & Comfort: Preparing for the Unexpected
You’re not just packing for what’s on the schedule—you need to be ready for whatever the weather throws at you. Whether it’s rain, intense heat, or chilly winds, here’s what you should pack to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Rain Gear: Stay Dry
Even if the forecast calls for sunshine, it’s always a good idea to bring rain gear, just in case. A compact, waterproof poncho is perfect for keeping you dry without taking up too much space in your clear bag. If you prefer something lighter, a packable rain jacket is a great option. Be sure to check the weather beforehand so you can make the right choice.
Layers: Staying Warm When It Gets Chilly
When the sun sets, the temperature can drop quickly, especially at outdoor events. Bring a light sweater or hoodie that you can easily throw on when the evening chill sets in. A bonus: you can tie it around your waist when not in use to save valuable space in your clear bag.
Cooling: Beat the Heat
If you’re attending a festival in a hot, crowded environment, a small handheld or battery-powered fan can be a lifesaver. It’ll help keep you cool in the dense crowds, making it easier to stay comfortable as you wait for your favorite artist to take the stage.
Safety & Logistics: Keeping Your Valuables Safe
While a clear bag is designed to keep things transparent and accessible, there are still some strategies you can use to keep your valuables discreet and protected from prying eyes.
Valuables: Keep Them Hidden
Your ID, credit cards, and cash should always be kept safe. The best way to do this is by placing them in a small, non-transparent pouch or mini-wallet inside your clear bag. This way, you can keep your essentials close while avoiding them being on full display for everyone to see.
Small Items: Staying Organized
A clear bag has limited space, and there’s nothing more annoying than digging around for small items like tampons, hair ties, or medication. Use small internal organizers to keep these items contained and easily accessible. You’ll thank yourself when you can find what you need without making a mess.
Anti-Theft Tip: Prevent Pickpocketing
One of the best anti-theft tips I’ve learned over the years is to wear your bag on the front when you’re in a crowded space. This simple trick helps avoid pickpocketing, as you can keep an eye on your bag at all times, ensuring your valuables stay safe.
How to Pack a Clear Bag for Maximum Efficiency
Packing a clear bag can be a little tricky, but it’s totally doable if you follow these simple steps. Here’s how to maximize your packing strategy:
Step 1: Organize Your Essentials
Start by organizing the must-have items like your phone, ID, and sunscreen into the larger section of your bag. Keep your hygiene products like hand sanitizer, tissues, and lip balm in a separate pouch, so they don’t get lost. This way, you can easily grab what you need without having to sort through everything.
Step 2: Pack Smart and Use Pouches
To save space, use small pouches for organizing your smaller items like your charger, earplugs, or medication. This keeps your bag neat and prevents everything from getting jumbled up.
Step 3: Avoid Overpacking
It’s easy to get carried away when you have a clear bag to pack, but remember: less is more. Stick to the essentials, and avoid bringing extra items you won’t need. You’ll thank yourself when you don’t have to carry around a heavy, bulky bag all day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bring a wallet in my clear bag?
Yes, you can bring a small wallet, but it should be compact and not exceed the size limits set by the event. To keep it discreet, place it in a non-transparent pouch inside the bag.
2. Can I bring food or snacks in a clear bag?
Some venues allow small snacks or granola bars, but make sure they’re in clear packaging. Check the event’s rules beforehand, as some venues may restrict outside food.
3. What about bringing medication in my clear bag?
Medications are typically allowed, but they should be in their original packaging. If you need to bring more than a standard dose, consider bringing a doctor’s note or prescription just in case.
4. Are portable chargers allowed in clear bags?
Yes, most venues allow portable chargers, but be sure to check the rules for the specific event. Keep in mind that chargers must be small and easy to access for security checks.
Your Clear Bag Packing Pro
Packing a clear bag might seem daunting at first, but once you know the essentials and have a game plan, you’ll be a packing pro. Focus on what’s important—hydration, sun protection, hygiene, and your valuables—and keep things organized for easy access.
By following these tips and packing for music festival strategically, you’ll be able to breeze through security and enjoy the event without the stress of overpacking or worrying about confiscated items.