We've been doing festivals since the late '80s, Dead tour on up, and the people who have the best weekend are rarely the ones with the fanciest gear. They're the ones who drink water, eat, sleep a little and stay out of the noon sun. None of this is medical advice, and nothing we sell is medicine. It's the routine we use, plus the gear that makes it easier. If you have a health condition or take medication, talk to your doctor before the trip.
1. Water first, then electrolytes
Dry heat fools you. Sweat evaporates before you notice it, so drink on a schedule rather than waiting for thirst. We start the day with a full bottle at camp and refill every time we pass a water station.
- Carry water you'll actually drink: a clear hydration pack for the day and a 32 oz wide-mouth bottle at camp. The Soft Landings Festival Bottle is insulated if you want it cold.
- Keep a 5-gallon water jug at camp so refills are easy.
- Add an electrolyte drink mix to some of that water, following the label: Soft Landings Dance Fuel (code DUST10 for 10% off), LMNT, Liquid I.V., Liquid I.V. Sugar Free, Nuun tablets or a DripDrop variety box for the camp table.
- Keep drinking plain water too. A drink mix is an addition, not a replacement.
More detail is in our festival hydration plan.
2. Eat real meals, and keep snacks on you
Long days wreck meal times. Plan two real meals at camp and carry snacks for the gap.
- A shake powder makes breakfast easy with no cooler: Huel Black Edition or Orgain protein packets.
- Ready-to-drink shakes need no mixing: Soylent Complete Protein.
- Bars for every pocket: KIND bars and RXBAR. Chocolate softens in the heat, so keep them in the shade.
Shakes and bars bridge the gap between meals. They don't replace them.
3. Protect your sleep
Sunrise heats a tent fast, and sound systems run late. A few hours of real sleep changes the whole next day.
- Block light with the Soft Landings blackout sleep mask or a mask and earplug kit.
- Cut the bass with Loop Quiet earplugs for sleeping and Soft Landings SoundControl earplugs at the stage.
- Nap in the shade in the afternoon if you can, and run a tent fan. A packable pillow is a cheap upgrade.
4. Respect the sun and heat
- Do the heavy camp jobs early or late, not at midday.
- Sunscreen and reapply: a mineral SPF 50 face stick fits a pocket, and SPF lip balm is easy to forget.
- Cool down with a wet cooling towel on your neck, and keep aloe after-sun gel at camp.
- Wear a wide-brim hat with a chinstrap, and bring airflow: a hands-free neck fan or a misting fan.
5. Keep dust out of your lungs and eyes
Playa and desert dust gets everywhere. Wear a well-fitted mask in dust storms and on dusty walks, like the 3M N95 respirators, and carry goggles. Our Dust Defense Kit puts the pieces together.
6. Take care of your feet
You'll walk miles a day. Break in your boots at home, then bring:
- Good socks and a fresh pair every day: Darn Tough Hiker or Alvada merino.
- Cushioned insoles, tested before the trip.
- A moleskin roll and small scissors for hot spots, plus Body Glide for chafing.
7. Stay clean-ish
- Hand sanitizer in every bag and at the camp kitchen.
- Body wipes, dry shampoo and a solar shower bag for a mid-week rinse.
- For periods, a reusable Saalt disc means less trash to pack out. Try it at home first. A SHEWEE helps in porta-potty lines.
8. Camp basics: first aid and recovery
- Keep one first aid kit where everyone in camp can find it, and know where the festival medical tent is.
- Roll out legs and back in the shade with a foam roller. Some of us like compression socks for the long drive.
- Pocket protein: beef jerky, and coffee for camp mornings, such as Starbucks VIA.
9. Look after each other
Check on your campmates, especially in the afternoon heat. Know where the medical tent is, and use it. Festival medical staff are there to help, and asking early is always the right call.
Everything above is collected in our Health & Wellness shelf.
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