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Arguably the trickiest part about picking your festival OOTD is the bag. You can wear whatever shirt, dress or shoes you want, but the same can’t be said of your bag. Each festival has different policies, whether it’s clear bags only or super tiny purses that can hardly fit the essentials.
Luckily, you don’t have to compromise on style, since there are actually tons of bags that’ll look great with any outfit, fit your festival necessities and comply with bag policies.
Here’s a quick breakdown for each major music festival this summer.
Fanny packs and hip bags are allowed, along with purses and handbags that are no larger than 12″ x 6″ by 12″.
If you’re bringing a small clutch purse or fanny pack that’s 6″ x 9″ or smaller, it does not have to be clear, but it can’t have more than one pocket. All other bags that are bigger than 6″ x 9″ have to be smaller than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ and clear. Hydration packs are okay to bring and don’t need to be clear, although they do have to be completely empty upon entrance and can’t have more than two pockets on top of the one that holds the water.
Lollapalooza and Gov Ball have the exact same bag policy. If you’re bringing a small clutch purse or fanny pack that’s 6″ x 9″ or smaller, it does not have to be clear, but it can’t have more than one pocket. All other bags that are bigger than 6″ x 9″ have to be smaller than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ and clear. Hydration packs are okay to bring and don’t need to be clear, although they do have to be completely empty upon entrance and can’t have more than two pockets on top of the one that holds the water.
Outside Lands hasn’t released its official bag policy yet, but last year, backpacks and bags larger than 6” x 8” x 3” had to be made of clear plastic, clear vinyl or PVC. Also, small bags, fanny packs and purses that weren’t clear could be no bigger than 6” x 8” x 3”.
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Below, find the 10 best options that align with the bag policies for all of the major music festivals.
Photo: Wild Fable.
Wild Fable Fanny Pack
This no-frills fanny pack checks off all our boxes. It’s simple, adjustable and the perfect size. Plus, since it’s a fanny pack, you can wear it slung over your shoulder or around your waist. Many say it’s an amazing dupe for Lululemon’s Everywhere Belt Bag.
Photo: Dagne Dover.
Dagne Dover Mara Phone Sling
The Mara Phone Sling from Dagne Dover can fit all of the basics, like your phone, cards, lip balm and sunscreen.
Photo: Fjällräven.
Fjällräven High Coast Pocket Pack Sling Bag
Is this not the cutest little bag ever? Slip your essentials into this tiny pouch and don’t forget to fill the handy front pocket!
Photo: Marc Jacobs.
Marc Jacobs The Snapshot Bag
This Marc Jacobs bag is teeny-tiny, but still fits all of your necessities. The cherry on top? The detachable and adjustable strap! Thank goodness because comfort is key at any festival.
Photo: 8 Other Reasons.
8 Other Reasons Out And About Bag
Looking for a sparklier option that’ll shimmer in the sun? Check out this slim black bag that’s covered in clear crystals.
Photo: Núnoo.
Núnoo Helena Terry Crossbody Bag
Barbiecore is here to stay, even through music festival season. This bag is made from a soft terrycloth, plus it has a handle and a detachable, adjustable crossbody strap. The bright pink mixed with the silver hardware is a winning combo!
Photo: Covax.
Covax Clear Crossbody Bag
It can be tough to find a belt bag that’s small enough to adhere to the festivals’ policies. When in doubt, grab a classic clear crossbody like this one.
Photo: Everlane.
Everlane The Cactus Leather Mini Sling Bag
For a more dressed-up option, try Everlane’s vegan leather sling bag. Its slip pockets will fit your phone and cards perfectly, and the adjustable strap will make sure you have a comfy, secure fit.
Photo: Adidas.
Adidas Originals Festival Crossbody Bag
If your festival aesthetic this year is more street style-inspired, this Adidas crossbody bag will complete your ’fits.
Photo: Wild Fable.
Wild Fable Value Crossbody Bag
Crossbody Lovers should opt for this simple yet chic option from Target. Pick from five great colorways, though we’d suggest going with a pop of color.
RELATED: The Accessory You Need For Festival Season, According To Your Zodiac Sign
Once you’ve picked out your go-to festival bag, it’s time to fill it with all of the essentials. Here are a few you should pack for the best festival experience possible.
Photo: Supergoop!
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
SPF is an absolute must every single day, but especially when you’re baking under the sun at a music festival. Be sure to reapply throughout the day to avoid getting a nasty sunburn. Unseen Sunscreen by Supergoop! is a great option, since it’s lightweight and offers broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection. On top of shielding your skin from harmful UV rays, it also grips your makeup as a primer. If Lady Gaga approves, it must be good enough to wear to a festival.
Photo: Miady.
Miady Portable Charger 2-Pack
The desert doesn’t have outlets, but we know you’re going to want to post to your Instagram stories non-stop. In comes your new best friend, a portable charger. Slip this compact power bank into your bag along with a charging cable. It comes in a two-pack, so you can even give one to your travel buddy.
Photo: GXVE by Gwen Stefani.
GXVE by Gwen Stefani Paint It Up Clean 24-Hr Cream Eyeshadow
Full days of singing, dancing and basking in the hot sun do not always bode well for the makeup looks you apply in the morning. However, these cream eyeshadows from Gwen Stefani’s makeup brand come in tiny tubes that are perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. They’re also just extremely pigmented and smudge-proof (a little goes a long way, too!). For those who also have oily skin, these shadows are a true godsend. I’ve swatched the blue and pink shimmery shades IRL and can assure you they’re tailor-made for all your festival makeup looks.
Photo: Touchland.
Touchland Glow Mist Rejuvenating Hand Sanitizer
You can’t escape germs, especially at music festivals, so don’t forget to pack a compact hand sanitizer like this one from Touchland
. It’s the ideal shape and size for squeezing it into your bag, and it also has a bunch of amazing ingredients that won’t dry out your skin. This one smells like rose and provides 500 sprays, too!
Photo: Frasier Sterling.
Frasier Sterling Corsica Cord Choker
Accessories can completely change and complete an outfit, especially when it comes to festival fashion. I’ve been rocking this ~edgy~ Frasier Sterling choker necklace and keep getting compliments and questions about where it’s from. Toss a Couple of options in your festival bag and you’ll always have a way to switch up your looks as you hop from performance to performance.
Photo: Hally.
Hally Shade Stix
Coloring your hair for the day has never been easier thanks to Hally’s Shade Stix
. This one-day temporary hair color is a breeze to apply and rinses out in one round of shampoo. If you’ve ever wondered what you’d look like with bright blue or pink strands, now’s you’re chance to try something new! And what better time than at a fun music festival where bold makeup, hair and nail looks are always appreciated?
Now, for the fun part, find 12 bag options for the four major music festivals so that you can enjoy your experience without worrying about getting stopped at security or packing the wrong bags.
