The Essentials
- Government-issued photo ID
- Bedding and shelter of some type (tents/sleeping bags, pillows)
- Tarps for under your tent and to keep your stuff dry during load-in/out
- Tent stakes and a mallet – stake down your tent so it doesn’t become a sail!
- Seating, because you can’t dance forever
- Three gallons of water per person per day for drinking, dishwashing, food prep, etc. Keep a water bottle with you (try a reusable one!)
- Enough food and beverages for your entire group for the length of your stay
- All required prescriptions and medications
- First aid kit
- Hygiene items – toothbrush & toothpaste, deodorant, soap, etc.
- Clothes for warm, cold, wet, and dry conditions (pack an extra set in a water-tight bag for pack-out!)
- Sturdy closed-toe footwear. Good, solid rain boots are recommended.
- Extra socks, likely more socks than you think you need.
- Clothes, costumes, wigs, makeup. Be wary of anything with feathers, glitter, etc. that can become MOOP!
- Garbage bags
- Can or bottle opener
- Portable ashtrays if you smoke (try mint tins)
- Headlamps or flashlights
- Fresh batteries
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Insect repellant
- Reusable dishes and utensils
- A cup for beverages. Many camps serve drinks, but you must have your own cup
- Anything else you can’t live without (insurance card!)
Nice to Have
- Shade structures, umbrellas, rain gear, other things to keep you dry if it rains
- Coolers for perishable food and drinks
- Cooking stove and fuel
- Cooking utensils, pots & pans, etc.
- Lighter(s) if you want to start a fire
- Single-ply toilet paper
- Paper towels or rags
- Wet wipes (do NOT put “flushable” wipes in the portos or the toilets!)
- Earplugs; not everyone will sleep when you do
- Sleep eye mask; see above
- Watertight protective bags like heavy Ziplocs for cameras, electronic gear, etc.
- Rope, string, paracord, duct tape, zip ties
- Sun hat or umbrella
- Simple tool kit and a sewing kit
- Spare car keys
- Extra snacks and drinks for when you’re hungover or have an upset stomach (pedialyte is great, so are probiotics)
- Drums, flow toys, etc. for the Effigy burn
- Abundant amounts of whatever makes your life better: beer, bacon, chocolate, coffee, etc.
- Blinky lights, toys, magical fabulousness, handmade, heartfelt, and swell stuff to share; anything you think would make things more fun for you and your fellow Hitchhikers