8 Essential Items To Bring to EDC (Don't Leave Home Without These!)
Whether it’s your first time at Electric Daisy Carnival or you’re a seasoned rave pro, one truth remains: EDC is a marathon, not a sprint. Between the blazing desert heat (or sometimes super windy conditions), endless dancing, and sensory overload, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for anything. So before you slip into your sequins and dancing shoes, here are 8 absolutely essential items to bring to EDC to keep you comfortable, safe, and slaying the night.
1. 💧Hydration Backpack
Let’s get real: the Vegas heat is no joke. A hydration backpack is a must for staying hydrated without waiting in long bar lines and paying and arm & a leg for water. There will be FREE Hydration Stations for you to fill up your pack.
You'll want a hydration pack that's a good enough size where you don't have to go re-fill it too often. But you also don't want something TOO big that it becomes too heavy and cumbersome.
Our recommendation is the Lunchbox Pack hydration backpack - I don't go to a festival without it. Fits your need and it's even the official hydration pack for EDC Las Vegas this year! Get your Lunchbox pack for $15 off orders over $99 with code GAYALMANAC!
2. 🔐 Gay Almanac VERS MURSE Anti-Theft Phone Bag
Rave responsibly and fashionably. The Gay Almanac VERS MURSE isn’t just cute—it’s smart! With locking zippers, hidden compartments, and sleek rave-ready style, it’s the best way to keep your phone, cards, and cash safe from pickpockets while you dance your heart out.
You want peace of mind that your stuff is safe while you dance the night away. You don't want to be thinking about whether some nasty pickpocket will steal your stuff! I recommend wearing the Vers Murse around your ankle with our strong velcro band - pickpockets won't look down on the ground and they definitely don't want to crouch down. So wearing around your ankle is the safest place!
Choose from several fun, vibrant colors to match your style! You can find the collection HERE.
3. 😘 Chapstick (With SPF!)
Dry lips are the enemy of good vibes. The combo of desert air + wind + sweat will leave you feeling crusty if you’re not careful. Bring a lip balm with SPF to keep your lips kissable all weekend long.
It might seem like such a throwaway item, but trust me, you're going to thank me for it when you're re-applying that chapstick for the 50th time!
4. 🌬️ Hand Fans
OK. I know there has been a lot of drama and hate against hand fans and clacking fans at raves. But it's truly about how you use them! There's a time and a place for clacking the fans. (For those who don't know, the fans can make a loud "clacking" noise when you unfold the fan quickly) And a rave or a music festival is usually NOT the right time and place for making noise - ESPECIALLY if it's off the beat...
But a hand fan's PRIMARY purpose is to keep you cool! And you're definitely going to want that when it's hot and you're squished amongst the crowd. Fan yourself to stay cool, but also fan everyone around you!! They're going to LOVE you for it.
So make sure you grab a Gay Almanac fan that fits your style and vibe!
5. 🧼 Travel-Size Body Wipes and Wet Wipes
You’re going to sweat. A lot. Body wipes will save you (and your rave buddies) from smelling like last night’s afterparty. Toss in a pack to refresh yourself between sets because you're going to be away from a shower for quite a while.
Also, the Port-a-Potties are going to be a mess and sometimes they'll run out of water to wash your hands. So just have a pack of wet wipes ready, because you're never going to know when you'll need them.
6. 🕶️ UV-Protective Sunglasses
EDC isn’t just a nighttime affair—you’ll be out and about before the sun sets. Protect your eyes with a pair of UV-blocking shades. Bonus points if they match your outfit (duh).
But they're also good to wear at night when the lasers and all the bright lights become too overwhelming. Just slide them on and stay in the zone.
7. 🌈 Kandi to Trade
Bring something to connect with other ravers. It's fun to see how creative people get with their Kandi! If you're new to making Kandi, then head to my YouTube video (RAVE TIPS - How To Make Awesome Kandi Bracelets with Letters and Charms - Kandi Tutorial) for a tutorial and some best practices!
It's all about spreading PLUR and meeting new people! Even if you just make a few to start, you'll be glad you did it!
8. 👟 Comfortable, Closed-Toe Shoes
Last but not least - make sure your dancing shoes are COMFORTABLE ones. Function is definitely more important than Fashion, when it comes to shoes. To be honest, no-one is going to look down at your shoes at a festival. Especially when you're crammed at the stages.
So wear shoes that have already been broken in and ones that you know you can dance in for many hours. Remember, you need to last 3 full nights in them!!
Final Tip: Pack Smart, Party Hard
EDC is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, and the right gear can make all the difference. So be prepared, stay hydrated, protect your belongings, and don’t forget to sparkle! ✨
Have fun under the electric sky! 🌌