5 Tips: Planning and Packing for Bonnaroo
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO ATTEND BONNAROO
You've going to Bonnaroo and you're looking for the ultimate ideas for planning, packing, camping and surviving the music festival. Here are 5 tips to get you in festival bliss but be warned: you probably should have started by now! Good luck and see you on the farm!
1.) Festival Friends: The number of people going-to-the-festival is critical to the planning process. Time to get people on board or cut 'em loose. Some people just have a difficult time committing so set a deadline and move forward with plans.
If you are solo and looking for a ride OR have room for passenger(s), get on Inforoo, Zimride or Facebook and let the people know.
2.) Roo Transport: Use a vehicle big enough to haul your gear. Don't skimp on a comfortable chair or larger cooler because of space. You'll NEED those comforts so get the right ride. RV rentals in Tennessee and surrounding areas need to be reserved really far in advance - snooze and lose but you may still RSVP one in your local area. ROUND UP on the gas estimate.
*Pack everything in closed containers or bags. The staff will search your coolers but not your gear (mostly), Example: I brought my open toolbox and they confiscated a hatchet (which was a gift). It was considered 'dangerous' which is funny as I always considered it a 'tool'.
**Know that law enforcement will be looking for vehicles with out-of-state-plates or 'Bonnaroo' written on the side AND WILL LOOK FOR ANY REASON to pull you over and search your belongings.
3.) Make Shade: It is imperative that you bring your own shade while at the festival and will it make the experience so much better! The secret is to place your shade as high above you as possible so as to allow airflow underneath. I use multiple sun tents/EZ-ups and run tarps over everything, including my sleeping tent. I use free-standing tent poles along with rope and bungees to keep the tarps secure.
AT LEAST ONE TIME before you leave for the festival: setup your campsite! Get your crew together and try setting up your site in a parking space. (Seriously.) Know how to properly setup your tent(s) and tarp(s) and figure out what additional things you may need to make it work. (Extra stakes, rope, clips, etc) Your actual Bonnaroo campsite will be much better and you now have an excuse for 'Bonnaroo Training', also known as 'hanging out with friends, drinking, setting up tents, goofing off.'
4.) Food and Water: Drink water or die. It's pretty simple. You'll get dehydrated walking, jumping, drinking and everything else you'll be doing. Bring twice as much as you'll think you'll drink at the campsite for the four days you're there. You might use some of it to wash your feet or your tent or someone else may need it. Bring a camelback or container for the concert field as there are filling stations and the lines are never too long. There are a lot of food options at Bonnaroo and the prices are reasonable but there are also easy and cheap home options. Example: I've pre-made lasagna and burritos that could then be warmed up on a campstove. Nowadays, I just bring breakfast items and eat in Centeroo for the rest of the day for under $20.
- Obviously, read Bonnaroo's Accomodation page and understand the rules. But the #1 tip is to be nice. If you plan on being a disrespectful jackass, please go to another festival. K, Thanks.
- Get your copy of the FESTIVAL CHECKLIST above, the ultimate survival tool for Bonnaroo! Click to enlarge it then right click (PC) or control click (MAC) to Save As.
- START A WORKOUT PLAN with lots of cardio. When was the last time you walked 3 or 4-miles and stood on your feet for 10-collective hours in a single day? Then did it again three times. Get out there and hit the pavement. You'll see more shows and you'll be looking good.
NEED MORE? Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, & Poorvin's Bonnaroo Survival Guide
See you in June!