Popping Your Rave Cherry? Here's Your Go-to Packing Guide

Remember walking into your first rave? Walking through those festival doors was like walking through the neon-lit gates of electronic heaven. If your first experience was anything like mine, you felt like you were shuffling into an entirely new world with some of your closest friends as your guide to the stars. If it wasn’t for my sequin-covered squad, I may have never lost my festival virginity and discovered my love for EDM and raving. My entire world shifted from ordinary to extraordinary because a group of ravers took me by the hand and introduced me to their world. It’s so important to share our world with others. So, if you’re a raving pro, be the star-traveling guide you needed as a newbie. And, if you are a festival first-timer here’s a few must-have essentials.

Model: Mikayla Shiann

• Fanny Packs/Backpacks/ Hydration Packs
  
• Give yourself peace of mind and store everything in the pack. Fanny packs keep your hands free and your essentials safe. You can unleash your inner rave beast and get as wild as your magical heart desires, without worrying about keeping track of your belongings. Fanny packs can also add some serious flavor to your outfit. Not sure where to find your perfect pack? iHeartRaves has tons of fanny packs to choose from! I
• f you’re going to an outdoor festival (especially in a warmer climate) we cannot stress enough the importance of a hydration pack. Dancing as hard as you can + heat + no water = a really, really bad time. Don’t fall into the, “we’ll grab water in between sets,” trap. When you’re vibing to the music the last thing on your mind will be walking away, and dehydration and heat-exhaustion are not something you want to mess with. Save yourself the trouble and sip while you shuffle.



Comfortable Shoes
We know you look fly in those heels queen, but those six-inch stilettos are going to kill your dancing vibe, trust us. Dancing at a club and dancing at a rave are two very different experiences. While we don’t doubt your super-human ankle strength, six hours deep at a rave in heels would bring even superwoman to her knees. It is also WAY too easy to get hurt from improper footwear (which nobody wants), so if you plan on dancing keep the heels, slides, flip-flops and flats at home. Boots, runners and high-tops are all fair game. 

 

iHeartRaves offers tons of shoe options in multiple styles and colors that are perfect and affordable for all types of festivals!

Clothes for Layering 

Festivals can be warm AF during the day. Although temperatures can drop at night, there's a good chance you might still be warm from all that dancing! Rave outfits are an amazing way to express yourself in new and unique ways. Wear whatever makes you feel like your best self, just make sure it gives your body the chance to breathe. Need some outfit inspo? Check out our closest full of gear for women and men.