10 (extra) items for Concerts, Coachella and Neurodiverse Comfort

So as we age, i.e. not being in our 20s but still enjoying festivals - here are some ideas for you to pack to make the best of your experience! (Especially if you are neurodivergent:)

1. Hydrate - collapsible water bottle - here are two styles we like with great reviews

   1. Collapsible Water Bottles with Straw 20oz , Leak Proof, BPA-Free, Foldable Silicone Travel Sports Water Bottle for Traveling, Hiking, Outdoors ($15-20 depending on color).

      

      
      
      
      
      
      

   2. Square style collapsible water bottle --- Collapsible Water Bottles, BPA-Free Leak-Proof Silicone Foldable Water Bottle Cup 20.6oz, Durable Lightweight Bottle for Gym Travel Camping Hiking Running Sport,Green

      ($5-10)

      
      

      

      
      

   3. Electrolyte packets - Liquid IV Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier - Variety Pack - Lemon Lime, Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Tropical Punch | Electrolyte Powder Drink Mix | 1 Pack (16 Servings) I've tried several, I like this brand the best - and the multipack is the way to go. ($25-$30) (plus Costco usually has it)

      
      

      

      
      

2. Stay Cool - Handheld Fan/ charger JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan, 3 IN 1 USB Rechargeable Portable Fan [12-19 Working Hours] with Power Bank, Flashlight, Pocket Design for Travel/Summer/Concerts/Lash, Gifts for Women (Pink) This little fan is great! it can double as a charger - or easily recharge on the go. ($15-17 depending on color)

   
   

   

   
   
   
   

3. Stay Cooler - with a cooling neck gaiter - Kafka Cool Tie - simply soak it in water (it takes longer the first time), then wear it around your neck as it cools!

   
   

   

   
   

4. Stay powered - with a phone charger - this one has over 56,000 5 star reviews. INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank, USB C in&out High-Speed Charging Battery Pack, External Phone Powerbank Compatible with iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Samsung S22 S21 Google iPad etc ($15.99)

   
   

   

   
   

   1. if you have an iPhone with a magnetic attachment and want something easier but not quite as powerful - then this one is great for the concert and everyday... Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo), 5,000mAh Foldable Magnetic Wireless Portable Charger with Stand and USB-C Port (On The Side), Magsafe-Compatible for iPhone 16/15/14/13 Series ($34.99).

      

5. Stay clean

   1. Choose your own Hand sanitizer - less than 100ml or 3.4 oz

   2. Personal (bathroom) wipes - Stall Mates Wipes - Flushable Wipes | Individually Wrapped | Travel Friendly | Unscented with Vitamin-E & Aloe | (30 on-the-go singles). ((NOTE: all of these cloths that say flushable - aren't really - they ALL clog your plumbing - or so every plumber has told me - so toss them in a bin - but perfect for a porta- potty:))

      
      

      

      
      

   3. Personal cleaning wipes - Lume Acidified Deodorant Wipes - 24 Hour Odor Control - Aluminum Free, Baking Soda Free, Skin Loving - 15 Count (Pack of 3) (Cool Cucumber) (I don't know if you can bring a packet this large in - but its great for camping.)

      
      

      

      
      

6. Protect your ears

   1. Loop Experience 2 Ear Plugs – Stylish Certified Hearing Protection for Concerts & Festivals, Live Events, Musicians, Sports, DJs and Nightlife – 17dB Noise Reduction Earplugs (High-Fidelity)

      
      

      

      
      

   2. Flare Audio - for daily is my choice - as I have small earholes (and they have kid's versions)

      
      

      

      
      

7. Short - multi pronged cord - to make sure you can charge on the go

   1. USB C Multi Fast Charging Cable PD 60W Nylon Braided Cord 4-in-1 3A USB/C to Type C/Phone Fast Sync Charger Adapter Compatible with Laptop/Tablet/Phone (Black, 4ft)

      
      

      

      
      

8. Waist pack or small bag / clear is best if you want to reuse for sporting events. (Double check your concert site for allowable sizes).

   1. MAXTOP Large Crossbody Fanny Pack with 4-Zipper Pockets,Gifts for Enjoy Sports Festival Workout Traveling Running Casual Hands-Free Wallets Waist Pack Phone Bag Carrying All Phones

      
      

      

      
      

   2. VOROLO Fanny Pack For Women And Men Crossbody Bag Belt Bag with Adjustable Strap Easter Gifts Black

      
      

      

      
      

   3. 3 Pocket Adjustable Running Belt Waist Pack , Fanny Pack For Working Out With Sweat Resistant Backing, Holds All iPhone Models (Tie Dye/Black, Large/XL)

      
      

      

      
      

9. Sunblock - use a small stick of at least 15SPF (I haven't included links as we all have brands we like and trust. If you are shopping for a neurodivergent friend - oiliness, how thick it feels, and Allergies should be checked for - for some reason - something in Neutrogena products doesn't agree with me - but works for my sister, but she can't use things from Supergoop which I love - so you never know!) Try before you take it for your weekend.

10. Sunglasses - Polarized sunglasses are the best! Colors are better and they protect your eyes! Find a style that suits you best with the 'polarized' symbol - or get a budget one like these... (Neurodivergent rant - I like plastic or acetate or similar frames so they don't get hot in the sun like metal-- I also always move them up to my hair like a headband - so I stay away from the little additional nose guards. And yes I will use them indoors when my eyes/ brain are sensitive:) Added bonus - if you get a polarized lens that is big enough - you can also use it as a filter for your phone camera - its fun!

    1. MEETSUN Retro Polarized Sunglasses for Women Men Classic Mirror Lens Driving Trendy Sun Glasses UV Protection (3 Pack)

       

BONUS: This is not at all an inclusive list - this is just a beginning - a beginning to your fun!

Additional things to ponder and find!

1. Sheer duster jacket - thin but protective in the sun - style friendly!

2. Insoles in your sneakers or boots! Arch support is super important! (check out Superfeet.com and Treadlabs.com)

3. Look up 'face gems' on amazon and etsy (but make extra sure to use sunblock or wear a hat so you don't get weird tan lines:)

4. Coachella's site - says parasols are permitted!

5. If you are on any medication - check the website of the festival/venue/concert you are attending you

   
   
   
   

   likely need it to be in a prescription bottle with your name on it.

   
   
   
   

Extra Extra notes!

1. Good Friends: Go to concerts with friends that understand you - so if you need to hop off to a quieter less busy corner for a while - they get it.

2. Schedule reset time: look up the schedule and find a time every few hours to find a quieter less stimulating space. That way you can better enjoy the bigger acts later. Set a timer for this - you can always turn it off or ignore it - but it can help.

3. Basic Needs Reminders: set times/ phone timers for basic needs like food, water, rest and stretching - This is a lofty goal suggestion but if you manage to do 1 of 4 thats great!