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:)
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Hydrate - collapsible water bottle - here are two styles we like with great reviews
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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).
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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)
- 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)
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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)
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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!
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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)
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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).
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Stay clean
Choose your own Hand sanitizer - less than 100ml or 3.4 oz
- 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:))
- 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.)
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Protect your ears
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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)
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Flare Audio - for daily is my choice - as I have small earholes (and they have kid's versions)
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Short - multi pronged cord - to make sure you can charge on the go
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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)
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Waist pack or small bag / clear is best if you want to reuse for sporting events. (Double check your concert site for allowable sizes).
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VOROLO Fanny Pack For Women And Men Crossbody Bag Belt Bag with Adjustable Strap Easter Gifts Black
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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)
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- 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.
- 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!
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!
- Sheer duster jacket - thin but protective in the sun - style friendly!
- Insoles in your sneakers or boots! Arch support is super important! (check out Superfeet.com and Treadlabs.com)
- 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:)
- Coachella's site - says parasols are permitted!
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!