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You’re all dressed and now you’re wondering what you should take with you. The first thing to remember is to pack light. You don’t want to be lugging around a heavy backpack all day. What starts out feeling fairly lightweight can feel like you’re toting an elephant by the end of the day!
Wear a backpack. It’s nice to have your hands free. I love to use those super lightweight backpacks that you seem to get at every event here is Austin. The ones that are basically a square of nylon material with strings that go over your arms. They are strong and you won’t be bearing the weight of a heavy leather backpack.
Items to consider:
Sunscreen & Chapstick w/sunscreen
Toilet Paper. Charmin makes small personal rolls or you can take a small pack of tissues. Or you can take one of the small flat packs of baby wipes.
Bug Spray. If you’re prone to being eaten alive, bring it or douse yourself before leaving home.
Hand Sanitizer. I love the ones that hook through your belt loop.
Hat. Something with a brim to shade your face.
Sunglasses
Camera. Small personal cameras are allowed but no professional equipment. If you can detach the lens, that is considered a professional camera.
Water. You’re allowed two factory sealed water bottles up to 1 liter each. No other food or beverages will be allowed.
Cooler. You’re allowed to bring a soft sided cooler. If you do, you may want to get one with wheels that you won’t have to carry. Ice is also allowed.
Something to sit on. A blanket, towel, a folding chair or a stadium cushion (They actually make some that you can wear as a backpack.) Don’t take anything you’re afraid of getting dirty. By the end of the day it will be grimy. You should also note that ACL has a “No Chair” section at the front so if you plan to stand up close you can either skip taking a chair or you can use the “Chair Check” service.
Binoculars. I have one of those small binoculars that takes pictures. They aren’t great pictures but it’s small and the pictures are still fun.
Bandanna. A great multi-purpose item. You can cover your mouth if the dust blows up or fill it with ice and wrap it around your neck to cool off.
Bandaids. Just in case you get a blister.
Camelback
Stroller. If you’re a parent you’re allowed a stroller.
Earplugs. It can get loud if you have sensitive ears.
Koozie. It’s hot, your drink will get warm fast.
Poncho. Small throw-away rain poncho, just in case it rains.
Umbrella. To use as shade or protection from rain. Make it small enough to fit in your backpack.
Cash. There will be ATM machines but if you want to avoid spending time looking for them and standing in line, bring cash. You generally need a bit more than you think you will. If you’re going to be there all day you’ll probably need to eat and buy a few beverages.
What NOT to pack (These items are prohibited):
Weapons of any kind
Illegal substances (including narcotics) or drug paraphernalia
Framed or large backpacks
Alcohol (alcohol will be sold at the Festival)
Glass containers
Food or beverages, except for factory-sealed water bottles
Skateboards, scooters, or personal motorized vehicles
Bicycles inside Festival grounds (bike racks are available near each entrance)
Carts
Large chains or spiked jewelry
Fireworks
Explosives
Large umbrellas
Non-collapsible chairs
Hard-sided coolers
Tents
Pets (except service dogs)
Video equipment: No video recording will be allowed.
Professional still camera equipment (no detachable lenses, no tripods, big zooms, or commercial use rigs)
Audio recording equipment
No illegal vending is permitted. No unauthorized/unlicensed vendors allowed.
ACL Survivor Guide: Part 1 - What to Wear
ACL Survivor Guide: Part 3 - Getting There
ACL Survivor Guide: Part 4 - A Quick Summary
ACL, Festival, Austin City Limits, Survival, Guide, What to Wear, What to Take, Transportation, Austin, Music, Zilker, Summary, FAQ, Recommendations, Attire, Clothing, Tips
September 15th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
[...] Survival Guide: Part 1 - What to Wear ACL Survival Guide: Part 2 - What to Take ACL Survival Guide: Part 3 - Getting There ACL Survival Guide: Part 4 - A Quick [...]
September 18th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
[...] ACL Survivor Guide: Part 2 - What to Pack ACL Survivor Guide: Part 3 - Getting There [...]
September 21st, 2007 at 12:12 am
[...] Survival Guide: Part 1 - What to Wear ACL Survival Guide: Part 2 - What to Take ACL Survival Guide: Part 3 - Getting [...]
September 25th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
[...] 1 - What to Wear Part 2 - What to Take Part 3 - Getting There Part 4 - A Quick [...]
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