Staying Hydrated and Healthy During Festival Season

Planning some fun in the sun at Coachella, Bonnaroo, or Lightning in a Bottle this summer?

Many music lovers look forward to camping, dancing and community all year, but after spending hours and hours in blazing summer heat, dehydration can sneak up on you. If you’re not prepared, your life-changing festival experience may be one spent in a medical tent. This piece aims to provide a few tips on how you can stay hydrated and healthy during festival season.

Using A Hydration Pack

CamelBaks™ or, hydration packs, are a fine way to stay hydrated during a festival and while you are outdoors. Almost every festival will let you in with a hydration pack, though some places require for it to be empty upon entrance. By bringing your own hydration pack, not only are you utilizing a reusable bottle instead of plastic (saving the planet), you also don’t have to wait in long lines to buy a bottle of water and drop a few bucks each time you are parched. CamelBaks are a great way to have water with you at all times, and when you feel that thirst coming, all you have to do is take a little sip. This hydration solution is super popular amongst festival goers and easy to wear.

Staying Hydrated At The House / Campsite (After Festival Day)

The best time to regain your energy after hours of hot sun and shout-screaming along to your favorite music, is when you are back at your post. Whether you are glamping, cuddled up at an Airbnb or staying out in the wild at a campsite, your home base is the place to recharge. Make sure to take some time for yourself if you need to and get hydrated. Especially if you are going to go back out for round 2 the next day. Remember, part of staying healthy is eating and getting enough sleep, too. So, after you down a couple of bottles of water, make sure to snack on a sandwich or something, and try not to stay up too late. You’ll want to be primed for day two (or three) of fist pumping, right?

Dancing, Drinking, Overdoing At The Festival Site, How That Affects Hydration

The general rule of thumb for festival goers who like to enjoy adult beverages, is to alternate between alcoholic beverages and water. Bodies need water to replace water lost; it’s part of the science behind staying hydrated. So if anything, make sure you drink at least one bottle per hour to remain properly hydrated throughout the day. Also, keep in mind that while you are dancing and sweating under the beating sun, you are losing water at the same time. Drink water, water, and more water! Keep your festival-going self hydrated and healthy in between your favorite performances.

Also, keep in mind that while you are dancing and sweating under the beating sun, you are losing water at the same time. Drink water, water, and more water! Keep your festival-going self hydrated and healthy in between your favorite performances.

Make Sure You Eat

Festival weekend is not the time to be dieting, or trying to save money by eating one free Nutrigrain bar at your hotel. This is a time where you need to fuel your body. We are not suggesting to plow through the greasiest food that the festival has to offer, but do make sure to get some nutrients in your body. Most likely, your body will tell you if you need salt, something sweet or protein, and remember, foods like melon, cucumber and even blueberries have lots of water in them - hydration bonus!

Some festivals allow you to bring in your own cooler, or at events like Burning Man, you have to bring in every provision you’ll need. So, pack yourself lots of healthy snacks and get ready to have a good time.

Stay Hydrated with a Boost

It is so easy to forget something as simple as drinking water. However, when at a festival and overdoing it night and day, it’s crucial to keep yourself continuously hydrated.

Stay Hydrated with a Boost

It is so easy to forget something as simple as drinking water. However, when at a festival and overdoing it night and day, it’s crucial to keep yourself continuously hydrated. Let your thirst be your guide, and drink some water each time you feel parched (not just beer!). Staying hydrated with an electrolyte drink such as Liquid I.V. is also a smart choice in keeping healthy and hydrated during a festival. Drinks like this provide the same hydration as drinking 2-3 bottles of water. So double up on H2O when necessary with a Liquid I.V electrolyte drink mix. Just stash the drink packet in your handbag or backpack.

Let your thirst be your guide, and drink some water each time you feel parched (not just beer!). Staying hydrated with an electrolyte drink such as Liquid I.V. is also a smart choice in keeping healthy and hydrated during a festival. Drinks like this provide the same hydration as drinking 2-3 bottles of water. So double up on H2O when necessary with a Liquid I.V electrolyte drink mix. Just stash the drink packet in your handbag or backpack.

Sun Protection - A Bonus Tip

Don’t be one of those people who forget to apply sun protection and fry like a lobster. This is a move that is just begging for a visit to the medical tent from heat stroke and dehydration. If you want to avoid a heat related illnesses, then apply and reapply your sunscreen at least every 3 to 6 hours.

Know Your Limits

At festivals, it’s easy to party all day and all night, but know when to give your body a break. Relax or take a nap if you need to. Give your body time to rest and recharge. Whether you are dancing like crazy, walking from stage to stage or hanging in the sun all day, know your limits. Don’t get too carried away.

Bottom line, festivals are where some of the best times of your life can occur. Attending an event like Coachella makes memories that you will share and remember for years to come. For good memories and good times during festival season make sure to keep hydrated and healthy!