When you’re preparing for a rave experience, you’ll have to overcome the obstacle of packing up. Most festivals have strict bag policies. And I mean stricter ones than most airlines. But, Coachella is somewhat different when it comes to its bag policy.
Let’s find out Coachella’s lenient bag policy and compare it to the ones that the biggest EDM festivals implement.
What Bags Can You Bring to Coachella
Coachella’s bag policy is very chill. The only real rule is that your bag’s dimensions need to be less than 20″ x 15″ x 9″. This is great if you’re flying to the venue since personal items are much smaller than that.
But, is every kind of bag allowed at the festival? Well, you can basically bring any type of bag you like. This includes bota bags, fanny packs, purses, and handbags. That’s a pretty good variety if you ask me.
The sole issue with the bag type concerns hydration packs. Coachella has a couple of rules for these:
- Hydration packs need to be empty when you enter the festival.
- They must be made from plastic.
Still, this is pretty rad. You won’t have to worry about buying a new bag, especially if this is your festival. And, might I add, Coachella is one of the festivals to visit for an awesome first-time experience.
Coachella Bag Policy for Backpacks
Like the other bag types, backpacks are also allowed at Coachella. Although, your backpack must be within the size restrictions (20″ tall, 15″ wide, and 9″ thick).
So, something like the backpack above wouldn’t work. I mean, if a dog can fit inside it, it’s great for a trip to the mountains, but not for Coachella.
And, trying to bypass the restriction won’t work. At the entrance of the venue, there’ll be a box where your backpack should fit; otherwise, you’ll have to rave without it.
How Does Coachella’s Bag Policy Compare to Other Music Festivals
Coachella has the most lenient bag policy out of any other music festival. That said, nothing can beat the summer vibes of most other EDM festivals, so it’s good to know what bags you’ll be able to bring to those.
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland’s bag policy isn’t as strict as you’d expect. That’s probably true because it’s in Europe. And we don’t really care how big your bag is.
The organizers don’t state the exact size limits for bags. But, most of my rave friends have told me that you can bring in a 15” long backpack, as well as fanny packs and purses.
Keep in mind your bag will be checked at the entrance of the event, though, especially if it’s a huge one. But, if you get our Earn Your Stripes, you should have no issue with security checks.
Ultra Music Festival
Going back to US festivals, the Ultra Music Festival is much stricter than Coachella. You won’t be able to bring in most types of bags, including backpacks and purses. The only bags allowed at the festival have to be made from a clear material and not exceed 13”x17”.
But, fanny packs and hydration packs are allowed at the venue. So, our own fanny packs (which you can see below) are good to go, as long as it’s empty upon entry.
Moonrise and Insomniac
By purchasing a ticket, you agree to submit to a thorough, TSA-style search, including emptying your pockets and bags, having all of your items examined, a full pat-down, and possibly removing your shoes. They reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone.
Insomniac festivals (like EDC) and Moonrise have the strictest bag policies. You’re only allowed to bring small single-compartment bags and purses that are below 12″x12″. So, you won’t be able to get in with a bota bag or a large backpack.
But that’s not the only issue. Some friends of mine who went to Moonrise told me that the security checks are brutal. Once you arrive at the venue, you’re immediately searched. You even have to remove your socks so that the security team can examine them.
If you ask me, that’s not fun at all!
Final Thoughts
Coachella is truly one of a kind concerning its bag policy. Where other music festivals will only allow you to carry tiny bags for security purposes, Coachella goes all out to make sure that you have a nice time. First-time ravers, where you at? This is the festival for you!
If you need to get a new bag for Coachella, or any other music festival, check out our store. You’ll also find some pretty cool accessories there. And, don’t forget to head over to YESIRAVE’s blog for more info about music festival bags.
Keep on raving ‘till dawn!
Alexios is a professional writer who has been raving for 5 years. He is eager to help all enter the scene.
