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IMPORTANT!
Don't forget your Cornerstone ticket or your bus/train/airplane ticket! The night before you leave, be sure to put these in
your fanny pack, purse, or on top of your luggage so that you don't forget them!
Packing Tips (with commentary)
1. Bring what you need to keep yourself comfortable, safe, and healthy.
This isn't as easy as it seems. We use so many items during the day (soap, toothbrush, contact lens solution, etc) that we
just don't think about them when it is time to pack. Also, (and this is particularly true if you are camping) you will actually
need *additional* items for cleanliness and comfort. One thing you can do is take a little notebook around with you for a
day and list all the various items that you use. Then, ask a friend to go over it for you to see if you have missed anything.
2. If you are camping (or are otherwise in close quarters) you need to keep the items that you bring with you to a minimum.
This should be common sense, but people usually manage to overpack. Keep in mind that heavy flannel or denim shirts can do
double duty as light jackets for evening, camping equipment can be shared between fellow campers, and (unless you are going
in an RV or have some other source of electricity) laptops, blowdryers, curling irons, etc, are going to prove useless at
the outlet-free campsites (there are some outlets available, usually in concert tents, but these are limited and often inconvenient).
Also remember that groceries can be purchased on premises and/or in nearby Bushnell, so unless you happen upon a great sale,
consider doing some of your grocery shopping at the fest.
3. Forgetting essential items will cost you time, money, and possibly good humor in trying to replace them.
No, there is no contradiction between this principle and principle #2. The issue here is planning: if you plan to purchase
hotdogs and buns at the fest grocery, you will plan your meals (and budget) around your fest purchases. If, however, you have
very limited funds and realize when you get to the fest that you didn't bring anything to eat, you are likely to be peckish
and miserable for the rest of the week. Some items you will just want to have on hand (like insect repellent)at all times,
but other things (like citronella torches or lawn chairs) can be purchased as and when you need them, and can just as easily
be disposed of or given away when the fest closes.
4. Bad planning and bad packing can result in the ruin, theft, or spoilage of your essential items (see #3). Plan your packing/purchases
carefully.
Coolers are notoriously unstable: things like chicken and ground beef can go bad very easily. Unless you plan to eat these
items right away, you will probably save money and frustration by either buying them at the fest grocery store or buying a
cooked meal at the food court. If you are coming without a car (and are being dropped off at the gate), plan your packing
so that you don't have to leave your items unattended while you go find a camping space. Sadly, things do get stolen at C-Stone.
Invest in a fanny pack, a money belt, and/or a traveler's neck pouch to keep your money in. If you have valuables with you,
store them in your car. If you don't have a car, don't bring them. Bring plenty of plastic bags to seal, cover, and store
your belongings in.
5. Be Aware of Hightened Security Issues
During this time of heightened security concerns, be aware that you will need to add additional time to your travel schedule
if you are not driving to the fest. Airlines are recommending that you arrive 2 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure.
Try and carry as little as possible in your carry-on bags.
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