Is this your first time attending a major festival like Ultra Miami? Are you feeling nervous that you might not be fully prepared? Worried you’re forgetting something? Don’t worry, EDM Maniac has you covered. We’ve compiled a list of the top 11 essential items you should pack to ensure a smooth and unforgettable festival experience.
1. ID (Identification)
Acceptable forms of identification include passports, U.S. or Canadian driver’s licenses, U.S. military IDs, and foreign driver’s licenses (but you must have a photo of your passport on your phone that includes your photo and date of birth). Keep your ID somewhere secure to avoid dropping or losing it.
Just in case you lose your ID, keep a spare ID in your hotel as an emergency backup. Do not use your passport as your primary ID for the festival—it’s too valuable to risk losing.
Reminder: The age requirement is 18+ to enter the festival and 21+ to purchase alcohol or access VIP areas. Regardless of the situation, valid identification is required before entry.
PRO TIP: Don’t store your ID or credit card inside your phone case, if you lose your phone, you don’t want to lose all your important cards too!
2. Mini Flashlight
One thing to consider is the need for some light in the middle of the night. Whether you are looking for something you dropped in the middle of dancing or you need to take out a charging cord from your bag, a flashlight will come in handy. There is not much light once the sun goes down, and the main light you rely on is the LED screens and lasers to provide visibility.
The best location to buy a mini flashlight is online at Amazon, they come in packs for a cheap price and they are small enough to fit in your fanny pack, any extras you can hand out to a new friend you make, they’ll end up thanking you later.
PRO TIP: When leaving the crowd to get to the next stage or restroom, you can light up the ground to see your pathway better and ensure you aren’t stepping on any person or any belongings.
3. Hydration Pack (Not a Backpack)
Hydration packs are essential for festivals and can be found at Amazon, sporting goods stores, or festival gear retailers. Ultra Miami provides free water refill stations throughout the festival grounds, so bring a hydration pack instead of a water bottle. Bottles are prohibited and may be confiscated.
Invest in a high-quality hydration pack to avoid leaks and breakage. Cheap packs tend to crack and soak your belongings, something you don’t want mid-festival.
PRO TIP: Add LED lights to your hydration pack to help your group spot each other in the crowd.
4. External Battery Pack
Your phone battery won’t last through an entire festival day, so bring an external battery pack. You can find reliable options on Amazon or grab a cheaper one from local stores (though budget options may only give a partial charge).
For a hassle-free experience, consider a Mophie Juice Pack battery case. It serves as both a phone case and an external battery. Ideally, choose a battery pack that provides at least two full charges.
PRO TIP: Pack a 3-in-1 charging cable and charge multiple devices at once.
5. Fanny Pack
A fanny pack is a compact and secure way to store essentials like your phone, wallet, and keys. They’re widely available at Amazon, sporting goods stores, and clothing retailers.
Ultra’s prohibited bag list applies mainly to large tote bags and backpacks over 13×17 inches. Fanny packs are allowed because of their size.
PRO TIP: Wear your fanny pack across your chest for better security and easy access.
6. Sunscreen
You’ll be under the Miami sun for hours, so wear sunscreen! You can buy it at any pharmacy or supermarket, but check the ingredients to avoid allergic reactions.
Do NOT bring aerosol sunscreen. Aerosol cans are prohibited and will be confiscated at security.
PRO TIP: Bring small, sealed sunscreen packs, as they must be sealed upon entry each day.
7. Earplugs
Tinnitus is real, and you don’t want a ringing in your ears for life. Grab earplugs from pharmacies, Amazon, or specialized ear protection retailers.
- Best option: Reusable, high-fidelity earplugs (come in a small case that clips onto your bag).
- Budget option: Disposable silicone earplugs (stay in better than foam).
- Luxury option: Custom-fitted earplugs (perfect fit, but expensive and just as easy to lose).
PRO TIP: Buy a bulk pack of 50 disposable earplugs. They’re cheaper in bulk and great to share with friends.
8. Hand Fans
A must-have in Miami’s heat! The best place to order them is Amazon, though you might find vendors selling them outside the festival.
Smaller fans are cheaper but less durable. Invest in a 12-inch fan for better cooling and longevity.
PRO TIP: Don’t clack your fan excessively. It wears them down faster and might annoy people around you.
9. Mini First Aid Kit
Most pharmacies sell mini first aid kits, but they come in bulky cases. Instead, carry a tiny pouch or coin purse with these festival essentials:
- Sealed chapstick
- Band-aids & moleskin bandages (for blisters)
- Sealed mini hand sanitizer
- Sealed pill packs (Tylenol, Advil, Tums, anti-diarrhea, allergy meds)
- Tampon (if applicable)
PRO TIP: If you have allergies, bring an EpiPen. Security allows life-saving medication, but other medications must have your name on them.
10. Electrolyte Powder
Staying hydrated is essential, but adding electrolytes to your water can take it to the next level. Electrolyte powders help replenish lost minerals and keep you energized throughout the festival.
Amazon has an insane selection, with top choices like Gatorade’s electrolyte powder packs and Liquid IV. While you technically can’t bring the powder packets into the festival, you can dump them into your hydration pack before heading inside.
PRO TIP: Buy a bulk pack and have your whole squad pre-fill their hydration packs with electrolytes before entering. That way, everyone stays hydrated and refreshed for all three days.
11. Trash Bags
Trash bags are one of the most underrated festival essentials, but they’re incredibly useful. Pick up a small pack from the dollar store and stash a few in your pocket, hydration pack, or fanny pack. They come in handy for:
- Keep your group’s trash in one place so only one person has to take it to the trash can.
- Helping someone who feels nauseous and can’t make it out of a crowded stage area.
- Storing sweaty clothes to keep your hydration pack smelling fresh.
PRO TIP: If it rains, tie trash bags around your feet to prevent your shoes from getting muddy and soaked.
Packing these 11 essential items will keep you safe, comfortable, and prepared for anything Ultra Miami throws your way. Plan ahead, pack smart, and enjoy the festival.
Featured image courtesy: Ultra Miami. Credit: Alive Coverage.
