If you’re a first-time festivalgoer, the idea of packing for a getaway with friends for a weekend of no showers and awesomemusic can be a daunting task. Outdoor summer music festivals call for a plethora of items, however, there’s no need to overstuff your backpack or cramyour car with useless gear, especially when you could put that extra space to better use — for example — to load up on beer. Music festival veteran Allan Regan, the creative director of brand.Live and responsible for Live at Squamish, shares six essential items to bring to any summer festival.

Plaid shirt  — During the summer more so than any other time of the year, temperatures get extremely hot during the day and tend to cool off at night. Packing a plaid shirt not only allows you to assert your hipster status at the festival, but will also help keep you warm at night when the headliners take the stage.

Sunscreen — Let’s face it, one of the reasons people go to outdoor music festivals is to take in as much music and sun as possible. Go ahead and soak up those rays, but be warned — having a burnt body isn’t the perfect condition to be crowd surfing in — so make sure to lather on the sunscreen, nose, ears, and all.

Baby wipes — These aren’t just for babies anymore. These multi-purpose wipes can be used to clean your hands before eating a meal, wiping yourself down if there are no showers, or you can use them for their original purpose during those trips to the dreaded porta-potties. Whatever you use them for, you’ll smell and feel fresh when everyone else might not be.

Empty water bottle — Instead of buying bottled water every time you’re thirsty, most music festivals are going green and now water at a number of free water stations. With the sun blazing down on you and endless screaming and cheering, don’t forget to fill up when you need to hydrate, otherwise keep the empty bottle tucked away in your backpack.

Advil  —Music festivals are 50 per cent about the music, 50 per cent the experience, and 100 per cent drinking. Alcohol consumption is one of the main events, second to listening to your favourite bands, so best be prepared for endless nights of drinking. Stock up on your choice hangover tablet to prevent headaches that could ruin the next music-filled day.

Flashlight —When your ears are done ringing and your feet are so sore you can barely stand, then comes the fun part — trying to find your way to the campgrounds. At some festivals, they can be a 20-minute walk away, so rather than stumbling around (probably intoxicated), make sure to bring a flashlight to help guide your way back.