Ultimate Mountain Jam Packing List

Festival season is upon us, and Mountain Jam kicks summer into gear with 4 days of live music, food and maybe even a little beer. Here's a look at the supplies you'll need to make your camping experience a good one. I made the mistake of showing up to my first festival, Gathering of the Vibes in Red Hook back in 2001, with a cooler full of beer, sleeping bag and 2 packages of hot dogs. Needless to say, I was under prepared. Don't be that guy, you'll have a much better time and your neighbors won't be secretly making fun of you for sleeping in a camping chair under the stars. Some basic things to remember, of course a tent because that's your home base for the next four days. It's great if someone in the group has one of those pop up tents or portable gazebos. Both are great for some much needed shade when taking a break from the concert field.

Here's a full list of what to bring (and what you shouldn't):

• Tent, you sleep here. Very important.
• Tarps, sometimes needed to batten down the hatches. It might rain.
• Camping chairs, it's always good to have a back up too.
• Extra roll or two of TP, just do it.
• Cooler, it's best to have 2, one for beverages and one to keep food cold.
• Cooking stove, propane only. No charcoal or open fires you pyros.
• Food, its good to be prepared with meals at your site.
• Water, while there is water available always good to get a case or 2.
• Trash bags, usually supplied but good to have a few extra.
• Ipod player, great for tunes at your campsite
• There will be showers ($5 and worth it). So bring soap and a towel.
• Sunscreen, don't turn into a lobster like I did at Mountain Jam 3.
• Extra blankets, it gets cold at night and nice to sit on while watching the show.
• Rain gear, it's Mountain Jam it will rain.
• Ear plugs if you have a hard time sleeping. The party goes late.
• Bug spray, yup there's bugs sometimes.
• Bring your camera to document your weekend but no professional photography.
• Extra car keys. Stash a set in a friends car in case you lose yours.

Leave the drugs at home and if you're thinking of bringing that ninja sword to show off, probably not a good idea. No weapons, fireworks or pets. More importantly, no armed dogs trying to sneak in kegs on bicycles (no bikes or scooters). For a full list check the link above. While we're at it, there are several items that aren't allowed on the concert field, leave your pop up tents back at your camp site. Umbrellas are a no-go, you're better off getting one of those cheap poncho's and travelling light anyways. No outside food, drinks or coolers. But the important thing is to have fun!