VitalityDec 13, 20244 min readIf you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy
There are music festivals. There are film festivals. There are climbing and biking and yoga festivals. But there’s only oneOutside Festival.
The Denver event blends everything that makes outdoor festivals so fun, and the result is much, much better than the sum of its parts. That’s why the inaugural Outside Festival drew almost 20,000 people. It’s also why the 2025 event—May 31 and June 1—promises to be even bigger. Celebrating outdoor adventure, community, and music and featuring an incredible lineup headlined by Khruangbin and Lord Huron, the 2025 Outside Festival is a gift to remember forever.Ticketsare on sale now.
And to make this the ultimate gift, pair it with some essential festival gear. Here are our top ten picks for upgrading any outdoor festival experience.
Sun Protection
UPF 50-plus fabric, plus a hood and long sleeves for full coverage, make this supersoft shirtthechoice for all-day sun. The polyester/spandex blend wicks moisture and dries quickly, so it’s perfect for running, hiking, and festival-inspired dancing.
Hydration
What’s good for biking—hands-free hydration—also turns out to be very good for festival roaming. Featuring a 1.5-liter reservoir and just enough room for snacks and essentials, plus an internal organizer for tools, this lightweight, low-profile pack is ideal for cycling and weekend fun of all kinds.
Sandals
Who doesn’t need a good pair of sandals? Midsoles made with EVA foam give the Hurricane lightweight cushioning, hook-and-loop closures make for easy on-off, grippy tread affords superior traction, and recycled polyester webbing is durable and quick-dry. Bonus: a peppermint-based anti-odor treatment.
Blanket
This blanket packs down small for easy carrying, but spread it out and you get 72×60 inches of soft, durable fabric to lounge on. (It’s also slip-resistant, which is great for yoga.) It’s made with Global Recycle Standard–certified postconsumer recycled plastic. GRS also ensures good working conditions for factory labor and minimizes harmful environmental and chemical impacts.
Versatile Pants
One thing that’s certain about the Outside Festival? You’ll want to stay until the last song. Stay comfortable day and night with these convertible pants, which have side zips that let you switch from shorts to pants and back without removing your shoes. Plus they have UPF 50+ sun protection, breathable and water-repellent fabric, and plenty of pockets.
Sunglasses
The Outside Festival is still a long way off, but you don’t need a meteorologist to tell you this: Odds are good it will be sunny, as Colorado usually is in early summer. These classic shades are a must, with 100% UVA and UVB protection, glare-reducing lenses, and a no-slip fit.
Festival Bag
Wear this compact bag on your waist or slung over your shoulder. Either way, the minimalist pack holds your essentials and keeps them dry with a nonfluorinated durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. Eco-bonus: Solid colors are made with recycled ripstop nylon.
Everyone needs a ball cap. Why this one? It has UPF 50-plus sun protection, is made with 100% recycled polyester, and looks great on everyone.
Rain Jacket
Want to give the gift of more time outdoors? Put a bow on this 2.5-layer recycled ripstop nylon shell. It’s waterproof and breathable, windproof up to 60 mph, and packs down into its own pocket. This gift says it’s always time to go outside. Eco-bonus: The nonfluorinated durable water-repellent (DWR) finish helps moisture bead up on the surface.
Sunscreen
Here’s a stocking stuffer for everyone on your list: effective sunscreen that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. Whether you’re spending a weekend at an outdoor festival or just heading outside, you’ll appreciate this non-nano sunscreen, which effectively blocks UVA and UVB rays, is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and is not greasy.
REIis the nation’s largest consumer co-op, with a growing community of 24 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. More than a retailer, REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.
