Tips to Secure Your Tent and Belongings at Music Festivals

Music festival season is upon us! Get ready for endless nights of dancing to your favorite bands with new and old friends.

One of the best parts of these events is curating the perfect setting with your festival wall tent. Decorating it, getting ready in it, and chilling under your sunshade tarp. When you leave to hit the dancefloor, you should feel that your valuables are safe and sound in your tent.

In this blog, we’re going to share all of our best tips and tricks for securing your valuables in your tent. We’ll talk about the right tent accessories, hacks, minimizing risk, and more! Keep reading so you can have the best summer of music festivals yet!

Know Before You Go

A good rule of thumb? Minimize risk! As you pack, try to cut down on what valuable items you’re bringing. Music festivals– fun as they are– are not always the most glamorous place. It can get hot, and sweaty, and there are late nights of dancing and shared bathroom facilities. All this to say, you don’t need to bring your most expensive and valuable gear. You can get by with some basics!

Of course, there are some valuables you simply cannot be without. Keep reading this blog to learn some tips and tricks to secure your belongings. From tent accessories to luggage and more!

General Tips For Security

We’ll get to talking about tents, but first, here are a few ways you can keep your belongings safe. Because let’s be honest– at a festival, most of the time is spent out and about. You want to explore the area and visit other people’s tents! 

Zipper Enclosures

Firstly, make sure you’re wearing clothing with zipper closures. Buttons or open pockets make it too easy for someone to pickpocket or stuff to fall out. Fanny packs, backpacks, and other bags you carry should be zip-closed as well. Use money belts or lockers that may be available at your venue.

Fanny Packs and Backpacks

On that note, most venues will require you to use a fanny pack or backpack. These must be kept within certain measurements. Check with the venue beforehand to make sure you bring the correct size. Ensure your bag has a zipper enclosure. 

Use Your Front Pockets

Remember to keep your phone and wallet in front of you, not behind. That means back pockets are more risky because they’re more exposed. Use your front pockets or fanny pack facing your front.

Drink Responsibly 

As always, be aware of yourself and your surroundings. Drink responsibly, and help your friends to be aware of their belongings as well! No one likes it when the vibes decline because someone lost their phone!

Festival Tent Security Tips

Okay, now let’s talk tent security! You’ve worked so hard to create the perfect Festival tent hangout. It’s got lights, speakers, rugs– it’s perfect! This is really one of the most fun parts about music festivals.

But a luxury tent can draw attention– sometimes, the unwanted kind. Be hyper-selective about the people coming in and out of your tent. And during your “open hours”, take extra care to secure or hide valuables. Especially in environments where drinking is involved! Set boundaries and take precautions with your valuables so you can enjoy yourself!

If Available, Use Lockers

As mentioned earlier, lockers may be available at your music venue. This isn’t always the case, so check with the venue beforehand. If so, bring your own lock and try to keep a locker next to someone else’s who you trust.

Lock Up: Padlocks, Combination Locks, and More

Locking up your tent definitely helps keep things secure. However, sometimes, the appearance of a lock attracts unwanted attention. It’s a pretty clear indicator that there is something valuable inside.

Bearing that in mind, if you do want to lock your tent, use padlocks. Just don’t lose the key! Combination locks are also a great option. These are all quite inexpensive and can save you a world of trouble!

The Age of AirTags!

For better or for worse, we live in the age of tracking devices. Use this to your advantage at a music festival! While it’s expensive, it can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. What’s more, is that AirTags and other tracking devices are reusable. So you can assign them to various items for a long time to come.

Secure Camping Bags and Distribute Valuables

Again, use a locking system to secure your bags. You don’t have to go overboard locking every single bag. Sometimes, you need quick access! Choose which bags you want to lock up and keep those in a somewhat hidden spot in your tent. Luckily, in a large camping tent, there are plenty of places to do so!

If you’re willing to deal with many locks, it’s also a good idea to distribute your valuables. For example, don’t keep all your cash in one place! Make sure you always have access to some valuables.

Pro Tip: For a super-security tip, hide valuables at the bottom of your sleeping bag or in a zippered pillow case at night!

Make New Friends: Get to Know Your Neighbors!

We love a good excuse to make new friends! Chat it up with your neighbors and build trust with the groups around you. Exchange numbers so you can check in throughout the festival, too. 

Remember that, generally, at music festivals, people are friendly and welcoming– not sinister. As always, be a responsible person and be careful. But don’t let the fear of theft keep you from enjoying yourself. With these simple tips and tricks, you can keep on dancing worry-free!

When in Doubt, Make a Mess!

The best way to deter theft is to leave your tent a little unkempt. We know, we know. It’s perfectly decorated and so beautiful. It doesn’t have to be a crazy mess, just a small one! It should be difficult for someone to discover valuable items in your tent. Remember that thieves like to move quickly. So if the space looks messy like it might take a while to dig through, the less likely a thief will try. 

Get to Know The Venue

Okay, campers, what do we do in a new place? We get our bearings! It’s true, this rule applies in so many life circumstances. New cities, trails, and the overstimulating world of music festival grounds! Once you’ve located what will be your campsite, grab a map or download it on your phone. Take a walk and familiarize yourself with the grounds! If something of yours gets lost or stolen, it’ll be easier to remember where you were when it happened, how to get back there to look for it, etc.

Find Lost and Found

Part of the learning of the venue is pinpointing lost and found. Hopefully, you’ll never have to make a visit there. But on the off chance that you do, you’ll know right where to go. This will make relocating your items more efficient and effective. Chatting with security there too may be helpful in the case of theft.

Wrapping Up…

Music festivals are all about letting loose, great music, and making lifelong memories! Most venues and companies work really hard to create a welcoming space with strong community vibes. Don’t let the fear of something going wrong take away from the potential of a great time.

Know that generally theft is not normal– though it is always a possibility. That’s why taking mindful steps is helpful! Go with a group of trusted friends, and get to know your neighbors. Enhance the sense of community by looking out for each other and staying in touch. 

Reduce the number of valuable items you bring to just the necessities. Distribute items where possible, and be strategic about hiding things in your tent. Maintain the serenity and good vibes of your festival tent! Do this by drawing unwanted attention away when you’re not there. Make a bit of a mess and lock up when you leave. Get your bearings and learn your way around the venue. This is for your own safety and on the off chance that a valuable item goes missing. Be able to locate lost and found and retrace your steps.

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this blog. But the bottom line is that when you go to a music festival, the focus should be the fun! So, cut down on risk and spare yourself from worry with simple security measures. 

Lock up, be responsible and aware, and have a blast this summer!