Getting down and dirty is a big part of venturing into the Manchester festival we like to call Bonnaroo. In preparing for your first journey to Bonnaroo or any other camping festival, it can be a little overwhelming and confusing about what to bring, especially if you are a girl.

From previous Bonnaroo experiences, a few of my friends and I have come up with some tips and advice to offer to the ladies who are going for the first time, are skeptical about what to expect, or anyone who enjoys camping.

Before you let the questions of “Where do you sleep?” “How do you survive the heat?” and “What is the bathroom situation?” start to freak you out, just remember to keep a positive attitude and an open mind to the weekend. The experience is 100 percent survivable with the right supplies and knowledge of how to keep yourself sane and safe.

First of all, you want to keep the packing of personal belongings light and efficient. You do not want to be that girl who brings four bags of clothes in to squeeze on top of the coolers and tent. A famous rule for packing is to plan your outfits ahead of time.

What to Wear

Bring at least two, comfortable bathing suits.

Do not bring anything that you will be constantly adjusting or uncomfortable to walk long distances in.

Loose fitting sundresses make the best cover-ups, even over shorts and tank tops.

Be sure not to bring anything that you would not want to get dirty and wet.

Rain is always a possibility, so it’s never a bad idea to pack rain boots.

Be sure and pack a light jacket and at least one pair of pants. This might sound crazy, but the nights can get a little chilly, especially if you are sunburned.

Wear comfortable shoes. Sandals that do not have the toe-thong hold up to be the most comfortable with the long distance walking. Flip-flops can get the job done, but only depending on the quality. If you wear flimsy flip-flops the whole time, you will hate your feet and your life.

Be prepared to dress for extremely hot temperatures during the day.

Also remember to bring at least two pairs of sunglasses, a hat for shade and to give the back of your ears a break when and if the sunglasses start to hurt and at least three bandanas. You need one bandana to keep wet and wrap in your hair, a second bandana to put ice in and wrap around your pressure points, and a third because one of your friends will want to borrow one after they see how smart you are.

Necessary Toiletries

Not only is packing the right clothes and shoes important, but packing the right amount of supplies from your bathroom is crucial. The goal is to bring only the important stuff that can be used for multiple purposes. Be warned, if you bring your makeup, any guy you are camping with will make fun of you.

You will need sunscreen for your face and body, and make sure it is at least SPF 30. There is hardly any escape from the sun’s rays so layering it multiple times a day is necessary. The last thing anyone wants is to get a horrible burn the first day of the weekend.

Baby wipes and makeup removing wipes will serve as a makeshift shower. You will feel like a million bucks getting all the mud off of your feet before you crash in your tent.

I recommend bringing the roll-on liquid deodorant over the solid sticks. There is no worry for melting and the roll-on works great as a protective layer on your skin from the edges around your bathing suit.

Bring a bottle of leave-in conditioner spray for your hair. This one does seem really girly, but it will help keep your hair from turning to straw in the sun. If you color your hair it will help prevent your hair from bleaching out too bad.

Do not leave home without bringing at least one roll of toilet paper and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. The port-o-johns are cleaned out constantly, but always be prepared for accidentally stumbling into a neglected one.

A girl always has to be prepared for minor inconveniences along the journey. The elements can be harsh and might turn against you. Instead of getting angry or distressed, bring a few survival supplies to prevent any unseen misery.

The air tends to be dusty and those with allergies may suffer a little. If you have allergies, bring your allergy medicine! Do not try to bring medication into the stage area; any pill runs the risk of being confiscated at bag checks.

Other Necessities

Bring earplugs for sleeping. There is no such thing as silence at Bonnaroo and you will either hear music or people for the majority of the night.

Bring a first-aid kit and make sure it is stocked for the campsite. It hopefully will not have to be used, but is nice to know you have it just in case. I recommend bringing medical tape over a Band-Aid. The tape will stick to your skin better, keep the dirt out, and completely stop any painful toe rubbing.

After you make your boyfriend or male companions set up camp for you (just kidding . . . but seriously), it is time to get together the things you need to take with your for the walk from the camp sites to the stage areas. Make sure you bring a good backpack and keep it stocked with water, snacks and sunscreen. Don’t let the large crowds or loud people freak you out; everyone is generally friendly and all there to have a good time.

More Good Advice

“I’m not sure I would want to go because I’m not into the drug scene and wouldn’t want to deal with any of that,” said 19-year-old Brittni Blackwell.

There is some shady activity that can easily be accessed at the festival. If you get harassed or pressured to do something you do not want to do, a polite decline gets the message out to anyone who is asking. If you still feel unsafe, there is security patrolling the campsites and stage areas within easy access.

Everyone’s experience at Bonnaroo is different, but everyone goes for the same reason?to enjoy good music and to have a good time. The festival can be as much fun as you want it to be as long as you are positive and prepared.

The Bonnaroo website also contains blogs and tips from other campers.Check out bonnaroo.com for camping guidelines and festival rules.