Ultimate guide to staying alive at Country Thunder

So you’ve got April 6 through 9 carved out of your schedule: You’re going to Country Thunder Arizona 2017 in Florence.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start planning. Country Thunder is the biggest music festival in Arizona, with approximately 29,000 people there each day, many staying in the more than 7,500 camp sites on the grounds.

“Last year, I went to Country Thunder for the first time with a girl who also hadn’t been,” said Madeleine Slama, 22, of Flagstaff. “The first day, we got there at noon, slathered on sunscreen, and walked all around the campgrounds looking for people to make friends with.

“My friend had more fair skin than I, and by the end of the day she decided she was going to leave and go back up to Flagstaff because she self-diagnosed herself with sun poisoning.”

We don’t want you to end up sun-poisoned and sad, so we scoured the Internet and talked with a few Country Thunder veterans to compile a list of the top tips for newbies and returners alike to stay alive and have fun doing it. Consider it applicable for Coachella and other desert-camping festivals as well.

Tips on what to wear

Wear a ton of waterproof sunscreen. Reapply constantly. You could even consider wearing a UV wristband, such as the disposable, waterproof one from Sunburn Alert, which changes colors when you need to reapply sunscreen.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Consider wearing a hat. Why not avoid burning your scalp and face? Also bring multiple pairs of sunglasses in case you lose one.

Wear a fanny pack. You can carry everything hands-free! Small backpacks are OK but can bump into people. Cross-body bags are fine but can be heavy on your shoulder.

Remember your wristband! Country Thunder is using RFID wristbands for the first time this year, which you should receive in the mail or can pick up at will call. If you lose it, you’ll have to pay for a new one.

Bring a sweater or jacket and pants. The desert will get cold at night.

If you really want to be prepared, bring a rain jacket or poncho just in case, as well as rain boots.

What to carry with you all day, every day

Bring singles.

Carry sunscreen with you.

Bring a portable phone charger. You can get one on Amazon for $10 or less.

Remember your ID, especially if you’re drinking.

You’re allowed to bring one unopened bottle of ROCK DOG cash, including