I’ve traveled quite a bit in my life, but never alone, and never to somewhere that could be 20 degrees or could be 85 degrees, or could be both. Let alone with a banjo, and not for a week of camping. Add that with the fact that the FAA is making it more difficult to travel with carry on luggage - i’m a bit worried about packing enough stuff to get me through the week in comfort.
I’ve bee shown quite a bit of friendship already, having been invited into a camp at Town Park, which will help immensely, but those of you traveling from out of state via plane - how do you pack? Any pro-tips?
I’ll be searching for some fleece lined jeans, I’ve got boots, and a heavy parka, but to think I’ll need to then pack shorts and tee shirts as well has me confused LOL.
Should I ship in a battery backup to stay charged all week?
Am I going to be okay in a 2 man tent, or should I find a 4 man to have space?
How’s it traveling in general with a banjo? Flying Southwest so i’m sure it’ll be miserable on some level lol.
Are the airport shuttles a good choice for rides from Montrose, or should I book a one way rental from each Airport??
I’ll research further as time goes, but how do I join in on the tarp run if I can’t actually…run? Bad knees and junk. Is this Thursday morning that numbers are given out?
I bring two pairs of pants and alternate, as You typically only need them at night. I bring two pairs of heavy weight long underwear wool or poly no cotton! Couple of hoodies, and my heavy coat, enough socks and underwear and t shirts for every day, couple pairs of shorts, and bathing suit just in case. If worst case scenario happens there’s a laundry mat easily shuttled to from TP. On Southwest you should be able to bring your banjo as a carry=on, I do with my guitar. There are charging stations in TP, and most camps have some form of charging station they will share if they have open space. 2 man should be good if it’s just you, your clothes, and Banjo. Shuttle is the easiest option, drops you off right at TP and no having to deal with rental turn in, then searching for ride to town from airport! Don’t worry about the tarp run! Don’t forget some kind of easy rain gear! You can get a full suit pants and jacket from Frog Tongs for about $20, and it packs super small! Wear your bulkiest clothing and sun hat on the plane! Don’t forget the sun hat!
Hi, I come from Australia every year. Don’t get a rental, the Telluride shuttle from airport is very reliable and will be full of folks doing exactly the same as you so you meet friendly festival folk.
Clothing? It’s tricky. Bring very warm socks and a lightweight raincoat or poncho. I bring shirts, T shirts and a hat which is what I wear most days, long sleeved T shirts and jeans for night plus a puffer jacket and scarf for possible cold day/ night. Yes it can get very cold but TBH mostly it’s warm and we start a bit later this year so chances are for warmer weather. The other thing I pack is altitude meds and light weight oxygen canister. I get a bit sick being so high and taking altitude meds starting five days before the festival definitely helps.
It’s a glorious week of music, people and love. I take a long and expensive trip to get there because it’s truly the highlight of my year. Welcome!
Ps don’t worry about the tarp run. You are one person. You just join a friendly tarp. It’s that kind of festival, we just move around, say hey, sit with friends. It’s not like other festivals. We are super chilled. I’ve never done a tarp run ( but watched plenty, SOOOOOOO funny, )but I’ve sat on tarps from every position. Just ask with a smile and you will be welcome, you don’t need to know the folks you’re sitting with, 99% of the festival folk welcome new people to their tarp. I’ve met so many new friends that way. You are going to love it.
Especially don’t worry about tarp run if you’ve been adopted into a camp. I’d imagine they’ll have a plan If not, you’re always welcome on the Camp Trailer Smash tarp/EZ up!
As for stuff you might need - if there’s anything you can’t bring with you that you need, please don’t hesitate to ping me, I’m sure we can hook you up!
Todd mentioned, but rain gear can’t be stressed enough. If there’s no lightning, shows go on rain or shine so everyone needs a solid rain strategy including some kind of head cover; otherwise, you’re stuck in a tent. Personally, I’m covered head to ankles and sacrifice cold wet feet to a pair of water shoes. This goes hand in hand with being plenty warm (clothes and sleeping bag). If you get cold and wet, it can be miserable. When it rains in the mtns, things don’t dry out until rain is gone.
As mentioned, layer. One of my fav hacks is to bring plenty of lightweight, next-to-skin undershirts, you can change those regularly and cut down on the number of other clothing that make up other layers.
Have someone from your camp bring an extra tarp for you that you can string up to block sun/rain. This creates more usable dry space for a small tent.
Check SW Airlines instruments info well in advance and have a hard case in case.
Check into “USPS General Delivery” at Telluride PO. The post office is right next to Town Park and shipping something to yourself might be easier/cheaper than paying for an extra bag.
Budget spending money then pad that for stuff you forgot.
It already sounds like you plan to be there as long as possible, which is smart if you’re traveling that far in the first place!
If not, you’re always welcome on the Camp Trailer Smash tarp/EZ up!