Summer is a fantastic time to take in some live music, with concerts going on almost every weekend and some huge music festivals coming up over the next few months. But with temperatures still on the climb and the hottest dog days of summer yet to come, it's absolutely critical to stay safe when you head out to an outdoor concert. To make sure you make it to the end of the show safely, we at Ear Plug Superstore have created the following Summer Outdoor Concert Survival Guide. (You know how we worry about you -- don't become a statistic, dude!) So read our guide and follow these six simple steps for an epic experience at any outdoor concert or music festival.
1. Wear sunscreen.
Seriously, wear sunscreen: your face, arms, shoulders, legs, and any other body parts that will see significant exposure need to be protected. Keep in mind that the time you'll spend watching the show probably isn't the only time you'll be spending in the sun: at the very least, you'll likely be standing in line outside waiting to get in, so plan for a full day's worth of sun exposure for each concert or festival day. For best results, choose a waterproof sunscreen, and bring a small tube along with you for reapplication when necessary (in extreme heat, you can sweat off even the waterproof stuff in a couple hours). If you burn easy, wear a hat that will help keep the sun off your face as well -- and once you've cleared security and you're rushing to grab a good spot, go for a sweet patch of shade whenever possible.
2. Drink water.
You can even start hydrating preemptively: drink a gallon of water over the 24 hours leading up to the concert to start preventing dehydration before it starts. At the show, a good rule of thumb is to make sure you're drinking an absolute minimum of 8 ounces of water each hour, including hours spent standing in line! (If the temperature is in the triple digits, double that.) Bring your own water bottles whenever possible to avoid outrageous prices at the show, but also make sure to do your homework beforehand: some venues put a limit on how much of your own water you can bring through the gates. Make sure to budget so you can afford to buy some water in addition to bringing your own. It's a good idea to get your bearings when you first arrive anyway, so when you're looking around for the merch tents and port-a-potties, also locate a place where you can restock on water. Throwing a wet cloth or bandana around your neck can also help keep you cool and hydrated. If you begin to experience a headache or dizziness, march yourself over to the medics ASAP to get checked out for dehydration and heat stroke.
3. Dress in layers.
This is especially important at multi-day festivals where you'll be camping out at night: even the hottest locations can get brutally chilly once the sun goes down. It may sound counter intuitive, but starting off in a tank top on a hot day isn't a great plan. Instead, layer that sleeveless top under a loose, light-weight, light-colored long-sleeved shirt. In fact, light-weight, light-colored clothing is always the best choice, because it breathes well and protects your skin from the sun while also reflecting the most light (and heat). Wearing layers, you can adjust your outfit as the temperature changes throughout the day and on into the night. Too, bringing more than one top ensures that if your first shirt gets covered in mud, sweat, or somebody's spilled beer, you won't be stuck in dirty, unsavory clothes all day (or forced to go shirtless, which could increase your odds of getting a bad sunburn -- or worse, for the ladies, could result in an unpleasant trip to jail for indecent exposure). In a pinch, you can always buy a spare T-shirt from the merch booth.
4. Bring ear plugs.
At outdoor concerts, the amp stacks are huge, and unless you're chilling at the back of the crowd, that wall of noise is going to seriously damage your ears. Now look, I know some people will tell you that you look lame if you wear ear plugs to a show -- but those are the same idiots who are going to be too deaf to actually listen to music by the time they're forty. (And seriously, if you're at a live show, nobody's going to be looking at YOU anyway, O ye tiny speck in the crowd.) Take a look at the security at the show: those guys all wear ear plugs. Nine times out of ten, the band will also be wearing custom in-ear monitors that block outside sound, too. If you enjoy live music, and want to keep enjoying it for many years to come, use ear plugs. A pair of musician's ear plugs will turn down the volume without distorting the music, for optimum safety and listening pleasure. I highly recommend the Etymotic ER-20 and the Alpine MusicSafe Pro for hearing protection with the clearest sound; Howard Leight Clarity Natural Sound Ear Plugs and Hearos Rock'N'Roll Plugs are also good, and less expensive. And if you're pinching every penny to afford tickets and transportation, grab some foam ear plugs (pick up an ear plug trial pack if you're not sure what to choose) -- foam plugs aren't the best for sound clarity, but they're extremely inexpensive, they'll save your ears, and you can comfortably shove a few pairs in your pocket. If you love music, preserve your hearing. It's that simple.
5. Protect your kids.
The big mega-festivals may not be the best place to bring your infants and toddlers, but there's no reason the whole family can't enjoy smaller festivals and local outdoor concerts together. Just make sure to equip the little ones with ear muffs for babies and children. A good pair of kid ear muffs can do a world of good: they'll protect those little ears from hearing damage, and they'll also help cut down on the sensory overload which can overwhelm and upset even kids old enough to walk, talk, and complain about the heat. For infants and toddlers, baby ear muffs can allow napping during a show, even amidst a big crowd. In addition to hearing protection, protect your kids from other hazards, too: dose the little ones with sunblock and water frequently, dress them in light-colored clothes, bring a nice big blanket for the family to lounge on, and pick a spot where there's enough room that you and the children won't get trampled or fallen upon. Supervise your kids at outdoor concerts and festivals at all times, use common sense, and use child hearing protection -- and the whole family can safely enjoy some awesome live music together this summer.
6. Finally, be smart: avoid common concert mistakes.
Don't over-pack: remember that anything you bring with you, you will have to carry around all day -- and the fewer items you have in your pockets and bags, the quicker you'll get through security. Don't bring expensive items, including designer sunglasses or fancy cameras; you're just asking for disappointment when those shades fall in the mud and get stomped on, and crowds are a great place for pickpockets! Don't bring anything you couldn't bear to lose. Practice moderation with alcohol, or even better, avoid it altogether. Booze at shows is always overpriced, and in extreme heat, it won't just make you broke -- over-imbibing means you will much more quickly overheat, make yourself sick, or even find yourself waking up in the medic's tent! And avoid sports drinks as well: too many electrolytes can actually impede your body's ability to absorb the H2O it needs. Stick to water. And dress sensibly! Jeans are actually a bad choice because they don't breathe well or wick away moisture. Dark-colored clothing is going to make you overheat. Don't even think about wearing heels or leather pants, your mama raised you better than that! Bring your own snacks. Bring extra hair ties. Wear comfy shoes. Watch yourself for the symptoms of heat stroke and dehydration. Watch your friends, too. Protect your hearing. Protect your kids. And last but not least -- bring hand sanitizer. You never know where those hippies have been.
Until next time, be safe and do the right thing.
--Tom Bergman, Marketing Director
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