LED Light Whips in EDM: How They Are Revolutionizing Stage Performances

Imagine you’re at EDC, Tomorrowland, or some other gloriously neon-splattered EDM festival. The beat is dropping hard during peak TikTok hours, the crowd’s a living, breathing rainbow of LED accessories, and just when you think you’ve seen it all…BAM! Out struts a performer waving around a light whip.

LED light whips are taking EDM stage performances to levels of extra we didn’t even know we needed. Let’s dive in into how these futuristic props are turning up the visual volume in the world of electronic dance music.

Spoiler alert: It’s a light whip revolution, and honestly, we’re here for it.

What Is a Light Whip?

A light whip is exactly what it sounds like—a flexible whip that’s covered in dozens (or even hundreds) of LED lights, which can shift colors, patterns, and vibes fast. Think of it as the love child of a fiber-optic lamp and a rave glow stick. Not only do they radiate straight-up hypnotic visuals, but they’re also ridiculously versatile.

Artists and performers use light whips for everything from flowing choreography to jaw-dropping tricks. Pair that with an EDM track that has more drops than the stock market, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable stage moment.

A Brief History of LED Light Whips: From Obscure Toy to Rave Royalty

Before they became a staple in EDM culture, light whips were chilling in the niche corner of novelty tech gadgets. You know, the same aisle where you’d find LED hula hoops, finger lasers, and those cat ear headphones that light up. Back in the mid-2010s, they were mostly known as flow arts tools—a niche performance trend tied to spinning or juggling. (Check out flow arts products here.)

Then came the EDM scene, aka the ultimate playground for literally any excuse to glow, glimmer, and attract Instagram followers. Light whips found their natural habitat here, evolving from niche flow toys into next-level performance tools for DJs, dancers, and stage performers.

Today, much like smart glasses, they’re a staple of massive festival performances and intimate underground raves alike.

Why Are LED Light Whips Such a Big Deal in EDM?

EDM has always been about sensory overload. So, it’s no surprise that light whips fit in perfectly. Here’s why they’re becoming a must-have for stage performances:

1.   They Move with the Beat

Ever notice how satisfying it is when the visuals at a rave match the tempo of the music? Light whips take that synchronization to the next level. Thanks to programmable LED tech, these things can pulse, fade, flicker, or strobe in perfect harmony with the sickest drops.

One minute they’re swirling in slow motion to the dreamy lull of a chillwave, and the next, they’re exploding in a frenzy of lights during a dubstep drop that rattles your bones. It’s like the light whip gets you.

2.   They’re the Ultimate Crowd Hypers

A light whip in action can seriously mesmerize a crowd. Picture a dancer whirling their whip at the center of the stage, the glowing strands casting light trails through the air, almost looking like a neon storm ripped straight from your favorite sci-fi movie.

It’s the kind of thing that keeps the crowd screaming for another drop—and maybe water, because hydration is important when you’re screaming your face off at a festival. (For an alternative, check out the best hydration supplement option here.)

3.   Accessibility for Performers

Not everyone is a Cirque du Soleil-level acrobat. Some people can barely keep their AirPods in sync, let alone pull off LED stunts on stage.

But light whips are surprisingly user-friendly. Performers of all experience levels can dive in, experiment, and create routines that still look like they’re straight off a Vegas residency stage. Whether you’re a DJ amping up your set or a performer looking to bring those renegade TikTok dance moves to new heights—there’s a light whip for that.

4.   Next-Level Props for DJs

Can we give credit to the DJs who are evolving into performance artists in their own right? The days of “press play and vibe behind the booth” are over.

Modern DJs like ZHU, Alison Wonderland, and Kayzo are creating full-blown audio-visual experiences, and tools like LED light whips give them a literal edge. The whip becomes an extension of the show, sending the lights into overdrive during climactic moments. It’s almost like a mic drop—but glowing and cooler.

TikTok Made Us Do It: LED Light Whips in Pop Culture

Shocking no one, TikTok is basically the unofficial R&D department of trendsetting gadgets these days, and LED light whips are no exception. Search “light whip” on the app, and you’ll find everything from rave tutorials to glow-smacking dance routines (#LightWhipChallenge, anyone?).

TikTokers are eating it up, and festivals are too. This isn’t just EDM-stage-only territory anymore—these light whips are heading straight to your Friday-night blacklight party.

Bonus points? Light whips are making their way into cosplay, viral stunts, and influencer-friendly beach shoots at golden hour. Because if it didn’t glow and end up on Instagram, did your weekend even happen?

Looking to the Future: What’s Next for the Light Whip Revolution?

We’re calling it now: light whips are going to keep evolving—and probably in bonkers ways we haven’t even thought of yet. Just imagine AR-enabled light whips that perfectly sync with your audience’s LED wristbands. How cool would that be, creating a seamless light symphony that pulls everyone into the groove?

And here’s a fun thought—what about motion-capture-controlled light patterns? You could literally dance your way into creating a personalized light show. Talk about taking “dance like nobody’s watching” to a whole new level, with everyone watching in awe!

Should You Buy A Light Whip?

So, are LED light whips totally revolutionizing the EDM scene, or are we all just easily distracted by shiny things? The answer is: both.

These futuristic, glowing accessories are doing way more than just twirling lights around. They’re redefining what it means to create an experience, and that’s what the EDM scene is all about, right?

So, whether you’re here to make a statement, level up your outfit game, or experience the thrill of becoming a human light show, LED light whips deliver on all fronts. Forget subtle—this is about going bold, bright, and full-on breathtaking.

Coachella 2025: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Coachella 2025 is set to light up the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, over two weekends: April 11-13 and April 18-20, 2025. This iconic festival continues its tradition of delivering stellar performances, art installations, and unforgettable experiences.

When and Where is Coachella 2025?

The festival will be held on April 11-13 and April 18-20, 2025, at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Both weekends will have the same artists & lineup; which dates will you be picking?

Coachella 2025 Lineup

After the remarkable Coachella 2024 lineup, expectations were high for 2025. This year’s festival has certainly delivered. The Coachella 2025 lineup features an incredible mix of artists across multiple genres, making it a can’t-miss event.

This year’s headliners include Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone. The lineup also features a diverse array of artists such as Missy Elliott, Charli XCX, Megan Thee Stallion, and FKA twigs.

Coachella 2025 Tickets

Tickets for Coachella 2025 are available in various tiers:

  • General Admission: Allows entrance to the venue all three days.
  • General Admission + Shuttle: Includes GA pass and shuttle service.
  • VIP Pass: Grants access to VIP areas with additional amenities.

For detailed pricing and purchasing options, visit the official Coachella website.

Coachella Schedule

The festival spans two weekends:

  • Weekend One: April 11-13, 2025
  • Weekend Two: April 18-20, 2025

Specific set times will be announced closer to the event dates.

Coachella Outfits

Fashion at Coachella is as much a part of the experience as the music. Attendees often showcase eclectic styles, blending bohemian elements with modern trends. Given the desert climate, it’s advisable to choose lightweight, breathable fabrics. Popular outfit choices include flowy dresses, denim shorts, and statement accessories. Comfortable footwear is essential, as is sun protection like hats and sunglasses.

Coachella Bag Policy: What You Need to Know

To ensure a smooth entry process and enhance security, Coachella has specific guidelines for bags. Knowing which bags are allowed will help you breeze through security and enjoy the festival without any issues.

Permitted Bags:

  • Hydration packs (must be empty upon entry) – all RaveRunner® packs are compliant.
  • Clear bags made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC, not exceeding 18” x 13” x 8.5”.
  • Fanny packs and small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap.
  • Bags with one single pocket that fit within the size limits.

Prohibited Bags:

  • Backpacks that exceed size restrictions or have multiple compartments.
  • Large purses, duffel bags, or non-clear tote bags.

If you still have doubts about what you are allowed to take into Coachella, take a look at their security policies.

To make festival entry seamless, it’s best to choose a hydration pack or fanny pack that meets Coachella’s security guidelines. Our collection of hydration packs, fanny packs, and clear bags are all designed to be Coachella-compliant. Pick the one that fits your style the best so you can enjoy the festival worry-free!

Coachella Weather & Staying Hydrated

Coachella takes place in the California desert, meaning temperatures can be extreme. Coachella 2024 saw highs reaching the upper 90s°F (30s°C) during the day, with cooler temperatures at night. With long hours of dancing under the sun, staying hydrated is not just important—it’s essential.

Carrying a hydration pack ensures you have water readily available at all times. Hydration packs allow you to refill at the festival’s free water stations while keeping your hands free to enjoy the music. Don’t let dehydration ruin your festival experience—stay safe, refreshed, and energized!

Prepare for Coachella 2025

With its stellar lineup, vibrant fashion scene, and unique desert atmosphere, Coachella 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience. Secure your tickets & plan your outfits. Get ready to immerse yourself in one of the world’s premier music and arts festivals.

Designing the Jauz x RaveRunner®: How we made it happen

Step 1: Finding the Shark Vibes

We kicked things off by digging into Adobe Stock, looking for “sharky” inspiration. Honestly, nothing felt right. So, we went straight to the source: his logo. That shark fin? It gave us major “techie shark scale” vibes—scary, sleek, but with a touch of cool.

Jauz x Raverunner

We played around with patterns. Took the logo, repeated it, twisted it, tried to make something click. And it was all… eh.

Then it hit us: shark’s kind of diving, digging it, spread it open.

Step 2: Building the Look

Once we had the shark diving concept, we moved into CLO to mock it up on a hydration pack. That’s when the real magic started.

  • Material Matters: Black always looks sick, but it needed something extra. Reflective material? Game changer.
  • Placement Is Key: We threw the shark fin onto the sides, creating the illusion of a shark diving under the pack. It looked sleek and dynamic, perfect for the rave crowd.

We also wanted to level it up with some upper-echelon details. That’s where the embroidery came in—clean, bold, and premium.

Step 3: Tying It All Together

Jauz had just relaunched his label, so it was a no-brainer to include that detail in the design. We worked it into the render, and when we saw the reflective material light up. We knew we were onto something special.

The final product? A pack that’s bold, functional, and just screams Jauz.

The Best Part? Jauz Loved It.

He’s a Niners fan (so yeah, we had to throw in a little “Go Birds” banter), but when he saw the pack, it was nothing but love. He was stoked, we were stoked, and now we’ve got a sick collab that’s turning heads on and off stage.

This drop is special—reflecting not only Jauz’s vibe but also the RaveRunner® community that values style, utility, and a bit of edge.

Check it out at raverunner.co. But heads up: it’s moving fast. Don’t miss out on snagging yours before it’s history.

SNAG YOURS BEFORE IT’S HISTORY

Ultra Miami 2025: Your Ultimate Guide – All You Need to Know & More

Ultra Music Festival is set to return to Miami in 2025, promising an unforgettable experience for electronic dance music enthusiasts. Here’s everything you need to know about Ultra Miami 2025, from dates and location to ticket information and lineup details.

When is Ultra Miami 2025?

Ultra Miami 2025 is scheduled for March 28 to March 30, 2025. The festival spans three days, offering attendees a weekend filled with electrifying performances and immersive experiences.

Where is Ultra Miami?

The festival will take place at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami, Florida. This iconic venue provides a picturesque backdrop of Miami’s skyline and waterfront, enhancing the overall festival ambiance.

Ultra Miami Age Limit

The festival enforces an age policy to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees. General Admission attendees must be 18 years of age or older, while VIP ticket holders must be 21 years of age or older. Valid government-issued photo identification is required for entry.

Ultra Miami Tickets

Tickets for Ultra Miami 2025 are available for purchase through the official website. General Admission tickets are priced at $399.95, while VIP tickets are available for $1,499.95. These prices do not include additional fees such as shipping, handling, service charges, and taxes. Tickets are issued as 3-day wristbands only. For security purposes, it’s essential to purchase tickets exclusively from the official Ultra Music Festival website or the Ultra Worldwide app.

The event is almost sold out to this date – March 1st, 2025 – 96% of tickets are sold. Hurry to get yours or regret it forever, this year’s lineup is mind-blowing and it will for sure be a once-in-a-lifetime event. So if you were looking for a sign to buy UMF tickets for the 2025 edition: THIS IS IT.

Ultra Miami 2025 Lineup

After the mind-blowing Ultra Miami 2024 lineup, expectations for 2025 were sky-high—and the festival has definitely delivered. This year’s Ultra Miami concert lineup features a stacked roster of legendary DJs, rising stars, and special back-to-back sets that will make this an event to remember.

The full Ultra Miami 2025 lineup includes a mix of house, techno, bass, and trance artists, spread across multiple iconic stages at Bayfront Park. Here’s the complete list of performers taking over Miami for one of the biggest Miami EDM events of the year:

How Many People Go to Ultra?

Ultra Music Festival consistently attracts a substantial audience. In 2024, the festival welcomed over 165,000 attendees over its three-day span. The 2025 event is anticipated to draw a similar, if not larger, crowd, solidifying its status as a premier electronic music festival.

Ultra Miami Outfits

Fashion at Ultra Miami is as vibrant and diverse as the music itself. Attendees often embrace bold and creative attire, incorporating elements like neon colors, futuristic designs, and comfortable festival wear. Given Miami’s warm climate in March, it’s advisable to opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics. Remember to prioritize comfort, as the festival involves extended periods of dancing and movement.

Fashion at Ultra Miami is as vibrant and diverse as the music itself. Attendees often embrace bold and creative attire, incorporating elements like neon colors, futuristic designs, and comfortable festival wear. Given Miami’s warm climate in March, it’s advisable to opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics. Remember to prioritize comfort, as the festival involves extended periods of dancing and movement.

waist pack

Ultra Miami Festival Bags Policy

​Ultra Music Festival enforces a strict bag policy to ensure the safety and swift entry of all attendees. Only specific types of bags are permitted inside the venue:

  • Clear Bags: Bags made of clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC that do not exceed 13”x17” in size are allowed.
  • Small Clutch Bags: Hand-sized clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, are permitted.
  • Hydration Packs: Hydration packs that are not backpacks are allowed, provided they are empty upon entry. It’s important to note that if any compartment outside of the one used for the hydration pouch can fit a paperback book, the hydration pack will not be permitted. ​
  • Fanny Packs: Fanny-packs” or similar waist-packs are acceptable.

All attendees and their belongings are subject to thorough searches before entering the festival grounds. To expedite entry and ensure compliance, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the complete list of prohibited items and bag specifications on the official Ultra Music Festival website.

Shop RaveRunner Festival-Approved Bags

anti theft clear hydration bag

To complete your festival outfit, a hydration pack is a must-have accessory. Whether you’re rocking neon fits, all-black streetwear, or glittery rave gear, we have a hydration pack that matches any festival outfit. Stay hydrated, dance freely, and carry your essentials in style with our festival-ready hydration packs. The following are just some of the infinite options you can get.

Stay Updated

To stay informed about the latest updates regarding the Ultra Miami 2025 schedule, set times, live streams, and more, follow @ultra on Instagram. Regularly checking the official Ultra Music Festival website will also ensure you receive timely and accurate information.

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating experience at Ultra Miami 2025, where music, culture, and community converge in the heart of Miami.

All You Need to Know for Electric Forest 2025: Dates, Lineup & More

Electric Forest is one of the most anticipated festivals of the year, drawing thousands of festival-goers to its magical setting in Michigan. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned Forester, knowing all the essential details about the Electric Forest music festival can make or break your experience. From where is Electric Forest 2025 to how to get Electric Forest tickets, we’ve got you covered.

When is Electric Forest 2025?

The official Electric Forest dates for 2025 are June 19 to June 22, 2025. The festival spans four days of incredible music, immersive art, and unforgettable experiences.

Where is Electric Forest 2025?

Electric Forest 2025 will take place at Double JJ Resort in Rothbury, Michigan. This legendary venue offers a unique blend of lush forests, open fields, and immersive art installations, creating a one-of-a-kind festival experience. Surrounded by nature, the resort transforms into a vibrant playground where music, creativity, and community come together under the towering Sherwood Forest trees.


Electric Forest 2025 Lineup

After the insane Electric Forest 2024 lineup, we had high expectations for 2025—and it’s definitely living up to the hype!

The Electric Forest 2025 lineup is stacked with some of the biggest names in electronic, jam, and indie music. Here’s the full Electric Forest lineup for this year’s edition

Forest Camping

How Many People Attend Electric Forest?

Electric Forest welcomes tens of thousands of attendees each year, with the most recent information showing a capacity of 50K. Last year, over 90% of tickets were snagged, and the crowd was massive. With the festival’s hype growing every year, it’s definitely a bucket-list experience for music lovers worldwide. If you don’t have your ticket yet—what are you waiting for? I’d grab one ASAP! Keep reading to see how & where


Electric Forest Tickets & How to Get Them

Tickets for Electric Forest 2025 went on sale in December 2024. General Admission (GA) wristbands start at $600, with options for VIP experiences, vehicle passes, and early arrival add-ons.

Electric Forest offers payment plans to make tickets more affordable. Instead of paying the full amount upfront, attendees can opt for installment plans, allowing them to spread out payments over several months. This is a great option for those who want to secure their tickets early without a large immediate expense.

How to Get Electric Forest Tickets

The best way to secure your Electric Forest tickets is through the official Electric Forest website. Given the festival’s high demand, tickets often sell out quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead.


Electric Forest Rules & Bag Policy

Before heading to the festival, it’s crucial to understand the Electric Forest rules to avoid any surprises at the gate.

Allowed Bags & Hydration Packs

  • Hydration packs are allowed but must be empty upon entry.
  • Free water refill stations are available inside the festival.
  • Clear bags and small backpacks are also permitted.
  • Prohibited items include fireworks, open flames, generators, glass containers, and weapons.

For the most up-to-date Electric Forest bag policy, check the official rules page.

Gear Up for Electric Forest & Festival Season

If you’re looking for official Electric Forest merch, you can grab it either online at their official store or at vendor booths inside the festival. In 2024, we designed two exclusive pieces—a hydration pack and a modular fanny pack, each in two custom designs.

For Electric Forest 2025, we’re dropping two fresh designs that’ll be available soon—so stay tuned! 👀

But if you’re after a festival-ready hydration pack or fanny pack that’ll last all season (not just at Electric Forest), check out our store! If you want to be prepared and carry everything you might need with you – these are our top picks:

anti theft clear hydration bag
ACCESS GUARANTEED – FESTIVAL CLEAR BAGS POLICY APPROVED
LIMITED EDITION COLLAB – DUAL CHAMBER DROPS
HYDRATION PACK + PERSONALIZED SKIN BUNDLES

Carry everything you need in one pack: You stay comfy & your items stay safe. Plus, you can fully personalize all of these backpacks to match your look and outfits: take a look at all the add-ons & accessories for these packs

But if you prefer to pack light – we’ll also get you covered (yes, we have a hydration pack for every occasion).

Whether you’re going all out or keeping it minimal, we’ve got the perfect pack to keep you hydrated, secure, and hands-free all festival season. If you’re looking for small hydration packs to carry water and essentials – these are our top picks for you:

Final Thoughts

With Electric Forest 2025 shaping up to be another legendary experience, being prepared is essential. From knowing when is Electric Forest 2025 to choosing the best gear, a little planning goes a long way. Don’t forget to grab your Electric Forest tickets early and stay tuned for festival updates!

For more festival guides and gear recommendations, check out our RaveRunner® blog.

The Hydration Pack That Keep Phoenix Lights Partying All Night

Our Genz team took the RaveRunner® prototypes out to Arizona
for Phoenix Lights, a small festival located out in the scorching hot desert. This was going
to one of the last music festivals with only a couple of RaveRunner® prototypes
running around the festival grounds (we are fully launching because you guys helped smash our KickStarter campaign).

     The guys over at Rentless Beats put together Phoenix Lights, a two-day
festival filled with house music from Malaa, headbaning beats from Excision,
and unique sounds from Svdden Death, Subtronics, and many more. It’s safe to
say there was a diverse rave crowd in attendance.

     With the sun
setting on day one, we all became anxious to turn on our underglow and hitting the dancefloor. There’s
nothing better than being able to wonder around the stage and not lose your friends in the process because you can spot your friends tearing it up with a lightshow illuminating their feet. The GenZ team was the life of the party, people came up to us and simply started to dance
around the lights. With a RaveRunner®, we created a dancefloor whereever we went, who wouldn’t love that? Funny enough, we ran into a gentleman that
actually rigged his own underglow on a pack. He hung a larger underglow with a
carabiner to the bottom of his pack. It was so awesome to see someone have the
same general idea as our underglow. We approached him and he thought the way
we made underglow system was super convenient. After our conversation, we
all combined our underglows to have a giant party circle, hard-core dancing ensued.

     This weekend our
objective was to get a ton of good marketing content because you guys have been wanting to see more of the pack in action. Staying charged was our
number one priority all night. Thankfully, we came prepared with solar panel
chargers on each RaveRunner®. With our power
banks charged by the sun all day, were able to re-charge our phones
and GoPro’s without having to go sit at a charging station and miss a single act.

     Throughout our
time at the festival we heard about way too many phones being stolen. One guy
we met dropped his phone out of his pocket without noticing just minutes before
we even talked to him. Another girl left her phone in a port-a-pot. Luckily, it
showed up at the lost and found. These are all problems that could be prevented
if they had a RaveRunner®! Although we were bummed to hear about people’s
unfortunate events, we were happy to be one step closer to solving their
problem.

     We met a couple
people who backed our Kickstarter and it felt SUPER COOL. Cody, one of our
early backers, was so amped to have met the people behind the mission. I think
we were even more excited to have met him. A multitude of other people came up
to us mentioning that they saw our ads. This was reassuring to know our
marketing was working.

     Overall, our
weekend was stellar. We were all super productive, yet still partied hard. How
else would you want to live life?!

Hydration Pack Hack – Flavor With Out The Mess

Trying to add some flavor to your hydration pack? Yeah, we are too. The whole team at GenZ can admit that we have tried to pour sports drinks into our hydration bladder to be left with a stick messy afterward (if you have done this too, keep an eye out for our how to clean a hydration bladder tutorial).

If only there was a solution that you could hook up to you RaveRunner® that satisfied your taste buds and didn’t cause a sticky finger situation. Nothing is worse than having a pack with tricked out upgrades and a sticky hydration bladder.

Add Flavor To Your Pack

Our good friends at Infuze have come to the rescue with a must-have addition to any hydration pack! The Infuze Hydro is a patented device that allows you to customize the flavor of your hydration pack without the aftermath of cleaning all those sticky sports drinks and flavor enhancers out of your $100 packs.

The InFuze Hydroh

Ryan Lange, President of GenZ, is an avid ultra runner who is the youngest to runner 200 consective miles in the Moab 200. Ryan has put a few of the InFuze Hydro’s through real life testing, both at festivals and on these long endurance runs.

We love the durability of these guys. They have lasted hundreds of miles running and hours of headbanging at the main stage. Not once failing during their testing. Our favorite feature is the adjustable flavor intensity, a simple wheel turn increases the flavor or cuts back to pure water. And they work with any liquid flavor enhancer!

But what about that sticky nightmare we talked about earlier? The team at InFuze developed a backflow system that keeps the flavor flowing only into your mouth keeping your reservoir filled with clean water. Yes, that is right, you strap this little guy to your mouthpiece and you get flavor without the mess. No more needing to clean your reservoir just because you want some orange drank.

The InFuze Hydro retails for $44.95. Click here to purchase one now. Keep an eye out for our upcoming giveaway where we will be giving out two InFuze Hydros!

Festival Theft – How our anti-theft design changed the game.

Name a feeling worse than grabbing at your pockets only to realize your phone is gone while you’re watching your favorite performance. Exactly… there isn’t one. Festival theft is a huge problem, and it’s only getting worse. Here’s how we know….

1.) Festivals are hiring more security

festival security to stop theft
In speaking with festival management, we were informed that festivals have increased the budget in security spend. The idea is by putting more security staff in the crowd, pickpockets will be afraid to go after your valuables knowing that someone is watching. Guess what? That isn’t working.

2.) Theft data is outrageous

An aggregate study done by Cooney and Conway found that 1 in 7 music festival attendees are stolen from at your typical festival. I read this before the 2018 festival season and didn’t fully believe it. That all changed when I went to Firefly Music Festival later that summer with 8 friends. Well, guess what? We left the Woodlands down one phone. My skepticism was disproved.

festival theft data

3.) Personal Experience at Ultra MF and Phoenix Lights MF

I’ve gone to two festivals this year, and I didn’t escape either of them without hearing “where’s my phone?!,” from at least two people. We were able to bring four RaveRunner® prototypes, but it wasn’t enough to outfit our entire squad at both events.

Ultra Theft

It was day one. we had some rookie festival-goers with us and I warned them about the dangers of pickpockets especially at Ultra. Even with my caution, we had two phones stolen from our 12 person squad. Wait for it… on day three, we had another phone stolen….and it was a replacement phone that someone had lost on day one. Detectives actually set-up a hotline to call after they busted one guy who had stolen hundreds of phones and wallets. Could that have been you? Check the article here.

Phoenix Lights Theft

I was ready to make sure that a repeat of Ultra didn’t happen again. We had a smaller squad of six, which left four people with RaveRunner®s. To no avail, we left day two with just five phones. C’MON!!!!!!! As hard as I tried, it just could not work unless someone had a RaveRunner®.

Conclusion

Problem: People will always suck

angry emoji

Unfortunately, we cannot change how people are. We will never be able to alter someone’s intentions. We will never be able to audit why people are entering a festival, to steal or to party?

Solution: Make a product that stops them.

Instead of trying to change the person, we set out to make a product that stopped awful people from ruining your day. We made this product because WE wanted it. It just turned out that we can help a lot of other people with it as well. The RaveRunner® solves all your problems and then some.

smiling emoji

What to keep in your hydration pack while at a festival

Festival season has begun. Who’s excited? Some of my most memorable life experiences came while I was on festival grounds. With the amount of money, time, and effort we spend to get to a festival it is important to come prepared. Water bottles are an annoyance and can be super expensive. Most festivals don’t allow anything more than a small hydration pack, so we need to maximize the usability of the small compartment that we will have on our backs. In order to have the best stay hydrated, remain a minimalist, and have the best festival experience, here are the top 8 things we recommend to keep in your hydration pack.

1.) Gum

How many times do you ask someone for gum at a music festival? More importantly, how many times has someone asked you? We recommend having one pack for each day as some festivals only let you bring in unopened packs. You’ll be surprised by the amount of friends you make when you are the gum guru. Karma will circle its way back around and help you out when you need it too.

2.) Sunglasses

With the exception of music festivals like EDC, most events have performances during the daytime. Having a pair of hater blockers is important especially if the sun is right above the stage. Don’t bring anything too expensive though. Even with an anti-theft RaveRunner® Hydration pack, sunglasses can still get shmushed and maybe even bent while storing them in your pack.

3.) Charging cable+ Solar Charger

If you have a RaveRunner®, you’ll be able to attach a solar panel charger to the top of your hydration pack. This will really maximize your festival experience because you won’t have to worry about running out of charge to find your friends or call for a ride home. How can you afford to miss the perfect snapchat opportunity of your favorite headliner who doesn’t come on until 1AM?

4.) Mini Fan/Water Spritzer

To stay hydrated is one thing, but staying cool is a whole other monster. This will come in CLUTCH when you’re packed in the front and it begins to get really hot. We recommend this cheap guy found on amazon. You can also buy one that plugs directly into your phone if you want something even smaller.

5.) Diffraction or Kaleidoscope Glasses

You think people will like you when you give them gum at a music festival?! Let them test out your glasses from our friends over at GloFX. These glasses will make the light show 10x better and they will fit perfectly in the chest pockets of your RaveRunner® hydration pack.

6.) Anti-Chafe Balm

Blisters on your heels? Chaffing legs? Nothing can ruin your festival experience more than a blister. Come prepared this festival season with a small container of Squirrels Nut Butter. We use this stuff for ultramarathons and it lasts for 100’s of miles.

7.) SNACKS!

A hydration pack is not big at all, so you need to pack some calories in smaller foods. Protein bars with nut butters are a great option. They fit perfectly in the side panel pockets of your RaveRunner® hydration pack. In our other article we highlighted how nutrition could make or break your music festival experience, so make sure you put some thought in on snacks before you go in.

PRO TIP: Get the nature value sweet and salty bars. Packed with energy and salt to replace those electrolytes!

8.) Vick’s Vapor Sniffer/Boom Boom

This little tube of delight is amazing. Sniff it through your nose and it will revitalize and re-energize your immediately. PRO TIP: You can buy Vicks with little keychains on them so you don’t have to worry about dropping it! The RaveRunner® Hydration pack has the perfect loop to attach it to.

BONUS!: Arm Slinky

This small toy may look childish, but it is actually on of the most outrageous things to play with at a festival. You can slinky onto other people’s arms, dance around and then slinky back to another person. I have made some great friendships just by going up and offering some slinky action to a random festival goer. It gives you to ability to put off some good vibes, which is what we all aim to do right?

Now you’re SET!

All of these items can be easily stashed in your RaveRunner® Hydration Pack and still give you room for some more items. You could even divvy up the items to different people within the squad. For us, we always have one person designated to toys, one person with the medical items, and one person with the snacks.  Staying hydrated is important, ditch the water bottles and come prepared with a few of these items in your hydration pack, we guarantee you’ll have a better music festival experience.

The RaveRunner®: Designing The Best Festival Hydration Pack!

I am an avid festival goer. I love them all and attend as many as I can. There is something about the community and live music that resonates with me.  Then at one festival someone stole my iPhone out of my hydration pack. “Welp, there goes another $500,” I thought. Although I try to not let outside factors ruin my mood, this one was hard to overcome.

This sparked the idea of making the best festival hydration pack. That desire burned in me to where I made launching GenZ my 2018 New Year’s Resolution. 

I wanted to design a pack to combat theft, be extremely comfortable, customizable with custom printed skins, and lights to show off my personality.

I have been an avid ultramarathon runner for years; I am the youngest person to run 200+ consecutive miles in the Moab 240 at the age of 20. The hydration packs I use for these long-distance runs offer so much more functionality, and more importantly comfort, than hydration packs you typically see. These packs are lightweight, have comfortable straps, and tons of utility. There seems to be a hook for everything you could ever need or a pocket within a short reach.

Knowing that functionality and comfort were vital (running 8 hours is very similar to 8 hours of dancing at a festival), I needed to solve the glaring issue of festival theft.

Festival theft happens far too frequently. A study conducted by Cooney & Conway found that 1 in 7 festival goers get stolen from. Its no surprise, cell phones aren’t cheap and even a basic craigslist scan shows people willing to buy stolen/locked phones for hundreds of dollars. This has lead to thieves working in groups. One will distract you, the other will block nearby peoples views and the last one will steal your phone. Some are even so bold as to slash open backpacks and grab whatever falls out. They are so successful that they can steal over hundreds of phones a day and make several thousands of dollars in profit.

Knowing the problems that face athletes and festival goers we sought solutions and materials to make the RaveRunner® the best hydration pack available.

  • Stealing from a standard backpack/hydration pack is relatively easy for thieves.  The zippers face away from the wearer. Someone with a delicate trained touch could simply unzip the backpack and reach their arm in grabbing whatever they can get their hands on. Meanwhile the more experienced could take their keys and use the teeth to quickly slash open your pack grabbing whatever they can and then disappearing into a sea of people.
  • Knowing these tactics from various blogs, news headlines, and forms we designed our hydration pack with inverted zippers. Meaning that the point of access is securely against your back. This eliminates someone from being able to access your packs storage without you knowing.
  • To combat the slash and dash method we constructed the RaveRunner® with ripstop nylon. Its effective against knives, keys, and scissors. If the fabric were able to be punctured it is made in a way that the puncture does not continue to rip easily, keeping your valuables inside.
  • We have taken the final designed packs to over a dozen festivals and observed a thieve actually trying to get into someone’s RaveRunner®.
  • Being an ultra-runner, I wanted a hydration pack that had a ton of functionality. One of the desired functions was to be able to change its aesthetic. The pack had to be able to go from the gym to the festival. And express who I am, the hottest meme, or my favorite artist at the festival.
  • We developed a removable skin that can be custom printed. You go to livegenz.com and select custom skin in the shop. It takes you a builder that allows you to upload your own pictures and designs to print on a surface that is roughly 8 inches wide by 12 inches tall. Once you get your skin in the mail you can attach and remove it from your RaveRunner® with zippers. This allows you to have several skins with one hydration pack. It makes matching to your outfit really easy. The best part is that without the skin the pack has a really athletic design, it is one of the best-looking packs in the gym!
  • We also added some really cool light up accessories that integrate with your pack. We use 2 meters of EL Wire with multiple strobe features and what we like to call UnderGlow. When the sun sets you really stand out and the UnderGlow is sound reactive to the music. It also makes it extremely easy to find your friends in the crowd.
  • We developed a removable skin that can be custom printed. You go to livegenz.com and select custom skin in the shop. It takes you a builder that allows you to upload your own pictures and designs to print on a surface that is roughly 8 inches wide by 12 inches tall. Once you get your skin in the mail you can attach and remove it from your RaveRunner® with zippers. This allows you to have several skins with one hydration pack. It makes matching to your outfit really easy. The best part is that without the skin the pack has a really athletic design, it is one of the best-looking packs in the gym!
  • We also added some really cool light up accessories that integrate with your pack. We use 2 meters of EL Wire with multiple strobe features and what we like to call UnderGlow. When the sun sets you really stand out and the UnderGlow is sound reactive to the music. It also makes it extremely easy to find your friends in the crowd.
  • The ergonomics of the bag was developed with athletics in mind. So, the fit is extremely comfortable and light weight. The shoulder straps are positioned in a similar way to the packs that I use for long distance marathons. So, you don’t have to worry about it bouncing around while you jump up and down. These ultrarunning hydration packs always had pockets on the shoulder straps to store water and nutrition. We found them to be useful for storing sunglasses, chapstick and your phone when at a festival.
  • The bladder is also a big comfort feature. In traditional hydration packs refilling is a nightmare. You have to fumble with taking out and reinserting the hydration bladder. Our system is a quick fill where you just unscrew the reservoir cap and fill directly into the pack. It is replaceable as well! We typically fill up and get back to the music long before others who must remove their hydration bladder.

When designing the RaveRunner® we set out to make a hydration pack for Generation Z. However, we hit something far bigger. We feel that we made a no compromise hydration pack along the way. Its perfect for anyone who likes well designed and convenient products. If you are into to customization or the stealth look, it checks both boxes. The turn out and support has been tremendous. In fact, we reached our KickStarter goal in less than 4 hours. We are extremely excited to get our first run of packs to our supporters! We are receiving them in the next week and will be immediately shipping them out, we are approximately 50% sold out and selling fast!

You can shop the RaveRunner® by Clicking Here