u/Jonny_Boy_808

Hey all, I hope this packing list serves as a good reference for people who like me who are first time attendees and are stressed about what to pack. For context, I have The Queen tent in The Highlands which already includes a tent, air mattress, sleeping bag, and access to power stations. I am from the USA as well. I will be there for the full 4 days and plan on going as hard as possible. Defqon1 Veterans please drop advice if I've missed anything or if anything is unnecessary.

Camping

• Camping chair
• String lights + tape (for night)
• Pillow
• 2 Blankets (cold at night)
• Sleeping mask + sleeping ear plugs
• Lock
• Water container/reservoir 
• Multiple power banks (~3)
• EU outlet adapter
• Chargers for all electronics
• Neck fan

Personal Hygiene

• Toothbrush +Toothpaste
• Face wash+ Face scrubber
• Body scrubber 
• Soap/Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Wet wipes
• Band-Aids, Blister patches
• Painkillers
• Sunscreen (SPF 30)
• Insect repellant spray
• Slippers
• Towel

Food/Drinks

• Rely mostly on Defqon marketplace for fresh fruits/hot food
• Electrolyte packets
• Energy/Protein Bars
• Instant ramen (use on-site hot water station)
• Multivitamin/Fish oil
• Energy drinks (4.5L limit)
• General snacks (nuts, chips, cookies, etc.)

Clothes/Footwear

• Tank tops
• Gym shorts
• Sweater, Sweatpants, bed socks for night 
• Lots of spare socks and underwear
• Spare tennis shoes
• Dirty laundry bag/trash bag

Festival

• Small crossbody bag
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Collapsible water bottle
• Selfie stick
• Power Bank
• Loop Ear plugs
• Hand fan
• Energy bars/electrolyte packets
• Poncho + Ziploc bag (for electronics in case it rains)

International Traveler - General

• Passport
• Printed Festival tickets or Offline PDF downloads
• Couple hundred Euros in cash
• International SIM card for phone

Been going down the Defqon rabbit hole lately and I had no idea how much stuff there is besides just the music lol.

I keep seeing videos of people scanning their bracelets at random stations, doing quests/challenges, getting pins, earning points, etc. Saw one where people donated shoes and got rewards from it which honestly seemed pretty cool.

What are some of the coolest hidden things/activities you guys have found at Defqon over the years?

I’ve also heard rumors about secret stages, weird Wasted Lands events, random pop-up parties, and even some kinda “adult” booth or area 💀 not sure how exaggerated that is though lol.

Also besides the music, what stuff is actually there to do during the weekend? I’ve heard about Ferris wheels, rides, hot tubs, bungee jumping, swimming areas, silent discos, etc. Trying to get an idea of what the full experience is actually like from people who’ve been. And how expensive these extra activities might be…?

Would love to hear people’s favorite random Defqon moments/stories too.

For context, I just had an alignment a month ago after replacing both front strut towers on my 2013 Hyundai Elantra. I noticed some knocking noises at low speeds and found that both ball joints on my front lower control arms are split. Considering the arms are 13 years old, I think it’s better to just replace both arms entirely.

As far as I understand, lower control arms aren’t involved with alignment in my car. I would rather not pay for another alignment only a month later from the shop. Am I right to think this is actually not needed?

I plan on taking the wheel off, popping the lower ball joint off the knuckle, unbolting the other end from the frame, then reversing this process (making sure to torque with the suspension at ride height). Seems simple enough.

First time Defqon attendee here and I had a bunch of questions for people who have gone before. Feel free to only answer some of my many questions.

I’m staying in The Queen accommodation in the Highlands and I keep hearing how hot it can get. I was thinking of bringing a reflective/aluminum tarp to put over the tent plus a small portable fan inside. Is that overkill or pretty normal for Defqon camping? The thing is, I plan on being on the festival grounds as much as I can (obviously) and don’t plan on chilling in the tent during the day.

I was also planning on bringing cooling patches, a hand fan, hat, etc. during the day. Any other heat survival recommendations?

For food/drinks, should I stop at a supermarket before arriving and stock up on snacks, water, Gatorade/electrolytes, and energy drinks? Or is bringing a lot of stuff more trouble than it’s worth?

I’m arriving via shuttle bus from Dronten station. How rough is the walk from the shuttle dropoff to the campgrounds with luggage? I’ll probably have a 20kg+ suitcase with camping gear, clothes, and supplies. Is the ground mostly gravel/dirt/grass?

How is tent security historically? Are thefts common enough that I should absolutely rent a locker for my passport, backup cards, spare cash, etc.? Or are tents generally pretty safe?

What’s the power situation like in the Highlands? Are there charging stations available or should I plan on bringing multiple large power banks for the whole weekend?

How are the showers and bathrooms? Should I bring my own soap, shampoo, toilet paper, wet wipes, etc.?

Also, what time does the festival/campsite usually open on Thursday? I’m trying to figure out how early I should arrive factoring in shuttle lines, setup time, crowds, and wanting to catch some of the earlier sets at The Blue?

As far as hearing protection goes, I’m looking at purchasing Loop Experience 2 Ear Plugs. Anyone have those same ear plugs that can vouch for their effectiveness or have alternative recommendations? They’ll be worn at the sets and when I go to sleep.

One last question: I’m about 170cm / 5’7”. At Defqon is it better to try getting close to the front because of taller crowds, or is being farther back actually a better experience for visuals and space?

Any general first timer advice is appreciated too.

I’m talking if you don’t hear it, you leave the festival disappointed. For me, it’s Symphony of Life by Sefa x DBSTF.