Ignoring the Bag Policy
This is the first and fastest way to start your day with a headache. Camp Flog Gnaw, like most major events at Dodger Stadium, has a strict bag policy that is rigorously enforced. Don't assume your small, non-clear backpack from another festival will
fly. The rule is specific: bags must either be totally clear and no larger than 12"x6"x12", or they can be a small, non-clear clutch or fanny pack no larger than 4.5"x6.5". Showing up with the wrong bag means a long, frustrating walk back to your car or being forced to throw away a bag you like. Security will not make exceptions. Start with a compliant bag, and every other item on this list becomes easier to manage.
Wearing the Wrong Shoes
Camp Flog Gnaw is a marathon, not a sprint. The festival grounds at Dodger Stadium are massive, involving a lot of concrete, asphalt, and hills. You will walk—and stand—for hours. This is not the time to break in new boots or prioritize style over survival. Blisters and aching feet can ruin your mood faster than a set delay. Opt for your most comfortable, broken-in sneakers. Your feet will thank you as you're navigating the crowds from the Flog Stage to the Gnaw Stage without wincing. Comfort is the foundation of a good festival experience, and it starts from the ground up.
Forgetting About the Weather Swing
A classic Los Angeles rookie mistake is misjudging the weather. November days at Dodger Stadium can be deceptively warm and sunny, especially with little shade on the parking lot asphalt. But once the sun goes down, the temperature can drop significantly, leaving you shivering. The solution is layering. Wear a t-shirt and shorts for the daytime heat, but pack a hoodie or jacket in your clear bag. Renting a locker is also a pro move; you can stash your warmer layer there until nightfall and keep your hands free during the day. Don't be the person forced to drop $80 on merch just to stay warm.
Running Out of Battery
Between taking videos of your favorite artists, finding your friends, and pulling up your mobile ticket, your phone's battery will drain with alarming speed. A dead phone isn't just an inconvenience; it can be a logistical nightmare, leaving you unable to connect with your crew or use the cashless payment systems. A portable charger isn't a suggestion—it's an absolute essential. Bring a fully charged power bank and the right cable. Cell service can be spotty in large crowds, which makes your phone work harder and drain its battery even faster, so having a backup plan is non-negotiable.
Not Planning for Hydration
Dancing for hours under the sun is a recipe for dehydration. While you can't bring in outside drinks, you are allowed to bring an empty, reusable plastic water bottle or an empty hydration pack. The festival provides water refill stations, and taking advantage of them is crucial. Relying solely on buying sealed water bottles all day gets expensive and wasteful. Forgetting your reusable bottle means either spending unnecessary money or risking dehydration, neither of which contributes to a good time. Plan to fill up your bottle frequently throughout the day to stay energized and safe.
Bringing Prohibited Items
Beyond the bag policy, there's a list of items that simply aren't allowed inside, and security will confiscate them. This includes things you might not think about, like aerosol sunscreen (bring lotion instead), professional cameras, and metal or glass water bottles. The festival is also cashless, so while you should bring your ID and credit/debit card, a huge wad of cash is unnecessary. Before you leave, check the official Camp Flog Gnaw website for the most current 'Prohibited Items' list. It’s better to know what not to bring than to lose it at the gate.
