Before you pack, it helps to know the bag rules. Aftershock has a very restrictive bag policy. Approved bags must be clear and meet specific size requirements. Using an approved hip pack or small clear bag gets you through security fastest. No chairs are permitted without exception. No re-entry for standard GA or VIP. Source: official Aftershock bag policy and FAQ.
Official Bag Policy
The following is confirmed from the official Aftershock bag policy. Always check the current policy at aftershockfestival.com before you pack in case 2026 rules change. Source: aftershockfestival.com.
Approved Bags
- Clear small backpacks up to 12" x 6" x 12"
- Clear drawstring bags up to 16" x 13"
- Clear totes up to 12" x 6" x 12"
- Solid or clear hip and waist packs up to 7.5" x 4.1" x 2.6"
- Small bags and purses (crossbody ok) up to 4.5" x 6.5"
- 1-gallon resealable plastic storage bags
Not Approved
- Oversized tote bags
- Solid and mesh tote bags
- Large backpacks, solid or clear
- Diaper bags
- Hydration packs
- Solid and mesh drawstring bags
- Cooler bags
- Oversized purses
- Mesh bags (mesh bags are not considered clear bags)
Allowed Items
Source: official Aftershock FAQ.
- Cell phones and small portable chargers
- Non-aerosol sunscreen
- One factory-sealed bottle of water (20 oz max) or one empty plastic refillable water bottle (no Hydroflasks or Yetis)
- Binoculars
- Towels and light blankets (note: blankets not permitted in certain areas for safety reasons)
- Small point-and-shoot digital cameras
- Hats and sunglasses
- Earplugs
- Sealed packs of cigarettes and cigars
- Vape pens and e-cigarettes
Prohibited Items
Source: official Aftershock FAQ. Security staff may update this list at any time. Always check the official site before your trip.
- No chains, chain wallets, or spikes
- No metal containers including Yetis or Hydroflasks
- No umbrellas
- No large bags, backpacks, or duffle bags
- No CamelBaks or hydration packs
- No chairs of any kind including inflatable lounger air sofas
- No aerosol cans
- No coolers or picnic baskets
- No outside food or beverages (exception: one factory-sealed 20 oz water bottle)
- No glass containers
- No strollers
- No video cameras or GoPros
- No audio recording devices
- No laptops or tablets
- No professional cameras or cameras with removable lenses
- No selfie sticks
- No lasers or laser pointers
- No drones
- No hula hoops or totems
- No balloons, beach balls, confetti, or glow sticks
- No whistles or air horns
- No fireworks or explosives
- No musical instruments of any kind
- No weapons of any kind
- No drugs or drug paraphernalia
- No pets (service animals excepted)
- No colors or patches
- No walkie-talkies or two-way radios
What to Pack
Aftershock has a clear bag requirement, no re-entry for standard GA and VIP holders, and no on-site general parking. Pack light, follow the rules, and don't count on running back to your hotel if you forget something.
The Essentials
- Approved bag: A clear hip pack, clear small backpack up to 12x6x12 inches, or small crossbody bag up to 4.5x6.5 inches. Using a hip pack gets you through security fastest and is the most practical for a full day.
- Shuttle pass confirmed and accessible: Without a shuttle pass you have no easy way to get to the festival from Cal Expo or back at the end of the night. Have it on your phone or printed before you leave your hotel.
- One factory-sealed water bottle (20 oz max) or one empty plastic refillable bottle: No Hydroflasks, Yetis, or metal containers. Free water stations are available inside Discovery Park.
- Non-aerosol sunscreen: No aerosol cans permitted. Early October in Sacramento can still mean warm afternoon sun in an open park setting.
- High fidelity earplugs: It's four days of metal at volume. Bring a backup pair. They're small, inexpensive, and easy to stash in a pocket, so bring a spare set.
- Small portable charger: A full day of the app, photos, and group messaging drains a phone. Keep it small enough for your approved bag.
- ID: Required for alcohol purchases.
- Cash: Some vendors may prefer it.
Weather and Comfort
- Light layer for the evening: October evenings in Sacramento cool off noticeably. A light hoodie you can tie around your waist gives you options for the late headliner sets without adding bulk during the warm afternoon.
- Hat and sunglasses: Both are on the official allowed list and useful during afternoon sets in the open park setting.
- Compact poncho: Aftershock is rain or shine. A poncho that packs into a pocket or small bag is worth having since you cannot leave and return if weather rolls in.
- Comfortable shoes: Wear shoes that are already comfortable; a four-day festival is a rough place to break in a new pair. Discovery Park has grass, gravel, and packed dirt across a large footprint.
What to Leave at the Hotel
- Backpacks or bags larger than the approved sizes
- CamelBak or any hydration pack
- Hydroflask, Yeti, or any metal water bottle
- Aerosol sunscreen or any aerosol can
- Umbrella
- Chairs of any kind
- GoPro, professional camera, or camera with a removable lens
- Chains, chain wallets, or anything with spikes
- Colors or patches
Once you leave, you can't come back in that day unless you have a Capital Club pass or JamPack Hotel package. Sunscreen, your charger, your shuttle pass confirmation, a poncho, everything you might want at 10PM needs to be on you when you walk through the gate in the morning. That no re-entry rule is the main thing that changes how you pack compared with most other festivals.
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