Someone say hayride? Don’t forget to pack these!

If you’re heading out with friends or the fam to a hayride, do some easy prep first to make sure you have a great time.

First of all, make sure you and your group are dressed appropriately. It is in these months that the temperature drops, especially at night. Even if the weather was a clear and comfortable 73 degrees during the day, the moon will bring the chill. If you are unprepared, you will not only be miserable, you’ll hate your time outdoors and be counting the minutes until you pack up and leave. This means, boots or closed-toe options like sneakers, cozy socks, layers, warmer fabrics such as flannel or wool blends, scarfs, earmuffs, and gloves. Even if the weather is nice at the start, you make not need the scarf or earmuffs yet, but carry them with you for later. (You’ll thank yourself for having the foresight so you can be present in this magic, autumnal moment and not wishing for the end of the night to come.)

Eye drops:

Dust and debris from the field or campfire could become logged in your eyes or your eyes could become irritated and dry from the conditions. Be prepared with eye drops.

Handcream:

Skin dried out in cooler months. When already dry skin is exposed to the elements in the cold, your skin can chap or even crack. Ensure that moisturizing your face and hands happens before making your way to the cornfields and as an extra measure, bring a small tube of hand cream.

Lip balm:

Does anyone else get extremely dry skin when it is chilly outside? This is me all the way. Don’t forget out your lippies; they will thank you the next day when they aren’t chaffed and sore. When selecting lip balm, check the ingredients. Select an alcohol-free one. If you wonder why you can’t put your lip balm down and apply it 15 times a day, I am going to take a wild guess and assert that your brand probably contains alcohol among the ingredients. Alcohol is drying and although the balm will initially feel soothing and fresh on your lips, your reaching for that tube again in 10 minutes because your lips feel tight and dry (from the formula you just applied!) It’s a cycle that will continue until you break it with a quality, alcohol-free formula.

Extra socks:

If you expect the unexpected, you will always be prepared (how many times can I say the word “prepared” in this, right!?) Anything from rain or puddles to someone playing a prank can make you wet all over. Almost nothing is as uncomfortable as wet socks. Grab an extra pair and throw it in the bag!

Battery pack for phone:

Hayrides, campfires, and gorgeous fall colors are moments you’ll likely want to capture on your camera for the Gram, memories, sharing, and maybe even to print and frame. If you forget to turn off your wi-fi, your phone will be searching the whole time you’re in the middle of nowhere and drain your phone’s battery fast. Bring a battery pack just in case you’re phone’s juice dips scary spooky low. Make sure to preserve those memories!

Download a flashlight app:

Have you ever lost something in the dark? I have. I am never going to find my charm bracelet ever again. But this doesn’t have to be you! Before you head off the map, download a free flashlight app on your phone or locate the one that came pre-installed. Drag the app front and center so it is simple to access when you need it.

Benadryl (or allergy meds!):

Pollen, hay, dust and other allergens abound at a hayride. If you are allergy-prone, please don’t skip the crucial step. You don’t want to be coughing, wheezing, and teary-eyed through the whole experience.

Cash:

Depending on the event, you may have to pay a cover charge or pay for additional food or activities. Do not assume the event planner or host will have a card option. Bring cash in bills under twenty dollar denominations so it is simple and easy to exchange.

Did I leave your must-have hayride survival item off the list? What do you always bring with you?