When We Were Young Bag Policy Rules and Allowed Bags

When We Were Young Bag Policy Guide

Heading to the Las Vegas Festival Grounds for the ultimate emo and pop-punk reunion? When We Were Young Festival is one of the most anticipated music events of the year. However, nothing ruins the nostalgia faster than standing in a long line under the desert sun only to get turned away at the security gates because of an unapproved bag. This guide covers the official bag size limits, hydration pack rules, prohibited items, and entry tips to help you pass through the gates smoothly. Keep in mind that enforcement can vary slightly depending on individual security lanes, gates, and staff.

To get into the When We Were Young Festival, you must bring a clear bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" or a small, non-clear clutch up to 6" x 9" with only one pocket. Hydration packs are allowed if they are completely empty and have no more than two main pockets. If you are unsure if your bag complies, the safest choice is a simple clear tote or a single-compartment fanny pack.

How We Check This Policy

BagPolicyGuide prioritizes official venue and festival sources. To build this guide, we cross-referenced the official When We Were Young festival rules with the general Las Vegas Festival Grounds guidelines. We separate these confirmed official rules from peer experiences found on social media, providing conservative, practical recommendations to ensure you pass security on your first try.

Official Bag Policy Overview

To speed up the entry process for tens of thousands of fans, the festival operates under a strict clear bag mandate. As a general rule, any bag larger than the size of your hand must be completely transparent. If you plan to bring a larger bag for extra layers or merchandise, it must adhere to standard universal clear bag rules. Smaller bags like fanny packs and clutches do not need to be clear, but they are subject to strict size and pocket limitations. These rules are very similar to what you will find in our broader festival security frameworks guide.

What Makes This Bag Policy Different

The primary factor that makes packing for When We Were Young tricky is the combination of strict bag sizes and the harsh desert environment.

• The Hydration Exception: Unlike indoor arena concerts, this is an all-day outdoor event on asphalt. Because hydration is a safety priority, the festival allows hydration packs (like Camelbaks) despite the clear bag rule, provided they meet specific pocket limits.
• The Single-Pocket Clutch Rule: The festival strictly requires non-clear clutches and fanny packs to have only one pocket. A standard fanny pack with a main compartment and a small front zipper pocket will likely be rejected.
• Locker Uncertainties: While official lockers are often available for pre-booking inside the venue, there are typically no official, secure bag-check facilities outside the gates. If your bag is rejected, you will have to take it back to your hotel.

Allowed Bags and Size Limits

Clear bags

Clear tote bags, clear backpacks, and clear drawstring bags are fully permitted. They must be constructed of completely transparent plastic, vinyl, or PVC. The maximum allowed size is 12" x 6" x 12". Tinted, iridescent, or heavily patterned bags are usually rejected because security must have an unobstructed view of the contents.

Small clutches and wallets

You may bring a small, non-clear clutch purse, wristlet, or fanny pack. The maximum size is 6" x 9". Most importantly, these bags must have no more than a single pocket.

Backpacks, purses, and crossbody bags

Standard, non-clear backpacks of any kind (including mini-backpacks) are strictly prohibited. You may bring a clear backpack or clear crossbody bag as long as it does not exceed the 12" x 6" x 12" size limit.

Hydration packs and Camelbaks

Hydration packs are allowed, but they must be completely empty of all liquids upon arrival. There are free water refill stations inside. Your hydration pack can have no more than two main pocket compartments in addition to the pocket holding the water bladder. Large, multi-pocket tactical backpacks are prohibited, even if they hold a water bladder.

Diaper bags, medical bags, and ADA exceptions

Medically necessary bags are permitted but must undergo a manual inspection at designated security lanes. The official policy does not outline a broad exemption for standard diaper bags, so the safest choice is to pack family items inside a compliant clear bag to avoid delays.

Prohibited Bags and Items

Do not bring the following bags or items to the gate. Doing so will result in confiscation or being sent back to your vehicle.

• Non-clear backpacks (including small fashion backpacks)
• Large purses or non-clear tote bags exceeding 6" x 9"
• Multi-pocket fanny packs (non-clear)
• Duffle bags, luggage, or briefcases
• Camera bags (unless you have official media credentials)
• Aerosol cans: Spray sunscreen is strictly banned. Bring lotion or cream sunscreen instead.
• Outside food and drinks: Prohibited, except for one factory-sealed water bottle (up to 1 Liter) or an empty reusable water bottle.
• Umbrellas: Banned despite the intense sun. Bring a wide-brimmed hat or a poncho.
• Chairs and blankets: No folding chairs or lawn seating allowed.
• Professional cameras: No detachable lenses, tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks.

How Security Screening Works

When you arrive at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, you will first scan your ticket. Next, you will proceed through metal detectors and a visual bag inspection. Security personnel will look through clear bags and manually open clutches or fanny packs. If you bring a hydration pack, guards will often squeeze the bladder to ensure it is completely empty.

If your bag is rejected for being too large or having too many pockets, you will be denied entry. Because outside bag-check services are rarely guaranteed, you will likely have to walk back to your hotel or vehicle to store the bag.

Packing Strategy for Faster Entry

To keep the security lines moving and ensure you get inside quickly, follow this organized packing approach:

1. The Small Essentials Pouch: Place your high-value items (ID, credit cards, keys, earplugs) into your non-clear 6" x 9" clutch or fanny pack. Keep this strapped to your body.
2. The Clear Organizer System: If you are using a larger 12" x 12" x 6" clear bag for extra gear, group your loose items (power bank, cream sunscreen, lip balm) into clear, quart-sized plastic storage bags. This allows security to inspect everything in seconds without digging through your belongings.
3. The Hydration Setup: As you approach the table, pull your empty water bladder out slightly so the guard can instantly verify it is drained.
4. Prepare for Merch: Leave some extra room in your clear bag. If you plan to buy hoodies or vinyl records early in the day, consider pre-booking an inside locker.

Security Check Anxiety Tips

The best way to beat security check anxiety is to prepare before you leave your hotel room. Pack your clear bag the night before so you are not rushing. Cell service around the festival grounds is notoriously slow due to the massive crowds, so save your digital tickets to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for offline access. As you walk up to the metal detectors, keep your hands free by holding your phone, keys, and portable charger. If a guard flags your bag or you have a medical device that requires an exemption, remain calm, be polite, and ask to speak with a guest services supervisor.

Category-Specific Packing Tips

Because the venue is entirely standing-room, opt for hands-free bag choices like clear crossbodys or fanny packs. This will make navigating the crowds and standing near the barricades much more comfortable. If you purchase fragile merchandise like posters, bring a rubber band or plan to secure a locker immediately, as carrying a poster in a clear tote bag all day can easily lead to it getting crushed.

Before You Go Checklist

• [ ] Clear bag (max 12" x 6" x 12") or clutch (max 6" x 9" with 1 pocket) selected
• [ ] Hydration pack is completely empty
• [ ] Cream or lotion sunscreen packed (no aerosol cans)
• [ ] Digital tickets downloaded to mobile wallet for offline access
• [ ] Portable power bank and charging cable packed
• [ ] Earplugs and sunglasses ready
• [ ] ID, cash, and credit cards secured
• [ ] Lightweight jacket or poncho packed for evening temperature drops

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bags have to be clear for When We Were Young?

Yes, any bag larger than a small 6" x 9" clutch must be fully transparent (made of clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC) to be allowed inside the venue.

Can I bring a standard backpack?

No. Standard, non-clear backpacks are strictly prohibited. You may only bring a clear backpack that does not exceed 12" x 6" x 12".

Are Camelbaks and hydration packs allowed?

Yes, hydration packs are allowed, but they must be completely empty of all liquids upon entry. They can have no more than two main pockets in addition to the water bladder pocket.

Can I bring a fanny pack?

Yes. A non-clear fanny pack is allowed if it is 6" x 9" or smaller and has only one pocket. Clear fanny packs can be up to 12" x 6" x 12".

Are there lockers available at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds?

The festival usually offers official lockers for rent inside the venue, which can be pre-booked online. However, locker availability outside the security gates is not guaranteed, so pack carefully.

Can I bring sunscreen to the festival?

Yes, but it must be in lotion or cream form. Aerosol spray sunscreen is strictly prohibited and will be thrown away at the gate.

Can I bring outside food and water?

Outside food is prohibited. You may bring one factory-sealed bottle of water (up to 1 Liter) or an empty reusable water bottle to fill up inside.

What happens if my bag is rejected?

If your bag violates the bag size limit or pocket rules, you will be denied entry and must return the bag to your hotel room or vehicle.

Are professional cameras allowed?

No. Only pre-approved media with credentials can bring professional cameras with detachable lenses. Standard phone cameras are permitted.

Conclusion

To guarantee a smooth entry at the When We Were Young Festival, the safest choice is a clear bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", a single-pocket non-clear clutch up to 6" x 9", or an empty two-pocket hydration pack. Pack only what you need, leave the aerosol sunscreen at home, and arrive early to beat the desert heat. If you are attending other desert music events, check out our Coachella bag policy guide to compare security rules.

"Bag policies can change by event, venue, season, and security team. Always confirm the latest rules on the official venue, park, team, festival, organizer, or event website before you leave. Information is checked for 2026 where available, but official sources should always be treated as the final authority."