Nicole Culver Nicole Culver

What’s in my fanny pack?  

What a mobile bar owner, who’s executed over 300 events in the last 2 years, can’t survive an event without!

What a mobile bar owner, who’s executed over 300 events in the last 2 years, can’t survive an event without!

Time and money are undisputedly the most precious of resources. However, in the event industry, free hands are a close third. Yes, I am talking about the hands that hang from the ends of your wrists and provide a home to your digits. A fanny pack provides a hands-free way to keep everything you need within reach, without the fear of misplacing a purse or a bag during the chaos.  

A day of beverage catering usually entails multiple hours of unpacking and setup, lots of hustle and drink slinging during the event and then more hours of teardown and cleanup. And the last thing we need to be doing is tracking down a pair of scissors or having to ask someone for some Advil. It is during these long and oftentimes outdoor hours that I find myself appreciating my easy to reach fanny pack filled with all the right supplies.  

So let’s unzip my pack and see what’s inside.  

  • Fanny Pack
    There are so many good options out there. I have a few but always seem to go back to my Adidas pack. I recommend a solid black pack if working weddings or upscale events.  

 

  • Chapstick
    My absolute favorite is anything by Pangea Organics – you cant go wrong with any of their scents. The size is slightly bigger than the average lip balm so it covers lips quickly and is very moisturizing. It does not contain SPF so if you are working outdoors, it might be better to go with a brand that has sunscreen in it.  

 

  • Sunscreen
    Easy to transport and to apply in a rush.  

 

  • Eye Drops
    Lubricating eye drops are great for dry contacts, when its windy something blows into your eyes or on days you look exhausted.  

 

  • Scissors
    At almost every event, there is a random need to cut something. Being the vendor with scissors at the ready is a great way to make new friendors!  

 

  • Double Sided Tape
    Perfect for keeping menu signs, vases, napkin holders and other decor in place on windy days.  

 

  • Bandaids
    Safety first! These come in handy for cuts, scrapes and broken nails.  

 

  • Blister Bandaids
    Be the hero of the party and hand them out to guests with blisters.  

 

  • Gloves
    We keep boxes of disposable gloves in all our bar kits but it is nice to have a pair with you for immediately after you take the trash out or run to the restroom. 

 

  • Bar Key
    You can never have too many!

 

  • Wine Key
    Again, you can never have too many!

 

  • Flosser Pick for Teeth
    Perfect for handing out to the bar staff after snacks or breaktimes. No one wants broccolini in their teeth.  

 

  • Chalk Pen
    Comes in handy when rain or humidity smears signage or if your white bar gets a scratch or a stain. You can use it like paint to cover up small spots. 

 

  • Tide Pen
    Saves the day when the bridal party gets stains on their attire. 

 

  • Hair Ties
    Perfect to pass out to your team when the bar line is 20 deep and you are slinging drinks in 90 degree weather. 

 

  • Hydration Drops
    It can be hard to find time to stay hydrated. I always fill a Yeti with water and Nuun immediately before and after each event.  

 

  • Pen and Paper
    For writing down important info or handing off info to other vendors.

 

  • Battery Brick
    Comes in handy when the venue is in the middle of nowhere and your battery is running low. We always make sure our staff has battery life before leaving an event. 

 

  • Advil
    Great to have for headaches, hangovers, and cramps. 

 

  • Purell
    No one likes germs!

 

  • RX Bar
    Sometimes these are the only thing I have time to eat all day. I like flavors that hold up in the heat without getting sticky or melty (stay away from the chocolate or peanut butter unless you don’t mind sticky hands). 

 

  • Walkie Talkie
    An absolute necessity for your bar lead, barback and busser to stay in communication when running multiple bars. 

 

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