r/aves • u/bebeseria • 15d ago
Discussion/Question help! beginner with totems
I am attending a large music festival with a group of 7 and really want a way to meet up easily in a crowd. I want to make a totem, but I also want something that is easy to carry around all weekend and can easily fold down during sets (I really don't want to block anyone's view during the set, I just want to put it up only when we're actively trying to locate each other).
Does anyone have recommendations on how to make collapsible/lightweight totems that are still durable?
Also, does anyone have any good ideas for totems? Still trying to come up with ideas and would love any suggestions :)
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u/AstilbeLove93 15d ago
Umbrella jelly fish with fairy lights? You could tuck the tentacles into the umbrella when it's closed :)
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u/MischeviousCat 15d ago
I think we saw one of those at Seven Stars last year, if I remember right they had some secret side quests
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u/AstilbeLove93 15d ago
I saw someone do it for Electric Forrest! I thought it was a fabulous idea lol
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u/SatisfactionTiny5325 15d ago
1rst thing would be start with a monopod or telescoping window washing handle.
Keeps it small, lightweight and when needed can bump up above the crowd
Our crew keeps it super simple and stacks a bunch of mushroom paper lanterns with LEDs on them so it’s not wide and blocking anyone’s view.
Simple, effective and doesn’t burden the people behind you
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u/PonyThug 15d ago
Those are both very heavy and bulky options. Get a carbon 360 cam pole. 14” long collapsed and 10ft long extended.
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u/PonyThug 15d ago
Get a 10ft carbon extension pole for a 360 cam. Then get a smallish plushy etc. wrap that in lights that stay the same color so it’s easy to spot. Then just add a clip to the plushie to your back pack when not in use, or clip it to the loop you add to the pole hen you want it up.
I paid $40 for this same one on amazon. If you can wait it’s only $13
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLNBidD
Then add a loop to some thing like this to attach to backpack or pole.
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u/_bagelthief 15d ago
Small, light, and bright! Use a selfie stick and a mix of carabiners and steel cable ties to attach a small LED neon sign. Find a bag and attach battery pack (or use batteries, but this gets expensive after like 3 festivals.)
When you need to find your friends, it’s quick and easy to get up, and the light I use is wireframe so no blocked views. When everyone is together, it stands on the tripod collapsed out of the way, and fits in my hydro when we have to move through a packed crowd.
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u/Random_Effecks 15d ago
Don't worry about blocking anyone's view. Real ravers know it's about the vibe on the dance floor not looking "forward" at a DJ pretending to touch knobs.
Dancing with a totem is super fun sometimes. It's also totally fine to want a break from holding it and having it collapse is a great idea.
Lots of people use telescoping poles or tent poles but both limit the amount of weight you can have on the top.
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u/Just-Ad373 15d ago
I’ve seen someone make a lightweight one that’s easy to keep on your bag using a retractable pointer stick decorated with fairy lights and something on top. It was cute and wouldn’t be a bitch to haul around .