All the Gear You Need to View the Solar Eclipse on April 8
If you plan to watch the total solar eclipse, bring the right gear for optimal viewing (and to avoid damaging your eyes).
This year's total solar eclipse—the last one passing over North America until 2044—is coming soon, and if you're headed out to the path of totality on April 8, you'll want to be prepared with the proper gear. Here's everything you need to carry with you on eclipse day.
Solar eclipse glasses
If you only have one thing with you on April 8, it should be solar eclipse glasses, which are a requirement to view the eclipse safely. This should go without saying, but don't ever, ever look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, as doing so can cause permanent damage to your retinas. Note that there are plenty of cheap counterfeit glasses on the market, so look for glasses that are approved by the International Organization for Standardization, which marks certified products with “ISO.” And if you're planning to bring a telescope, camera, or binoculars, make sure you have the proper solar filters.
A good folding chair
Depending on your viewing location, you may be outside waiting for an extended period of time—too long to be comfortable standing, sitting unsupported, or even hanging out in your car. Even organized viewing events are unlikely to have enough seating for every attendee. In addition to a folding chair, you may also want to have a pillow and blanket handy to spread out on the ground or for your passengers to get cozy on the trip to and from. Bonus points if you have an inflatable mattress or camping pad.
Portable camping chair $31.49
Food and water
Again, you may be waiting around (or sitting in traffic) for most of the day, so you'll be glad to have snacks and drinks easily accessible. It's also possible that restaurants and convenience stores within the path of totality will have long lines and even run out of provisions, so don't count on being able to purchase anything along the way. At a minimum, have a jug of water per person in your party.
Recommended products
Don't miss the celestial event of the century by attempting to view the eclipse without these essentials:
ISO-approved solar eclipse viewing glasses $22.95 (5-pack)
Portable camping chair $31.49
Personal items
You should also have a handful of outdoor and travel items for general comfort and hygiene, especially if you're headed to or through a more remote area:
Sunscreen
Broad-brimmed hat
Sunglasses (for before and after)
Insect repellant
Toilet paper
Cleaning wipes
Hand sanitizer
Medication (prescription and pain)
First aid kit
Cash
Sure, cash isn't commonly needed in 2024, but better safe than sorry if card machines are down or you need to pay for parking.
Phone and battery pack
You'll obviously have your phone, but you should also carry an external power source and charging cord in case your battery runs low. If you are traveling to an area where cell service could be spotty, consider downloading offline maps as well. You can get a pretty decent photo of the eclipse with your smartphone, too.
And bring some entertainment
Expect to have a lot of downtime during the day, during which you may want to have something to do that doesn't require cell service or wifi. Download TV shows and movies in advance, pack a book, bring your Steam Deck, or come with whatever other entertainment you might need. This is especially true if you are bringing kids who aren't old enough to be as excited about the eclipse as we are.