Festivals
Guide
The ultimate festival packing list: the only checklist you’ll ever need
Not sure what to pack for a festival? Our ultimate festival packing list covers all the festival essentials for surviving and thriving three days in a field
1. A tent you won’t regret after one night
You’ve made it to the campsite, it’s raining sideways and your pop-up tent is now a flaccid puddle. Opt for a double-skin tent with decent hydrostatic head (that’s 3,000mm or more, weather nerds) and space for one more person than is technically staying in it. Camping chairs are also more important than you think. If you don’t want to bother with all that, check out this year’s best VIP festival upgrades.
2. A sleeping bag that doesn’t smell like year 9 PE
If your last sleeping bag zipped up next to a Duke of Edinburgh badge, it’s not cutting it for three nights at Reading. Get one rated for lower temperatures – British summer nights can get chilly – and throw in a compact sleeping mat or inflatable roll for bonus insulation. Don’t rely on the ground being “probably fine.”
3. Portable power that lasts
Okay, so you’re not going off-grid to become a tech gremlin. But whether you’re filming your 17th shaky video of The 1975 or desperately hunting signal to meet your crew, you’ll rinse your phone in hours. Bring a chunky portable charger (20,000mAh minimum), or splash out on a solar power bank. Don’t be the person hunting for sockets behind the falafel van.
4. Clothes that aren’t just “vibes”
Yes, you want to look effortlessly cool in your vintage tee and that Melodrama-era Lorde look, but this isn’t Love Island. Think layers: a weatherproof jacket or poncho, warm jumper, and clothes you’re happy to bin if caked in mud. A proper hat (not ironic), sunnies and multiple pairs of socks are non-negotiables. Still wondering what to wear? Read our full guide here.
5. Proper footwear
You’ll walk a half-marathon before Bombay Bicycle Club hit their encore. Wellies are great for sludge, but heavy. Hiking boots or hybrid waterproof trainers are a better shout. If it’s dry, regular trainers are fine but avoid open-toe anything unless you want to lose a toenail.
6. A hygiene kit that keeps you human
We’re not suggesting a full skincare routine, but when you’re sleeping and eating and weeing in a field, you’ll need some defences. Pack:
- Biodegradable wipes
- Flannels
- Toilet roll
- Hand sanitiser
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush and a mini toothpaste
- Sun cream
- Dry shampoo (or a cap if you’re honest)
- Menstrual products (even if it’s not due – stress messes with cycles)
- Plasters, painkillers and any other medications (always check festival rules first, and remember to make use of welfare services if you need them)
Yes, toiletries are festival essentials. Personal hygiene doesn’t take a day off.
7. Food and drink
Sure, the bao buns are brilliant, but £10-a-pop brunch adds up. Pack snacks: protein bars, crisps, fruit you won’t cry over when it bruises. And if you’re allowed – and can carry it – bring some drinks to keep at the tent (remembering that anything you leave in there will go warm and sticky and flat after a couple of days). Always check festival rules first though as most don’t let you bring glass, and it’s rare to be allowed anything in the main arena.
8. The other stuff
Easily forgotten, forever regretted. Festival essentials include:
- A reusable water bottle (most sites have free refill taps)
- Gaffer tape (it fixes tents, shoes and dignity)
- Bin bags (again, tents, shoes, dignity…)
- Eye mask and ear plugs (you do still actually need to sleep)
- A bum bag or crossbody (the only safe place for your wallet/phone)
- ID, ticket and a photo of both in your phone
- Cheap sunglasses (because you will lose them)
What you need for a three day festival will likely be the same stuff you need for a two-day and a five-day festival. Just add more or less plasters and painkillers.
9. Entertainment for the bits in between
There’s downtime. You won’t always want to hear Sabrina Carpenter echoing from a neighbour’s bluetooth speaker, so bring your own. Pack a deck of cards and a disposable camera too. Pro tip: some festivals have book swaps or chill-out libraries – perfect for when your brain needs a break from bangers.
10. One wild card that makes you a legend
The last item on your festival packing checklist should be something extra. A light-up hat so your mates can find you. A tiny projector for tent cinema. A frisbee, LED poi, a harmonica – whatever makes you the one everyone else is jealous of (maybe not the harmonica then).
Still wondering what to pack for a festival?
Copy this festival packing list into your Notes app. Add a few more wet wipes. Remove unnecessary angst. You’re ready.
Photo credit: Joseph Okpako / Contributor
